The Random Book Giveaway – The Library, a Fragile History paired with Maggie

A few years ago I started, with great aplomb, the Great Monthly Book Giveaway. I was to give away a book each month and write about both recipient and tome. Even if you couldn’t be bothered to follow the link, you clever folk would have guessed as much. It fizzled out after a short while, I was possibly distracted by a kitten or puppy, or perhaps a plant sale. To mark nothing in particular, I have decided to relaunch the concept, with less expectation of myself, as The Random Book Giveaway. This could refer to either the randomness of the book or the frequency of my gifts. All bases covered.

First we have the book, The Library – A Fragile History by Andrew Pettegree and Arthur Der Weduwen. I have been interested in manuscripts, both aesthetically and historically, for many years, have read several books on the subject and have admired examples in all their glorious splendour at The British Library. This book was a natural progression and is as comprehensive as it is captivating. It covers passion and politics, war and wealth, heartbreaking wonton destruction, acquisitiveness and art. Through the centuries, from scrolls to digital readers, it is a thoroughly entrancing and accessible read.

Next we have the recipient, Maggie. I first met Maggie when she worked at one of my favourite places, for both the plants and people, Marwood Hill Gardens, in North Devon. We were forever bumping into each other at various horti-events and she was always kind to point out if I was wearing a piece of clothing back-to-front or inside out, which admittedly is not a rare occurence. Despite all this, we didn’t become proper friends, not in the “here, have my number, let us meet for coffee/wine/chat” kind of way. However, I always felt it was on the cards, just around the corner, she was fun and bright and I liked her. Then we moved to South Wales and the moment passed.

Or did it? As luck would have it, we found each other again on-line and discovered we both had an interest in manuscripts and the like. Who’d have guessed? We took an on-line course together, on Anglo-Saxon art, although I played truant often, true to form. Other things too, it seems, we have in common; a love of art and poetry and wildlife. Virtual friends we will have to be, for the foreseeable future. But I think that is OK, although I will miss the coffee/wine/chat and it will be tricky when it comes to righting my wardrobe. It will have to suffice.

Now you have been introduced to both book and person, I hope you agree, that this will be a perfect match. The Library and Maggie, I know that she will love it, just as I did. I certainly hope so.

Six on Saturday – Away Days

We have been away. Down to my spiritual homeland, Cornwall. We met up with old friends, which involved a combination of reminiscing and catching up on news, accompanied by much laughter and carousing. We revisited old haunts of mine, after all these years now shared with OH, retracing younger steps with more scuffed shoes. As luck would have it, our holiday rental in Penzance was a mere stones throw from the marvelous Morrab Gardens. I couldn’t have been happier. My six this week are all from this splendid public space. Our SoS leader, Jim, will, I’m sure, forgive me for going off piste. Shall we get on, I’m late enough already!  

First we have the bandstand and a handful of the large exotic specimens that make Morrab so special. West Cornwall is particularly clement weatherwise and I was reminded how much more they can grow compared to us, just up the road, in South Wales. 

Fuchsia splendens was flowering well. Since we left, there have been several days of heavy frost and freezing temperatures and I wonder how this lovely fuchsia has fared. Still, it was protected in the shade of a mature tree and I am sure it will recover, however crispy it might be now.

I was thrilled when we first arrived to see the flowering spike of Furcraea longaeva heavy with mini-me plantlets on a border just before our rental home. I gave it a surreptitious shake and filled my pockets with the resultant pennies from heaven. Later, I noticed they were reproducing in planting schemes throughout the town and further. Not so special after all! Planting these little ‘uns is on the list of things to do. 

One for Jim here. There were lots of camellia, but this little one caught my eye. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a label. Any idea, maestro?

I am guessing this is Grevillea rosmarinifolia, the most amazing, perfectly arachnid flowers.

Finally, a real showstopper. Again, no label, but I know that my friend, Tiny Tim, will be able to tell me. Banksia? Possibly. Fabulous? Definitely.

There we have it, Six on Saturday. Hope you are all keeping safe. Us in the west of the UK must batten down the hatches once again for Storm Isha on Sunday night. Fingers crossed.

Six on Saturday – A Corner Turned

Here we have it, 2024 in all its dank glory. That is the weather synopsis in this part of the world, anyway. Our garden doesn’t get much, if any, sun at this time of the year. It is south facing but surrounded by houses and the sun can’t muster the energy to clamber above the buildings quite yet. Which all adds to the gloom factor. Still, spirits are high, I feel like a corner has been turned, a few days of dry cold have been forecast, my finger is being kept away from the Let’s Get Sowing Button and all is well. Shall we get sharing? 

