A new shop in Truro.

My favourite shop in France has come to Truro.

When we lived in the countryside in Brittany it was always a treat to have a day out in Vannes, the nearest 'big city'. I always made a stop at Loccitane, sometimes just going in to breathe their scents of the creams.

The company began with one man in 1976, who had a market stall where he sold his distilled lavender products and Marseilles soap.

Over the years the company grew, using new plants, always organic, for their perfumes. Lavender, peony, rose, angelica and almond are some of the many perfumes.

In 1990 a barge was used for distribution around the areas in Provence, but it wasn't long before worldwide stores began to open..

Stores opened in Paris, followed by New York City, Hong Kong and Japan.

Something I like very much is their commitment under the Loccitane Foundation, to support blindness, in particular partnering with Orbis. they also feel very strongly about the emancipation of women and have opened literacy centres in Burkina Faso. It's good when world wide corporations look beyond themselves.

Returning to Truro, where the open day was yesterday, I managed to pop in, was greeted with wine and chocolate and given a free gift!

This dear little hamper.....

.......contains all sorts of lovely tiny samples!

I may just have to visit the shop again!

A new plant.

For my garden this is a new plant.

This is Ammi Majus, a relation of the wild Cow Parsley which grows in all our hedgerows.

Photo from Sarah Raven

I planted it amongst roses and just let it ramble. It is so delicate and looks a bit like a little soft cloud mixed with the pink of my roses.

I think I shall try to grow it from seed next year, as I'd like to have lots more.

It goes well in a flower vase mixed with Sweet peas......but, it can cause slight irritation to the skin, so best handled with gloves.

I think Ammi has become a bit of a 'fashion statement' flower this year as it has featured in many magazines lately.

But I love it just because it is pretty and delicate.

A giveaway win.

 I won a very sweet giveaway this week, from Frannie.

She is a young lady with  a delightful blog called

Authentic Virtue

http://authenticvirtue.com/

There is a lovely journal, some dear little duckling pegs,

a photo frame which will be filled with a nice shot of my husband, some sticker jewels to use for card making,

and some very pretty hand made cards.

Thank you Frannie!

Here's a last August rose for you.

Her name is Dr Jo and her perfume is gorgeous.

Tomatoes.

Just thought I'd show you.

Now they are all in the freezer, having been made into a lovely thick tomato, onion, garlic and basil sauce.

More are clamouring to come out of the greenhouse already.

Another birthday.

August, the month for birthdays...

three grand daughters, one daughter, one sister in law,

and most importantly, one wonderful husband!

(who is indeed a very fine vintage (1933).

Clematis.

My header photo is of Clematis Etoile de Violette,

which has suddenly decided to produce a beautiful spray of flowers.

Birthday!

Another birthday comes round!

My inbox is full of the most delightful cards and wishes.

We have friends for a simple lunch.

I don't know what I've done to deserve the presents and cards that have arrived in the post. Such a lot to be grateful for.