My May garden

A tapestry of colour and inspiration.

The garden unfolded it’s unique magic in May as the days lengthened and the warmer months began. After the last whispers of spring, the air was filled with a quiet anticipation, punctuated by birdsong from our increasing number of visitors. It had been a full year since we started creating our beautiful garden space here in Troon from a completely blank canvas.

Soon we would see whether all the plants we’d moved from my garden in Glasgow had survived the winter, and whether the new roses we planted last year would bloom again. We were not disappointed as suddenly, our new garden began to sing in a symphony of colours. So many of my favourite fragrant blooms began to open, each with it’s own happy memory or association with special people and places.

Watercolour sketch of an iris transplanted from Ed’s childhood home.

I love the peaceful rhythm of rest, growth and blossom that happens in the garden, mirroring the slow, mindful process of my textile work. Here, amidst the burgeoning petals and fresh green leaves, I find an endless wellspring of inspiration. Nothing can beat the vibrant natural palette that fills my senses, and offers new ideas and inspiration for my creations at Rosie Saves the Earth.

Gifts from the garden…

Each flower, a stunning masterpiece in it’s own right, holds a lesson in colour theory and composition. From the softest blush to the most vibrant crimson, their beauty isn't just in their form, but in the way their hues interact, blend, and contrast. As I wander round the garden on a May morning with coffee in hand, I don't just see flowers; I see colours that remind me of my mother’s handmade cushion, or inspire me for my next creation.

Endless inspiration…

Take, for instance, the delicate interplay of light and shadow on a newly opened rose, or the bold statement of a single poppy. These images are captured not just in my camera, but in my mind's eye, slowly generating ideas for tangible textile creations. It’s in these quiet observations that the true journey of a colour palette begins – from a fleeting glance in the garden or a meadow or a hedgerow to a carefully crafted batt of wool, or a vibrant piece of knitwear. Next time you're in your garden or local green space, take a moment to truly observe the colours around you. You might be surprised at the inspiration you find! The garden teaches me patience, growth, and the exquisite beauty of natural imperfection, all principles I carry into my craft and throughout my life.

Bringing the outside in, a posy full of colour.

To truly bring the garden's essence indoors, there’s nothing quite like gathering a small posy of freshly picked blooms. I love to arrange them in one of my handmade felt vases, so that I can see them everyday and be reminded of the connection between these living colours and the textiles I work with every day. Each petal's shade, each leaf's hue, becomes a miniature guide, informing the next batt of carded wool or the vibrant selection of fabric pieces for a new quilt. It's a continuous, joyful cycle of inspiration, from the soil to the studio, bringing a sprinkling of natural beauty into every textile I create.

The longer days of summer are now here and May's initial bursts of colour have given way to the full bounty of summer. I carry the echoes of these first vibrant blooms into my creative space. My garden is more than just a place where flowers grow; it's a living mood board, a silent teacher, and a constant reminder of the incredible beauty that nature offers. It’s where Rosie Saves the Earth truly begins – a place of peace, reflection, and boundless colourful inspiration. I hope that when you see my textiles, you can feel a little piece of that garden joy woven into every stitch and fibre.

Do you find inspiration for your crafts in nature too? Share in the comments below!