Aloe Vera

 Today I finally got around to harvesting some aloe vera. I bought this plant for our bedroom last summer as it is supposed to aid sleep. I've also heard about the benefits.

A couple of the leaves are just too big and heavy so I needed to look into how to look after the plant before it got damaged.

Having watched a video online I decided to try harvesting some. It was a lot messier that it had seemed in the video but I cut one leaf and harvested about three or four tablespoons as you can see below.

Now I'm researching ways to use it ready to share with you on Monday before I try harvesting any more.

Gardening Inspiration

Lately we've been preparing for this long awaited Summer by watching gardening shows to find inspiration for our own outdoor space. Here are our favourites:

I didn't really know much about Monty Don before watching this but he's now my favourite gardener. I love the way he helps people and gives them advice without being pushy.

Alan Titchmarsh transforms gardens for families who deserve a helping hand.

Here's one I want to watch and use. I'm keen to try raised beds for our veg this year - let's see.

Make It Monday - Rope Plant Hanger

I've been obsessing over this tutorial for ages and now that we have our own place and summer is here, I finally found an opportunity to make my own.

The steps are really well explained and easy to follow. You don't get the full effect until it is hung up but then I think it looks great!

I'm glad I went with white rope. It's clean and looks nice with the terracotta.

Can't wait to get a plant in there now.

Garden Corner

After my birthday last week, I planted several plants I'd received as gifts in front of the dafodils in this planter by our front door. I think it looks much more welcoming and seasonal.

Even though we have a big garden now, I really like focusing on one little corner like this as you can see the progress straight away.

Garden Corner

My latest garden project wasn't exactly in the garden. I finally put up our balcony boxes and planted them with both pansy seeds harvested from our old balcony and forget-me-nots from our wedding favours.

I like the idea of bringing old favourites into our new home and I can't wait to see these flower this summer! 

Garden Corner

Things are really getting busy in the garden now that Spring is starting. We've got family coming to help us out tomorrow and with school holidays we have a little more time out there.

I've been starting my mini-projects here indoors. This week I planted my basil and repotted the dill. I think the dill was a little too delicate and may not make it. 

You can also see how the avocado is thriving and the lemon plant is still going strong.

Next up - the new balcony!

Repotting

Since we moved, the plants have been somewhat neglected and several have died.

With the lighter days and new routine I finally got around to some garden work and started by repottingand fertilizing the avocado and lemon plants (grown from seed last year) into larger, terracotta pots.

The terracotta can 'breathe' better than plastic so between that and the extra space they should thrive. The avocado plant is already much leafier.

It's not warm enough for them to go outside yet but they are getting lots of light by the window.