Scilly Summers

Dispatch from Tresco

I hope you’ve had a lovely week.

I’m away on holiday with my family, which is heavenly. We’re on Tresco in the Isles of Scilly, where I’ve been coming since I was tiny. It doesn’t give the thrill of going somewhere new, but there’s something very lovely and reassuring about returning somewhere you know so well that always stays the same.

I love going on the same bike rides, having the same morning coffee routines at the Ruin, the same competitive cowrie shell hunting - I find it wonderfully reassuring and instantly relaxing. Other than the morning coffee outing, there’s no planning - just lots of reading (me), eating, Waboboa balling in the sea (boys), smelling the geraniums, walking and hunting for shells. And talking about the weather, obviously. My bikini has had more outings than my coat so far this year, so I’d say we are winning!

So for this week’s Seedling, I’m sharing what I’m loving on and off the islands - from the botanical to the beach, what to wear and what to eat. And if you want to read more on Tresco, I also created a guide last year that has my favourite haunts (you can read it here).

Wishing you all a very happy weekend and happy hols!

Love, Willow

PS check out my favourites shop with all my current loves, from fashion to interiors.

In this week’s dispatch from Tresco - a new love for Aeoniums, shell-spiration, where & what to eat, what to pack & wear in all weather conditions…

Aeoniums

This is the first year I’ve really noticed the aeoniums on the island. These wonderfully weird, sculptural plants are everywhere; towering above the scented geraniums in terracotta pots, emerging from the sides of the roads and growing out of stone walls.

I’ve had a few in pots at home for years, but now I want more. I’m going to have a go at planting them in the borders as well. They don’t like the cold, so will need lifting before the frosts arrive, but I think it’ll be worth it. I love the contrast of their bold, architectural shapes against all the soft, airy flowers I usually grow.

Aeonium Love on Tresco

Mosaic shell-spiration

I am still trying to work out what tiles to put in our new shower room. I’ve been looking at beautiful mosaic tile inspiration and been considering it and then found this on the walls at the island village school yesterday. I’m sure it’s highly impractical in a shower but isn’t it so beautiful? I love the shells mixed in with the coloured glass.

Loving the shell mosaics

Eating