It was a struggle to get an even vaguely in-focus photo today. This was partly to do with the gale force winds that were assaulting plants and gardener alike, and partly to do with the fact I had so many clothes on it was hard to extricate my camera and take a shot.
In order to keep warm, this vinca was doing the dance moves to YMCA. For sake of the photo, we are lucky that Y is quite a long note.
This morning I started a new job. I think it is going to be a good one.
They have compost bins and a greenhouse. They said the words “environmentally friendly”. The soil is free draining. It is a windy site but has sun. It is flat. It is only 20 minutes from home. I haven’t seen any mind your own business. They say please and thank you. Coffee is good. And this little chap lives there.
Hail storms notwithstanding, it was good a start. I think it is going to be a good one.
Tropaeolum tuberosum at Westwell Hall. The first flower of the season. Better late than never.
“Quick, quick, come and see this!” Lady Mantle called out frantically.
His Lordship and myself dropped our croquet mallets and ran at full pelt towards her plaintive calls.
“Is it a newt?” I asked
“No”
“A toad?”
“No”
What other exotic creature could be lurking in the flower bed? A boomslang, an axolotl, a New Zealand flatworm?
Panting after our exertion, having run a full 10m without a pit stop, we demanded:
“What have you found that is so exciting we had to drop everything and rush to your side?”
“A really big worm”
Lord Mantle looked at me. I looked at him. We sighed in unison and walked away muttering “a worm” and “not even a very big one”.
As we retreated we could hear Her Ladyship exclaiming:
“Look! It’s as big as a snake, enormous, come back!”
Attention seeking again. When will we learn?
There is no photo of the “enormous” worm. I hope you aren’t disappointed. Instead you have a picture of a canna seedpod, just ready to drop its contents to the ground.
I am determined to remain upbeat for this week’s Six on Saturday. Apparently, according to a memo I received this week from our mentor The Prop, it is important that we keep our happy faces on, given all that is going on at the moment. And, as we all know, what The Prop wants, The Prop gets. This morning’s result didn’t help. Then I heard the story of the South African captain, Siya Kolisi, and my disappointment turned to love and respect. There is always something there, something to turn things round. We just have to look a little closer.
Shall we kick off with the psychedelic partnership of Begonia ‘Glowing Embers’ and Fuchsia hatschbachii. Both were distinctly underwhelming earlier in the season. The same can not be said for them now. Planted in a collapsing half barrel in the frozen north, they get absolutely no direct sun now. Do they care? Not likely!
Next we have Jacaranda mimosifolia grown from Mallorcan seed. It has had a good summer outside, growing well all things considered. Last week I moved it to the waiting room, just outside the back door. Soon it will be moved inside for a winter sojourn away from the elements, attempting to inflict a little class on the spider plants.
Onto nasturtium and friend. I have reached the time of the year when I say “oh, bless its little cotton socks” rather than reaching for a brick. This of course is very short sighted of me, they will return in droves to haunt me, punishing my soft heartedness. You may have noticed by the attractive drops on the leaf that it is raining still. On a day off I really don’t care.
Now an unknown penstemon, a cutting from a former client’s garden. It has flowered all summer and is showing no sign of retiring from active duty.
The Lavandula pinnata has thrived this summer. I really should have taken some cuttings but I didn’t so there is no point worrying now. It is in a sunny, well drained spot, so the odds are stacked in its favour. I may have just jinxed myself.
Finally, the exotic glamour of Impatiens flanaganae. After a dramatic pause it has come into flower just in time to make number six. Definitely worth the wait.
Not sure that was particularly cheery, but one does what one can, until the next time ….
Bare bones.
Yesterday I struggled with the weather, it was cold and windy and dark. I didn’t want to play autumn’s game. I wanted to hibernate. Snuggle up until spring studying picture books full of adorable photos of puppies and kittens.
Today was similar, weather wise, but somehow different. Fully base layered up (not sure where I will go from here) I shrugged off the drizzle and miserable. Greeted by a jump jet spaniel ensured that my day started with a wide grin and a happy heart. The company of the fabulous Mrs Bun meant that there was no turning back, my dreary mood could not persist.
Mr Bun undertook The Job of the Century and returned battle scarred and triumphant. I was suitably impressed. Mrs Bun laughed at his wounds. You will be pleased to hear she has retired from the nursing profession.
This wonderful little rose did its bit too in the good vibration department.
Adventurer. Hiker. Advocate.
Gardening, nature and country walking
Still learning after all these years.....
Gardens, Nature, Pictures, ... discover, learn and share
