Franklin Plants and Paints

01/02/2024

Hello February.

Today is Imbolc - the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. We have one foot in winter and one foot in spring and as nature gradually starts to emerge so we are invited to let go of the darkness following winter’s deep reflection.

Cold mornings, brilliant sun and a crispness in the air that makes you feel alive. Here’s to the month of Love.

11/01/2024

• HELLEBORE •

January is a funny month isn’t it?
We’re all raring to go for the new year while still feeling cosy and sleepy from the Christmas break.

The garden is in shut down over the long winter months until the beautiful Hellebore or Christmas Rose opens its early January flowers to embrace the cold winter sun.

I love these plants, they naturally spread their little babies all over helping to fill your garden with delicate early colour while the rest of the plants sleep until the sun warms the soil again.

Stay warm out there garden people. The days are getting longer and the sun will soon be back.

31/12/2023

Happy New Year!

As we say goodbye to 2023 and welcome 2024, I want to send a huge thanks to all those that not only support my little business, but also me as a person.

To my customer at the Estate I am ever grateful for the joyous time I get to spend working among the beautiful grounds.
(never thought I’d say that about a job!)

Be good to each other people. Good evening and goodnight.

11/12/2023

When all 15 oak trees at work shed their leaves over night… how many leaves is too many? This many! 3 hours later and the first pile is done and dusted. Just another squillion to do!!

14/11/2023

24/10/2023

The Sweet chestnut is a deciduous tree which can reach 35m when mature and live for up to 700 years!

Encasing its shiny fruit in spikey cases much like a conker these yummy little treats can be roasted and snaffled for a super autumn snack.

We have thousands of these at work, every day I scoop them up and pop them in a safe place to wait until Christmas when the lot will be gobbled up!

22/09/2023

Happy Friday from my job satisfaction face!

13/09/2023

When your last hour of work is bathed in sunshine, your holding the hands of your customers children walking round the garden, while they ask you 400000 questions about plants and gardening.

Wednesday: you’ve been magical.

07/09/2023

It’s hot. I’m hot. You’re hot. We’re all hot.

BUT despite the heat, the sweat and the exhaustion, I bloooody love summer.

Working outside in 32° heat is very hard but I’m so not ready for Autumn and I’m pleased to say my job is really helping me with heat tolerance, not to mention getting a smashing tan!

12/08/2023

Took a little time off work this week to be a witness at our dear friends wedding.

We sang, we danced, we laughed, we cried: we had an absolute ball.

Ditching my work overalls to wear our finest was a breath of fresh air. Here’s to love! 🍾🥂

21/07/2023

• AGAPANTHUS •

Also known as African Lilly or Lilly of the Nile, Agapanthus are known for their large, blue drumstick-headed flowers in summer.

These South African perennial plants are equally suitable for borders and large containers.

Agapanthus look great when planted with drifts of ornamental grasses and brightly coloured sun-loving plants.

Most agapanthus are hardy and their leaves die down in winter ready for their blooms to burst open the following summer.