tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79805369489693476262024-03-15T15:48:17.723+00:00 Annie's Little PlotAnnie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-9015960096494249252017-02-20T15:56:00.000+00:002017-02-20T15:56:00.182+00:00Boothby's blond anyone?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sounds like a character from The Great Gatsby or Charles Dickens. Or maybe a real ale! There is also 'Red Elephant', 'Wild pigeon bean', Mr Fearn's Purple flowered' or 'Peewit', these are some of the unusual names in this years <a href="https://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/hsl">Heritage Seed Library</a> (HSL) catalogue. I joined the scheme, which is run by <a href="https://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/">Garden Organic</a>, last year. I thought it would be a good opportunity to try some new varieties and also support a really important cause. If you are an avid reader of seed catalogues you will know that new varieties come along all the time, promising wonderful things and whilst some do live up to that many others will get dropped and will get lost along the way. Some because they are just not good enough but many get dropped as they might not yield that perfect shaped carrot. These seeds will then not be commercially viable in the world we live in where all vegetables need to be uniform shape and blemish free even if they have no flavour.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlD5vstnhjrAjLLtdUG4aRolxFoSGCLcnSmPyMw4WU7knycbRh6pgXRgypJujsj3KfV5RVOXSIScrtVz1uqwv-DhD5lmAJq6tqkYHFAGrq8S0z4EfyfVv16axjBnyNJGpl3uLLYDFkkc/s1600/picture+391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlD5vstnhjrAjLLtdUG4aRolxFoSGCLcnSmPyMw4WU7knycbRh6pgXRgypJujsj3KfV5RVOXSIScrtVz1uqwv-DhD5lmAJq6tqkYHFAGrq8S0z4EfyfVv16axjBnyNJGpl3uLLYDFkkc/s640/picture+391.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
HSL not only save seeds that have been lost from commercial seed catalogues, the HSL also saves seeds that have been grown year after year on allotment sites across the country. These may have been passed down from generation to generation in little brown envelopes. They may be fantastic for growing in the cool, cloudy north of the UK, or may be tolerant of particular conditions. Its vital to keep a wide selection of varieties to boost genetic variation. Many will have proven pest and disease resistance in line with organic growing. OK and may be a little of me wanted to grow some vegetables with bonkers names!!<br />
If they are dropped from the list of approved vegetable varieties then
by law they cannot be sold. To get round this the HSL is set up as a
charity and you join as a member and they give you the seeds for free. Its not a seed bank and all the seed is grown by the team at Garden Organic and a group of <a href="https://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/seed-guardians">Seed Guardians</a> across the country and then distributed to the members. You get the catalogue in December and can choose 6 varieties and you get
a lucky dip extra variety, it costs £18 to be a member. Its basically a
big seed swapping exercise. If you want to join and place an order you will have to be quick as the deadline for seed orders is this Friday 24th Feb. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdomiAi9gZSHRdc8qvDUGcV9FSpSGoLDRln03US0LYEiIjyoZv-XTdPz5jZEREBf_dis285qaLPdNIwpAJ5qcJyT0BER0I3YGQo7WOS1Uy3_NtDoPS3KZOP1oTF2eXHIl3_zWaNsiANi0/s1600/Allotment_02_08_2011_03_DC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdomiAi9gZSHRdc8qvDUGcV9FSpSGoLDRln03US0LYEiIjyoZv-XTdPz5jZEREBf_dis285qaLPdNIwpAJ5qcJyT0BER0I3YGQo7WOS1Uy3_NtDoPS3KZOP1oTF2eXHIl3_zWaNsiANi0/s640/Allotment_02_08_2011_03_DC.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
Varieties that I grew in 2016 included the Pea 'Chibby's Wonders' it was described in the catalogue as being strong and pest and disease free and so it proved. I sowed the seed in small black square pots, two seeds per pot ( you get about 10 seeds) as I don't have much success with sowing peas direct and didn't want to risk losing them. They all germinated quickly and then were planted out at the allotment in early May and they grew well. They had white flowers and developed into good long pods with around 6-7 peas per pod. Towards the end of the cropping I left some to dry for seeds and I managed to save some nice seeds for next year.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I grew a really attractive leek called 'Walton Mammoth', it was described as a variety with long white stems which is a good show variety and the key thing for me is that it said it was resistant to rust. You get plenty of seed of this variety and these I sowed in early March, pricked out and then grew on a bit before planting at the allotment in June. I really liked this variety, it truly was resistant to rust and it was a lovely bluey green colour.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYQyl8nIvLTWW7waOfAWG21H777spoDMp1Zo9cOVZXQAIjygbTzugOQOSPnmBl-SfSfxzijQkLHjxRKtUYENACFAj1lCsrlCVpSnqyFyhY_nR1SXaC_s1bvFG_2llpt-cT368YnQmpcw/s1600/IMG_20161026_104202560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYQyl8nIvLTWW7waOfAWG21H777spoDMp1Zo9cOVZXQAIjygbTzugOQOSPnmBl-SfSfxzijQkLHjxRKtUYENACFAj1lCsrlCVpSnqyFyhY_nR1SXaC_s1bvFG_2llpt-cT368YnQmpcw/s640/IMG_20161026_104202560.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I grew a variety of Beetroot called 'Long Blood Red' which as you might imagine from the name has long roots and said to be sweet and flavoursome. It is said to stand in the soil well and also good for pickling. This did grow well and was nice and sweet so I will try that again this year. I didn't leave any for seed. I've never tried saving seed of Beetroot before actually.<br />
The climbing french bean 'Blue and White' struggled a bit but I managed to get a couple of plants going and actually saved most of the pods for seed for this year. <br />
I had poor success with a variety of squash called 'Zapallito de Toscana' as these all got eaten by slugs, my nemesis in 2016. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4b1qEPXZdoJdjL_ARq1_VY9VLFkRkwct9-6_3ZtJvMmutf2NjgCRHoImKMt8sMLOBjqynw1dPpqs5I_dZUFEV0rN6d9Bc5ALXFyy1N0-4FpEEo8OB8Fj5_RiggOezZGs4o6K7IoLzF6w/s1600/picture+410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4b1qEPXZdoJdjL_ARq1_VY9VLFkRkwct9-6_3ZtJvMmutf2NjgCRHoImKMt8sMLOBjqynw1dPpqs5I_dZUFEV0rN6d9Bc5ALXFyy1N0-4FpEEo8OB8Fj5_RiggOezZGs4o6K7IoLzF6w/s640/picture+410.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 2017 there were 158 varieties to chose from and with some difficulty I narrowed it down to my 6 of choice.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pea 'Bijou' this is a mangetout variety which I wanted to try again this year, despite its name its a very vigorous variety and said to need good solid supports. It has pretty bicoloured purple and white flowers and succulent pods, sounds great to me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cucumber 'Boothby's Blond' which is said to be a early, prolific variety with yellow, warty skin, ok that might sound a bit off-putting but it is said to be a really sweet melon like taste which was a favourite in taste trials.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Squash 'Summer sun' which is a bright yellow patty pan type which will look pretty as well as be productive on the plot.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Celery 'Solid Pink' which is a very old variety from 1894 which produces large pink stems and is said to retain its colour when cooked. It is a trench variety, a technique I've never tried before so this will really be an experimental crop.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Onion 'Batun' which is a Russian variety and is a bunching onion and forms clumps of purple tinged bulbs which have a mild flavour.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lettuce 'Bronze Arrow' which is a Californian heirloom variety which has arrow-shaped leaves with a broze edge which is also supposed to be drought-tolerant and also very hardy so good for over-wintering and what really caught my eye was that its said to be not as attractive to slugs. Thats what sold it to me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My lucky dip was a Celeriac variety called 'Tellus' which is supposed to be quick-growing and smoother than usual varieties. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So I'm really looking forward to seeing how they fair this year. I'm also going to make a proper attempt at saving seed and will think about becoming a Seed Guardian in the future and adopt my own orphan vegetable! </div>
<br />Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-16740108596445380162017-02-01T16:14:00.001+00:002017-02-01T16:14:36.734+00:00La La Land mmmm.....<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">It’s
a bitterly cold day at the beginning of February, we've seen hardly any
sun the last few days and the temperature has barely got above a few degrees but I'm
not complaining too loudly. Its winter, this is how it should be. I wouldn't
change the seasons. This was brought to home to me after a recent visit to my
local cinema to watch the much-hyped new film La-La Land. In the film they marked the
passing of the year by telling you the seasons in big letters on
the screen! They had to tell you as you would never know from looking at the
clear blue sky and wall to wall sunshine! Everyone in 'summer' clothes all the
time and out walking the beach and eating outside. Bliss? Sometimes I think it
might be nice, but I wonder if I would really like that all the time, would I get a bit bored? </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirN8uvt7y9ClC2QYIKtKTZbZxpe0bJzaKXiIEWKXSzCRR0Fo_mWJueuGD202MQyhluPAgRNYiWfQdnhtrMajB7pIhNeOnSzmULgcctsycxIvyMiTF5eYJ7RIHaENsSCLhSahg2Og6BADU/s1600/picture+055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirN8uvt7y9ClC2QYIKtKTZbZxpe0bJzaKXiIEWKXSzCRR0Fo_mWJueuGD202MQyhluPAgRNYiWfQdnhtrMajB7pIhNeOnSzmULgcctsycxIvyMiTF5eYJ7RIHaENsSCLhSahg2Og6BADU/s640/picture+055.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I
love the rhythm of the year as we cycle through the seasons. The seasonality of
plants adds to that joy. The excitement of the first snowdrops, followed by
tulips, strawberries, roses, raspberries, all the flowers and fruits that mark
the seasons. We all have our favourites in our garden and plots which signpost
the passing of the gardening year. Another reason why I've not been too
bothered about the so-called 'courgette crisis' who wants to eat courgettes
much at this time of year. Ok maybe I'll get some in to have in stirfrys or
veg chilli but I usually have my fill of courgettes in the summer. Now its all
about the root vegetables, the leeks and cabbages.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73Ao_lhopLi9dC7xU6hb2vFDCm-o9Rz4oRHQAWcxH9s3h2D_7Kqx4-q5rRmjtI4Rb8U9A0lK0dIToYjm_Wyx8m-AmLitf9bZr-QTH-LgEsR5-f5Nll8Pf3MRXaidWC-CojnCxR0jI41Q/s1600/picture+393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73Ao_lhopLi9dC7xU6hb2vFDCm-o9Rz4oRHQAWcxH9s3h2D_7Kqx4-q5rRmjtI4Rb8U9A0lK0dIToYjm_Wyx8m-AmLitf9bZr-QTH-LgEsR5-f5Nll8Pf3MRXaidWC-CojnCxR0jI41Q/s640/picture+393.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Having
said that as we get to the end of a season I start to look forward to the next,
always looking ahead but you must take the time to enjoy the season that you
are in. I know by the end of February I'll be itching to get going again in the
garden but at the moment while its still cold I'm enjoying the garden dreaming,
planning and perusing of seed catalogues. If I had to garden all year like I do
in the Spring I would be exhausted! I need the break over the winter to recharge
my batteries and reinvigorate my love of gardening. I'm not saying that my love
goes away but sometimes by the end of the summer I'm ready to have a break. I
often have a second wind in Autumn, a season which I love, and like being busy
again but its always at a much slower pace then anyway. There isn't that mad fervour
that seems to happen in Spring. Then by the end of autumn I'm quite happy to come
inside, snuggle down by the fire and shut the dark out and relish the family
time of Christmas and just slow down. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxeXvsKknVClLxl13HUxpC9_zO_bMLSV4Vydn-nl8Ls_o2lcCEBmjvImahzmuFyTIy5sRZKdm_0iNobceKvBFbYjdov34OVnN2Vh5ftF63xtdAfILvsaXW16sjGqwl86LGEiqOE8smEo/s1600/DSCF0488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxeXvsKknVClLxl13HUxpC9_zO_bMLSV4Vydn-nl8Ls_o2lcCEBmjvImahzmuFyTIy5sRZKdm_0iNobceKvBFbYjdov34OVnN2Vh5ftF63xtdAfILvsaXW16sjGqwl86LGEiqOE8smEo/s640/DSCF0488.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">This
is when I catch up with reading. Armchair gardening. I've recently bought
a set of books edited by Melissa Harrison published in association with The Wildlife
Trusts. It is an anthology of writing by gardeners, naturalists, travel
and wildlife writers, plus excerpts from fiction but overall short pieces of
writing highlighting each season of the year. It is a joy and this will be my
seasonal reading for the year. They are by my bed to dip in and out of
according to the season. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqK_lpEi7pd_K_niYEzaFdIRHKh79dhN0ayiq18hksx2qbkphEhTUU4vUeswQGLT6H0WCkOGzSuhegwjOrdg0eI7LmCCz5uGQiMWP7DEKgLt2pFxt2TkRGG1gm3ntWemQlsFRU3kPBeIE/s1600/picture+287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqK_lpEi7pd_K_niYEzaFdIRHKh79dhN0ayiq18hksx2qbkphEhTUU4vUeswQGLT6H0WCkOGzSuhegwjOrdg0eI7LmCCz5uGQiMWP7DEKgLt2pFxt2TkRGG1gm3ntWemQlsFRU3kPBeIE/s640/picture+287.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">I've
also been spending some time going through my garden photos, trying to
catalogue some of the better pictures. I take so many but I've never really
looked back at them very often so its been nice to revisit old gardens. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6va8OWdlM8qANpGYw39wo8ZpjfIpWgs6yh1BGXRvnxfmKhta8f2fZFFEPJe8LukcAH7YaybJieiGRiNqxhKCbN8dTBB-PpW8v4FijqVKUoE4LLYpRAg3UUR8_kYCDHZtqFaBafQj7UwM/s1600/picture+315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6va8OWdlM8qANpGYw39wo8ZpjfIpWgs6yh1BGXRvnxfmKhta8f2fZFFEPJe8LukcAH7YaybJieiGRiNqxhKCbN8dTBB-PpW8v4FijqVKUoE4LLYpRAg3UUR8_kYCDHZtqFaBafQj7UwM/s640/picture+315.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">All
is quiet in the garden at the moment, its poised you might say, but even in
this bitterly cold weather it seems like there signs of life, new green shoots
poking out of the soil. The garden is more monochrome at this time of year but
this is where evergreens in your garden really come into their own adding that
dark green background. My garden remains quite green throughout the year as in
my back garden I have an evergreen privet hedge, a big rhododendron which is
green all year and a small circular lawn. I now have a few box balls dotted
around the garden which add some nice structure. I also admire the Japanese
Maples at this time of year, the shapes they make and way they get covered in
little droplets of water in the damp. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">In the front garden apart from a sleek
glossy leaved Camellia most of my shrubs are deciduous but actually on the
whole they have nice silhouettes. The Magnolia stellata has started to puff out
its silver soft hairy buds at the tips of its stems. I have a Witch Hazel which
is just getting to a nice size now and sizzles with orange spidery flowers and
a Viburnum x bodnantense which is also getting a good size for flowering now
and has been covered in blossom for a month or so already. This cool weather
will be good to keep these flowering for longer. Still hanging onto its jewel
like berries is a Cotoneaster horizontalis which is sprawling over a small wall
most of the way along the side of my front garden. So there is still a lot to
see and take pleasure in and soon there will be snowdrops and hellebores.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6_UG94ZG4gZGPc5W4d5ksPCAuG7JWTWwbftRrW_Dz_GXguhBAfWZgqqj37hXSAFz9VCJJ3sSToUy_cQW1YDsdE1FYYRXky1I9H_BCPhTtyJkfda-9VceET2PAvGeREsfvWhjk9xxv9U/s1600/Inverewe_2006_11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6_UG94ZG4gZGPc5W4d5ksPCAuG7JWTWwbftRrW_Dz_GXguhBAfWZgqqj37hXSAFz9VCJJ3sSToUy_cQW1YDsdE1FYYRXky1I9H_BCPhTtyJkfda-9VceET2PAvGeREsfvWhjk9xxv9U/s640/Inverewe_2006_11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Where
you might feel more despair at this time of year is on your allotment plot as
it can look quite bleak and bare but if you can look back at your photos
