Aqua Apples

 

The ice bites, the clocks fall back, British summertime comes to an end. But where did the summer go?  Damp mizzle and boggy grass will be nature's gold medals alongside our memories of the Diamond Jubilee and The Olympics! However, every rain-cloud has a silver lining, this year it's our extra juicy apple crop and the 'Autumn Colour' - rich, red, intense! The hydration is allowing a glorious kaleidoscope of leaves to hang on to the branches despite wild winds.  The result, an explosion of sunset colour.  Woodburners, cinnamon, apples and sloes beckon as we preserve the harvest for the shortest days!

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.

New Beginnings

 

Today autumn is official. Comfortable and cosy in my beach hut overlooking the Sea Pool, I was priviledged to observe the power of nature in all her glory.  The vast expanse of beach and sky is a perfect contrast to the seclusion of Valley Garden Paradise; each captures a different facet of this magnificent natural force.

Quiet privacy allowed me to relax and muse over possible story-lines for a sequel to Coke's adventures on the Cornish coast.

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!

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.

 

  Whether it's watching the flowers unfold in a roof top window box, sea-grass swaying in sand-dunes or scrumping for apples and blackberries in the countryside, nature is always present and just waiting for us to embrace her gifts. Flowers amongst the chimney pots, maybe a little surreal-but there lies the miracle!

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!

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!

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.

 

 

The flaming Acer gives a hint of the cosy autumn evenings ahead.

 

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.