If you think you see a rose in full flower out of season – look again – it’s probably a camellia. Continue reading “Camellia sasanqua”
Wordless Wednesday
Opuntia cactus with comedy and tragedy masks
I’m sharing these pictures of an unusual but treasured treat – a smooth prickly pear (opuntia cactus) hand-carved with the three faces of comedy and tragedy. The giver of this gift, the sweet-natured, wise Greg Grant, carved a rather blithe-looking face (or perhaps it’s expressing wonder?) on the middle pad that reminds me of this ancient theatre mask on Wikipedia. Continue reading “Opuntia cactus with comedy and tragedy masks”
Protecting plants: careful!
The Hopeful Herbalist reminded me today that tending a decent sized garden is time consuming: most large, contemporary gardens are cared for by far fewer gardeners than would have been the case in the past. That’s a real challenge, especially as gardening the right way often takes a little more time. How tempting it must be to cut corners! Continue reading “Protecting plants: careful!”
Brent and Becky’s Bulbs: a private tour
It may seem unseasonal to post pictures of daffodils in the autumn, but far from it: if you live in the northern hemisphere, this is a great time to plant bulbs for flowers next spring. Meanwhile, the gardens of my Australian blogging buddies seem to be full of life all of a sudden, so I imagine it’s daffodil season there.
Either way, I’d only need the flimsiest of excuses to belatedly share pictures from our visit to Brent and Becky Heath, including some taken in their private garden, trial grounds and growing fields. I’m not a daffodil expert so please don’t ask me for their names!
How to soften stone: pink pelargonium
Cottage garden plants: a tumble of lilies
Fragrant lilies in a corner of the garden at Wollerton Old Hall against a backdrop of hedging, roses and clematis. Wouldn’t a tumble of lilies make a great collective noun?
Susan Rushton 