through the year so much happens in that yearly cycle. It will soon start
again. I've been up to my plot briefly today and the rhubarb is starting to
sprout. There are bits of green around but all is a sleep and I don't feel guilty
for not spending much time there! Anyway take the time to enjoy the cold
frosty days. We'll soon be running around like mad things. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEs3UXzsffjVgybAw7H5gj0xayZqIB0CHHhO0ebpPB9zXR32TOqSs2YJjMm9UapmdgR2Z5cyPNKuI42S64ruJcb4Wm7LclXbovmbHrV7RHRNfTsdMYcnOlOTcMnAjrPVK-xYouJQV7ChI/s1600/DSCF4010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEs3UXzsffjVgybAw7H5gj0xayZqIB0CHHhO0ebpPB9zXR32TOqSs2YJjMm9UapmdgR2Z5cyPNKuI42S64ruJcb4Wm7LclXbovmbHrV7RHRNfTsdMYcnOlOTcMnAjrPVK-xYouJQV7ChI/s640/DSCF4010.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Going
back to the film, my local cinema is fab, its an independent cinema in Elland
called the <a href="http://elland.nm-cinemas.co.uk/">Rex</a> which is one of
the oldest cinemas in the country. When we arrived this week there was a man
playing the organ at the front, you can get a mug of tea or coffee to drink
while you watch. They still have an intermission where you can get more
refreshments or some local ice cream. The drinks, sweets and snacks are not
over-priced and are normal shop-sized not the ridiculous super-sized packets
you get at the big chain cinemas. It can be a bit chilly inside but that would
be its only fault. Plus they don't always have the films on straight away as
they are released so you may have to wait for your film to come on but the most
popular ones usually do and they also choose some of the better independent
films. They have family films on in matinees at the weekend and have a thursday
morning special for seniors with an organ concert and tea and biscuits. Its
fabulous and actually well used which is great. One advantage is that perhaps
not super trendy so usually a good crowd watching who love films. Anyway thats
an aside. So what of the film, I did enjoy it and definitely recommend people
to see it, but because of the all the hype I kept waiting for something amazing
to happen which it never quite did. It was entertaining but worthy of all the
fuss and Oscar nominations I'm not completely sure.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hlyIfaz4NnDujtYSVM67ljhOU4yeYJ4bdUcS4pgFLg-cId2_yWJvktKCTOeeXaPvK_0r0CbpaNXPum9essdGlhYt6AAtotf6XMEI9nduncBRPNFhQZCErnxMU1v9YTSpsblkPVabm5Q/s1600/picture+403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hlyIfaz4NnDujtYSVM67ljhOU4yeYJ4bdUcS4pgFLg-cId2_yWJvktKCTOeeXaPvK_0r0CbpaNXPum9essdGlhYt6AAtotf6XMEI9nduncBRPNFhQZCErnxMU1v9YTSpsblkPVabm5Q/s640/picture+403.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Hope
you've enjoyed some of my pictures of flowers through the seasons.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 24.0pt;">
</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">
</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]--><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-51571776916223136072017-01-22T15:56:00.000+00:002017-01-22T15:56:12.886+00:00Review of the year 2016<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm a bit late doing this but one of my rituals at this time of the year when everything in the garden has slowed down and I have more time, is to reflect on the previous growing year. To see what went well, any disasters and new things that I've learnt. I like to get out my garden diary and notes and just see what have been the stars of the year and the disappointments. There are always some things that fail and the more experienced I've got, the more I've learnt that sometimes you can do the correct things but in gardening you are a slave to the vaguaries of the weather, pests and diseases and sometimes just luck. Time is a really crucial thing, I know I don't get as much time at my plot or in my garden as I'd like and so have to accept that its never going to be perfect. If I could go to my plot every day I could keep an eye on watering, pests etc but thats just not possible so I've got to accept some losses and challenges! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfXgSW1EVgY5SwA6HMZ4DIUJH52endWm9hyphenhyphenYJ_ngIVHGVhWrbn-orATMDuteOnE2wU6_o88-VKMxvX8qR0y8ch7Dfja4oFXQQvVmjOd3BleNsZDXd5b1kpqE1xs1NTvinv1yTwO_jmxo/s1600/IMG_20161026_104218610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfXgSW1EVgY5SwA6HMZ4DIUJH52endWm9hyphenhyphenYJ_ngIVHGVhWrbn-orATMDuteOnE2wU6_o88-VKMxvX8qR0y8ch7Dfja4oFXQQvVmjOd3BleNsZDXd5b1kpqE1xs1NTvinv1yTwO_jmxo/s640/IMG_20161026_104218610.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have a A3 diary with a page per day and usually like to jot down a bit about the weather when I remember! I've been very good the year past in noting down as I sow seeds and also if I try propagating plants. I've tried hard to make notes as I plant at the allotment though that didn't always happen, I'm hoping that will change now though as I've got a little notebook in the bag I take to the allotment and am trying to jot notes in there as I work which is really useful. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgx3mDoPS7BkSXaBtUeDp2i5FMlNuWm2-OjdXwHsBn1Dg9ROfucWG2SCKvy76BXpSUdFCqGjWbs1AKPgTdjfXfmnuZdgXKSknU9JN0gNYJaF1hbee8YnMo2Sxszlwtam_FF5hsWlCzKc/s1600/IMG_20160505_102749086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgx3mDoPS7BkSXaBtUeDp2i5FMlNuWm2-OjdXwHsBn1Dg9ROfucWG2SCKvy76BXpSUdFCqGjWbs1AKPgTdjfXfmnuZdgXKSknU9JN0gNYJaF1hbee8YnMo2Sxszlwtam_FF5hsWlCzKc/s640/IMG_20160505_102749086.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was very wet start to the year with bad floods in the area, luckily I wasn't affected but there were problems in Hebden Bridge and Colne Valley close to me. So there was not much work done in January at the plot but lots of planning! I started some seed sowing at the end of January and I'd got some autumn sown hardy annuals that I potted on. These actually didn't really end up flowering much more ahead of the spring sown annuals so I've not sown too many this time. By the looks of it there wasn't much done in February as well and no blog posts, but I had managed to get manure on most beds before the end of the previous year so there wasn't that much to do. We had some more snow in March but then we had more settled weather and the spring frenzy began with the start of seed sowing and planting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbiC_oUpui2KNHkxZu7CiGvbKJ79uGrCxy_Y4RBKCjVgzI5DnBFAxcFj975r0aHewfwpGkGVlAo-7gGzweNPD4ReLTlrimDlDAU-NX6cYZoJcQcca4_kVtk5jmJw2FBB9rxHqjsLdRYA/s1600/IMG_20160316_160258075_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbiC_oUpui2KNHkxZu7CiGvbKJ79uGrCxy_Y4RBKCjVgzI5DnBFAxcFj975r0aHewfwpGkGVlAo-7gGzweNPD4ReLTlrimDlDAU-NX6cYZoJcQcca4_kVtk5jmJw2FBB9rxHqjsLdRYA/s640/IMG_20160316_160258075_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We were still getting quite hard frosts in mid-April and actually this turned out to be a cold April and so many things were slow to get going. We then had a very cold snap at the end of April into early May and unbelievably we had some snow. Thankfully May became warmer and plants got going at last. But you can see that wasn't a huge difference in the photo below taken in May with the one above taken in March. April was a slow month!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTXmf-1xuX4d2XNCjiQ0d0Z2ANqu34dJTKbwQiPePM3F85VhX_kifilhp4LPeskLR3crktqXS6u4jkEFBwE5tgFW9QpIjX5WqpmORqEuJaICq8kNnShuvFG_BvdlAQ3cWwr7xEsVMJBo/s1600/IMG_20160505_102840822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTXmf-1xuX4d2XNCjiQ0d0Z2ANqu34dJTKbwQiPePM3F85VhX_kifilhp4LPeskLR3crktqXS6u4jkEFBwE5tgFW9QpIjX5WqpmORqEuJaICq8kNnShuvFG_BvdlAQ3cWwr7xEsVMJBo/s640/IMG_20160505_102840822.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Things moved much quicker into June.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhyphenhyphenhT9ITpSzPSWuS-nMjgo8XJop8ADw1XmxjpnNfcBjMI0ZYBttnRmrucmY_MStTDMuXZcBqsuk-SHkSuT8HEnGJVsJNVNquShjPSOlnITi_FyJ9KpM8NUkqCG85b36yNn3OJPa6XdHw/s1600/IMG_20160603_112157690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhyphenhyphenhT9ITpSzPSWuS-nMjgo8XJop8ADw1XmxjpnNfcBjMI0ZYBttnRmrucmY_MStTDMuXZcBqsuk-SHkSuT8HEnGJVsJNVNquShjPSOlnITi_FyJ9KpM8NUkqCG85b36yNn3OJPa6XdHw/s640/IMG_20160603_112157690.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The rest of the summer was a bit hit and miss, but all was lush in mid August. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nEVxIGAgwvDR9RCMsHe_lbqc4eDpE-BeLRwDCdRjDbJNJP9Tec7tijpEBC0W-PAvOOkl4bV6V2ip23Ic8IDax_NR5TSdaZf2TJ7w278AK8brxRmUaV-aIeWBHwnfu1g-PCWHtUEpQFg/s1600/IMG_20160821_172447877_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nEVxIGAgwvDR9RCMsHe_lbqc4eDpE-BeLRwDCdRjDbJNJP9Tec7tijpEBC0W-PAvOOkl4bV6V2ip23Ic8IDax_NR5TSdaZf2TJ7w278AK8brxRmUaV-aIeWBHwnfu1g-PCWHtUEpQFg/s640/IMG_20160821_172447877_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
But as we have had the last few years we had a long mild autumn with lovely weather in September and October into November.This is at the end of September.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudu00M6IrLJPH2W8xwc2JQ1zt11vFK1mCUrCwb9PEvG3BsOYvXSaoPUg9wc2Q1EsybbmYcLp0EdfLsRbpS8xJq16sL8hJX3p0XrHFBxJIBL3dL0A2w3DFgGfRVT35EBM9zxjGsQFoRZA/s1600/IMG_20160925_145338759_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudu00M6IrLJPH2W8xwc2JQ1zt11vFK1mCUrCwb9PEvG3BsOYvXSaoPUg9wc2Q1EsybbmYcLp0EdfLsRbpS8xJq16sL8hJX3p0XrHFBxJIBL3dL0A2w3DFgGfRVT35EBM9zxjGsQFoRZA/s640/IMG_20160925_145338759_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
On the veg side of things it was an OK year for me, not the best, but I had some good crops however I also had a few failures. The bigest failures was my Celeriac and Celery which was completely decimated by slugs, they were planted at a time when I didn't manage to get to the plot as much as usual. The problem with this crop is that you have to get them started so early that its not one that you can really start again with. So I had none of those this year. The same happened with my Kale, so again I've had none of that this year which has been greatly missed. The legume family was pretty successful, though my first sowing of many things failed but they got going in the end. I had lots of beans for eating fresh and freezing. The Brassicas, apart from the Kale, have been fine. The star of this bed has been the purple cauliflower 'Di Sicilia Violetta' which didn't start cropping till November but was a real success compared to my previous attempts of the white ones.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZGaKIle9tWIefDM0wHblmvPLA2d1p_0_QX6wNONZ6Sh-TQleq4zOu2ddNrOuWlQGHhi7eyaDn98LP_PEL73QDkFfYo7-510tBqxc2FBR1pEhdmq6uUDCbGuRXmRFEt1cg_w84WJpD_4/s1600/IMG_20161026_111426761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZGaKIle9tWIefDM0wHblmvPLA2d1p_0_QX6wNONZ6Sh-TQleq4zOu2ddNrOuWlQGHhi7eyaDn98LP_PEL73QDkFfYo7-510tBqxc2FBR1pEhdmq6uUDCbGuRXmRFEt1cg_w84WJpD_4/s640/IMG_20161026_111426761.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Onions and shallots cropped well and I had some leeks for winter, though not as many as I'd have liked, garlic did ok, not massive bulbs but enough for us. It was too cool a year for a good crop of squash and I had a poor year for that usual glut-forming crop, the courgette, slugs again, they have been a real pest on my plot this year. I planted good sized plants but the slugs got on them and ate the centre and so no flowers developed. So frustrating! In my garden I also had a different <a href="http://annieslittleplot.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/a-new-lettuce-pest.html">predator of my lettuces</a>.<br />
<br />
One developing crop on my plot is Asparagus which I've grown from seed, I got some spears coming up last year but it was still not possible to pick yet, will see how it goes this year and I may be able to pick a light harvest. How exciting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXRU1SOwkFD7k08MyvTU1jYmsKdv_tHRn9_R_J_iv3xAFEgNl-urdVaBMLevYwGf7KEcEw5QRVMb5dz5FdcT6J_DeyiRbP5sPmImSgC_IlCo1X4Xo-7wIb8yCkmhyphenhyphen4IHBbfy_ph408oY/s1600/IMG_20160515_175305832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXRU1SOwkFD7k08MyvTU1jYmsKdv_tHRn9_R_J_iv3xAFEgNl-urdVaBMLevYwGf7KEcEw5QRVMb5dz5FdcT6J_DeyiRbP5sPmImSgC_IlCo1X4Xo-7wIb8yCkmhyphenhyphen4IHBbfy_ph408oY/s640/IMG_20160515_175305832.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I joined the Heritage seed library last year and so had some unusual veg varieties to try. I'll write a separate blog post about that at some point I think. So as you can see there have been some successes and some failures which is the usual with me. With everything that has been going on this year though I think its been fine, I've not been able to get to the allotment as much as usual and it helps to have regular visits to keep on top of pests and just generally keep an eye on things.<br />
<br />
Fruit-wise it was a good year starting very early with the rhubarb, I now have two big clumps of Timperley Early and its just the easiest of all fruits (sorry I know officially its a vegetable) it just needs a bit of a mulch late winter and it just gets on with things. I think I'm going to have to split it soon though. Strawberries did OK though was having a bit of a hectic time when they were fruiting and so didn't get as many as I'd have liked. The plants were getting a bit woody so I created a new patch at the end of last year with some of the young plants that have grown from the runners, this should be done every 3 years or so, so I may have a slightly reduced crop this year. My Blackcurrant bush was at its peak with lots of berries and the same for the redcurrant and gooseberries. At the end of the summer my raspberries arrived and these made for a very pleasant snack when I was up at the plot. I did take some home for Martin too but most were eaten in situ! Finally lots of Blackberries from my thornless blackberry. After many years of battling with a very thorny blackberry I dug this up
and planted a thornless Loganberry, it was just settling last year and
sending off new growth and I'm hoping I'll see some fruits this year. Once established fruit growing is simple and so rewarding. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOLi97NupHvxqcHYa_WiiLAriMH4fRuVRVuU0hUtPg9txBQcWUv1fKuyBnPaVcUP6hjKxFw-3z2XNrE2_POCsEdNPiBk3ZM6AUhAj7tW4MFxqOJSUs9YYJYCeZH1gO0ZKBQUcGq724v0/s1600/IMG_20160925_145450528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOLi97NupHvxqcHYa_WiiLAriMH4fRuVRVuU0hUtPg9txBQcWUv1fKuyBnPaVcUP6hjKxFw-3z2XNrE2_POCsEdNPiBk3ZM6AUhAj7tW4MFxqOJSUs9YYJYCeZH1gO0ZKBQUcGq724v0/s640/IMG_20160925_145450528.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
My real passion on my plot though is my cutting patch which keeps expanding each year and now takes up multiple beds on my plot. I had a good year, though I did have a few unexpected failures. I had good success with my sweet peas and they seemed to grow well growing up the frame rather than the usual wigwam, I didn't get a long a crop as I normally do as at one point I struggled to get there to pick them and so they stopped flowering earlier than normal.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcmTyhrYme6hUClo8L6HvTph7LxjWWGjpy3ddvfH3rreBDQ1YsL_fmKTcu3lr8-ndjvk6dFNoVDkgpB0gaenIAp9e2ObJxiKoSS9NSOOA_5ahuZIxMFGnPgmRUIEP5kXk7KDmtfCFWzg/s1600/IMG_20160728_193602793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcmTyhrYme6hUClo8L6HvTph7LxjWWGjpy3ddvfH3rreBDQ1YsL_fmKTcu3lr8-ndjvk6dFNoVDkgpB0gaenIAp9e2ObJxiKoSS9NSOOA_5ahuZIxMFGnPgmRUIEP5kXk7KDmtfCFWzg/s640/IMG_20160728_193602793.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I had good pickings off the usual suspects, the Cosmos, Calendula, Clary, Cerinthe, Scabious, Nigella, Amberboa muricata, Daucus carota 'Dara', Panicum elegans 'Frosted explosion' and Cornflowers. New varieties that I tried were two trailing type larkspur, Consolida regalis 'Snowcloud' a white variety and 'Blue Cloud' a stunning deep blue variety both from Chiltern Seeds. I'd sown them in the autumn but they got a bit leggy so I cut then down quite hard when planting so probably didn't end up flowering that much earlier than if spring sown. They added an airy effect to bouquets and so I'd really recommend it. I tried to find some pictures I'd taken of it but I've not got any good ones apart from this one with 'Snowcloud' round the edge of the bouquet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxJxTK3N24Y3Yc2xNSbcdNIae5lRtYxh_Y6KZP8TVdKdAHBQcDB044yfZ96zmYhRJxZ_ebxlcCGL0mYoiWKMS5R7IaTxbLqdCS18OC3rxM8BO-PMl90zO6Xe4lgZ0hl8KevtgH801MbE/s1600/IMG_20160724_191329307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxJxTK3N24Y3Yc2xNSbcdNIae5lRtYxh_Y6KZP8TVdKdAHBQcDB044yfZ96zmYhRJxZ_ebxlcCGL0mYoiWKMS5R7IaTxbLqdCS18OC3rxM8BO-PMl90zO6Xe4lgZ0hl8KevtgH801MbE/s640/IMG_20160724_191329307.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I'm already planning on sowing these again this year. Other new seed varieties include Orlaya grandiflora, which I have struggled from seed before. I've learnt that this needs to be sown in modules as the germination is a bit erratic and happens over time so if you sow in modules you can pot the ones germinated on while not disturbing the others. I think they also like fluctuating temperatures so germinated better in my greenhouse which can have extremes of temperatures, rather than inside on my windowsill where I have grown them in the past.<br />
