Spring is officially here and while we've had some lovely weather it’s still too unpredictable to make fixed plans for outdoor parties. We are making the most of the warm days though - it’s time to get the vegetable garden sorted out. When we had our previous business we didn't have much time for gardening but now my father Gerald and myself are going to make sure L’Orto (Italian for the vegetable garden) is full and productive this summer. Of course this means more building projects for Alex in the form of raised beds.
The garden was originally laid out in a potager style with rosemary hedges. We let them get too big and many of them died but rather than ripping the rest out and starting from scratch I prefer to ‘layer’ in new elements so we have fitted the raised beds into the existing layout.
It's very much a 'before' picture at the moment but hopefully in a few months it will be looking a lot more interesting.
Because it had been a ground level potager there was a lot of good composted soil right where the plant boxes now sit and we weren't about to waste it. We dug out all the good stuff and filled it back with stoney-silty-turfy soil leftover from other projects before replacing the good stuff into the planters themselves. This was hard work but worth it.
With a greenhouse, 2 poly tunnels, and a small orchard there will be plenty to keep us busy... and hopefully plenty of fresh produce for the tea menus!
I gave some ‘90s stacking chairs a makeover with scraps of floral fabric and a shabby chic paint effect to use in the garden.They look like '30s chairs and will be much comfier than regular hard outdoor furniture. Of course we tested them out just to make sure.
The menus are online now. There are two main options 1, a light tea (Piccolo) just right if you are stopping in as part of a day out or 2, a celebration tea (Grande) which can be styled and themed to suit the occasion. Special menus such as vegan or gluten free can be written on request and themed menus are fun too. Meringue toadstools, ‘mossy’ cakes, and edible terrariums make good Fairy Garden fare. Chocolate cigars, beef & beer pies, and tequila cactus cakes make great ‘Guy Tea’ options. There are so many possibilities I could go on but I won’t, you will have your own unique ideas.
The dining room is a cosy option for couples and small groups, especially if the weather is a bit dull.
We had a family fathers day afternoon tea party here earlier this month. The food was styled to be more masculine. It’s a good example of how it doesn’t have to be all lace and roses if your group includes men.
Meanwhile back in the kitchen…
This is the spring wedding cake I made all those cherry blossoms for. You'll find more photos on Facebook and the website.
I will be at the Ohoka Farmers Market every Friday starting in October (more about this next month) I will have cakes by the slice and you will be able to speak to me directly about your next cake order or afternoon tea booking. See you there!
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