Sunday 28 October 2012
Aqua Apples
Friday 26 October 2012
The Scent of Corsica
'Scent of a Woman' - Al Pacino - a modern classic. A sophisticated amethyst and rose dawn embodies femininity...
Today, a casual conversation endorsed of the power of scent. Corsica, renowned for the distinctive aroma of its heather-like native flower, seduces visitors with this scent as they approach the harbour from Marseilles. It made me wonder: 'what fragrance embodies the spirit of Valley Garden Paradise?' An interesting question eliciting an unexpected response. My choice is the seductive, mellow cloud that hovers over the steps in February when the humble 'Butcher's Broom' flowers laden with tiny stillata blooms. Folklore states that its antiseptic leaves provided the perfect natural scourer for butcher's chopping blocks! Not only is it unassuming - it is fragrant and practical, the perfect combination! As ever, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Thursday 25 October 2012
New Beginnings
Quiet privacy allowed me to relax and muse over possible story-lines for a sequel to Coke's adventures on the Cornish coast.
Wednesday 24 October 2012
Deep Purple
'Smoke on the Water' - This iconic 70's rock anthem always comes to mind when I contemplate a planting in purple. The smokey silhouettes provide perfect relief from the woodland shades of green.
Abundant rainfall has provided the perfect habitat for a 'Slug's Diner', plant platters of perennials and roses have topped the a la carte menu. Our sultry purple under-planting for the white wood has all but disappeared so we now need to take action and re-plant.
My trusty friend, plantswoman Helen Johnson, has found a beautiful new recruit from our favorite Cornish Nursery, Pococks. Aptly named, Ebb Tide, this plum-purple rose has a compact habit and an enchanting fragrance. The photo on Pocock's website is glorious, hopefully by next year our bare-root recruit will be posing for snapshots - Great Expectations!
Abundant rainfall has provided the perfect habitat for a 'Slug's Diner', plant platters of perennials and roses have topped the a la carte menu. Our sultry purple under-planting for the white wood has all but disappeared so we now need to take action and re-plant.
My trusty friend, plantswoman Helen Johnson, has found a beautiful new recruit from our favorite Cornish Nursery, Pococks. Aptly named, Ebb Tide, this plum-purple rose has a compact habit and an enchanting fragrance. The photo on Pocock's website is glorious, hopefully by next year our bare-root recruit will be posing for snapshots - Great Expectations!
Tuesday 23 October 2012
Blood Rain
I saw this headline today on the BBC and was totally riveted! For me it embraces the spirit of 'Casino Royale' - the villain whose blood-red tears betray him at the poker table. I must read on and discover the story behind this headline!
Apparently, exceptional weather patterns are carrying red desert sand on the wind, the rain then becomes red - leading to the desciption 'blood rain'. Tonight, the metaphor has touched my soul, tonight my tears flow red - the colour of love not anger. The matriachal tie is forever - but there comes a time when a parent will move on to walk in the Heaven's garden. It is my Mum who ignited my curiosity and love of the garden. Her spirit is strong, her will indomitable - the time of separation, although near, lies in the lap of the Gods. Tonight, I just pray for a little longer... in the words of James Bond 'Never Say Never'!
Ecclesiastical Elegance
The quiet of the early morning garden has the ability to touch the soul. Nature provides a constant backdrop in our lives; its presence can be both up-lifting and awe-inspiring.
Sunday 21 October 2012
Queen Epona
It was with great sadness that we discovered that none of gentle Queen Banba's baby princesses had survived to supercede their mother.
With time running out, and no time to lose, we ordered a newly mated 'Buckfast Queen' to reign over Banba's hive. Travelling 1st class by 'jiffy-bag' she arrived safely a week later! Thankfully, the colony have accepted her and she has started to lay, vital if the hive is to over-winter.
Today, after much thought, we have named her, Epona, after the Gaulish Moon Goddess. Worshipped widely throughout the Celtic and Roman worlds Epona was the protector of horses, representing their positive traits of independence,vitality and intuitive understanding. Also recognised as the Goddess of Abundance, she was believed to embody fertility, freedom and creativity. Perfect characteristics to reign over our magical honey-bees!
With time running out, and no time to lose, we ordered a newly mated 'Buckfast Queen' to reign over Banba's hive. Travelling 1st class by 'jiffy-bag' she arrived safely a week later! Thankfully, the colony have accepted her and she has started to lay, vital if the hive is to over-winter.
Today, after much thought, we have named her, Epona, after the Gaulish Moon Goddess. Worshipped widely throughout the Celtic and Roman worlds Epona was the protector of horses, representing their positive traits of independence,vitality and intuitive understanding. Also recognised as the Goddess of Abundance, she was believed to embody fertility, freedom and creativity. Perfect characteristics to reign over our magical honey-bees!
Saturday 20 October 2012
Sea-coloured honey
I was fascinated to read today about honey bees in Ribeauville, Alsace, producing blue, green and red honey. Celebrated for their delicious wines, this was surely a coup!
The idea of sea, moss and poppy coloured honey on toast was surely a step into designer territory. A little detective work has revealed the source of the inky nectar filling the frames - the industrious little honey bees had discovered the residue of M&M syrup at the nearby Mars factory. For a moment I thought that we had the honey-producers at Fortnums on the run!
Sunday 14 October 2012
Fly Safe on The Wind
Eleven months today, our beloved Zeus left us to surf with the angels. Last night we took the last of his ashes to Barrel Rock in Bude to set him free amongst the waves.
Now immortalised, in 'Rum and Coke on the Rocks', his spirit will be with us always!
Autumn Colour
Plunging icy hands into grainy pocket recesses, I have to acknowledge that season change is now in full swing. Sedum heads ripen and optically mix with the blackcurrant pittosporum, Tom Thumb, succulent colour tantalises my taste buds.
Berries abound in the hedgerows; the prospect of gathering nature's bounty for pickles and jellies excites. This is nature's golden moment, a time to celebrate the rich flavours and intense colours, time to join the birds and woodland creatures as they gather their winter stores.
The flaming Acer gives a hint of the cosy autumn evenings ahead.
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