I had to fly home to NZ last week to see my father before he passed away. I was back in London a week later. A long way to go in a week but it was worth it.

In my absence, there was some sunshine (unusually!) and I couldn't believe the way the plants had grown in a week. Comparing them to my previous post, look at the difference. It's north facing so gets less sun so never ceases to amaze me how rampant the plants are. I've enough spinach and salad greens for several meals! 

My beautiful David Austen old-fashioned rose bush, Spirit of Freedom, that sits on a narrow parapet at the front of my flat had also flowered in my absence. I couldn't resist picking some of the blooms as they have the most incredible scent. 

The day after I returned to London I bought some cornflowers and scabias and together with delicate sprigs of herbs and flowers from my outside space, I filled my vintage glass and clay bottles to create two displays.  I particularly love the way they are reflected in the mirror with distressed turquoise frame. The delicate colours and forms of these plants remind me of an English country garden.