July the Scorcher of a month!

Well this month couldn't have been more different to May when i wrote the blog with the logburner lit in my lounge. This month tested us all at the shop, we had fans on, ice lollies a plenty provided by Doris, gallons of squash and still we sizzled indoors.

The courtyard garden was a little oasis though, there are plenty of parasols to sit under whilst dining al fresco and our lovely customers enjoyed their time outside.

Personally I am not a fan of hot weather and have been known to say out loud "ITS TOO HOT", however the country side looks and sounds beautiful and the past few days have been welcomed by us all when we have had some rain at last.

Anyway.. lets report what we have been busy with this month so far.

We have welcomed two new traders, the first one is Le Petit Jardin. Their stock is sourced from their travels around France and the items are wonderful, all original pieces. They specialise in mostly galvanised pieces, perfect for the home or garden, some of the items are unique and stunning.

Le Petit Jardin can be found at the back of the Potting Shed showroom as you enter the building.

The other new trader to join us is Amy of Country Kitchen Candles. Her stunning fragranced candles are made in her home with love and care and we have tried one in our own home this week and the smell is divine when you enter our cottage. Country Kitchen Candles are located in the main showroom upstairs. The candles would make fabulous gifts for birthdays, friends, Christmas etc...

We wish them both great success at The SHED

We are asked many times what the building used to be and often customers think it was a Chapel in a previous life...

Actually there is nothing religious about the building at all, the stained glass church window and door came from a de-commissioned church in Ipswich many years ago and were installed by Heritage Reclamation around twenty years ago. They are very beautiful pieces of history which we love to tell people about when they enquire where they came from.

The Teddy Bear Hospital is going from strength to strength, most days we have arrivals for surgery, with anxious owners reluctant to leave their precious bears. Each teddy holds wonderful memories and I never tire of hearing each story. We treasure each new patient from their arrival with us, to being reunited with their owners.

Wisteria garden is looking stunning this summer, the olive trees are doing well and the banana plants are thriving too. We do have a little sad news though... this month Albert the elderly Quail died of old age leaving behind his little wife Florrie but she didn't appear to miss him one bit, however, last week we found Florrie had passed away too. Maybe she missed Albert more than we thought. Rest easy little cuties!

As times are quieter for most small businesses we have decided to close at 4pm each day instead of 4.30pm, this helps on staff costs, utilities etc, we hope you understand.

Saturday the 2nd August sees us hosting the Wedding for Caz our lovely waitress in the Tearoom, this means that the Tea room will be closed that day! The garden will also be closed unless you are wedding guest. Sorry to disappoint but this is a very special occasion for Caz, Martin and her family.

17th July saw our Spiritual Day begin, it was very popular and Loulou and Chris were kept very busy, giving readings, in fact the feedback was so good that they will hold another event with us later this year.

Please spread the word about us, every new visitor helps us stay open and wherever possible please pay Cash if you can, much appreciated!

Well that's it for now, I will be back during September!

Stay Kind,

Lesley aka Matron