Settling into our new home

At last we have moved into our new home and are back online after several weeks without an internet connection. Although there is still much to be done in the house and garden, I feel sure we will be happy here in West Sussex, especially as it only takes 10 minutes by car to reach our daughter and granddaughter.

I haven’t had chance to set up any dyebaths yet but I’m beginning to get my dyes and equipment unpacked and to plan where I shall do most of my dyeing.

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This is the view from the kitchen window of our terrace and back garden

 

 

 

 

As will be clear from the above photo, this garden is very much smaller than the garden at our previous home. I’m not sure whether I’ll be able to grow many dye plants here but I did manage to find spaces for some madder and woad plants I brought with me.

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The madder looks as if it’s settling quite happily into its new position.

 

 

 

 

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Sadly, the woad plants I so carefully watered into their new site have been eaten by caterpillars and look very sorry for themselves.

 

 

 

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This summer house at the end of the garden will be my workshop and “den” and I’m gradually filling it with my dyeing and spinning equipment. I have made a resolution to keep it tidy and clutter-free but I fear this may not be easy!

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This shows my indigo dye pot from Thailand, waiting to be put to use. It sits so well on this spot and I think this will be an ideal outdoor dyeing area. The madder and woad plants have been planted in the raised bed on the left of the picture.

14 replies
  1. Dot
    Dot says:

    I love the look of your den, that has great potential! It’s a good time of year to move and get settled in before winter, and plant a few things in the garden.

  2. Helen Melvin
    Helen Melvin says:

    Hi Jenny
    It all looks lovely and I am sure you will manage to squeeze in a few dye plants. The new studio looks great too and I hope you will have many enjoyable and happy hours there.

  3. quinn
    quinn says:

    So happy to hear you are settling into your new home. Your summer house looks charming, and the smaller garden space will be a new opportunity for your creativity and ingenuity to blossom, along with your plants!

  4. Sandra Rude
    Sandra Rude says:

    Congratulations! Getting settled into a new house (and studio) is a daunting task, but I’m sure you’ll be happy there. It’s a lovely garden – just give that woad a chance, and it’ll take root in its own time. All the best in your new home!

  5. Leena
    Leena says:

    Congaturlations for your new home and garden, Jenny.
    The summer house looks like made for your workspace and I am sure that by next summer the garden will look like your garden, too:)
    The place where your fabulous indigo dye pot sits is just perfect!

  6. Chris
    Chris says:

    Congratulations! Your new garden space looks inviting. I’m especially intrigued by your indigo pot from Thailand, is that a dragon image on it?

    Lovely.

  7. cedar
    cedar says:

    So happy for you to finally be settled, and your new studio looks wonderful..happy unpacking and good luck with your woad…

  8. Su Brown
    Su Brown says:

    Hi Jenny
    The garden looks great, glad you are getting settled and am watching this space to see what comes out of those dye pots to inspire the rest of us.

  9. mjm
    mjm says:

    How exciting your back yard has so much potential and it will be fun to see you plan out your new garden. and what a wonderful den you have to work in.

  10. Summer
    Summer says:

    That space for a studio is wonderful! I’m sure you’ll have room for some dye plants….and maybe you’ll have a neighbor with something wonderful in her garden you can use! What a lovely space you have!

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