Summer crush: my balcony retreat

What’s up, buttercup? Have you been enjoying summer or longing for it to end? I think this year I am in both camps actually. It’s been so hot I haven’t enjoyed summer as much as I usually do, I think. But no matter my needs, it is here still.

So here’s a little update from this year’s version of my balcony, a long time summer crush of mine. Or: the iHanna idea of a garden retreat in miniature as you’ll see.

Miniature, because this space is really very small. There’s room for a few pots, most of them hanging from the railing, a lounge chair for one and the table that is also hung on the balcony railing. That’s it, really. But to me it is a little bit of a heaven.

It’s quite private, you here the birds chirping and feel the sun on your skin, it’s calming, close to nature and it’s at home so I don’t need to pack anything to go there. I simply love that. I am such a homebody these days, it’s borderline boring and I really should make an effort to get out more. But not today, friends, not today.

Today I’m honouring an age-old tradition of mine and reading a new-to-me Sarah J. Maas fae book in the sun. What I’m drinking? Pure vodka of course… Just kidding. It’s water with mint leaves fresh from my little herb patch right here next to me!

Anyway, as you can see from the photos, the balcony is in full bloom. The window box planters are kind of crazy looking, but it’s not weeds, it is flowers from a mixed seed bag that I put into the soil this spring. I don’t know the names of most of them, except for the Everlasting Flowers (erteneller in Swedish) and the clovers, because they came as gifted bulbs and are called Oxsalis Iron Cross. I thought they’d be spring flowers, like most bulbs I know about, but no. They’re still full on and really cute.

Other things that are growing great is two red May birthday flowers (Geraniums) and a few herbs, including a store bought Parsley that looked about to kick in when I repotted him in June but then has, since last month, been absolutely thriving!

Other than drinking water and reading fairy tales for grown ups there’s been some, although less than usual, creating around here. Some embroidery and some hand-sewing as well, especially on the balcony. I’ll show more of that soon. For now I just wanted to check in and show up.

Tell me, what do you love right now, in the comments below

Indeed, what’s your summer crush?

Cheers from my balcony retreat to your end of the world, my friend.