Author: susurrus

Please visit my blog, where I celebrate gardening, nature, photos and creativity. As you'll quickly discover, I love most flowers. I'm here to have a little fun with other bloggers, finding new insights at every step of the way. I enjoy all forms of photography, from macro to more impressionistic shots, so often visit photography blogs to see what other people are sharing. I write about my other interests too including marketing, design, travel and writing - and, rather to my surprise - about the odd issue affecting us all that I just can't resist commenting on. The website link will take you to my home page, but please click on 'Blog' to see what I'm really up to!
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A Good Match: Courgette Flaunting in a Post-Truth World

I’ve read several articles where people complain about social media types like us (WordPress does count as social, doesn’t it?) flaunting our riches.

You know, bragging about our crazy lifestyles, celebrity friends and expensive belongings. Everyone I read mainly does that.*

So, in light of the Europe-wide, 2017 courgette (zucchini) shortage, take a look at this:

Pizza with grilled peppers and courgettes

I challenge anyone to come up with a more decadent pizza topping. Before you judge me, remember it isn’t bragging if it’s true.  Continue reading “A Good Match: Courgette Flaunting in a Post-Truth World”

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Helleborus: Spotted Doubles

Hellebore spotted double

If I was asked for one word to describe the character of hellebores, it would be demure. That shows the dangers of generalising. These beautifully spotted, double blooms look like something out of musical theatre.

Helleborus x hybridus Ashwood Garden Hybrid - spotted double

I can’t help wondering what they are whispering about. Fear of slugs? The shipping forecast?  The best hairdresser in the county – should that be petaldresser?

For those hoping for something a bit more botanical, these are Helleborus x hybridus (Ashwood Garden Hybrids).

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Outsider Art: Watts Towers by Sabato Rodia at Dusk

Watts Towers at Dusk

I’ve never liked the term ‘Outsider Art’, so why am I using it? Good question. It gives me a chance to take a pop at it a sentence or two later! Art, of all things, should be inclusive. Outsider Art seems to imply exclusion or at least condescension (“they’ve had no training, you know”), as if there is an overarching Art Club, but you have to be a paid-up member to lunch there.   Continue reading “Outsider Art: Watts Towers by Sabato Rodia at Dusk”

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In The Shadows

I like the way the colours harmonise these contrasting images, while the shadows add complexity and atmosphere. The first image needs a little explanation: it shows a ballgown displayed on a headless mannequin, as part of a store display. We’re peering in through the window.

The object in the foreground is a small tree, complete with rootball, sprayed white, hung from the roof and decorated with a galaxy of trailing stars. I hope the tree was already dead as there’s no way back from this!  The decorative floor pattern seems to work perfectly with the mix of spotlights, dark shadows and an ethereal mesh of lowlights created by the tree installation. The red lampshades draw our attention to the dress. Continue reading “In The Shadows”