Wasn’t the weather this weekend so beautiful! It makes such a difference when the sun shines,doesn’t it. Not to miss an opportunity I managed to get out with my camera to search for wonderful flowers to photograph.

On Sunday we discovered a lovely Dorset Wildlife Trust wildflower meadow! Yes wildflowers!! Can you feel the smile beaming at you through the computer screen?

It was lovely! And we will be back regularly from now until mid June, to spot some new wildflowers.

This hay meadow is known for the Green-winged orchid, so I was very keen to spend time admiring it’s beauty. Unfortunately it was very windy, and sure enough the wind increased once I took out my camera – I know this too well! Not to be deterred, I carefully walked around this lovely piece of land with my eyes peeled to the ground.

The edges were decorated by Bluebells, and the meadow was filled with Germander and Slender speedwell, Roundhead rampion, hundreds of varieties of grasses, Stichwort, Knapweed, Red clover, Red campion, Bird’s foot-trefoil, Meadow buttercup … you could see that there were plenty more to flower – a paradise for many insects such as butterflies and bees.

The Green-winged orchid was so lovely to see, as the sunlight sparkled on its pretty, delicate flowers. There must have been around 50 that I spotted, and I didn’t go right to the end of the 2 ha meadow. I managed to find one that was sheltered by some tall grasses, so I had to get down to ground level to take this photo.

green-winged orchid © Nita Joy Designs

Would you like to get to know this pretty orchid?

• This lovely flower is endangered due to loss of habitat. It needs nutrient poor grasslands to survive.

• The name comes from the green veins that run through the sepals. The flowers are said to resemble a jesters hat apparently, I can’t see it though myself – can you? It doesn’t have nectar, but it is still attractive to many insects such as the queen bumblebee after hibernation, and as we know, bees are also suffering due to loss of habitat.

• This orchid is hairless and grows to about 40 cm.

• Flowers tend to have a purple or pink colour.

• They don’t have spots on their leaves like the Early purple orchid, so this helps to identify them.

• They flower between April – June, so now is the time to see them.

• They can be found growing in Europe, a few places in the UK – mainly southern, but can also be seen on the west coast of Scotland, and on the coast in Wales, Ireland, and also in certain areas in Scandinavia.

• It is the County flower of Ayrshire.

I hope you enjoyed learning more about this orchid, and maybe inspire you to see what orchids are growing locally in your area. The wild plant conservation charity Plantlife, has a helpful website to show you key places to visit where you live.

Image is available now as a print through my photobox gallery, and will soon be available as a greeting card.

Yesterday I had the privilege of spending time admiring the delicate beauty of the Lady’s smock, Forget me not, Camellia and other flowers in my garden. I even spent time looking at the detail of the Dandelion in seed.

My attention was particularly drawn to the Lady’s smock flower, also known as the Cuckoo flower and May flower. As well as a gorgeous female Orange tip butterfly.

I thought I would spend some time looking at them for you

Lady’s smock

This beautiful delicate flower could be considered quite elegant.  The plant can grow to the height of 50 cm’s with long slender stem and leaves. The gentle tones of pink and white blend beautifully together.

lady's smock © Nita Joy Designs

This flower tends to be found in damp habitats, and after all the rain we have have had, this beauty has decided to give us a treat in our garden this year. It can be found in grasslands, alongside river banks and ditches, and prefers a heavy soil. It flowers between the months of April and June.

There is a strong folklore surrounding this flower, apparently it was considered to be unlucky, so was often not included in May Day garlands or even brought into the home. I personally think it’s a lovely plant and much prefer it growing where it should be. It is a real sign of a spring meadow, so you can imagine my delight that it has made it’s home in my garden.

Orange tip butterfly

orange tip butterfly © Nita Joy Designs

As I walked around the edge of the lawn admiring the bell like flowers of the Lady’s smock, my attention was caught by the amazing marbled underside wing pattern of a female orange tip butterfly, sitting carefully on one of the dainty flowers. This flower is considered to be an important larval host plant, and nectar source for this butterfly. So if you would like to attract this lovely butterfly into your garden, I would suggest purchasing some seed or plants.

The Orange tip butterfly shows the colour more prominately in the male species, as you would expect from the name with orange tips to their forewings. The female has white and black markings with a green and light yellow marled pattern on the underside of their wings. when their wings are closed, it can be easy to miss, as their camouflage works well.

This lovely butterfly is seen as  a true sign of spring, as they are one of the first to emerge. They can be found in England, Wales, Scotland and a subspecies in Ireland. Their prefered habitat includes damp meadows, river banks and hedgerows.

Males don’t tend to stop much, as their ultimate goal is to seek out females, where-as females are more  secretive, concerned with laying their eggs, usually one at a time per plant, as the larvae are cannibalistic.