After my last SoS, our esteemed leader Jim asked what photo I had substituted for a picture of an unattractive, soggy hedychium. It was this. A flower bud on my mini Magnolia stellata, one of two. Exciting times.

I have eventually got around to sorting the compost bin, another tick on the list. All “done-enough” was distributed around the garden, mainly heaped upon dahlias which haven’t been put into warm storage. Looking out the window this morning, it seems I was just in time.

A fancy little picotee hellebore is first out of the blocks. I know its not a race, but January is a time when flowering is especially rewarding for the gardener.

Confession: I haven’t planted the violas. Still time though.

Last year I decided I needed a little more evergreen/winter colour in the garden and bought Pseudowintera colorata ‘Moulin Rouge’. It hasn’t grown as much as I had hoped, but, in its defence, it was swamped by a vigorous impatiens for much of the summer. This is the problem with plants that are small but will grow large eventually, they need to be placed in a spot they can mature but may be overcome by others whilst they are young, or you must move them as they progress with the jeopardy that can involve. Dilemma.

Finally, the Mistral anemones are coming into flower. I wonder what they have to say about the frost, they might well change their mind.

There you have it, Six on Saturday. Thanks to Jim for hosting, pop over to his site to see what gems lie there. Until next time.

New Year’s Puzzle

Every year, since I became self-employed, I have taken January off. I, rather pompously, call it my sabbatical. I also tell people I will be holidaying in the Caribbean for the duration. At least there is some truth in my first statement. 

Every year I have list of tasks that I promise myself to complete before I return to work in February; clean and sharpen tools, archive photographs, sort my outdoor clothing. Some I achieve, others, to my shame, remain unticked. One job already undertaken (and it is still December!) is the emptying of my work bag, sorting the detritus from the useful, washing the bag and starting all over again. 

Looking at the diverse, and sometimes puzzling contents I found within my bag, reminded me of the game we played as children, the wildly exciting Objects on a Tray game. And I thought, what better gift to you than something to amuse you at this party time of the year. Later, at your black tie Tizer and Hobnobs New Year event, there might well be a lull in proceedings. An inappropriate remark by the Archbishop might invoke an awkward silence or perhaps George Clooney will once again attempt the Worm Dance. Everyone will be examining their feet and wishing they had slippers on. You are desperate to get out of a tricky spot. “Let’s play Off The Edge Tray Game!” you cry. “What! You’ve never heard of it? It’s all the rage in fashionable society.” Disaster averted!

The rules are simple. All you have to do is study the tray for 30 seconds then look away and list all the items without peeping. To help I’ve given a list with a short attempt at an explanation.

Some, although not all, of the contents are listed below, when they appeared in multiples I’ve shown only one, the tray was getting very full!:
1. Two sets of keys, not mine – I can identify one set as Max’s but the other I have no idea.
2. An assortment of pens, pencils and markers – this bag eats pens, hides them when you need them and then spits them out when you don’t.
3. Two knives – a gardener should always have a sharp knife and a back-up with a corkscrew.
4. Various Packets of seeds – no surprise there.
5. Gonk – lucky and portable
6. Business Cards – now stored in a tin that once contained mini-mints that I gave to Peggy from our recent trip to Manchester Art Gallery.
7. One plaster, 4 lip balms, one handcream – extensive first aid kit.
8. Piece of used soft-tie – it will definitely come in useful one day.
9. Hairband, hair clip, hair tie – unruly hair can make or break a day. The hairband is useless as it continually pings off my head. The soft-tie could, at a push, join this group.
10. Four Ventolin inhalers – although I rarely need one, I am paranoid about having an inhaler with me. Which is obvious here!
11. A syringe – given to me by The Prof to remove water from my echeveria. Strange but true.
12. A hand lens – or loupe as I believe it is called. Used at college and seldom since, which I shall rectify forthwith.
13. A plastic spoon – in case of emergency chocolate mousse situation.
14. Anti-histamine, paracetamol, cough sweets – I am a sickly child
15. A mini-stationary set – mini-stapler, mini-staples, mini-sellotape, mini-pencil, mini-sharpener, maxi-joy.

Now go!