I had hardly any sunflowers on my plot this year and really missed their cheery presence, the slugs put paid to them and also to the Ammi visnaga. I'd had great success with 'Casablanca' last year with no interest in them by the slugs. This year I was trialing a couple of other varieties 'Green Mist' and 'Mystique' but almost every plant was completely eaten by the slugs. <br />
I had success with my biennials this year with some lovely dark red wallflowers and mixed pink and whites of Sweet William, I had some sweet rocket which looked good with the chive flowers, Aquilegia's and Geum. I've got quite a few perennials on my plot which I cut from now too, though I have to be careful that the Aquilegias don't seed all over the place but I have a lovely dark red double variety and a pale blue one too. Actually they make a nice addition to a bouquet even after the flowers have finished as have quite unusual seedheads.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOzdouZ7jZ_vxrmAGDPEaGBxmYPu78VFdiWpnfv_CIWyUUkZGl8nm8EWvCjOkTKkutU7XkxQaGCeK46hNMEvo1LxPvix14Jd_hETyujviphgRLQxZrfM-vGxChCa_XYxetRa8zfnZAqA/s1600/IMG_20160605_091145706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOzdouZ7jZ_vxrmAGDPEaGBxmYPu78VFdiWpnfv_CIWyUUkZGl8nm8EWvCjOkTKkutU7XkxQaGCeK46hNMEvo1LxPvix14Jd_hETyujviphgRLQxZrfM-vGxChCa_XYxetRa8zfnZAqA/s640/IMG_20160605_091145706.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Other perennial plants that proved great for cutting were Sanguisorba, Feverfew, Campanula persicifolia, Sedum is great even before the pink flowers have developed, Veronica gentianoides, Gaura lindheimeri 'The Bride', Lysimachia 'Beaujolais', Lythrum salicaria, Linaria purpurea, Erysimum 'Bowles Mauve', I've used the architectural grey leaves of artichokes, and again Oregano was in nearly all my bouquets at one point its a great foil for other pink flowers. I planted some allium bulbs on my plot this year, the drumstick ones which aren't too big and look great in bouquets and they are quite cheap to buy. These look nice before and after they turn purple. Some plants don't just produce nice flowers but nice buds, such as Chives, Sedum and Scabious, or nice seed heads, again Scabious, Nigella, Aquilegia. So sometimes its worth thinking outside of the box when you are looking what to pick.<br />
I grew a couple of Dahlia's which proved great for cutting a creamy white variety called 'Cafe au Lait' which has huge flowers and a more simple variety called 'Bright Eyes' which has a bright pink flower and yellow centre and went well with the Cosmos.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKjncKWJO2pQfUCGFBDlw-NcqyzhAA5K61ElbjhKVTFjH127CMzHr8J9sdq0VKovcw1a8_Wm92FbTFzmrg9fE_bERqm-KSiWuYxWI3qA3bL-34Kuyjsc8kDj7_qSuZc4SikPR6YZfPR0/s1600/IMG_20161026_124930574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKjncKWJO2pQfUCGFBDlw-NcqyzhAA5K61ElbjhKVTFjH127CMzHr8J9sdq0VKovcw1a8_Wm92FbTFzmrg9fE_bERqm-KSiWuYxWI3qA3bL-34Kuyjsc8kDj7_qSuZc4SikPR6YZfPR0/s640/IMG_20161026_124930574.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
So its been a successful year overall I think, its certainly kept me busy, there were moments of despair on arriving at my plot and finding completely empty beds where there had previously been young plants. But the plot is my refuge and place to go to clear my mind and get some fresh air and for me the process is almost as important and the crops. So what kind of year will 2017 bring, I have already placed my seed orders and and looking forward to getting started. Looking forward to following everyones progress on your blogs. Here's to a good year of growing. <br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-22213232821227983152017-01-14T15:37:00.000+00:002017-01-14T15:37:50.319+00:00Goodbye to my gardening companion<div style="text-align: justify;">
I lost my gardening companion this week, my beautiful, funny, affectionate cat Bob. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8g1OAAMFSJN_pfgZjPEhPDDMWlvhNtzo1Vo0Df-F13KY-RhHrB8eKWvRSoKbmecWyPgXLTHLrvXOaOR5kxf7Z5BFs5lEdxp0zkHkjX019Owqy4dY1ARv9A7iwuRtJXKIAgY2jjtejAo/s1600/IMG_20150818_164523269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8g1OAAMFSJN_pfgZjPEhPDDMWlvhNtzo1Vo0Df-F13KY-RhHrB8eKWvRSoKbmecWyPgXLTHLrvXOaOR5kxf7Z5BFs5lEdxp0zkHkjX019Owqy4dY1ARv9A7iwuRtJXKIAgY2jjtejAo/s640/IMG_20150818_164523269.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He's been a constant in my life for the last 16 years, there to keep an eye on me and bring me joy. I got him in 2001 from Dove Holes cat sanctuary near Buxton when I used to live in Disley. A small male tabby and white cat, they weren't sure of his age but thought he was probably about 1 year old. He was a small cat and always stayed small for a male cat but he could look after himself!! He was certainly very protective of his territory and did get involved in the odd fight and despite his size often won. I hated hearing that sound of cats preparing for a fight outside my bedroom window and often had to go down and out to split them up and move them on. I remember once being woken up in the middle of the night by two cats fighting outside the bedroom window and rushing down in my dressing gown. Then once outside realising that it was not Bob and coming in to find him cuddled up on his chair in the lounge wondering what all the fuss was about!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In my first house he liked to look out over the garden. Can you spot him on the window ledge? Must have had a head for heights then.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEcMJoO74QzZxmTtUwSTOLFB1Z4sxuVeeJt7jbPmcFVMHPtFeHe4wAbpFH2o5lhtMSfP0YJnidL5xFAXHcShRHC1k2XpAl-740XrB8QalRca0GMRa5eADgah4AB1pPpS7wdPhUPx4NXM/s1600/garden_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEcMJoO74QzZxmTtUwSTOLFB1Z4sxuVeeJt7jbPmcFVMHPtFeHe4wAbpFH2o5lhtMSfP0YJnidL5xFAXHcShRHC1k2XpAl-740XrB8QalRca0GMRa5eADgah4AB1pPpS7wdPhUPx4NXM/s640/garden_04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 2006 I split from my husband and moved to Huddersfield, living on my own for the first time was hard but he was there with me, keeping me company and more importantly cheerful. Happily for me a couple of years later, Martin came into my life and Bob had a new friend. He was such a friendly cat, very much wanting to be around us. He was very fair with his affections sitting on my knee for a bit then moving onto Martin, spreading his love. If we were in the house he was invariably with us and if I was in the garden he'd always come and find me and sit close by. Though often that was because he was waiting for his tea! My favourite thing in the summer was to get the rug out on the lawn and lay in the sun with Bob snuggling me by my side. He loved being outside in the sunshine. Here he had the whole lawn to sit on but the comfiest spot was my kneeler.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHC2WD1Jq91sZ2SjG22yjfHju1rufZ-wJS0SjaWR785-nNdijI1bxRQG7o3wPD9PSi_X-Ot_S3kbt6WCmh25u1j0PU0qb6qAQB_xebUdgllo-NTM_rT0RVAYjkACE1IEiRzKrbNJ4MOks/s1600/IMG_20160514_123043661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHC2WD1Jq91sZ2SjG22yjfHju1rufZ-wJS0SjaWR785-nNdijI1bxRQG7o3wPD9PSi_X-Ot_S3kbt6WCmh25u1j0PU0qb6qAQB_xebUdgllo-NTM_rT0RVAYjkACE1IEiRzKrbNJ4MOks/s640/IMG_20160514_123043661.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the summer when he was younger one of his favourite spots was on top of the wheelie bin, when it was being warmed by the sun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQLdJ1UoA6Ivmi96hC-nL4fhiofSmr_VxxTwDQMAUFH6g89RbxMNzOc-nDsy25PXCM4P6t33xN50hjI2-hkud7fzywTqJAJVeuzhAtX_z9veVPYi2bcM7WLwnSJsXCVs_0L__YZixObI/s1600/DSCF0383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQLdJ1UoA6Ivmi96hC-nL4fhiofSmr_VxxTwDQMAUFH6g89RbxMNzOc-nDsy25PXCM4P6t33xN50hjI2-hkud7fzywTqJAJVeuzhAtX_z9veVPYi2bcM7WLwnSJsXCVs_0L__YZixObI/s640/DSCF0383.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Which was an easy jump onto the shed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbagKroHu85MUFnD7wr0ggQJykIsj0ylEzphxL7myR9rBnQH2wueP779If82hggoWoI-rCrw5xxbFu77pk5_CLBEjLROMjbvdC_6AlTI7sKVrvVbevxj1t2EtrpcPePxxKEOpf-3i3YIw/s1600/May_2010_40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbagKroHu85MUFnD7wr0ggQJykIsj0ylEzphxL7myR9rBnQH2wueP779If82hggoWoI-rCrw5xxbFu77pk5_CLBEjLROMjbvdC_6AlTI7sKVrvVbevxj1t2EtrpcPePxxKEOpf-3i3YIw/s640/May_2010_40.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Over his life he's had many favourite seating places, some weirder than others. In the wardrobe, on the wardrobe. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapxEyJrW5aV1VKH0tvA0ODqJ1EjHI3mijlrW2TC55k3Xva-qPnBEYuj0v1KZaqnmCz7ZzuUhxMjD1adAP0l5e_ZOCrVBfV159wsask-MjmjkPK1tyR7lzag-hLtLLN3ai9YYUF82G5jI/s1600/DSCF0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapxEyJrW5aV1VKH0tvA0ODqJ1EjHI3mijlrW2TC55k3Xva-qPnBEYuj0v1KZaqnmCz7ZzuUhxMjD1adAP0l5e_ZOCrVBfV159wsask-MjmjkPK1tyR7lzag-hLtLLN3ai9YYUF82G5jI/s640/DSCF0061.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the bedding chest.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPGiNFNrUJ2OaunHBdq8X3kk5KLjqHzc9h-2_SnVPnz5RPCOk19dO1YHdg2actfrCQMxQW72uER-w_5EQxbN5iACDfJ3sEISqHkHdw_fAECLIiPbzutex4kSGYM8e3nu2nSTLMjXGAR34/s1600/IMG_20160810_154630746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPGiNFNrUJ2OaunHBdq8X3kk5KLjqHzc9h-2_SnVPnz5RPCOk19dO1YHdg2actfrCQMxQW72uER-w_5EQxbN5iACDfJ3sEISqHkHdw_fAECLIiPbzutex4kSGYM8e3nu2nSTLMjXGAR34/s640/IMG_20160810_154630746.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Under the desk on the computer. On top of the desk when I was trying to work.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRoNDKt_A-roiogsKzmPcnifgIa004LIBTz4Z6cSBKZrnIvFp82JUTfNa1FZMXSkVzX2FfEtM94q_z6AI4f-3yqDe8MJIg_jqyYDLYI2XZNrXOXre9fxt06T3LxH05NTjrRB1mLvH780/s1600/IMG_20160115_104957592_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRoNDKt_A-roiogsKzmPcnifgIa004LIBTz4Z6cSBKZrnIvFp82JUTfNa1FZMXSkVzX2FfEtM94q_z6AI4f-3yqDe8MJIg_jqyYDLYI2XZNrXOXre9fxt06T3LxH05NTjrRB1mLvH780/s640/IMG_20160115_104957592_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last summer when it was hot he went through a phase of sleeping on the mat near the front door.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF03c6rGbEBstozPFP0fROKQB_GLJDacNOLb7n99ZjwN2rdeWSF8XhPz-x4EmhBIyVdq4W3laX9DF0d7EDv3MlpNg5zdOREOw_PnPWoust2zvifFnjoscJwDMgyaH6IecjI29IS5mYu4M/s1600/IMG_20160718_153459570_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF03c6rGbEBstozPFP0fROKQB_GLJDacNOLb7n99ZjwN2rdeWSF8XhPz-x4EmhBIyVdq4W3laX9DF0d7EDv3MlpNg5zdOREOw_PnPWoust2zvifFnjoscJwDMgyaH6IecjI29IS5mYu4M/s640/IMG_20160718_153459570_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But we had visions of him getting squashed by the post coming in the door so put some things there to try and stop him. This is what he thought of that...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiVZRchoAq_K7csHCZR9rCDfgxtN5BdRK2x1O3Lo0QmUqnw7Lbd2eNWSSDKVL45N-EInxCoVY9ZQtHvqwB6_V1BvO7IP_z8SPcdHyYOmJsRDYaXrA4H0yuePZvxYL5xFtypNqdJDtKuk/s1600/IMG_20160721_174905697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiVZRchoAq_K7csHCZR9rCDfgxtN5BdRK2x1O3Lo0QmUqnw7Lbd2eNWSSDKVL45N-EInxCoVY9ZQtHvqwB6_V1BvO7IP_z8SPcdHyYOmJsRDYaXrA4H0yuePZvxYL5xFtypNqdJDtKuk/s640/IMG_20160721_174905697.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But his two favourite places were on the back of the chair in the lounge where he could get the evening sun and watch the world go by, when he could be bothered.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiLpyyMEesjcN9FU2fxqmJmvzPcYvZEAVAKC_PnpsWRyoDB9GxOESU7bgPwrpdT3VH31NeQLyzEqkg6wUoeUzoQsvb42cgennII6-VUuNqph9wxmi92dswQWbQKP-zDooHj1q5-h_ZHc/s1600/20140823_190233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiLpyyMEesjcN9FU2fxqmJmvzPcYvZEAVAKC_PnpsWRyoDB9GxOESU7bgPwrpdT3VH31NeQLyzEqkg6wUoeUzoQsvb42cgennII6-VUuNqph9wxmi92dswQWbQKP-zDooHj1q5-h_ZHc/s640/20140823_190233.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Or at the back bedroom window in the morning looking out over his domain.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65ntUh0wi07ylYILBXEzhUsRqaInUG4XkLQEmNubEUh_r_32804ceWU_hDOqOICtI4kZ5lfOaQnjcRTuaYqGpZ_1TDK4N3jg7RijvVV9F-CI3IA2h0RiPGgzm8-LEXKCWnethZkpqcTg/s1600/DSCF9376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65ntUh0wi07ylYILBXEzhUsRqaInUG4XkLQEmNubEUh_r_32804ceWU_hDOqOICtI4kZ5lfOaQnjcRTuaYqGpZ_1TDK4N3jg7RijvVV9F-CI3IA2h0RiPGgzm8-LEXKCWnethZkpqcTg/s640/DSCF9376.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He loved going out in the garden but didn't like it when it snowed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsx6fDFZWbqbQsmHEfqdtYw8VVX7L8MiViGbKTuNr2wOimQU56YVN9bxiMgWvY0eIArzGDDpe5DGrTP1GRdNVqPJToNmikzluf6E3PucRfcZ7rvJHeOtsb8fScKUaI9-eo1D_YiyQuGc/s1600/Garden_24_03_2013_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsx6fDFZWbqbQsmHEfqdtYw8VVX7L8MiViGbKTuNr2wOimQU56YVN9bxiMgWvY0eIArzGDDpe5DGrTP1GRdNVqPJToNmikzluf6E3PucRfcZ7rvJHeOtsb8fScKUaI9-eo1D_YiyQuGc/s640/Garden_24_03_2013_02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He was very "helpful" for me around the garden. Helping me chose seeds.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9BY7YdadzEBmohyphenhyphen06puDpqtNKjD-QVDBVWc18VLXw26M8RTyoLcI50buZeRjyy3ZdO7GBUxMnU3kFuBe6lnTUOc6h8Xu0RegyF-bj70zQVAbpeTIWWih9iyZygfKruIg2zAyRSU3DEA/s1600/20131016_205649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9BY7YdadzEBmohyphenhyphen06puDpqtNKjD-QVDBVWc18VLXw26M8RTyoLcI50buZeRjyy3ZdO7GBUxMnU3kFuBe6lnTUOc6h8Xu0RegyF-bj70zQVAbpeTIWWih9iyZygfKruIg2zAyRSU3DEA/s640/20131016_205649.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And sowing them...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GcpCyMMUxcWv8Cgx1TsnlGTQ7c__bAWL-bFU4Z_KlL4aOk74CLSall__tAs21U-pfsoeipiTR39fxXJIMazXOLWH0y6QBVT0npk2GJ1T-nakpbY20-qUDzjZxEkmRmhkjQQ77DzuD0Q/s1600/IMG_20160219_112457512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GcpCyMMUxcWv8Cgx1TsnlGTQ7c__bAWL-bFU4Z_KlL4aOk74CLSall__tAs21U-pfsoeipiTR39fxXJIMazXOLWH0y6QBVT0npk2GJ1T-nakpbY20-qUDzjZxEkmRmhkjQQ77DzuD0Q/s640/IMG_20160219_112457512.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Helping me pick apples.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcdHVre1NLlcjB7pZ3o2yqkHHQGQn-PhwfPJelKKSg1AFNQbEHGGjuh1in8xvs0p-2GXpmbDL821OEqCXzlHOe7qthlgBLY7l5w4s9ERzkZqrmhJDc2EB38OapgyCFPAzSyzqQXg-7bY/s1600/Sept_2011_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcdHVre1NLlcjB7pZ3o2yqkHHQGQn-PhwfPJelKKSg1AFNQbEHGGjuh1in8xvs0p-2GXpmbDL821OEqCXzlHOe7qthlgBLY7l5w4s9ERzkZqrmhJDc2EB38OapgyCFPAzSyzqQXg-7bY/s640/Sept_2011_02.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Warming the soil in my pots<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwpr7IY5Wur7cE2kK7uxOkb_CU6GFpNRQ39yRjXkrvmThyphenhyphenVt2-pX8dWrx6XfCc7KgnPI10tSSBX3UwZdCkl4jXXlP3Pm6fN3srR7pSbTtIMBadKancNrl7NktTNQVTvBeeJ43S3wEYyM/s1600/nr17_062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwpr7IY5Wur7cE2kK7uxOkb_CU6GFpNRQ39yRjXkrvmThyphenhyphenVt2-pX8dWrx6XfCc7KgnPI10tSSBX3UwZdCkl4jXXlP3Pm6fN3srR7pSbTtIMBadKancNrl7NktTNQVTvBeeJ43S3wEYyM/s640/nr17_062.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Then when it all got too much he'd flop on the steps in the sun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE68CIh3-T5NrBHrtw4AXB81yDrv-0POdYB6O1wzCNBlCT6b8YIXhSG7QGiMpIcpWT1M8dlHHYeIiA4HtpI22JPu7beN7Y3V3AU66TTI_QhSH688LmD_sUVaNX95gmi2hV2o8Jv21ww9g/s1600/IMG_20160413_120422003_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE68CIh3-T5NrBHrtw4AXB81yDrv-0POdYB6O1wzCNBlCT6b8YIXhSG7QGiMpIcpWT1M8dlHHYeIiA4HtpI22JPu7beN7Y3V3AU66TTI_QhSH688LmD_sUVaNX95gmi2hV2o8Jv21ww9g/s640/IMG_20160413_120422003_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In his younger days he was a bit of a hunter which was a real challenge
for me being a bird lover. When I lived in Disley, its semi-rural
location meant that I had quite a mixture of presents laid at the door.