The orange tip butterfly and Lady’s smock images, will be available soon in our greeting card range, and prints and gifts through our Photobox gallery.

Anita

This week I heard the sad news that one of my favourite gardens will be closing shortly.

As I received the news that Trevarno Gardens in Cornwall was closing, I have to say, I felt so sad. A garden that I hoped to visit as much as possible will no longer be on my yearly list of gardens I try to visit.

Trevarno is a gem of a garden; a 30 acre estate for visitors to enjoy. A place that was not only beautiful but was accessible, had wonderful gluten free creams teas available and welcomed my dog Brinkley with open arms, you could see why it made my top ten of gardens to visit.

Trevarno held the National collection of daffodils, which was an amazing sight to see, with row upon row of common, right through to rare varieties for you to discover.

The Bluebell valley was stunning, with a path that would wind gently through the beech woodlands of blue and dappled green in spring time.

I enjoyed the beauty of the walled gardens, where I sat and painted the flowers and yew tunnel, under a cascade of honeysuckle.

The grand lawn with the family peacocks who would decide if you were a friend or not as they strutted before you for admiring looks and the peahens running around in circles, chatting away.

The elegant Italian sunken garden provided shade on a hot summer’s day.

The tranquillity of the lakes and streams were lovely to sit next to, and watch the world go by, with families of swans, coots, mallards, moorhens… to keep you entertained.

The avenue of cherry blossom was beautiful, and brought you joy as you watched children play hide and seek among the trees, in wonder of the scented flowers.

This garden became a friend to me, as the sun always shone when we went to spend the day there, I was never disappointed, and it was always pleased to see me, it blessed me in so many ways.

If I had a spare million pounds, I would put a bid in, so that others could continue to enjoy this grand estate. But at least I have my memories! Last year was my 10^th Wedding Anniversary, and we had the opportunity to visit the garden a couple of times. I hoped to be able to return to see the bluebells again, but it’s not to be…

The good news is that the gardens don’t close until the 22nd April. So if you are in the area, I really recommend a visit – if you go please lift a drink on my behalf to a garden that will always be a place I will remember fondly, with many happy memories.

Easter events at Trevarno

On Easter Sunday 8^th April, they are running a special Easter egg hunt and trail, 10.30 am  – 3.00 pm.

On the 11^th they have an Easter bonnet event 10.30am – 4pm. Normal entry charges apply plus £1.00 per child over the age of 2.

8^th – 11^th April they are running special Helston Railway Break van, Shunter and Footplate rides.  £5.00 per person.

Admission prices

Have you ever been to Trevarno Gardens? What did you enjoy?

Anita

Nita Joy Designs Easter cards are available through my botanical card and gift boutique. and Scattering the Stones blog.

Please click on the above images to see the full design.

I can include your special message on an insert for all of these cards.

I hope you like these floral Easter card designs; they are available singly and in packs of 5.

For mixed packs, please see Scattering the Stones.

To know more about flowers with special significance for Easter, please see – Easter flowers and their meanings.

Last orders 2nd April.

Related articles

• Christian Easter cards collection one (scatterthestones.co.uk)
• Christian Easter cards collection two (scatterthestones.co.uk)
• Easter flowers and their meaning (nitajoydesigns.co.uk)

Nita Joy Designs Mother’s Day cards collection available through our botanical card and gift boutique.

We can include your special message on an insert for all of these cards.

Want to add a special photo of you and your mum? Choose the personalised photo Mother’s day card and we will add your photo.

Last orders 14th March.

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Contact

The email address that you can contact us on, for any questions that you may have is – Mail to

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For more information on cookies please visit – http://www.allaboutcookies.org/

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Many thanks

Anita

As it is approaching Christmas I thought we could look at the poinsettia

December 12th is the National Poinsettia Day celebrated in the US.

In the language of flowers the poinsettia stands for –    

• Wishing you every happiness and cheer

This flower is very appropriate for Christmas.

The poinsettia is everywhere at Christmas time, they certainly brighten up the place and look very festive. Some consider buying a poinsettia is as important as the traditional Christmas tree.

The story told is that a poor child wanted to offer a birthday gift to Jesus.  As he didn’t have any material gifts to give, he chose some plants from the side of the road and brought them to church as his offering. Many laughed and thought this was a terrible gift, but as he offered them to Jesus, the weeds bloomed into beautiful red flowers, as he offered the gift with his heart.

Here are some interesting facts about the Poinsettia

• They come in many shades and colours with over 100 varieties.

•  They can be tricky to grow as they need just the right amount of sunlight, heat and water.

• If they are given the care that they need, you can have them flower each year.

