How To Make A Cucumber Rose Bowl

 I'm sure Y'all have seen the videos and tutorials on social media with folks making cucumber roses.

Looks so easy to do.

But I found it wasn't so easy for me!

I'll use the arthritic hands as an excuse, perhaps!

So instead of little cucumber roses, I made a mini Cucumber Rose Bowl.

I used a small dip bowl to hold the cucumber rose.

If you use a bigger bowl, you'll need to calculate for more cucumber slices. 

For my bowl, I thinly cut 16 slices of cucumber with a knife.

Then, using a peeler, I sliced 16 more thinner slices.

Next, they were gently patted dry with an absorbent paper towel.

I lined the dip bowl with the thicker slices of cucumber, overlapping, and set it aside. 

One thin cucumber slice was put on the top of a board. The other slices overlapped in a horizontal line.

From the bottom, it was rolled up and put in the centre of the bowl lined with the thicker cucumber slices.

Arrange the cucumber petals to your liking.

If you feel it needs a few more, add more slices.

I used my Cucumber Rose Bowl to decorate a small cheese platter for a surprise 'Wine & Cheese Date' with my husband.

He just loved it!

To finish off the platter even more, I added a few brightly coloured garden blooms to the plate.

These flaming orange blooms are from the bulbous plant, Crocosmia Masoniorum.

The Cucumber Rose Bowl would be a fabulous addition to a larger cheese board or cold canape platter.

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Out Of Season DIY Gift Giving

 Out Of Season Gift Giving: 

Easy DIY Gifts 'Just Because'!

Gift-giving is often reserved for special occasions, birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. However, there’s something truly special about giving a gift "just because." So let's explore the concept of out-of-season gift giving, showcasing the beauty of easy DIY gifts that bring joy without the constraints of a calendar.

Out-of-season gift diving involves gifts that aren't bound to seasonal themes or events. This kind of gifting fosters spontaneity and thoughtfulness, allowing you to give from the heart anytime you want to. The joy of receiving a gift out of the blue can be incredibly uplifting, reminding us that we are cherished without needing a specific reason.

And, a gift handmade by you is much more special.

DIY Gifts to Create Anytime

Creating personalised gifts enhances the sentimental value and can be done with minimal resources. 

Here are a few ideas for easy DIY gifts that anyone can make:

· Handmade Greeting Cards: Use cardstock, stickers, dried and pressed flowers and leaves, coloured pens, water colour paints and scrapbook materials to craft your messages.

· Photo Memory Jars: Fill a jar with printed photos and notes that recall shared memories.

· Plant Cuttings in Pots: Pot plant cuttings or cuttings from your garden, presented in unique containers for a living gift.

A simple idea is to use an old can, painted brightly with acrylic paints, with holes punched in the bottom for drainage.

· Homemade Treats: Bake cookies or prepare homemade jams, packaged in charming boxes or jars with a handmade label or tag.

Here is another idea:

 'Spicy Powder Rub'

6 tablespoons of cumin powder

2 teaspoons Garam Marsala powder

4 tespoons tumeric powder

1 tsp of ground black pepper

1 tablespoon curry powder

3 teaspoons of cinnamon powder

3 teaspoons smoked paprika powder 

A small lidded jar - I used a brown glass one that is about 100ml - enough to hold 1/4 cup of powdered spices.

  

A hand-designed label was made and Mod Podge glued to the jar, with a thin twine rope bow finish to the gift.

You can print this label for your jar, or create one of your own.

The Art of Giving for No Reason

The essence of giving gifts 'just because' lies in building connections and expressing love. It’s a way to show appreciation and remind someone of their importance in your life. 

It is a kind memory that the gift receiver will not forget.

In a fast-paced world, taking the time to create and give a gift simply because you can is a beautiful thing. Embrace out-of-season gift diving, channel your creativity into DIY gifts, and spread joy without waiting for a designated occasion. Remember, the smallest gestures can create the loudest echoes in someone’s heart.

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My Gorgeous New Outdoor Potted Daisy

Let's Explore the Beauty of the Gorgeous Daisy Leucanthemum Banana Cream!

The Leucanthemum Banana Cream daisy is a delightful perennial that adds a splash of joy to any garden scape.

 Known for its colour and vibrant personality, this variety of daisy has quickly become a favourite among both seasoned flower enthusiasts and budding gardening aficionados alike.

 With their sunny dispositions, these flowers have the uncanny ability to uplift spirits and transform any outdoor space into a colourful oasis. Imagine walking through your garden on a warm summer day, the gentle breeze carrying the faint hint of a chrysanthemum like aroma, its vivid colours catching the sun. This is the enchanting presence of the Banana Cream daisy.

The Banana Cream daisy features stunning blooms that start off as yellow buds, then turning creamy lemon-yellow, eventually transforming to a soft white as they mature. 

This fascinating colour gradient offers a dynamic visual effect, as the transformation unfolds over the blooming season, creating a lovely interplay of hues that draws the eye.

Each flower head is adorned with delicate, soft petals that gracefully surround a lively yellow centre, reminiscent of the sun itself. 

The diameter of the flowers can reach an impressive three inches ( 8 cm), making them substantial enough to stand out in any arrangement or garden bed.

Growing Conditions

These daisies thrive in well-draining soil that is preferably enriched with organic matter such as compost, which enhances nutrient supply and fosters healthy growth. They enjoy full sun to partial shade, allowing them to bask in the sunshine while also being adaptable to the varying light conditions most gardens offer. When positioned correctly, Leucanthemum Banana Cream can reach heights of up to 24 inches (61 cm), creating a lush and vibrant presence in your garden, filling gaps with its radiant blossoms. For those new to gardening, fear not! This daisy variety is incredibly resilient, capable of surviving in a range of soil types, making it a forgiving choice for gardeners of all levels.

They also thrive in large pots!

Care Tips

To ensure optimal growth and a plentiful display of blooms, it is crucial to provide adequate watering, especially during dry spells; consistent moisture is key, but be mindful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Deadheading spent blooms is a simple yet highly effective practice that not only promotes a longer flowering season but also enhances the plant's overall appearance—it's like giving the daisies a little haircut that encourages them to produce even more blossoms! Fertilising with a balanced fertiliser in the spring can also boost blooming potential, ensuring your daisies are bursting with colour throughout the season. Additionally, consider mulching around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, allowing your Banana Cream daisies to thrive without competition for nutrients.

Attracting Pollinators

One of the most delightful features of the Leucanthemum Banana Cream is its ability to attract a myriad of pollinators. This daisy is a favourite among bees and butterflies, making it excellent for those looking to support local wildlife and create a sustainable ecosystem. The vivid blossoms act as beacons, drawing in these invaluable insects, which in turn assist in the pollination process that sustains many garden plants. By planting these daisies in your garden, you can create a vibrant ecosystem that not only enhances the beauty and health of your outdoor spaces but also plays a role in preserving local biodiversity. Observing bustling bees and fluttering butterflies among the blossoms truly brings the garden to life, adding an element of harmony with nature.

                              Daisies Mean 'True love'.

Because daisies are composite flowers, they are actually two flowers that have blended together in complete harmony. So, they have a meaning of true love. If you have an anniversary coming up or want to send romantic gesture flowers, then daisies are a perfect choice.

With their cheerful blooms and easy-care nature, the 'Leucanthemum Banana Cream' daisy is a vibrant addition to any garden. So, roll up your sleeves, dig in the soil, and let the 'Leucanthemum Banana Cream' daisy brighten up your life and garden! 

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