Celebrating gardens, photography and a creative life
Hops are one of the few plants that I’m allergic to – either the oils or the coarse hairs brought me out in a rash when I had to prune a vigorous vine that had overgrown its space.
I’ll not hold it against them as they’re attractive plants with shapely leaves, and it’s safe to say they weren’t out to get me. Or fairly safe, as it could be a tactic evolved to stop creatures messing with them. Continue reading “Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus’ (Golden Hops Vine)”
When I get the chance, I try to create a floral fabric design – something a designer might paint – from living flowers. Not that I deserve the credit for growing the flowers, cutting them or arranging them, mind you. By ‘create’ I ought to say spot the opportunity and take a picture.
Several of these pictures show abstract-seeming details of a monumental sculpture packed with colourful gleams and glints. Continue reading “Ricardo Cat by Niki de Saint-Phalle”
Scampston Hall Gardens was designed by Piet Oudolf as a series of rooms, each in his characteristic style. The perennial meadow is a playground for pollinators, featuring Rudbeckia, Achillea, Phlomis, Verbascum, Helenium, Monarda and Geranium. Continue reading “Scampston Hall Gardens On A Sunny Day”
I’ve seen a number of unusual planters: teacups, bathroom suites, cars, trucks, tyres, socks, handbags, upholstered chairs… if it will hold soil, someone will think of putting plants in it. Continue reading “BrightSquare: Flowerbed”
One of the most eye-catching bits of branding I’ve seen is on the corner of Fifth Street and North Lamar Boulevard, in Austin, Texas. Continue reading “ATX Public Art, Austin Texas”
Zinnias are some of the most insect-friendly plants you can grow. Easy from seed, these cheerful annuals flower a few weeks after planting.
Susan Rushton 