• When they are in bloom they have brightly coloured bracts – for example – red, pink, plum, white and so on … on the top of each stem.

• The flowers are the tiny yellow buds that are found in the centre of the bracts.

• For advice on how to cultivate and grow your poinsettia successfully, the RHS have provided a detailed guide -   Poinsettias

• You can buy poinsettias from gardening centre’s to supermarkets.

• On my research I came across this amazing photo on the internet of a tree of Poinsettias! Have a look at  Hearst Castle  in California

•  The story behind the poinsettia is that it was found by Joel Poinsett – the first US Ambassador to Mexico.

• This plant is native to the Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America

• The botanical name of this plant is the Euphorbia Pulcherrima

• This plant has several names, from the Christmas Star to the Winter Rose.

• There is an incorrect myth that Poinsettias are poisonous, but the sap can cause irritation.

• In America there is a National Poinsettia Day on the 12^th December – that marks the death of Joel Poinsett.

• Did you know there is a cocktail called the ‘Poinsettia cocktail?’ This drink is made from  dry sparkling white wine, vodka and cranberry juice.

• Want to make some poinsettia decorations? Have a look at this wonderful crepe paper poinsettia 

Nurseries :

• Daleside Nurseries LTD in Harrogate Yorkshire – have a selection of 12 varieties

•  Summerfield Nurseries   in Canterbury Kent.

They even have special poinsettia walk days at the end of November – early December, where you can walk amongst

thousands of these plants and have refreshments.

•   Barnsfold Nurseries  (For wholesale trade only)  have a photo gallery of some of the varieties of Poinsettias available.

Nita Joy Designs Christmas cards:

* We have Poinsettia greeting card packs for Christmas.

If you want to wish someone every happiness and cheer this Christmas, then you can’t go wrong with a Poinsettia.

Related articles

• Poinsettia Christmas card pack (nitajoydesigns.co.uk)

This year my new collection of Christmas cards included special personalised cards which are ideal to send to family or friends.

In the collection there are 6 cards:

• Cards for couples

1. In-law Christmas card for a couple  for example son and daughter in law
2. Christmas card for a couple – useful for parents, friends etc…

• Dad Christmas card

• Mum Christmas card

• Female Christmas card – ideal for your female friends, sister, daughter etc…

• Male Christmas card – ideal for your male friends, brother, son,

These cards are also available as a pack – for just £11.00 with a saving of £2.20

For more information please see – Mixed pack of special individual Christmas cards

Each card can be personalised with a name and an insert with your special message added at no extra cost.

Last order date for our Christmas cards is the 18th December.

Free P&P to any address in the UK

Related articles

• Mixed Pack of special individual Christmas cards (nitajoydesigns.co.uk)
• Printable Christmas card and tags (nitajoydesigns.co.uk)

I have been writing a mini series on how to make Christmas decorations and gifts.

On my research I found the most delightful video from Julie Mulligan from 1-800-flowers.com looking at Christmas flower crafts and decorating.

I loved it so much that I had to share it with you!

I am going to make the suggested carnation snowmen – I just loved the idea and can’t wait to have a go!

Related articles

• Make Your Own Handmade Christmas Decorations And Gifts 2011 – Part One (birdsontheblog.co.uk)

Well, it’s  the 1st of November and really don’t know where the time has gone! It can feel like days just disappear when you are not looking

Did you know that in the UK we send on average, a 171 million Christmas cards each year! Yes, that is a lot!

If you are looking for some Christmas cards with a difference, I invite you to look at my collection.

I am so pleased by the many kind comments we have received this year; for my Botanical Christmas card packs, and individual Christmas cards for family and friends.

As someone who loves the countryside of the UK and her beloved Dorset, I always try to sprinkle a little of that joy in my card designs, as Christmas is a wonderful season to design for. Most of the flowers and trees are photographed in Dorset.

With so much variety in Christmas cards in the UK, either online or offline, I aim to to provide a special service, adding your special message, to our range of botanical cards, or by designing cards around your requirements.

This year I have been concentrating on special Christmas cards for family and friends; including cards for those who love dogs with my card – ‘Waiting for Santa‘  right through to cards for mums and dads, with festive berries.

The ever popular Snowdrops and Ivy and Berries have proved to been popular once again.

I am able to personalise with your chosen names on our individual Christmas cards, and also include your message on an insert, so please let us know how we can help.

Our Christmas card packs can also include a free insert with your Christmas message – this option can make a big difference when you have many cards to send! This has been a very popular choice over the years, as you are not limited by the message added, and we only add what you want, this then saves your precious time for what can feel like a never ending list of things to do.

We look forward to making some special Christmas cards for you.

Anita x

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