How did you get on? Brilliantly, I’m sure. Hopefully you will all be having so much fun you won’t need to fall back on this frippery. Wishing you all a wonderful 2024, full of love and laughter and happy ever afters. Keep the faith my friends xxxx

Six on Saturday – ‘Twas the SoS Before Christmas

Twas the SoS before Christmas, when all through the garden,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a ………

Oh dear, I may have fallen at the first hurdle, what rhymes with garden? Pardon? Lardon? This isn’t going well. The plan was a good one, the execution sorely lacking. In any case there are plenty of creatures stirring, I’ve just been out to feed the birds and it is pretty wild and windy out there, which may in small part explain the burry pictures. You may visit the Six on Saturday Grotto and see what all the other Christmas Elves have been up to, ably corralled by SoS Santa himself. Shall we shake a leg? Nearly time to put the brussels on!

First we have Correa backhousiana which has been hiding its light under a bushel, quite literally, for the summer months. Not that it is complaining, this year it seems to have settled nicely into its home and has rewarded us with a plethora of its palest yellow blooms.

My SoS Sister, Noelle, very kindly send me some of her cyclamen seedlings. Most have beautiful silver leaves, but this elegant one stands out in the blingy crowd.

Hedychium ‘Tara Seedling’ has a story, it is long and embarrassing and involves the late, great Tony Schilling and my ignorance. Yesterday I searched for seed, thinking of TC and his quest, and to my surprise/excitement I found just a couple. Later today I will sow them and hope for the best.

Another cyclamen, trying its best, with the help of the gusty wind, to get out of shot. I like to think of it as a bit of Christmas art. 

A plucky primula, one of last year’s bedding, is doing it’s best to light the gloom. A little nibbled, but it is good to share, especially this time of the year.

There was a last minute adjustment to my Six when the postman brought a surprise package to my door. These cards were made by Grandma Swotty using flowers from her garden, and possibly her daughters wonderful plot as well. They are absolutely beautiful and I will be loathe to send them out to anyone except the most special and deserving. Even then I will have to steel myself. Thank you Christine, I love them!

And that, is that. The Christmas SoS is complete. Next time we will be looking forward to the new year and all the potential and possibilities that come with it. Ever onwards! Until then …….

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Six on Saturday – Bad Dreams

I had a peculiarly dreamful sleep last night. As usual, the sweet dreams passed me by and horror took centre stage. After being dragged by my ankles to certain doom by evil spirits, I dreamt that Michel Roux Jnr (Michelin Starred chef and secret crush) told me, in no uncertain terms, that I had no writing talent at all and I should just give up and not bother anymore with my embarrassing efforts. I’m not sure which part was worse. Strangely, it has inspired me to make an effort to Six on Saturday today. We are all busy, or perhaps not so much, but it is all about finding the time and making the effort; simple, no excuses, you either do it or not. And I have this week, so here we are. If you want to meet and greet other SoSers, which I would highly recommend, pop over to Jim’s site and enjoy. Off we go …..

First, the best performing rose of the year, Absolutely Fabulous. I’m not sure this bud will come to fruition, but the “in the moment” moment will suffice.

Against all odds, the summer bedding gazania are still stumbling on in a pot close to the house. It ain’t natural, it won’t last, but I’m not complaining.

Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’ is a champ. Not rare, not fussy, and until very recently hidden beneath a wave of dahlia vigour.

Last week a tree surgeon topped and trimmed the Pyrus ‘Chanticleer’. They left behind a pile of chippings, some from us, some from others. Later these little nuggets will be mulching the borders. OH says the tree looks like it has a GI flat-top. I cannot disagree, but at least we won’t fear it crashing into the house on windy days.

The annual Rudbeckia ‘Irish Eyes’ is one of my favourite tenders. Although I am itching to tidy, we all know that in the interest of our garden wildlife we should hold fire until early spring. Still, the itching persists.

Finally, Phlomis ‘Rougement’ a special gift from my friends Tiny Tim and Phlomis Phlo. Hopefully we will be visiting them in January in their new home. I can’t wait!

All done, another Six completed. And Michel, I forgive you for your harsh words, it is about taking part not literary excellence. Pop over any time, the kettle’s on.

 

Nigella’s Parmesan Shortbread

The idea was to empty the compost bin. It is full to bursting and a few gaps have now appeared in the borders where any bounty can be piled. Yesterday was the kind of day when those kind of plans are made. Sunny, crisp, invigorating, all descriptors of the perfect autumn, on the cusp of winter, day. Today is the the kind of day that plans are shelved. Damp and dreary, oppressively gloomy, the reality of life.

I’ve got a busy week ahead, I argued with myself, stay in the warm and prepare. I didn’t take much persuading. Reading the Sunday papers, as part of my mental preparation, a Nigella Lawson recipe caught my eye – parmesan shortbreads. It sounded simple enough. There were just four ingredients, all of which I already had, which made a pleasant change. I would think of it as research, if they were delicious and easy I could make some for Christmas.