Lots of mice, one rat which was a bit grim, shrews, voles and sadly two
moles. One mole was left almost perfect on the bedroom floor, I don't
think they taste nice! Sometimes I managed to save the creatures and many a time
I've been searching for mice that had escaped and which had sort refuge under the
dresser or the bed. One time I was searching for ages for a mouse that
had escaped Bob and raced off the bed. I had the whole bedroom upside
down and then found it in a bag that was hanging from the bedpost. Easy
to carry it out to safety. It was the birds that I hated him bringing
in, not too many luckily, mostly sparrows and the odd bluetit but one time when my mum and dad
were visiting he bought in a dove. It was flying round the lounge and in trying to catch it, it flew out of my hand
leaving its tail feathers behind. I did manage to get it out safely though. We got him collars with bells on but he was too good a hunter it didn't really stop him. He was also always losing his collars, fighting with other cats most often. But as he got older there was less and
less thank goodness.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Doing his best lion pose.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6g9IsBYNx2qP_DoYyvJle7gnlqDI7kAX7DLrsIeBVH1qKhpgWfef76MEPvesJTHQu-4WQXsIzjmzGaE50QSERnc7iLgu8GxZCnBoGRnb2IPJ9MU8t1TKKlBtX9EnjbslWkdg8VcCg0oo/s1600/Picture+065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6g9IsBYNx2qP_DoYyvJle7gnlqDI7kAX7DLrsIeBVH1qKhpgWfef76MEPvesJTHQu-4WQXsIzjmzGaE50QSERnc7iLgu8GxZCnBoGRnb2IPJ9MU8t1TKKlBtX9EnjbslWkdg8VcCg0oo/s640/Picture+065.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He loved catnip and used to go into wild ecstasy whenever I bought any home. I wanted to grow some Catmint in the garden and tried it many times but it never survived beyond a week with Bob nibbling it. For the last few years my friend has knitted him a catnip toy for Christmas and wrapped it in tissue paper. It was always a treat on Christmas day to see him rip open and go mad over this smell.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mQoPSd6L5S6JI000AXD_6coBjnRBa-6BbslhK0r4cJsR9ggtAzIStwcgLNCWS2TvPCXPveqrerWZUMbfe8XAjipg8SM3cnYiShwhSvQXj6F84jURBU50tfVn4dME8D5EBZIJhGRxZY8/s1600/IMG_20151225_135518458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mQoPSd6L5S6JI000AXD_6coBjnRBa-6BbslhK0r4cJsR9ggtAzIStwcgLNCWS2TvPCXPveqrerWZUMbfe8XAjipg8SM3cnYiShwhSvQXj6F84jURBU50tfVn4dME8D5EBZIJhGRxZY8/s640/IMG_20151225_135518458.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The last few years he has slowed down and slept a lot more. He became even more affectionate, coming to sit with you all the time. A constant presence whether he was asleep or stalking you round the house waiting to be fed. He also became more vocal as the years went on. He'd always meiow for his tea and also made a very strange gargling noise when he had bought something in. This noise he developed as he got older and more recently when he came in he would make that noise to catch our attention. I think that was partly because he started losing his hearing and sight, which must have been hard from him, and needed to know where we were. Usually when I came in from work I would hear a thud from upstairs as he heard me and came down for his tea but recently I've had to go right up to him to wake him and for him to realise that I was there. He had slowly got more frail and unsteady on his feet. We had to lift him down from where he had jumped up and he went upstairs less and less. Sadly last week he started to have what we think were mini-strokes and could hardly walk, he recovered a couple of times and we though they were transient episodes but it became clear that these were happening too frequently and finally made the decision that it was kinder for him to be put down. But how hard that was. I do know though that he had a good life and gave back to me and Martin so much love, we are both heartbroken. He will be greatly missed, he was part of our family. The house now is oh so quiet.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagd5g04E-auxahQN1AYm2gdeZIkc9n6smilpIcBjFRBFp3wN9Imbk83kFNdmKhSn1TFzKrcFVafgjpT7x8VD0HH-jIwScYgkpxi_DRgcyU8LCMqAT1Bmk56WnKbh7AJTurVaLCU-SrSg/s1600/IMG_20170106_144015169_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagd5g04E-auxahQN1AYm2gdeZIkc9n6smilpIcBjFRBFp3wN9Imbk83kFNdmKhSn1TFzKrcFVafgjpT7x8VD0HH-jIwScYgkpxi_DRgcyU8LCMqAT1Bmk56WnKbh7AJTurVaLCU-SrSg/s640/IMG_20170106_144015169_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-17661745310365570462017-01-01T17:08:00.000+00:002017-01-01T17:08:30.593+00:00Happy New Year<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happy New Year!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's hoping you had a good Christmas. I've had a lovely relaxing break from work, catching up with friends and family, but also just spending time quietly at home, reading and watching films. A welcome respite from a busy world. I've been sorting out my seeds and planning ahead for the new season.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm sure I'm not the only one who will be glad that 2016 is over. Its been a difficult year for me losing my mum and its certainly been an emotional first Christmas without her. I've been getting out in the garden when the weather has permitted. The joy of walking round the quiet garden in winter is the waiting for all
my winter treasures to start emerging or flowering. The first shoots of
the snowdrops and keeping an eye on my witch hazel in the front garden. Its just starting to unfurl its spidery vibrant orange flowers My snowdrops are starting to peek up out of the soil and there are thick buds on the Hellebores, the winter plants are starting to get into gear. Its a joy to see. The year gets marked by my favourite plants of the season. The anticipation is half the pleasure, but I just find myself thinking I must tell mum about that, we both loved telling each other about the new signs of the new year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iQeOACdirve3pTK-iccoByULnFU9ktsqSy4tPX8E-51bfVQUY4L-rJRpycCvJAoDHqLWEsjjGohgGnn_tuoriQDeo0MhLyk564Y09Ouze2ChJ2z1Rz0BmT8pKunI3q3OBZMw5Pky_rc/s1600/DSCF0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iQeOACdirve3pTK-iccoByULnFU9ktsqSy4tPX8E-51bfVQUY4L-rJRpycCvJAoDHqLWEsjjGohgGnn_tuoriQDeo0MhLyk564Y09Ouze2ChJ2z1Rz0BmT8pKunI3q3OBZMw5Pky_rc/s640/DSCF0080.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've managed to get up to the allotment a couple of days, enjoying the fresh air and the quiet. I'm still busy clearing and tidying. I've harvested most of the leeks now and some parsnips, and have still got some sprouts to pick. Some of my bulbs are coming up there too, some Camassias and some of the alliums. It won't be long, enjoy this quiet time, the mad days of Spring will soon be here. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the garden the birds are back on mass especially the sparrows, barging and bumping each other off the feeders, the blackbirds are about and my Robin is back visiting. I love to go out and just wait a few minutes and then hear his delicate warbling song coming from the Rhododendron or his perch on the apple tree.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-U0979JlScoNpQA8sSxLfL2wNP41EEDvFz2Pda9X0ZQLo23KYpPiHpAFr-nVm15xPK5eF_6vMfnd3yR24-EAY6cOkmG4gIEXzGYsMNi779aMfvnYQ4IHcvnIX4Y_KOu887zM9VHNDso/s1600/DSCF2558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-U0979JlScoNpQA8sSxLfL2wNP41EEDvFz2Pda9X0ZQLo23KYpPiHpAFr-nVm15xPK5eF_6vMfnd3yR24-EAY6cOkmG4gIEXzGYsMNi779aMfvnYQ4IHcvnIX4Y_KOu887zM9VHNDso/s640/DSCF2558.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I want to wish all my gardening friends and bloggers a very Happy New Year, I love reading all about your growing year, the places you visit and the plants that you love. Here's to a peaceful and productive 2017. May all your gardening dreams come true. </div>
Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-4602404950461391312016-12-20T15:39:00.000+00:002016-12-20T15:39:17.253+00:00A cracker of a cut flower<div style="text-align: justify;">
So as the year draws to a close did you know that 2016 was the year of the Cosmos. It always makes me laugh these sorts of titles. The year of..... how do they come up with them all. You might also want to know that 2016 was the year of Pulses. It was also the year of the English Garden, to commemorate the 300th anniversary of 'Capability' Brown. If you look on Google there are lots of other 'Years of'!<br />
But back to the Cosmos and if I wanted to pick a cut flower that was one of the best
performers in my cutting patch then you couldn't go far wrong with
Cosmos.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgDTvQF2KOHU-qeypDftd5q65LX9dVNUcIFImKs2MfKVCXh9HCn4QS0APStd8FHON5Pl1iNgwFlmCx0iW_QVrU_F7PG0r3EWaNO4n1636Mv85m_EtJSEP3sxMN64H-S2-Dj31xdbHh-c/s1600/IMG_20160925_145650532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgDTvQF2KOHU-qeypDftd5q65LX9dVNUcIFImKs2MfKVCXh9HCn4QS0APStd8FHON5Pl1iNgwFlmCx0iW_QVrU_F7PG0r3EWaNO4n1636Mv85m_EtJSEP3sxMN64H-S2-Dj31xdbHh-c/s640/IMG_20160925_145650532.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I'm reviewing how my cutting patch has been this year and starting to plan what I'm going to grow next year and the Cosmos has been such a success for the last few years that I wanted to write about it here. They are such long flowering plants, they are quick growing and so start flowering in July and mine went on into late November this year and you can really just keep cutting them and they send up new flowering stems. They are half-hardy annuals and so shouldn't be started too early. In my experience they almost germinate over night and spring up into biggish seedlings in no time at all. So either sow in modules or thinly in seed trays and prick out as soon as you can. You can pinch out the top leaves once big enough to get nice bushy plants. You need to time your seed sowing with your area so that you can harden them off and plant out after the frosts have passed. Another important thing I've learnt is to give them plenty of space as they are big plants and can be a bit bullyish so keep away from more delicate plants in your cutting patch. They prefer a sunny spot as do most annuals. The taller ones could maybe benefit from some support, but mine have tended to support each other.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWScT-AvW85epEW8ck1e4eRYLA5LVPzRI9249zs8mt8Ad7Z0zQpfA7E7LfZANGKxAkSgcAO4lTFSlZOYSkoaUtrb1FtpBPJrQXqOzYG9SCcuCBRghVDR_4EHkCF9kZaIU7kwUdlDmy3MU/s1600/Allotment_06_10_2013_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWScT-AvW85epEW8ck1e4eRYLA5LVPzRI9249zs8mt8Ad7Z0zQpfA7E7LfZANGKxAkSgcAO4lTFSlZOYSkoaUtrb1FtpBPJrQXqOzYG9SCcuCBRghVDR_4EHkCF9kZaIU7kwUdlDmy3MU/s640/Allotment_06_10_2013_12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There are so many colours to choose from, from soft pastel shades to dark purples and reds, plus lovely white varieties, such as 'Purity'. You also can get a mix of flower types now, the classic single flower with the large yellow flower centre. The Sensation varieties tend to be taller varieties compared to the Sonata ones, which are often called dwarf varieties. I have to say I prefer the taller ones for the cutting patch but I can imagine the the dwarfer ones would do well in containers as bedding plants. But then you also get double flowers, Collarette types which have extra frills of petals at the centre, Sea shell type ones which have fluted petals round the central yellow boss and Picotee types which darker edges to the flowers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As well as having lovely flowers it also has lovely filligree ferny foliage which is a lovely foil for the flowers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwV8UDA2WCC_OS80U9JPxfr1PaksC8kRhzo1tPs0APU9h0dNzZk_HNMSDZZWEOGRXw3zeZZIViFQiqUhJos1ND3yll47_AL4BjFx5WV4_EYp7W1JLb-Ga6ON4NfUQ6Wv9G2FhD6olr8m8/s1600/IMG_20160925_145717323_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwV8UDA2WCC_OS80U9JPxfr1PaksC8kRhzo1tPs0APU9h0dNzZk_HNMSDZZWEOGRXw3zeZZIViFQiqUhJos1ND3yll47_AL4BjFx5WV4_EYp7W1JLb-Ga6ON4NfUQ6Wv9G2FhD6olr8m8/s640/IMG_20160925_145717323_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
One of the other huge pluses for this flower is that the bees love it
too. Sometimes when I'm picking cosmos and walking round the plot I'm
followed around by the bees! I have to make sure none are on the flowers
before I put them into my car!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSRzicKJvA8gzAnoktrWkUMSDrSCkIlx9SP38clY1iDb14mhnQ7kFSE_XB3-iOy1yStGlSHpxuzwKmj8awb8oSRyl_9LByp9CKK2Vuwgv-cScSNV8-BY-dKgoh1EZZhTE3wYACbb35c0/s1600/Allotment_06_10_2013_14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSRzicKJvA8gzAnoktrWkUMSDrSCkIlx9SP38clY1iDb14mhnQ7kFSE_XB3-iOy1yStGlSHpxuzwKmj8awb8oSRyl_9LByp9CKK2Vuwgv-cScSNV8-BY-dKgoh1EZZhTE3wYACbb35c0/s640/Allotment_06_10_2013_14.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
So any negatives? I honestly can't think of many, the newly planted seedlings can be susceptible to slugs but not as bad as some other annuals in my experience. To reduce the effects of slugs I tend to grow my plants on till they are quite big and then plant them out when they are stronger, more robust plants. But other than that they are not troubled by any other pests of diseases. You need to keep picking them to keep them flowering, oh the hardship of picking these lovely flowers. But I guess if you are not growing them for cutting then you would have to deadhead them regularly.<br />
