Last night was the final instalment in Kirstie’s Homemade Home series and focus moved outside to the garden. Like a lot of us, Kirstie was happy to admit that her gardening skills were limited so it was off to a local nursery, Petersham Nursey, for some ideas and inspiration. One idea she decided to incorporate into her outside scheme was a herb garden and I think she achieved this quite effectively by planting loads of gorgeous herbs into an old tin bath which she had picked up for a tenner. She also had a go at making a mosaic table (assisted by Emma Biggs, a mosaic artist – see link details below) and a multi coloured willow basket. Personally, I thought the willow was the star of the show..so many gorgeous colours and it just looks like such a lovely material to work with. I really want one of those baskets for my home ! As Kirstie was planning a lunch to celebrate completion of the house, the final craft she turned her attention to was decorating mini cakes with candy striping and red roses made from icing with edible glitter ..fab ! Then it was down to the finishing touches (laying the table, creating flower arrangements with the help of Judith Blacklock) before everyone gathered (family, friends and all the artisans) at Meadow Gate to celebrate with a nice lunch. It seems Kirstie has come in for a bit of criticism about the show (like trekking round the country in a 4*4 for example), but I for one really enjoyed it. It’s so refreshing to see a return to individually designed homes, homes full of character and interesting bits and pieces which just add to the charm. With so much doom and gloom around at the moment on the property front, it does remind us that our homes, after all, are for living in and that with a little thought, creativity and inventive use of secondhand pieces, you can really create something wonderful. I just hope there is a second series ! At least George Clarke is back next week to give us another interior design fix….
A view of the garden. Courtesy of IWC Media/Channel 4
Useful links
Emma Biggs Mosaic
9 Comments
May 15, 2009 at 9:13 pm
I really loved the wicker baskets. Where are they located plesaeb
May 16, 2009 at 7:17 am
Hi Christine.
They’re called Windrush Willow, based in Exeter. Their website is http://www.windrushwillow.com.
Kind Regards,
Polly
May 18, 2009 at 7:23 pm
hi could you please tell me where i could get the pattern of the crazy fab knitted door stopper suzie johnson knitted fish/sandcastle/beachhut) please
many thxs dawn
May 19, 2009 at 6:59 am
Hi Dawn,
Yes you can buy the knitted house, the draught excluder and the knitted letters at http://www.thewoolsanctuary.com. Just click on Knitting Kits. I got mine in a few days so turnaround is quick.
Hope this helps,
Regards,
Polly
May 21, 2009 at 9:06 pm
I loved Kirsty’s Homemade Home, and couldn’t believe it when she started to use my other love; Vanessa Arbuthnott fabrics! Too expensive for me but something lovely to aspire to. Maybe one day I’ll find some in a remnants box!. I am feeling a little ungracious about Kirsty revealing all those secrets about where to find good stuff, you could hardly move in our local charity shop after her vintage textiles piece! the place was almost stripped bare. At least she didn’t go to her local Household Waste Recycling Centre, my source of many an interesting and useful item!
May 22, 2009 at 8:16 am
Hi Liz..thanks for your comments ! I imagine lots of people all over the country have got the bug..me included. Managed to pick up 3 lovely old plates over the weekend in second hand shops..I must post them on here. If you’ve got some good finds, feel free to send us some pics and we’ll put them up here too!
May 26, 2009 at 4:31 pm
I haved now bought my old tin bath for my herbs! do I need to put holes in it for drainage?
May 27, 2009 at 8:21 am
Hi Sue..I’m not a gardening expert but I would say yes. I found this article which may be of use to you.
I think you will need drainage holes and a layer of pebbles or bits of old pots etc too
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/container-gardening-ideas-for-pots-and-planting-herbs-109113.html
Send us a pic when you’ve finished it and we’ll put it on here !
Regards,
Polly
May 27, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Many thanks for the info – will be planting it up this w/e – will send photo!
Sue