As always, the real recipe (an approximation) is in standard type, my version in italics.

Parmesan Shortbreads

Mix all the ingredients together until a golden dough begins to form a clump.
Lift out all contents of the cupboard to get mixer at the very back (a reflection on how often I use it) and replace all the contents once more. Then notice that you don’t need to use a mixer, you can use a bowl and wooden spoon instead. Feeling noble, I decide to forgo technology and use the time honoured hands on approach. Take all the contents of the cupboard out again, replace mixer and return the contents once more. Realise the butter should be soft, so weigh out 100g and put it in a saucer on the radiator. Weigh out 150g of flour and grate 75g parmesan. One of my most hated jobs in the kitchen is grating cheese. I am brave. Put them both in a bowl with an egg yolk, wonder what to do with the egg white. “Make a meringue” flashed into my mind, I threw my head back and laughed manically and poured it into the food waste. Then I felt a bit guilty. Butter is still rock hard. Time for another coffee and a rest.

Time passes, butter is softish but I can’t wait any longer. Mix it all together with the wooden spoon which doesn’t seem to be working too well so decide to go rogue and use my hands.

Turn out onto a surface and knead for 30 seconds and divide into two.
I am not hopeful that this is going to be kneadable, but it appears that I should have more faith in Nigella.

Using your hands, roll both sections into cylinders about 3cm in diameter, clingfilm them and refrigerate for 45 minutes.
There was quite a lot of squishing and squashing and wondering just how big 3cm. I was tempted to find a ruler but my Nan wouldn’t have bothered with any measuring nonsense and she wouldn’t have known nor cared what a centimeter was. So I channeled my dear Jesse and guessed. I put the little Christmas crackers into the fridge to firm up, set Grumpy Cat to 45minutes and made some lunch.

Preheat the oven to 160C fan and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Grumpy Cat dinged and I hadn’t put the oven on or lined the baking sheet. Yet again I am puzzled why I own parchment paper, but I do and I am very pleased of that fact. Oven won’t take long to heat up.

Cut dough rolls into 1cm thickness and place on sheet. Should make 35-40.
35-40?!!! I think not. Cut into approximately 1cm pieces, or what I imagine 1cm should look like and place on tray. A bit of a squeeze, what if they spread a bit? Line another tray, adjust boiling hot shelves in oven, getting steam facial at the same time. Distribute evenly between the two trays. Still only 20 biscuits. Maybe my 1cm is not the same as Nigellas.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until just beginning to turn pale gold at the edges.
Set Grumpy Cat for 15 minutes, shout at the Bargain Hunt contestants. GC dings. Check in oven, is that pale gold? I think so. I hope so.

And the result? Delicious! And yes, Peggy, I am hoping to bring some for you to try. And yes JK, I am hoping there will be a couple for you as well. But they are extremely moreish ……. Thanks Nigella, you didn’t let me down, I didn’t doubt you for a moment!

Eye of the Storm

Further to what I would have you believe, it hasn’t been all dank and deluge this last week. Wednesday was beautiful. The sun shone, the breeze was light.

This fabulous day was to be spent working at The Fit Family’s lovely country garden where I have recently created a new bed. This new border, sunny and sheltered, has been planted full of exotic lovelies such as Hedychium greenii, Wachendorfia thyrsiflora and a variegated beschorneria. However, the ground is poor, little more than clayey, rocky subsoil, so improvement was imperative. Unfortunately, synchronicity was not on my side and the spent mushroom compost did not come in time for planting. Not ideal, but it could be added later, getting the plants into the ground was the priority. The soil improver was due to arrive before my next visit.

And so it had. A pallet of the lovely stuff had been delivered, along with a builder’s bag of woodchip mulch. The only problem was that it was 4 wide steps and several tens of meters away from its intended place. It was also pouring with rain. Not to worry, I thought, I’m sure Mr Fit will be out in just a minute to help me.

Luckily, after my sojourn at Cliffe, I have advanced level barrowing skills, albeit a little rusty, and gamely I began. The bags were much heavier than the last load I’d distributed and I couldn’t even lift one into the wheelbarrow let alone get it up the steps. Not the best start. What now? Jedi advice from an ex-boss echoed in my ears, (who was actually more Gimli than Yoda, with a temperament to match) “Old age and cunning, Gill, use old age and cunning”. Inspired, somehow I managed to hoik one into place, cut it open, empty half into the barrow, hoik the half full bag out. Then backwards I inched up the steps and across the lawn to the bed. And repeat. Twenty-two times. In the rain.

