all photos by Britta When I came back from the Netherlands, I was in for a tiny shock. Normally the little sons of my neighbours earn a bit of money on their first job ever by deluging my plants. This time their mother had told me that they had to go away for a week, because her father was sick - but I would stay longer away, so that was ok.
When I came back the air in the big apartment smelled stale. And the sight of the flowers an the balcony: shock!
(Being a people-pleaser, as Tom reproached me recently, I cannot change instantly - Query: do I want to change and become a grumpy old woman instead? : here on the photos I show you the result of my hard labour AFTER the little turmoil).
"I think maybe the neighbours had to stay for longer - the situation with the father might have turned worse", said the Flying Dutchman (right he was), but I heard it only from far away, already running with my green watering can to and fro from balcony to bathroom, from bathroom to balcony (which is a big one).
The lucky thing was that I had bought some white "pots" from Lechuza which promise to water your flowers for two weeks in your absence. They kept their promise.
The roses in the big pots - no photo here - sulked a bit, but I could coax them back to life (they are not spoilt on a balcony).
The oleander thought deliriously that he was back in Italy - hot air, no water.
Yet many plants in little pots had wilted and died - especially the herbs. I tried to copy the cool Moomin-Mother philosophy: "There had been WAY TOO MANY - anyway."
And enjoyed buying and planting new ones.
So, now I am able to invite you again - come in, please: there are more fine nooks and crannies on my balcony you haven't seen yet - please take a seat, and do you want a glass of wine, or some juice?
Let's enjoy the beautiful view of the evening sky! Bliss!
Your balcony is overflowing in colour and beauty Britta. If all of your neighbours have similar displays on their balconies then the building must look a credit to you all.
ReplyDeleteIf you have a cooling glass of elderflower cordial then that would be my preferred choice of tipple.
Thank you, Rosemary! I LOVE elderflower cordial - and my friend Christine can even prepare that herself.
DeleteSo - how do you want it? Mixed with Champagne? (That was as we once had it in Paris - lovely!)
Sounds delicious - that would be lovely💕
DeleteThe flowers all look very beautiful now you have worked your magic touch on them and revived them Britta. Lovely colours and even the sky coordinated. I hope the wine matches the colours too. xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rachel, they really came back to life.
DeleteAs you want a colour-matched wine, I can offer a "Schwarzriesling" from Baden-Württemberg (in France it is the "Pinot Meunier") - the colour a little bit darker than a Rosé. a bit more fruity but fresh - but of course I also have a dry Rosé. xx
Wine would be lovely thank you. Basking in the sun with the beautiful view of your flowers and a nice conversation with you will be just the thing.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Emma! I would enjoy it very much - and I am sure we have a lot to talk about!
DeleteLook at your flowers now!
ReplyDeleteIt used to take me at least eight trips back into the house to get water for the plants. Then I figured out how to do it in one trip. I think I'll post it soon.
Dear Joanne, I am interested how you managed the water supply! I have to run from the bathroom through the hall and the large parlour, the I am there on my balcony - but on hot days I need up to nine of these trips!
DeleteAll in all, your plants survived quite nicely.
ReplyDeleteYes, Terra - I am often astounded how resilient plants are!
DeleteYour balcony looks lovely! I do like the colour on your blue chairs. It must be a welcome sight during the gloomier months.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pipistrello! I looked a while around to find that coloured chairs - long time ago when I had a garden I found out that green in front of a tiny blue wall can look very satisfying. And yes: in grey days it cheers up.
ReplyDelete