This year I grew a few different varieties, 'Sensation Mixed', which has tall single flowers, 'Candy Stripe' which has pale pink flowers with a darker pink edge, 'Purity' the classic white flowered Cosmos and 'Click Cranberries' which has dark carmine pink flowers and sort of semi-double flowers. I've also in the past grown a vibrant orange variety called 'Diablo' which was less good for cutting but was great in the garden. I'm looking at new varieties to try this year, Chiltern seeds in their preview catalogue have a lovely semi-double white flowered Cosmos called 'Fizzy White' which has white frills round the yellow centre. A pale pink delicate looking flower called 'Cosimo Collarette'. Plants of Distinction have a variety called 'Antiquity' which is a deep red/pink with a darker coloured red going down to the centre. There is also an unusual yellow variety called 'Xanthos' which I was introduced to by <a href="https://flightplot.wordpress.com/">Flighty</a> on his blog, which I definitely mean to try.<br />
They combine well here with Dahlias, Feverfew and Scabious, but I've also combined it well with Clary sage, Ammi, Cornflowers and Nigella. Its a real star of any bouquet.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLWijWjPcQKePwVFWuh9EUZQtGV3WYQMczSc-cHMwKD6fhBt4vGKBbNVSH8PA6ItHL3YSRLdYr1gkpjSFlCN-zx0efnQny0PKxmv_u168TF8SEYcCI5XxEQMJw1biVOxm1Qidr6qb94c/s1600/IMG_20161026_124959723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLWijWjPcQKePwVFWuh9EUZQtGV3WYQMczSc-cHMwKD6fhBt4vGKBbNVSH8PA6ItHL3YSRLdYr1gkpjSFlCN-zx0efnQny0PKxmv_u168TF8SEYcCI5XxEQMJw1biVOxm1Qidr6qb94c/s640/IMG_20161026_124959723.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
So there you are get growing them I urge you, they are easy from seed, long-flowering, lovely foliage, nice long stems for cutting. So if you are starting to plan your seed orders for next year then I'd definitely recommend them. Good seed suppliers of Cosmos varieties include Plants of Distinction, Chiltern seeds, Higgeldy Garden and Sarah Raven.</div>
<br />Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-9359203719547511142016-12-02T11:53:00.000+00:002016-12-02T11:53:26.806+00:00First snow and some garden thugsWell no sooner had a written about a calm autumn when there was all change and it feels like its been a very blustery, cold, grey end to November. We have had our first snow of the year, in fact two lots, none lasting for much more than a day but very early even for here in Huddersfield.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnP_qBGNeRQRoUUjhStxbeHHEtb0NhmZDc30IyBHe4asx_N59SBnzudB5kHQI2RIIgBQMllSnsHia-XLHbfoh_Z7jlhvcivtDo-QkXRrakhLpypPuOXK24raIMpUwPsrB8ecLe_kRT5fc/s1600/IMG_20161109_085241338_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnP_qBGNeRQRoUUjhStxbeHHEtb0NhmZDc30IyBHe4asx_N59SBnzudB5kHQI2RIIgBQMllSnsHia-XLHbfoh_Z7jlhvcivtDo-QkXRrakhLpypPuOXK24raIMpUwPsrB8ecLe_kRT5fc/s640/IMG_20161109_085241338_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
It was unusual to see snow on the last of the stunning red leaves of my Japanese Maples.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNT-V2Jzu6MzHUE_kBk9PPYVLXMKqZ2ijd6P3fHFVnQCQJbgQqbgU9z3e0AKwFN_JnDl0PiJNhPsIYRph5MdcfWjAYVC7d3-gbdLbRVZpJjHtcgWjEGyfgdRDqUYF8Q34A7rleodVQcW8/s1600/IMG_20161109_085308302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNT-V2Jzu6MzHUE_kBk9PPYVLXMKqZ2ijd6P3fHFVnQCQJbgQqbgU9z3e0AKwFN_JnDl0PiJNhPsIYRph5MdcfWjAYVC7d3-gbdLbRVZpJjHtcgWjEGyfgdRDqUYF8Q34A7rleodVQcW8/s640/IMG_20161109_085308302.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
My two Japanese Maples have been fabulous this year, the best colour they've ever been.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just had a beautiful moment while writing this blog, was just looking out of the window, I get easily distracted, and a tiny wren came and clung to the wall at the side of my window and looked in at me! Its hard to say who was the most surprised. Ah, what a treat you usually hear wrens rather than see them.</div>
Anyway where was I...<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yes autumn colour has been great, but most leaves have fallen now and shrubs and trees are bare, though I have got a deciduous azalea in my garden which has vibrant orange flowers in the spring and has now dark red almost purple leaves on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk87pqRlyIayZpXTauJ2RPtiBtb0C-eAWrFtqHOr7Za4CfY5uBSFP9VmscChEtJpqMfJWHwLK5w4vHtIagv51dtK5xBSzh97m0JT3t7HBwcYDJNNXE4t2ADZ9fCFoNNneX1RV9i3oPc-s/s1600/IMG_20161202_090851938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk87pqRlyIayZpXTauJ2RPtiBtb0C-eAWrFtqHOr7Za4CfY5uBSFP9VmscChEtJpqMfJWHwLK5w4vHtIagv51dtK5xBSzh97m0JT3t7HBwcYDJNNXE4t2ADZ9fCFoNNneX1RV9i3oPc-s/s640/IMG_20161202_090851938.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Over the autumn I have been battling with some of the thugs that have taken over my front garden and been doing some severe editing. I used to love Alchemilla mollis and in early summer when it has those sharp acid green flowers which look great it bouquets then I love it all over again but it likes my garden too much and seeds everywhere. I don't just mean a few here and then, it pops up everywhere like when you used to sow cress on a tissue at school. The seedlings aren't too hard to remove but I've got heavy clay soil in my garden and as soon as the plants get to certain size then the roots just seem to get wedged in the clay and they are really hard to dig up. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another self-seeder in my garden is the Aquilegia but I mostly tolerate that one, though it can get a bit out of hand. I'm going to wait till spring for this one now and see what comes up and have a proper clear of some plants then. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another spreader which needs a bit of editing every now and again is the low-growing Saxifraga x urbium or London Pride. It had spread over quite an area but this is easy to dig up and can spread it around a garden. From a quick Google search I learnt why it is called London Pride. Apparantly it was a plant that spread and colonised bomb sites after the Second World War and said to represent the resilience of London after the Blitz. Its one of those plants that many gardens have but they've probably never bought it, its a plant for passing onto other gardeners!! I know I got mine from my mum and its great for the edge of the borders, with its evergreen succulent foliage and then has a haze of pretty pink flowers in the late spring.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also gave the heave-ho to a Crocosmia 'Meteore' which just seems to just be all leaf and no flower and was spreading into massive clumps at a rate of knots. I know for definite that I will not have got out all the tiny corms so will have to go back to those spots and dig out any more that come up but I've got the biggest clumps out. I think the soil is just too rich for them and the leaves develop rather than the flowers. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway after all that digging up, weeding and tidying I had some bare soil and so I emptied the compost bin and spread it out over the top all over the front garden, which will hopefully help the soil structure. I also planted lots of Allium bulbs so it should look nice in the spring and I can add some less thuggish perennials then too. So looking forward to a purple spring.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally its the countdown to Christmas now and while sorting out my mums things this year we found this advent calendar which we all remember well from our childhood. It came out every year along with the dodgy decorations which we had made for the tree. Much nicer than the chocolate throwaway ones you get now. Its probably at least 40 years old. An antique
advent calendar. Brings back lots of happy memories.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdaPFvCYi7jTdywFOvlaSv18EDKW0w5RxvPmmngnVSYBP_B5rSE-08ffM2PaIVF-DFiNqlLkMg85t0-SfmvuQzLuXeERO42NqDa8kxP_IPOZw7gpdxOqBzuC-dwN4K2x64MuyF3pp6Cw/s1600/IMG_20161201_195226534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdaPFvCYi7jTdywFOvlaSv18EDKW0w5RxvPmmngnVSYBP_B5rSE-08ffM2PaIVF-DFiNqlLkMg85t0-SfmvuQzLuXeERO42NqDa8kxP_IPOZw7gpdxOqBzuC-dwN4K2x64MuyF3pp6Cw/s640/IMG_20161201_195226534.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-45730105667492954242016-11-06T18:19:00.000+00:002016-11-06T18:19:20.159+00:00A calm autumn<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been loving this extended settled weather, we have had lots of sunshine and calm days with a bit of rain here and there. There has been the odd cold night but until this week not really that winter chill. Looking at the weather forecast though looks like that could soon change. But in other words its been almost perfect weather and my cut flower patch has been reinvigorated with a second flush of flowering by many of the annuals which were flagging a bit. Having cut them back quite hard I've had second flushes of Calendula's and Californian poppies, also from Nigella and the vibrant blue Clary sage. Then there are some flowers that have just gone on and on, like the Scabious and Cosmos, they have been fabulous. I've also grown a lovely single Dahlia this year which has been vibrant and flowered well with the Cosmos. It is called 'Bright Eyes' which I bought from Sarah Raven.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22j_Ph2kbjKKAROPfo9KooW0JUJ82N9FOSd0SFkRovCOdwovy-uydRY1bcR4139qMJD2AeWKDNTSJJag6usvAa6AF01eE5D8d2_8G4ye1UG7wDqCOU5fljSEgJBNia1fx75HBCAd2FB4/s1600/IMG_20161026_124805406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22j_Ph2kbjKKAROPfo9KooW0JUJ82N9FOSd0SFkRovCOdwovy-uydRY1bcR4139qMJD2AeWKDNTSJJag6usvAa6AF01eE5D8d2_8G4ye1UG7wDqCOU5fljSEgJBNia1fx75HBCAd2FB4/s640/IMG_20161026_124805406.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkH8V5YiMuQLvGYBw0l1jdQAuzjVduzfrDU_CTyUrHdtwGTM11_g9nZQbL-MrvB1YIcpUYumLFZZ5ZT8xIgfZrijanhuJ04TDMx6YCz5T5aokxYtkg9J4_lVc3086i7orTCswQAlKMEY/s1600/IMG_20161026_124959723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkH8V5YiMuQLvGYBw0l1jdQAuzjVduzfrDU_CTyUrHdtwGTM11_g9nZQbL-MrvB1YIcpUYumLFZZ5ZT8xIgfZrijanhuJ04TDMx6YCz5T5aokxYtkg9J4_lVc3086i7orTCswQAlKMEY/s640/IMG_20161026_124959723.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Regarding the veggies on my plot I've planted my overwintering onions which have all got going well. I'm growing the red onion 'Electric' and then a variety called 'Senshu Yellow' both reliable and easy to grow. They can look a bit battered after a hard winter especially if we have snow but a bit of a extra feed of fish, blood and bone in the spring soon gets them going again. I'm wondering whether to even bother with a maincrop onion next year as these last well for me too and with my shallots I have onions to last me all year almost. The garlic is in the ground too. I'm growing some more elephant garlic and then two other varieties which I'm not sure of the cultivar names now. I'm just splitting some of the garlic that I grew myself this year rather than buying in a new bulb. I need to look back and get their names though as I've been a bit neglectful at labelling. Here are the onions growing either side of my parsnips, again an unnamed variety collected from a plant that was allowed to seed. They were nice big parsnips and the great thing about collecting seed is you have loads and can sow lots of this sometimes difficult to germinate crop. I plan to allow one of these to flower and set seed again as parsnip seed doesn't keep very well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3XMQEtzpiLZsCsL6d5PNrPdZ3_q3d6yHBYuVBoVnaN6rXLUkmE1WiXJbvtnvPbePGmUe4JYRbc33xVWBrtlnzbQxJASZem4PX6m-LIXFU1d9qv7xhTlQL8ujMyOQe4TilfYF1Ukbwmg/s1600/IMG_20161026_104209046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3XMQEtzpiLZsCsL6d5PNrPdZ3_q3d6yHBYuVBoVnaN6rXLUkmE1WiXJbvtnvPbePGmUe4JYRbc33xVWBrtlnzbQxJASZem4PX6m-LIXFU1d9qv7xhTlQL8ujMyOQe4TilfYF1Ukbwmg/s640/IMG_20161026_104209046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've also been harvesting some cauliflowers, now I've often struggled with this as a crop and I know lots of people do. I often get the white curd developing but then it gets damaged or goes off-coloured. They often need protecting by folding the leaves around to protect the developing head. Anyway this year I tried a variety called 'Di Sicilia Violetto' from Suttons which I bought in the half price seed sale at my local garden centre. It is, as its name suggests, a variety from Sicily and is said to be winter hardy. It is said to produce side shoots after you pick the main head so I will see if any develop. I've found this a lot easier but maybe that is because we have had good weather when the curd was developing. Anyway, I've still got a few more to come, the florets turn green when cooked. I will hopefully grow this variety again next year</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jyJyECaUzHIRemwbP_eXlpk5LiZhn42kSztIJyBGEddeWtSC40XCzi_4B6foS115_Q_BU0GWezeJorTH4Sq8W80QEngTcd0UsXtEZZDQowUp7Mz76_ASGvlFrwNofaiP8GQfLjALwg8/s1600/IMG_20161026_111426761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jyJyECaUzHIRemwbP_eXlpk5LiZhn42kSztIJyBGEddeWtSC40XCzi_4B6foS115_Q_BU0GWezeJorTH4Sq8W80QEngTcd0UsXtEZZDQowUp7Mz76_ASGvlFrwNofaiP8GQfLjALwg8/s640/IMG_20161026_111426761.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the Brassica bed I still have some calabrese 'Marathon' which I'm still harvesting the side shoots from. I also have some sprouts, I've grown the purple sprouts that I grew last year, though these have stayed very short this year and I'm not sure why. I'm also trialling a new crop called Flower Sprouts, which are a cross between a Brussel sprout and kale. These have grown well and are just starting to develop the 'sprouts', so more about these later in the year. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another winter crop are leeks and they are doing well, though I've not got as many as I'd normally grow as they got eaten by slugs in the seed tray! But I managed to salvage some. These are a heritage variety called 'Walton Mammoth' which I'm loving the blueness of. I often get some rust on my leeks but these look to be clear of that which is great, they've certainly developed quickly into a thick stem as I was a bit late transplanting these this year. I must write about my experimenting with a few Heritage varieties this year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8k5o6mFvIt6LFM5fFyaY4Ak353wnotXXgsI9_4aDOc8VOktKCCHtxC6IbOmlIjOIimug5UeSbqAlj2guxmTGl-jh8ZSN5kXAwIHfvSPQDILGW__FoBLyhx9xSj2isvbncGQHi5-crKn4/s1600/IMG_20161026_104202560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8k5o6mFvIt6LFM5fFyaY4Ak353wnotXXgsI9_4aDOc8VOktKCCHtxC6IbOmlIjOIimug5UeSbqAlj2guxmTGl-jh8ZSN5kXAwIHfvSPQDILGW__FoBLyhx9xSj2isvbncGQHi5-crKn4/s640/IMG_20161026_104202560.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So things are looking set for a good crop of vegetables over the winter though one crop that I'm really missing this year is Kale, I usually have a few varieties but I especially love the Cavolo Nero variety. But the slugs put paid to my whole crop this year which is really frustrating and with everything going on this year I wasn't organised enough at the time to resow. Oh well you win some and you lose some.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The nasturtiums continue to take over and hide my pile of cutdown thick