Unfortunately, Mr Fit had a pressing appointment (non-specific) elsewhere (or was it an allergy to rain?) and wasn’t available to assist.

I can’t think why I’ve got a bad back.

This week all that was left to be done was to apply a woodchip mulch, which would finish the bed off nicely. As I was driving to work, the sun shining in a rather disturbing manner, I was hoping that the fairies might have helped in the fortnight I had been away. But no, no supernatural help had manifested itself. There, looming proud, was the full bag of chippings next to the nine remaining compost bags. Mr Fairweather Fit, as he shall be known from this day onwards, appeared eager to help by shifting the compost. “Blimey, these are much heavier than last time!” he said as he lugged them up the steps, puffing and panting, then barrowed them to a more convenient corner. Another pressing appointment beckoned.

I spent the next few hours shoveling chippings into the wheelbarrow, hoiking them up ……… you get the picture.

Can’t imagine why ….. you get the picture.

Six on Saturday – Blessings

Another challenging week, weather-wise. Another challenging week, work-wise. There has been an awful lot of bulb planting and a seriously daunting amount are lurking on the horizon. My back has been playing up and ibuprofen, Voltarol and a heated pad have been my constant companions. Still, it’s nearly spring, so I really mustn’t complain. Yes, I know I have just been moaning on, but apart from incessant rain it has been a fine week. Things have been achieved, delicious banana and chocolate muffins have been eaten and the leaking boiler fixed with relative ease. Blessings must be counted. I will do my best to deliver an upbeat and positive Six on Saturday. Visit Jim over at Garden Ruminations and I am sure the other SoSers will lift any spirits still floundering in the mush. Shall we get on with the task at hand?

First we have Malva trimestris ex Ruby Regis. I was a little disappointed when I found out this mallow is an annual. I have been proven wrong, it has flowered and flowered and flowered. Not only that, it has produced lots of seed for next year. Win, win!

Fuchsia macrophylla was knocked back so hard last winter I feared it wouldn’t get back up again. Rummaging in the back of the border, looking for photo opportunities, I found it has risen from near death. Of course I really should have looked before now and taken precautionary cuttings, but it is too late now and I must hope for the best.

In the five minutes of sunshine between putting the washing out and the rain starting again, I noticed next door’s fence steaming in the warmth. It’s both art and science.

I was always led to believe that blue centred osteospermum are the hardy type, namely Osteospermum jucundum. Hopefully, this is true as there is no room in the greenhouse for this lovely little, admittedly blurry, daisy.

I just can’t resist a seed head. All that promise.

Finally, Dahlia ‘Labyrinth’, a little ragged but still having a go. A lesson to us all.

That is your six for this week. I hope all chins are up. Have fun!

Six on Saturday – Home Sweet Home

It has been a couple of weeks since I joined in with the Six on Saturday shenanigans; general apathy and specific holiday being the reasons. The sunny spells yesterday inspired me to pull myself together and venture forth into the mellay. The ground is sodden and the garden is looking rather unkempt; apathy and holiday also being the reasons. Another reason, which conveniently rhymes, is the season. Autumn. A time of natural decay, of hunkering down, of slowing. I know it is a favourite time for many, but not for me. For me it is the promise of damp and cold days. I don’t want damp and cold anymore. Perhaps I will come and visit one, or more, of my antipodean SoS colleagues. If you wish to hear more tales of murk or sun from across the world, pop over to Jim’s site, our venerable leader, and all will be revealed. Shall we shake a leg?

First we have Nerine bowdenii ‘Bicolor’ which has done me the great honour of flowering. Unlike my others which are steadfastly under-performing. Perhaps they will be shamed into making a move.

The glorious thug Diascia personata has been kept slightly less rampant than last year, but still there are unfortunates that lie beneath. She met her match with a couple of ipomoea and they have had a wonderful tussle over the last few months.

The sunflowers have been magnificent this year, now the skeltons grace the garden. I was wondering if the seed have fallen to the ground or been eaten by the squabbling sparrows. Maybe a little of both.

The Salvia uliginosa has collapsed onto the large dark-leaved, winter surviving dahlia. The sky blue flowers are looking beautiful against the chocolate foliage of its supporter.

Next Salvia leucantha, either Midnight or Purple Velvet, I’m not quite sure. I’m glad it eventually turned up to the party.

As we were heading off on holiday we commented on how the autumn colour of the acers was particularly good this year. Storm Ciarán sorted that one out.

That is another week done, I hope it finds you well and warm.