Sunday 14 July 2013

Village Fete goodies

 Yesterday, Chris and I went to my Mum's village fete.  You never know what you may find and I think we did pretty well!  Above was a little set which I knew I would have to buy (£1 - bargain!), just because it was so pretty.
 This gorgeous glass jug was...10p!  Can you believe it?  It would look lovely with either flowers or drink in it.
 This little cup and saucer set with delicate green and lots of gold (there were five more saucers, but no more cups)...
 ...together with this cup and tea plate (£1 for them all).  Didn't we do well?
The one thing I was hoping was that there would be a plant stall again. Last year, I rashly purchased a Streptocarpus.  Now, I am not known for my green fingers where house plants are concerned, as the only things I have managed to grow and not kill are Aloe Vera plants and Spider plants.  However, the Streptocarpus 'Myfanwy' which I bought then, not only survived the winter and my rather haphazard care, it is flowering profusely.
 Here is Streptocarpus 'Myfanwy', which has the most beautiful markings.  So, buoyed by my success with that one, I wanted to buy some more and I was in luck, as the plant stall was there and did indeed have some.
 Here is 'Bristol Ice Castle'.
 This dusky pink one is 'Jessica'.
 Here's a close up of the flower.
 Here is 'Hope'...
...and a close up.
I think they are gorgeous!  Having done a bit of internet searching (Dibleys nursery here seems to be the one to look at), I am feeling confident about having a go at propagating, as they seem to propagate easily from leaf cuttings.  I have a feeling that this may be the start of yet another collection!

10 comments:

  1. I do love a nice village fair, and that one sounds perfect. I can't believe you got that gorgeous jug for 10p. It's perfect for Pimms. x

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    1. Dear Gillian
      Thank you. We were surprised by the price of the jug too. The lady at the stall said they just wanted to get rid of everything as they didn't want to take it home. It would indeed be great for Pimms, or Margaritas, or any sort of drinks requiring a jug! I'm looking forward to using it.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  2. How wonderful to have a proper old fashioned village fete with proper old fashioned prices! Love the glass jug x Jane

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    1. Dear Jane
      Thank you. The prices were excellent and the proceeds are to be split between the church and the community centre, so it was for a good cause too, which made me want to buy more! I was really pleased with our bargains.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  3. What a satisfying haul Ellie! Village fetes are still some of the best places to pick up things like this for a song. Your streptocarpuses are lovely - such pretty flowers. Happy propagating! E x

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    1. Dear E
      Thank you. We did really well and I am surprised the things weren't snapped up before we got there, but very pleased they weren't! We upped the price of the jug to 50 p (still a tremendous bargain!) as the church and community centre would benefit from the proceeds. I have got a pretty collection of streptocarpuses now (sounds like a dinosaur name!) but am sure these won't be the last. The propagation looks simple and I'll update on my progress.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  4. Such bargains, the jug us superb.

    Pretty plants too, lovely colours.

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    1. Dear Toffeeapple
      Thank you. The jug has to be the best bargain I have ever found. It has had a wash and is sparkling away now, ready to be put to use. I am a recent convert to Streptocarpus, owing to my skill at killing houseplants with depressing regularity, but am feeling more positive as last year's plant has survived and is flowering. Long may that continue!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  5. You got some really great finds.I think village fetes are often better for such finds than boot sales or charity shops, certainly from price point of view.

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    1. Dear Anne
      Thank you. We did find some lovely things at bargain prices. I love fetes because you never know what you might find.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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