stems from last season. There is a mix of varieties now from vibrant
orange to dark brown, and look so lovely when backlit my sunshine with dewdrops glistening.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFSFZ4ZDrtQZheqH6yitPUtDwH356uGZ161k-52Wg_wghQckuIZ9ozXwIsy0bsi1i62T_dKP20pairaotOJC4qK2g8pirKkRCNlW5ilTEuVcG_EF-YracJ3FP-1ZQ2jmjFQmIf6lXmxU/s1600/IMG_20161026_104218610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFSFZ4ZDrtQZheqH6yitPUtDwH356uGZ161k-52Wg_wghQckuIZ9ozXwIsy0bsi1i62T_dKP20pairaotOJC4qK2g8pirKkRCNlW5ilTEuVcG_EF-YracJ3FP-1ZQ2jmjFQmIf6lXmxU/s640/IMG_20161026_104218610.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEBv_jSSx6m71UJMwp4-6QPgXosgEsWC95_kE8RUNvj_tEm3oNHdbpp4eeFrDe_OG_3FTrJtGaSl5X8WJ-CcvLmTjBnPal-EcqzJpaRR2G6JZS7EGosMAfwGnMS15ZJV-w9lVuRj4mOc/s1600/IMG_20161026_104235609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEBv_jSSx6m71UJMwp4-6QPgXosgEsWC95_kE8RUNvj_tEm3oNHdbpp4eeFrDe_OG_3FTrJtGaSl5X8WJ-CcvLmTjBnPal-EcqzJpaRR2G6JZS7EGosMAfwGnMS15ZJV-w9lVuRj4mOc/s640/IMG_20161026_104235609.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm making the most of them as with the frosts forecast for this week I fear they will soon be gone.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-39188181754626068212016-10-30T13:36:00.000+00:002016-10-30T13:36:45.797+00:00A tour of .......Arlington Court<div style="text-align: justify;">
A belated post about a visit to the National Trust property Arlington Court on our recent holiday in Devon in September. Two areas stood out for me on this visit, one was the hot border in the Victorian garden and the other was the walled kitchen garden. I always seem to find a walled garden on my holidays and this year I found two, more of the other one in a separate post.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are two main gardens on this estate, a Victorian garden which leads then into the walled garden. The Victorian garden is as your might expect very formal with bedding and ornate climbing structures. There were lots of Senecio cineraria the silver leaved bedding plant and begonia's galore. Not really my thing, certainly of its time, but there was a fabulous border running along the right edge of the Victorian garden.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOI2Wz_neSIDnFjfNfmyU2UTjxFFTkMGHA_adBq0rszF6-9WCFh8GzdogaFmeUrtVGcAD54Q3j9LIdfvtFv96FuSWvjtbC9hK8F89VW8yENb2QkX5_i9PWn5nFdLKIBcDVVK2uUNMnsts/s1600/DSCF3705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOI2Wz_neSIDnFjfNfmyU2UTjxFFTkMGHA_adBq0rszF6-9WCFh8GzdogaFmeUrtVGcAD54Q3j9LIdfvtFv96FuSWvjtbC9hK8F89VW8yENb2QkX5_i9PWn5nFdLKIBcDVVK2uUNMnsts/s640/DSCF3705.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO0Z8d89Ejx2axFiSQmAgHYZ8ZoN56UiKAqUoMjPUWHtMPSY8IBnZM7XtBh4vz3d9sjkBa9J-JKc1L2YNxquOT2UwWgMUx-T2ZOGd_W0KERqqTjpVPZs61di843-AmvOIPx2vC3m4RZ0/s1600/DSCF3708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO0Z8d89Ejx2axFiSQmAgHYZ8ZoN56UiKAqUoMjPUWHtMPSY8IBnZM7XtBh4vz3d9sjkBa9J-JKc1L2YNxquOT2UwWgMUx-T2ZOGd_W0KERqqTjpVPZs61di843-AmvOIPx2vC3m4RZ0/s640/DSCF3708.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
It was a fabulous example of a hot border, and certainly at its peak when we visited. But there was one glaring anomaly can you spot it on the view looking back across at it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIi-JwWrdke4UZnD_7KHsyjmEo7AH36u69XQQzBYx2NlWkFkxbh2swDPeOCJ_RP8DF0KXRE7e3rls8RhVL11t_5W34gT7CaVYALpD7SrrSHolG5xsw0ZwYUl9CliqqOpUQtyALRmpLQs/s1600/DSCF3790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIi-JwWrdke4UZnD_7KHsyjmEo7AH36u69XQQzBYx2NlWkFkxbh2swDPeOCJ_RP8DF0KXRE7e3rls8RhVL11t_5W34gT7CaVYALpD7SrrSHolG5xsw0ZwYUl9CliqqOpUQtyALRmpLQs/s640/DSCF3790.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yes a great big blowsy pale insipid Hydrangea right in the middle of this stunning border.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZbTNFQqRVmuU1fIlN6Aol4MDPkqi3y45cu8zeNEQ0Krnd9axrXZBJyha5gGe8uBQe605VFdHxTEmTNCWLo-2G6BgFR2Kx_epFlqURbjQe08y4-3ldJP14ErfdAX8DpxVsok4EUMpMaU/s1600/DSCF3781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZbTNFQqRVmuU1fIlN6Aol4MDPkqi3y45cu8zeNEQ0Krnd9axrXZBJyha5gGe8uBQe605VFdHxTEmTNCWLo-2G6BgFR2Kx_epFlqURbjQe08y4-3ldJP14ErfdAX8DpxVsok4EUMpMaU/s640/DSCF3781.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was definitely the odd one out on this border that was otherwise zinging with colour and vibrancy. So lets ignore that and look a bit closer at the planting which was largely half-hardy annuals, Dahlias, Cannas and bedding. There were sunflowers, Tithonia, Salvias, Rudbeckias all jostling and mingling with vibrant, colour clashing joy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgOpZy-UpJIBYwbfpLSZEffWK5eVndaBRPtbfMxvt-fIa_snZr3RyLg871X665baVDagT9n7Js-lQpMZbmWmYz9P517VPX9mFkZZmIEOzVRJAC0l7ounnJXeMJW3U8BTen7jlqFf5WSc/s1600/DSCF3769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgOpZy-UpJIBYwbfpLSZEffWK5eVndaBRPtbfMxvt-fIa_snZr3RyLg871X665baVDagT9n7Js-lQpMZbmWmYz9P517VPX9mFkZZmIEOzVRJAC0l7ounnJXeMJW3U8BTen7jlqFf5WSc/s640/DSCF3769.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUL7-LaApXxW5vBr3ECkccgsz-w23HOP6X2SmphJvl8_7afCNCWzIXTbmgPGB37xBM7JmSmBjriYXSw1xWD2J0VMnGI4qFpzPhor5y2j7w3rECVFbFDQPJccsTRWylQL1R8hzkEZbNsbE/s1600/DSCF3789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUL7-LaApXxW5vBr3ECkccgsz-w23HOP6X2SmphJvl8_7afCNCWzIXTbmgPGB37xBM7JmSmBjriYXSw1xWD2J0VMnGI4qFpzPhor5y2j7w3rECVFbFDQPJccsTRWylQL1R8hzkEZbNsbE/s640/DSCF3789.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUOzJ_5b4vjIiiwyQrgfBpHScp0dMg_RSXXW-LKYp7AoY0aGg_4WbKPYr_iLB4MVOl8p3kXU7K1gWWu2tvpFTr73vM0CE95QVrADU6ejOzs884FOVQPGAmDJRXHcmNsIbWoFmdes47EA/s1600/DSCF3776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUOzJ_5b4vjIiiwyQrgfBpHScp0dMg_RSXXW-LKYp7AoY0aGg_4WbKPYr_iLB4MVOl8p3kXU7K1gWWu2tvpFTr73vM0CE95QVrADU6ejOzs884FOVQPGAmDJRXHcmNsIbWoFmdes47EA/s640/DSCF3776.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
This is a lovely combination, the true blue of Salvia patens with the big almost green-black leaves of the Ricinus communis (the castor oil plant) and at the bottom the cherry-pie scented Heliotrope with its dark purple flowers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAifc-r_SYb9wYYdFOzYqhocAA60hy-WTPXJallbTxLtcJv7y552RkGpFBSkEOJQAIJ7hus-keK13HwyV2Cg66OJWr3ot4051IgyNFXq3JsLCBGNeebCRTAEHAMhEbEkuI4w-nZt4JiU/s1600/DSCF3777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAifc-r_SYb9wYYdFOzYqhocAA60hy-WTPXJallbTxLtcJv7y552RkGpFBSkEOJQAIJ7hus-keK13HwyV2Cg66OJWr3ot4051IgyNFXq3JsLCBGNeebCRTAEHAMhEbEkuI4w-nZt4JiU/s640/DSCF3777.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Then moving into a yellow medley.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTK3-La2xx3A-58hDEoiiFGhpu-i-wHozeLg_PrHoh6AWyShsndIvu5zvIFUprdc1piiNjlJGAvrOW1eO5pF5jVDtnNuYivr5QHNmCMKCuGmI9YD4DhVNE29e8fZjlaDUwDC-Xb5Npgc/s1600/DSCF3780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTK3-La2xx3A-58hDEoiiFGhpu-i-wHozeLg_PrHoh6AWyShsndIvu5zvIFUprdc1piiNjlJGAvrOW1eO5pF5jVDtnNuYivr5QHNmCMKCuGmI9YD4DhVNE29e8fZjlaDUwDC-Xb5Npgc/s640/DSCF3780.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
There were some lovely Dahlia's<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiY904vcx-llsa1T_1_3pOOe_7nJ9yLZNazYeUTOH2fBRUNwGJlez2AqqiwL684jxhh5AC0eTrD_Rt6aREbQ5hwImZsrazCz692eN7QInxviiM1ue6ak-6MBpGHgSXJEeDSafndepbQ2o/s1600/DSCF3787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiY904vcx-llsa1T_1_3pOOe_7nJ9yLZNazYeUTOH2fBRUNwGJlez2AqqiwL684jxhh5AC0eTrD_Rt6aREbQ5hwImZsrazCz692eN7QInxviiM1ue6ak-6MBpGHgSXJEeDSafndepbQ2o/s640/DSCF3787.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoC7_qEb8tiDFAN7aYaWoqFztwprIPfhaU9TiVkqfUPWcFobP7-IWijhI6JP1I6V2JAYfLr60bWN9VsnM-bVm5YbxkWnXRmmQ9eRz6lcD8lXiA4hkGDP-R-AcD_y9IGGF5g4PFKUvqzI/s1600/DSCF3767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoC7_qEb8tiDFAN7aYaWoqFztwprIPfhaU9TiVkqfUPWcFobP7-IWijhI6JP1I6V2JAYfLr60bWN9VsnM-bVm5YbxkWnXRmmQ9eRz6lcD8lXiA4hkGDP-R-AcD_y9IGGF5g4PFKUvqzI/s640/DSCF3767.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMfmr3jgMYKmJ5qIu-_g0Ks9ME3WCaKaSxzs-Wb0y4vAl5Cd_bi_r2to7CF5oGmS8qXBChyvXNTUPQ83MY0jy2kyHcxRO9mMOnWW64VqpeSGw4432lIBiBE6HAyGQZ60cZuiDXwXW2Lk/s1600/DSCF3766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMfmr3jgMYKmJ5qIu-_g0Ks9ME3WCaKaSxzs-Wb0y4vAl5Cd_bi_r2to7CF5oGmS8qXBChyvXNTUPQ83MY0jy2kyHcxRO9mMOnWW64VqpeSGw4432lIBiBE6HAyGQZ60cZuiDXwXW2Lk/s640/DSCF3766.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The butterflies were enjoying the single-flowered varieties.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvF-foqIMzpNih_ocQ1W15_alfSSGBYAKWYdfwcpmnw04ZUHgGyOOfdDaXxG1bgt1Ol6yj4IabBLM4EQ_KRNaG-mvIl1o0tLmWgHHewXPF_p5AG-BQ2QNKs3Q7Rd8FoAzvLwkHCjpgoE/s1600/DSCF3771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvF-foqIMzpNih_ocQ1W15_alfSSGBYAKWYdfwcpmnw04ZUHgGyOOfdDaXxG1bgt1Ol6yj4IabBLM4EQ_KRNaG-mvIl1o0tLmWgHHewXPF_p5AG-BQ2QNKs3Q7Rd8FoAzvLwkHCjpgoE/s640/DSCF3771.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
There was one annual which I didn't recognise which looked like a nice flower for cutting with also interesting buds.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwsAKkfJYCiKnuhuSqGhV05W5g5ho5qT6EwUYbbLANh_G6MXnSsTLlrAKm0Ex05bWVmVNkR5gTAXAHR-cIUPH2UCNltG5DcVZFS6l9pey3_W2MJ5RKLO8GPXEdQS3iNGAg01PIYT2goA/s1600/DSCF3772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwsAKkfJYCiKnuhuSqGhV05W5g5ho5qT6EwUYbbLANh_G6MXnSsTLlrAKm0Ex05bWVmVNkR5gTAXAHR-cIUPH2UCNltG5DcVZFS6l9pey3_W2MJ5RKLO8GPXEdQS3iNGAg01PIYT2goA/s640/DSCF3772.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKi_2euFPNxMcAH0o8jcR0cpSqNcHZ4LEbjzxtMOlsTtJjhe6HQug_MiSP9ilVVkHnElaEKyQ1RydkqVoHps5Y9UfTaEfLjCNPSps3yk7cZm9rwmeHemzHPBovAATXmTDS3s-7Q-EpQMw/s1600/DSCF3773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKi_2euFPNxMcAH0o8jcR0cpSqNcHZ4LEbjzxtMOlsTtJjhe6HQug_MiSP9ilVVkHnElaEKyQ1RydkqVoHps5Y9UfTaEfLjCNPSps3yk7cZm9rwmeHemzHPBovAATXmTDS3s-7Q-EpQMw/s640/DSCF3773.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I've actually recently spotted this in the Chiltern seeds preview catalogue which popped through my door this week. Its called Hibiscus trionum 'Simply Love', what a lovely name. So that will be going in my order for next year's cutting patch I think.<br />
You move into the walled garden from the Victorian garden and its a perfect site for growing vegetables.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tGYm6HyV2TqcmhHoI9pcWT-qgYFlRG5TPAZyVE_wFsHVEADFwC5225n-8NaYAFo8TDDgvsnCDO8nXQahBrZCnLWkOop8-ZxjNW56yulzvHlizCXTxXlUR8X_5p6dPtnpDTkhw4ubLeE/s1600/DSCF3719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tGYm6HyV2TqcmhHoI9pcWT-qgYFlRG5TPAZyVE_wFsHVEADFwC5225n-8NaYAFo8TDDgvsnCDO8nXQahBrZCnLWkOop8-ZxjNW56yulzvHlizCXTxXlUR8X_5p6dPtnpDTkhw4ubLeE/s640/DSCF3719.JPG" width="640" /></a>Covering one acre, it is south-facing and has good free-draining soil which they improve using seaweed from nearby Ilfracombe. They look to be pretty organic in their methods, using barrier methods to protect crops from pests, they rotate their crops to prevent any specific pest build-up and also to prevent exhaustion of nutrients from the soil. Where they do have pest problems they use organic methods of control such as insecticidal soaps and pheromone traps. They also encourage beneficial insects using companion planting and the placement of various bug hotels such as this fabulous one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIz39y1kIW8m7MxGlFoRa7P4kSG1ETejaOQYBfUR65AiFENr7C6IsAPHGUBqgutgxOpDx7qvP9-G6xsO6c2eVMNMESn8oTL4qHvEWQ0XUTxxK0r8cYkNMHbKNhRcL9vF9V5TmOP44h508/s1600/DSCF3732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIz39y1kIW8m7MxGlFoRa7P4kSG1ETejaOQYBfUR65AiFENr7C6IsAPHGUBqgutgxOpDx7qvP9-G6xsO6c2eVMNMESn8oTL4qHvEWQ0XUTxxK0r8cYkNMHbKNhRcL9vF9V5TmOP44h508/s640/DSCF3732.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
You could see the difference down in the south compared to my plot in Huddersfield with the squash, sprouts and other crops all at at an earlier stage than mine.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbjoHYbqpN0tPf3Ugqoz1y-2gQB-5oDjprv_Cd0wyd184Xh200XdWoCIclauGvWFg2P7To7a8Eli4ET4pJo00dHgNRod6FxckPXETCSahM5WeAUdBfLwEyESyvjpiOGGtS3-1gCrPZiI/s1600/DSCF3736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbjoHYbqpN0tPf3Ugqoz1y-2gQB-5oDjprv_Cd0wyd184Xh200XdWoCIclauGvWFg2P7To7a8Eli4ET4pJo00dHgNRod6FxckPXETCSahM5WeAUdBfLwEyESyvjpiOGGtS3-1gCrPZiI/s640/DSCF3736.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzmJtL8drxha0hiYiD_7uDzYl2O6hkOBfLtB2oxIixfDZY0cKG0-7CS0lawZljgsyUr8bXqAENL0UOXqcTZi3lNQ6X5VR1NiG0tlsUa02yuY23hIxBrq1OKxFBLtCntab_HIOI01YzaY/s1600/DSCF3748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzmJtL8drxha0hiYiD_7uDzYl2O6hkOBfLtB2oxIixfDZY0cKG0-7CS0lawZljgsyUr8bXqAENL0UOXqcTZi3lNQ6X5VR1NiG0tlsUa02yuY23hIxBrq1OKxFBLtCntab_HIOI01YzaY/s640/DSCF3748.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshqeM8El5YmW-OmZxB2s3BnvAIkUR9aeZV0RxQIMhth0PWKY1n1ONyDRUl6suBbw4lCZZiepSpGc-WU1QTCYi92LCqzMYwWbw1fiwUg2rmVwbGBYdamPKyzPC3p9h1YywRDBmLUbMBWY/s1600/DSCF3743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshqeM8El5YmW-OmZxB2s3BnvAIkUR9aeZV0RxQIMhth0PWKY1n1ONyDRUl6suBbw4lCZZiepSpGc-WU1QTCYi92LCqzMYwWbw1fiwUg2rmVwbGBYdamPKyzPC3p9h1YywRDBmLUbMBWY/s640/DSCF3743.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
