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Plant Portrait
(click to enlarge to full size) A common sight in the gardens or lanes at this time of year. And there is something so very delightful on seeing a bee disappear into a foxglove and hearing it buzzing around inside like a helicopter in a hangar. I try to plant bee and butterfly friendly flowers…
Macro Monday #81
(click to enlarge to full size) A large deciduous shrub with grey-felted shoots. Grey-hairy leaves, flowers: pendent saucer-shaped purple-blue on long stalks. Commonly known as: Chinese lantern, Flowering maple, Parlour maple.
Macro Monday #80
Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow. ~ Imogen Cunningham. (click to enlarge to full size) My final tulip this year (I know I have gone on a bit) is this pretty purple one performing its last dance. Tulips give so much pleasure even in their dying moments. As…
Garden Portrait: Summer at Hinton Ampner
The walled kitchen garden is full of lavender-edged borders and swaying grasses and the Norman church is now surrounded by greenery. Pear trees that were in blossom in the spring, now drip with ripening fruit. In July the garden is transformed. Around the house and the terraces shrubs give way to bedding plants, perennials, delicate…
Macro Monday #79
(click to enlarge to full size) A visit to the Eden Project at the beginning of May was not the best time to go for tulips this year, although there were still some in bud outside. In the Mediterranean Biome though it was a different story. Large terracotta pots (and oh, how I wish I…
Tree Series #28
“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The next best time is now.” Chinese Proverb Waiting for the train to St Ives under this glorious cherry tree at the end of April. I am constantly amazed at how these trees hang on to their blooms as it is always windy by…
Garden Portrait: a tribute to Beth Chatto
Beth Chatto died last week (1923 -2018). On May 13th. To anyone interested in garden design and plants she was a well-known name. She has inspired and influenced gardeners for many years both here and across the world. Famous for her ability to grow plants in difficult places she is often quoted for her dictum:…
Macro Monday #78
(click to enlarge to full size) This year I added a new French Parrot tulip with long stems and an outrageously large flower head. In retrospect possibly too large for my windswept plot. From green buds unfurl brilliant orange blooms. The feathered flowers have hints of pink and green brushed along the petals. The finished…
Tree Series #27
“Yet still the unresting castles thresh In full-grown thickness every May. Last year is dead they seem to say, Begin afresh, afresh, afresh!” ~Larkin. When the trees get dressed in spring it is as though they have decided to go to a party! Beautiful copper leaves translucent in the sunshine. Possibly a Copper Beech tree….
“Condensational”
Days of coastal fog can be so annoying as the temperatures drop and the air is damp. One positive result is how condensation is formed on the tulips in the courtyard. The jewel-like colours sparkle with diamonds. Daily Post Photo Challenge | Liquid
Macro Monday #77
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