They had a few beds of flowers for cutting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhltZ613gaykaQyOxwZXoVqLxqpZkDnNQuzwX6iG2zgl7EMH_srVKeuvGcGu-g5pj_k3pXwqW3DTpb0QzhiHQMaTz7sAizmsIBtmGkeyTdYwJXYDhOviGHo1b-5V5829b2xuSgz68lJMk/s1600/DSCF3721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhltZ613gaykaQyOxwZXoVqLxqpZkDnNQuzwX6iG2zgl7EMH_srVKeuvGcGu-g5pj_k3pXwqW3DTpb0QzhiHQMaTz7sAizmsIBtmGkeyTdYwJXYDhOviGHo1b-5V5829b2xuSgz68lJMk/s640/DSCF3721.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuI6yGeY71lose4v_XgG4hiNwAYXSPkR8V3XJKiqaLehrxQDxCBFlGkWSNRDZs6dZVtb0JBRrH4K5MCxH5RzM4hwmuoixwqp_Qx27TEFUqQk6QTNlPbJWxS_r2uBsdpmxMehewT5DlUk/s1600/DSCF3723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuI6yGeY71lose4v_XgG4hiNwAYXSPkR8V3XJKiqaLehrxQDxCBFlGkWSNRDZs6dZVtb0JBRrH4K5MCxH5RzM4hwmuoixwqp_Qx27TEFUqQk6QTNlPbJWxS_r2uBsdpmxMehewT5DlUk/s640/DSCF3723.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
They had big areas for growing squashes and pumpkins.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LooVOMCjVhHNVL67nlr1VD4WVwFginDtd9fc1QAB2UGpU2fxrnN5BXe1G6Kvn03amadV7hNJPVSptLI1b-vQcY2UAR9sINOQ-t2s2jU5DpgjVZYVhZfeu3Qa27AO2Sl_YFbPUrgZPVw/s1600/DSCF3734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LooVOMCjVhHNVL67nlr1VD4WVwFginDtd9fc1QAB2UGpU2fxrnN5BXe1G6Kvn03amadV7hNJPVSptLI1b-vQcY2UAR9sINOQ-t2s2jU5DpgjVZYVhZfeu3Qa27AO2Sl_YFbPUrgZPVw/s640/DSCF3734.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFC9InVz6rkC4dLucs5DlPbc4nUgIeBzUBvGFSIRKtC8oSZPGsA9gTABkHjzqDVQtq11wTG6xYMsjkhIt0pzPV7WkGqWpiy3uVKWoLXWHqrA-HvlflLh_G1oNP-N1zxDsZ8bq487lGXM/s1600/DSCF3738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFC9InVz6rkC4dLucs5DlPbc4nUgIeBzUBvGFSIRKtC8oSZPGsA9gTABkHjzqDVQtq11wTG6xYMsjkhIt0pzPV7WkGqWpiy3uVKWoLXWHqrA-HvlflLh_G1oNP-N1zxDsZ8bq487lGXM/s640/DSCF3738.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Beautiful archways for apples and a lot of espaliers on the walls themselves,.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3vm7qEYHStpsXrfEQvEpdGGcTjhyphenhyphenX-vxMetmxqUbtsdNBivGwaWxncNVLwFZTF8W2-aCv23dGmN1rZB7H8OMqNtfy59oikXbP_W5tjfrOwtxtA-aAm5HUKqIXshzVCO8rYhXfOYQ9RY/s1600/DSCF3722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3vm7qEYHStpsXrfEQvEpdGGcTjhyphenhyphenX-vxMetmxqUbtsdNBivGwaWxncNVLwFZTF8W2-aCv23dGmN1rZB7H8OMqNtfy59oikXbP_W5tjfrOwtxtA-aAm5HUKqIXshzVCO8rYhXfOYQ9RY/s640/DSCF3722.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I was talking in my previous post about a bird 'pest' which was eating some of my crops. Here is the bird pest at Arlington, a little bit bigger, but I think it does cause a few problems eating the crops and grubbing up the soil. Beautiful though. Look at that blue, looking good against the glaucous blue of the leeks!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiympAgKEvHBySo7OEHoCPgUPObGDhGpgakTou-1NWoDfk-bJGCsynZkuXg4DchB-0znVsHSifCIZK5-hugEHlcmFupsrwprluNcZHR-V149F-L9hAMwwNaxu_K9hndGzkjuog4F7uy1pI/s1600/DSCF3751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiympAgKEvHBySo7OEHoCPgUPObGDhGpgakTou-1NWoDfk-bJGCsynZkuXg4DchB-0znVsHSifCIZK5-hugEHlcmFupsrwprluNcZHR-V149F-L9hAMwwNaxu_K9hndGzkjuog4F7uy1pI/s640/DSCF3751.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
From here we went on a walk through the woods and came across so woolly creatures.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMy7WqX1DazprVK_2HNDvsyVU9C2eJOiwEh0YNFv_MmyzlKd_ZlIdM_tCmfvTEov9vECNd3A_P2gHreMKZT5x9uoE7D4-Ey1Ho26FmG1YJRRhb1QUQDRwd9rIBHEa9RmYHTQbua4afPY/s1600/IMG_20160918_144912662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMy7WqX1DazprVK_2HNDvsyVU9C2eJOiwEh0YNFv_MmyzlKd_ZlIdM_tCmfvTEov9vECNd3A_P2gHreMKZT5x9uoE7D4-Ey1Ho26FmG1YJRRhb1QUQDRwd9rIBHEa9RmYHTQbua4afPY/s640/IMG_20160918_144912662.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Some more bizarre than others.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuU6Rt-o2KPV2yZ0pfkH8c3tpknCF6CzOo-4yWhLnxGjItBQpiL6iBHw8mysMA7QpgnGGYWEvvveSb5ZvrMcfTxgm0iDVa8NaHqMY6Aj3LA536HGGWSqjjMOyYZzV5F255ijXKOf90YWM/s1600/IMG_20160918_145112085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuU6Rt-o2KPV2yZ0pfkH8c3tpknCF6CzOo-4yWhLnxGjItBQpiL6iBHw8mysMA7QpgnGGYWEvvveSb5ZvrMcfTxgm0iDVa8NaHqMY6Aj3LA536HGGWSqjjMOyYZzV5F255ijXKOf90YWM/s640/IMG_20160918_145112085.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0RKCxJzBJn_y4X4icmFEl0OpK9IXZ5oB1oWCh6T-IVZiV4feQiCg77WW-Aj8HpcYEVB1H2SSDOR5iKjhQXCto1iXROmvfqP2cDMV1USYu4sLe0cmvVYKMsRt5SqXvB2M1wqACKFNCD0/s1600/IMG_20160918_150045662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0RKCxJzBJn_y4X4icmFEl0OpK9IXZ5oB1oWCh6T-IVZiV4feQiCg77WW-Aj8HpcYEVB1H2SSDOR5iKjhQXCto1iXROmvfqP2cDMV1USYu4sLe0cmvVYKMsRt5SqXvB2M1wqACKFNCD0/s640/IMG_20160918_150045662.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There were owls, birds, bats, hedgehogs, mice, all shapes and sizes!<br />
Some flowers too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3KaTVENQaI178y8G1BlXNU6OWLp5cXg9tQIGFrsXb27_tXpm8Mg5HlldPikacd4gzf8ku7lPW-r2p2DiDkEoIR6y0jHuVGJBh6cUKb-JNepK2G5Wcy88C2dP4wkLI_rOpYjtviGfVzw/s1600/IMG_20160918_145214988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3KaTVENQaI178y8G1BlXNU6OWLp5cXg9tQIGFrsXb27_tXpm8Mg5HlldPikacd4gzf8ku7lPW-r2p2DiDkEoIR6y0jHuVGJBh6cUKb-JNepK2G5Wcy88C2dP4wkLI_rOpYjtviGfVzw/s640/IMG_20160918_145214988.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
A lovely robin<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8z6wGjqkbQxMY4HmjcOvR8bDIZ-3Q2ZHSe6WfOWd2-XOLYQbg30ZhrprJAjTtGGslN9QWujpMpuyFeTtmMfXfHXlE6zULizpW9hEQlp_Qj2RhxLpp3ZJ4aAfyr63_bKAfdO44JbVEHE/s1600/IMG_20160918_145802159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8z6wGjqkbQxMY4HmjcOvR8bDIZ-3Q2ZHSe6WfOWd2-XOLYQbg30ZhrprJAjTtGGslN9QWujpMpuyFeTtmMfXfHXlE6zULizpW9hEQlp_Qj2RhxLpp3ZJ4aAfyr63_bKAfdO44JbVEHE/s640/IMG_20160918_145802159.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
These were the Woollen woods, which is a regular event I gather in the autumn. Where local knitters, crocheters and felters make some pieces for display on the trail much loved by kids.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-4416539310038931202016-10-22T12:01:00.005+01:002016-10-22T12:01:59.996+01:00A new lettuce pest<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thats odd, I don't know how that happened but it seems that an email went out yesterday notifying people of a post that I wrote in July last year. Very odd! So apologies if there was some confusion. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been sorting my photos out that I've been taking this year and reflecting on some of the quirky things that have been going on in my garden this year. I decided early on in the year this year that I was going to grow my salad crops in my garden rather than at the allotment where I have a constant battle with slugs and snails. I don't go up frequently enough to keep on top of the problem. I'd bought a couple of new tin containers from Southport flower show last year and also had aquired some very handy mushroom trays and some wooden crates which I though would be the ideal container, once lined, to grow salad crops in. So I sowed some seeds in the greenhouse in modules, potted on a bit and then planted then out into the containers in May. Hardened off and then moved outside and had visions of picking salad crops over the next few weeks. Here they are looking splendid on first planting. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYg_rux-HNlAoY_doLa-FpYlWnQUeb-tCQI48X3a8XUbYWUObSnrosRiNzhOhqihtLxPtXZTp-rMfZckJiJZ25XbM9LeTbtwiGE7sBqI9iVMy6mnNYqfrVS-QGc0ObkZQTPN89eEHyF7c/s1600/IMG_20160514_130806072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYg_rux-HNlAoY_doLa-FpYlWnQUeb-tCQI48X3a8XUbYWUObSnrosRiNzhOhqihtLxPtXZTp-rMfZckJiJZ25XbM9LeTbtwiGE7sBqI9iVMy6mnNYqfrVS-QGc0ObkZQTPN89eEHyF7c/s640/IMG_20160514_130806072.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayxfrdfdhgFZkyQt-wJ08mdZbd1dMGtCR3LNK5xpHkbq-qIxCocMsFwB6Xc-gojgMOOrwC1NvD5phyphenhyphenIhhNPwI4EPihyphenhyphenobnaK2TRoiFTObBSG1vdpNaXdI4wgHApg_EEpsYjg2uLGlzSs/s1600/IMG_20160514_130811358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayxfrdfdhgFZkyQt-wJ08mdZbd1dMGtCR3LNK5xpHkbq-qIxCocMsFwB6Xc-gojgMOOrwC1NvD5phyphenhyphenIhhNPwI4EPihyphenhyphenobnaK2TRoiFTObBSG1vdpNaXdI4wgHApg_EEpsYjg2uLGlzSs/s640/IMG_20160514_130811358.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGBQQOgHN3M9Md7hw7JGVDsGaoKtPv7kp3Fl8RWRB5efOo66TRHaVZ0EgfaRD0VG0oHAADZIoQK7Xra69FbBoZtJUrYfpCiJ0Tp-0QrbFFIsR3YiY2l-LGxXQ5rQpCrcFyjDf6c8K3Co/s1600/IMG_20160514_130814603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGBQQOgHN3M9Md7hw7JGVDsGaoKtPv7kp3Fl8RWRB5efOo66TRHaVZ0EgfaRD0VG0oHAADZIoQK7Xra69FbBoZtJUrYfpCiJ0Tp-0QrbFFIsR3YiY2l-LGxXQ5rQpCrcFyjDf6c8K3Co/s640/IMG_20160514_130814603.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The varieties that I grew were some tried and tested ones which I knew were pretty reliable and a couple of new ones. So there was a variety called 'Bijou' which is a frilly dark red leaves, almost black and I've found in the past less likely to be eaten by slugs. 'Rosedale' a Cos type lettuce with dark-red tinged leaves and green centre, plus 'Little Gem' the classic short cos-type, which I've grown often before. Plus some mixed salad leaves seeds.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now where to put them to keep them away from the slugs and I had the idea of placing them on my wheelie bins which are inevitable these days in most gardens. Slugs won't get up there I thought. So all well and good and they got going and grew on and I did get some leaves off, but then I noticed that something was nibbling the edges of the leaves. Slugs, I thought, managing to climb up there or had there been some in the compost. I kept an eye on them in the evenings when usually I go round picking off slugs and snails from my plants but no signs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now I like to think of myself as quite a natural gardener, I love trying to encourage bees and butterflies onto my plot by planting their favourite flowers. I have a number of bird feeders in my old apple tree to encourage the birds, one of the most common birds in my garden is the <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/name/h/housesparrow/">house sparrow</a> and I'm pleased with that. Once a common bird but, if you look at the link above according to the RSPB, they are a bird in severe decline and they actually have a red status meaning that they have the highest conservation priority, with the species needing urgent action. They are a noisy lot, flitting around the gardens round here in quite big flocks and when the babies are there sat on the fence quivering away waiting for the parents to feed them I love to watch them. Anyway they congregate in my laurel bushes down the side of the house next to where I put my wheelie bins and often flit away as I walk down to get to the back door. I started to suspect them as my lettuce nibbler but struggled to catch them at it. Until one morning I caught them from the window of my utility room.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4EY0d_7V4DHeajLt3gDQOoT953uctO7nbLWRvqYyTS7sZq7czo2nSKSowCSL0aDLAY9M_ndo9jpK88q4xV2ue5FfjGDF5s0M_UBgBAauoFVByjBGxhd8q5uUd3N6Bgpq47cFqC_1gwo/s1600/DSCF3314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4EY0d_7V4DHeajLt3gDQOoT953uctO7nbLWRvqYyTS7sZq7czo2nSKSowCSL0aDLAY9M_ndo9jpK88q4xV2ue5FfjGDF5s0M_UBgBAauoFVByjBGxhd8q5uUd3N6Bgpq47cFqC_1gwo/s640/DSCF3314.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDi6FGl9VutV7UHtHGZ9wPN5qGtvG1yAvT3AiR2JuAwArjIWr6Mo0_jZwryqbZX0OIvejMntAvn9eBqDGm6yAJZfb7ooqHat5S1e0wjGnW2jIatZhzzy_f_yg_E2PBRerFt4rFa7vAJk/s1600/DSCF3317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDi6FGl9VutV7UHtHGZ9wPN5qGtvG1yAvT3AiR2JuAwArjIWr6Mo0_jZwryqbZX0OIvejMntAvn9eBqDGm6yAJZfb7ooqHat5S1e0wjGnW2jIatZhzzy_f_yg_E2PBRerFt4rFa7vAJk/s640/DSCF3317.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Caught in the act and as you can see the lettuce plants (this is the 'Little Gem') have been almost demolished. They must love the tender green leaves. They definitely seem discerning about this as they didn't touch the red/black leaved lettuces. So I did get a good harvest off them. So here is a hint to gardeners, they are less often eaten by slugs and birds, do they know something we don't. Less sweet more bitter. I don't know.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbW7_Q18GADd1nohg0iZrHiN-mDvVYewnojh7eq8TfaVjp1UaHnrER8s1-c7ZuVuOlv6glkS3LYWP5ePDOCqBdp2xxK3ubuk9H7C3MtddT0s3JIIEeG0WMyztsCswFQWlHjcuzmkUyjY/s1600/IMG_20160602_165132141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbW7_Q18GADd1nohg0iZrHiN-mDvVYewnojh7eq8TfaVjp1UaHnrER8s1-c7ZuVuOlv6glkS3LYWP5ePDOCqBdp2xxK3ubuk9H7C3MtddT0s3JIIEeG0WMyztsCswFQWlHjcuzmkUyjY/s640/IMG_20160602_165132141.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtmRTZkdFYCfgJcf7yrIFVoHexxaWRJM5WzJA8KJsuShgDtzy4mQ-mNaRgmCVexhnzCH5O0v_-5tnvnNQutmMNVdGY5UOFrWXd80gatwmXuAoqmua819a7Txvm7-ZkEp3B5q0k45Ou1Q/s1600/IMG_20160602_165425366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtmRTZkdFYCfgJcf7yrIFVoHexxaWRJM5WzJA8KJsuShgDtzy4mQ-mNaRgmCVexhnzCH5O0v_-5tnvnNQutmMNVdGY5UOFrWXd80gatwmXuAoqmua819a7Txvm7-ZkEp3B5q0k45Ou1Q/s640/IMG_20160602_165425366.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the end I was very relaxed about it and as you can see I just left them to it. I have noticed the house sparrows quite a few times since flitting amongst by flowers and plants nibbling I think. Could they be picking off bugs, drops of water or pecking the flowers? Probably all three. I'm sure they like the primrose flowers as they are often nibbled. But I'm just pleased to see the house sparrows thriving here and long may it continue.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-65219120605694157342016-10-12T19:34:00.000+01:002016-10-12T19:34:38.300+01:00A tour of ......Trentham gardens<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of my gardening heroes is <a href="http://www.nigeldunnett.com/about/">Nigel Dunnett</a>, he specialises in research of 'modern' meadows and planting schemes using diverse plants with wildlife in mind but also plants to give a long flowering season. He was involved in developing the <a href="http://pictorialmeadows.co.uk/about-us/">Pictorial meadows</a> seed mixes, colourful flower meadow seed mix which are less reliant on nutrient poor soil. Originally I guess he had more of a lean towards landscape design in an urban setting and he was one of the designers for the Olympic park planting, he's transformed parts of Sheffield with his innovative planting plans and designs and he's also done the planting round the Barbican in London. He's a big advocate of green roofs and water management within garden design and has designed a number of gardens with these sorts of themes for the Chelsea Flower Show. I heard that he was developing some new perennial meadows and planting schemes at Trentham Gardens near Stoke and so this was on my summer list of gardens to visit.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZc1vTv75hgWHJRaN05D27qAMUWYNoIyyktNCns6E0GEftL1Cmobo8AW5dBtQob87uhoJguXxHrrzT84evHNfkyVpPo1v59_tp51No-Ti2d65tEI5D_2iMtyM6uTVo0ejX-2RWdWPP2g/s1600/IMG_20160831_153040894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZc1vTv75hgWHJRaN05D27qAMUWYNoIyyktNCns6E0GEftL1Cmobo8AW5dBtQob87uhoJguXxHrrzT84evHNfkyVpPo1v59_tp51No-Ti2d65tEI5D_2iMtyM6uTVo0ejX-2RWdWPP2g/s640/IMG_20160831_153040894.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Trentham was obviously a very big and impressive estate at one time but there are only a few remains of the house left. The demise of the estate was partly blamed on pollution in this once very industrial area and the house was abandoned in 1905, eventually sold and demolished in 1911. It seems there have been a few semi-revivals of the estate in the 1930s and again in the 1980s. My sisters have very fond memories of visits there as children, remembering the outdoor swimming pool there. But there appeared to be no big redevelopment until it was bought by a property company, who went on to build a shopping village with restaurants and a large garden centre at one side of the estate. This might make you cringe a bit but maybe it was necesary to revive the garden. They certainly seem to been innovative regarding the garden, bringing in experienced designers and plantsman such as Piet Oudolf, Tom Stuart-Smith and Nigel Dunnett.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPNJXn5BIgQ5n1JlEXjT7OM25rOyBgplR78-5V9K2zFhcEXHnXvac0ALL5lyTQYVmUmoKmAL5mTIVpGPrqkMAM92ucBKN9ojYlNjKOcrVOT4In0P2I0xlnTtuXuOthRW3PpauaaG3SB8/s1600/DSCF3648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPNJXn5BIgQ5n1JlEXjT7OM25rOyBgplR78-5V9K2zFhcEXHnXvac0ALL5lyTQYVmUmoKmAL5mTIVpGPrqkMAM92ucBKN9ojYlNjKOcrVOT4In0P2I0xlnTtuXuOthRW3PpauaaG3SB8/s640/DSCF3648.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
After my visit there I feel excited for its development, it feels like a garden continually evolving and on the move embracing new concepts and ideas. It has a rich garden history, including the man of the moment Capability Brown who did a lot of work on the estate enlarging the lake and designing the main landscaped park. This is where we bring in Nigel Dunnett as he has been asked to develop the planting around this Brownian landscape to mark the tercentenary of the the man himself. There is more evidence within the garden of this concept of retaining the old but invigorating it with modern planting in the 19th century Italian garden, designed by Charles Barry. These have seen a makeover by Tom Stuart-Smith with perennial planting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDsM-cTUXBUPYw-OZ0M_FfwKDx5xJY7FfPAkW7IFniYlNKW_v0Nqh7hsaiQS5_hQjC6Zs-WQ1PE2I2CyuvAw9l6sLBFTyRvzGsifTg8Q_h2R2itJqCUt61p6-OeGcbxtIPQkPIoJzZxo/s1600/DSCF3617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDsM-cTUXBUPYw-OZ0M_FfwKDx5xJY7FfPAkW7IFniYlNKW_v0Nqh7hsaiQS5_hQjC6Zs-WQ1PE2I2CyuvAw9l6sLBFTyRvzGsifTg8Q_h2R2itJqCUt61p6-OeGcbxtIPQkPIoJzZxo/s640/DSCF3617.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO098cDFVFWubwZ8gxinMfa2hXWiBKd_qjxza7YlfG7iyucDBUfCuHnNlT1sHogJmfcz96pkCcwcID1dnfO-rfOw5M09ffhcRAGZTHzw14YJ-cVnFVZYgYXnLtei9TmoWLpzvJNVHA22M/s1600/DSCF3614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO098cDFVFWubwZ8gxinMfa2hXWiBKd_qjxza7YlfG7iyucDBUfCuHnNlT1sHogJmfcz96pkCcwcID1dnfO-rfOw5M09ffhcRAGZTHzw14YJ-cVnFVZYgYXnLtei9TmoWLpzvJNVHA22M/s640/DSCF3614.JPG" width="640" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnY_qgPHfQhKtL7XOs3tNOdHrT3_c-7K59YEzL2bFo1jGF2Gv-P660Ww-YmpWbVdQ1-8JWMFWArqbQ-8kuXmeQcTluv9bx5t4crMGbEHhCIGFV9JVRYS_sdJPUrdLRRkQwRM7Ro9WucQ/s1600/DSCF3615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnY_qgPHfQhKtL7XOs3tNOdHrT3_c-7K59YEzL2bFo1jGF2Gv-P660Ww-YmpWbVdQ1-8JWMFWArqbQ-8kuXmeQcTluv9bx5t4crMGbEHhCIGFV9JVRYS_sdJPUrdLRRkQwRM7Ro9WucQ/s640/DSCF3615.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Piet Oudolf created the long borders flanking the Italian Garden.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEo9F_8Let8YT_8gwVB4FBrZPcz3sQoG2butmu9qBWotdXc4xsb1DnyEsqUO-dLOPMWtTVNQlLpAKEOCvQ0N01Z1HgCwEGX9SRANqpgjRaJn3FD1ExOy3VNRF_6CjVNmjJfmnPbQs5MY/s1600/DSCF3610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEo9F_8Let8YT_8gwVB4FBrZPcz3sQoG2butmu9qBWotdXc4xsb1DnyEsqUO-dLOPMWtTVNQlLpAKEOCvQ0N01Z1HgCwEGX9SRANqpgjRaJn3FD1ExOy3VNRF_6CjVNmjJfmnPbQs5MY/s640/DSCF3610.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLVTWEqO5pKl3tyNg4ka4d-5QSOKHSgTx9vORfA4AlgL9JC48uahEij5_HuHmQqRldBFOgQeAcXg7kSyUfa-l6xaUpUu7EM9jVVsHUYGeCatAaZ5JgNH6qJy9m00I9TtR8t1V77t9J7A/s1600/DSCF3612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLVTWEqO5pKl3tyNg4ka4d-5QSOKHSgTx9vORfA4AlgL9JC48uahEij5_HuHmQqRldBFOgQeAcXg7kSyUfa-l6xaUpUu7EM9jVVsHUYGeCatAaZ5JgNH6qJy9m00I9TtR8t1V77t9J7A/s640/DSCF3612.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Piet Oudolf was involved in the initial redevelopment where some new areas were created including the Rivers of Grass area.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsols3MrBmQvnZ4kfWG-mzfNlzlbkEVun-p_OKLScYa_YzExZZn4JkBEX9hggchLTr_iNBKDJBLwQ6hz4kE-RTIeTL3tVGGp56CZw2h-sz508H0xwdvmiL0vyU-RHqbuH8sIYZ7G7xG8/s1600/DSCF3661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsols3MrBmQvnZ4kfWG-mzfNlzlbkEVun-p_OKLScYa_YzExZZn4JkBEX9hggchLTr_iNBKDJBLwQ6hz4kE-RTIeTL3tVGGp56CZw2h-sz508H0xwdvmiL0vyU-RHqbuH8sIYZ7G7xG8/s640/DSCF3661.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Plus the Floral labyrinth where you can get up close and walk amongst fabulously tall perennial planting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWstBHRghVpUOObFu0ce6F7lW6ZqgfmWBo9UZMRFzAIaRCHzxvkUVEm2_aZcKtAvEsDA3TKWm6An_tAJp7tOkpEIyquB8G-wBSsqzg1Ac5NyVch4cFMw8_GyQKqW4Hrykf9nrxtEuiDZI/s1600/DSCF3639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWstBHRghVpUOObFu0ce6F7lW6ZqgfmWBo9UZMRFzAIaRCHzxvkUVEm2_aZcKtAvEsDA3TKWm6An_tAJp7tOkpEIyquB8G-wBSsqzg1Ac5NyVch4cFMw8_GyQKqW4Hrykf9nrxtEuiDZI/s640/DSCF3639.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl83vs6J-VIxTSzu1cZuVyTIPtT2wmbUa8f8tHyocN4xQnlqJXXI9QIAoH7gEotHD998AaOxtpcWYfvE9HVXqUJoJQ4ViawOyLxK51wITq5xnRXb5xvbmrInAdDTC9Q_xNIzY74r01h7g/s1600/DSCF3643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl83vs6J-VIxTSzu1cZuVyTIPtT2wmbUa8f8tHyocN4xQnlqJXXI9QIAoH7gEotHD998AaOxtpcWYfvE9HVXqUJoJQ4ViawOyLxK51wITq5xnRXb5xvbmrInAdDTC9Q_xNIzY74r01h7g/s640/DSCF3643.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3VHvvO4Pw9EjbZNpRz4WLj4pSZ0aKIOJa0uvj0f3S1tbbkQfQwsdfEH-l31iqRfT8zR0930BnPhp1oxGRh9mrGlEmf45MEUnWPYg8K_8ePBl06MBtYeQUStelO6Hl-BPM79jlimoss8/s1600/DSCF3632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3VHvvO4Pw9EjbZNpRz4WLj4pSZ0aKIOJa0uvj0f3S1tbbkQfQwsdfEH-l31iqRfT8zR0930BnPhp1oxGRh9mrGlEmf45MEUnWPYg8K_8ePBl06MBtYeQUStelO6Hl-BPM79jlimoss8/s640/DSCF3632.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBfymuH9F3rjd4IZw3s5gIQlI9VyVJs0fX7tTq3DBDEaBOfeuKXZbclJbVAc_sqH6jEAAAog7TD5uL_2coZZoAYAvaUTFPNFxlyB8cp6keCWCvg3-MQheCt43TZmUu2FFXnSXbNvKWg4/s1600/DSCF3635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBfymuH9F3rjd4IZw3s5gIQlI9VyVJs0fX7tTq3DBDEaBOfeuKXZbclJbVAc_sqH6jEAAAog7TD5uL_2coZZoAYAvaUTFPNFxlyB8cp6keCWCvg3-MQheCt43TZmUu2FFXnSXbNvKWg4/s640/DSCF3635.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBS9i9B4K2T2pDGjbY6VL8xiBv2OMCWUtxLY1870LlimOopnx2_Fya31CsqcGv_gzvFGkq0z0XSrApnHSxxoSl4REnxxBv4vud3aCj17301AuEPKm07puDrukrptKCrIB1vl7jNAu1Heg/s1600/DSCF3637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBS9i9B4K2T2pDGjbY6VL8xiBv2OMCWUtxLY1870LlimOopnx2_Fya31CsqcGv_gzvFGkq0z0XSrApnHSxxoSl4REnxxBv4vud3aCj17301AuEPKm07puDrukrptKCrIB1vl7jNAu1Heg/s640/DSCF3637.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
At the far end of the garden are some of the remains from the original big house.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4m9aQFaR-xnIIpJSHaiZu8s5FDoYFvt43H7cg4dhQsnqV64IRjCverzsQ2B3ufKYcsqH7wg4HDMHiAURTV9yjVeIoBpiur80lvB2bvbQi-umLX50rxmc8pBig5yXjSv-OA2vqCXoNzeA/s1600/DSCF3623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4m9aQFaR-xnIIpJSHaiZu8s5FDoYFvt43H7cg4dhQsnqV64IRjCverzsQ2B3ufKYcsqH7wg4HDMHiAURTV9yjVeIoBpiur80lvB2bvbQi-umLX50rxmc8pBig5yXjSv-OA2vqCXoNzeA/s640/DSCF3623.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
However to see the new meadow planting schemes you need to walk round the lake through the estate. You can go on boat trips on the lake and also you may see rowers and other boat users as at the far end is the Trentham boat and canoe club who train here.<br />
This summer there has been a scheme to engage children on the walk round the lake and through the estate where you can seek out the Trentham fairies which can be found dotted around the lake. These were delightful little wire creations which certainly engaged the child in me!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsnRYmck7kmYVORUp_0gqorN_W-_qwT6g7iXD1l33YotU7SrtETugnaG2B9unpLsloXOl18yZjD1hLB6pZ-dB6X1NZ_5GkOVZ8xg3NfyAHGEsCmUHuPh-7E8qQM2K54smW7hhjLPYTX0/s1600/DSCF3559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsnRYmck7kmYVORUp_0gqorN_W-_qwT6g7iXD1l33YotU7SrtETugnaG2B9unpLsloXOl18yZjD1hLB6pZ-dB6X1NZ_5GkOVZ8xg3NfyAHGEsCmUHuPh-7E8qQM2K54smW7hhjLPYTX0/s640/DSCF3559.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuaVsSbprKPIMFDbX3730Mm7QySXCQ8a5bctFjmB3zvhZFcGLnw3AU6r24QU5g3-0wDT5vs3t_qfip2aAFvn_1yxxnkS0N2v8MearAwOvw8Xu0mNyetwlwWOUvoFvM5r7nX5zAO3T5wg/s1600/DSCF3570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuaVsSbprKPIMFDbX3730Mm7QySXCQ8a5bctFjmB3zvhZFcGLnw3AU6r24QU5g3-0wDT5vs3t_qfip2aAFvn_1yxxnkS0N2v8MearAwOvw8Xu0mNyetwlwWOUvoFvM5r7nX5zAO3T5wg/s640/DSCF3570.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXXp0-92AnyrjUIegqlGT0sVpTRhyphenhyphenIL-tnVvKqBC14lP-jJdn_byiIYYZwYT0qoRr9n2BMsEbLKpduMa3w9YbR6gJJ9OHDcgzefzaH5T6tzmuBur5BLWImHB7EoTareZmYcBZWg4SpLw/s1600/DSCF3601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXXp0-92AnyrjUIegqlGT0sVpTRhyphenhyphenIL-tnVvKqBC14lP-jJdn_byiIYYZwYT0qoRr9n2BMsEbLKpduMa3w9YbR6gJJ9OHDcgzefzaH5T6tzmuBur5BLWImHB7EoTareZmYcBZWg4SpLw/s640/DSCF3601.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Around the estate there were also some stunning wood sculptures by <a href="http://andy-burgess.com/">Andy Burgess</a> who is based in Cheshire and creates them from old tree stumps using a chain saw!<br />
This top one was my favourite, a group of otters.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGgrur1tf-y0gbJEZVm0dkkgVTjoROYdktBeiEvG6cqV4PT82K3o-UQdirrDH0pPYP-YWpxwzxoFKsrRi0daydqM5TKd_xrdf5GUUPXPwbBdLUUz1hOA-T3o9JWhXAoVAdeV1Zlli95g/s1600/DSCF3557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGgrur1tf-y0gbJEZVm0dkkgVTjoROYdktBeiEvG6cqV4PT82K3o-UQdirrDH0pPYP-YWpxwzxoFKsrRi0daydqM5TKd_xrdf5GUUPXPwbBdLUUz1hOA-T3o9JWhXAoVAdeV1Zlli95g/s640/DSCF3557.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtvLAi3yeEPdaStaSrv1TrHunCI3oRHV42by7u_kxtNgF8sonB1OBoamuXbYhc5w4dnZze7gfAe1LDsorJVpVxtf0M01uEv3YrJU5H1Z-bQcJyWl589kims3h5-Ta6vxAtUxPQpvn4pg/s1600/DSCF3558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtvLAi3yeEPdaStaSrv1TrHunCI3oRHV42by7u_kxtNgF8sonB1OBoamuXbYhc5w4dnZze7gfAe1LDsorJVpVxtf0M01uEv3YrJU5H1Z-bQcJyWl589kims3h5-Ta6vxAtUxPQpvn4pg/s640/DSCF3558.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
But there were a couple more...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9IgqUbHBfdsTATrXpotrq0_h3IfiubpH2nmgPy24Yb_auDG1dxsXVLCdErBj6u__J_pU6pRZBlXHlgVHXo_Sk_NxRW9IFQy6aId8qNr7_7q478maThPyfu-s-7JEkIJzqUmUzA9fx3I/s1600/DSCF3562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9IgqUbHBfdsTATrXpotrq0_h3IfiubpH2nmgPy24Yb_auDG1dxsXVLCdErBj6u__J_pU6pRZBlXHlgVHXo_Sk_NxRW9IFQy6aId8qNr7_7q478maThPyfu-s-7JEkIJzqUmUzA9fx3I/s640/DSCF3562.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHYyTl4oQVuk7IzfjgTASTOpZMcEuVSfTJadW57EZKPSFijCYtFM1-yf1CL0Pd0AaWJn6Lfd3cGN3bIv3DgE9PbIQPkCU1Yp9VfClw6uKOta6R4hthhqyr32-QbAoxOR8bMHAh_Wo-a8/s1600/DSCF3574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHYyTl4oQVuk7IzfjgTASTOpZMcEuVSfTJadW57EZKPSFijCYtFM1-yf1CL0Pd0AaWJn6Lfd3cGN3bIv3DgE9PbIQPkCU1Yp9VfClw6uKOta6R4hthhqyr32-QbAoxOR8bMHAh_Wo-a8/s640/DSCF3574.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
But on to the meadow planting that I wanted to see, there were some perennial meadows close to the entrance at the side of the lake. Looking very purple with Verbena bonariensis, Leucanthemum, Achillea, Scabious, Lychnis coronaria Alba, Sanguisorba amongst the grasses.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkgSObci3UgHDFyRPQQa5Ka8lgUlvGN4EgFzT8ORNEPcI9ByblDqyAlnHG-3T-kqszvTXUH4waKtFGRy6u5ozShQfvbWh-82IadTTeFV5a6OXGTttkQCU0sRUxoGjgeP3T_HFNTmIzkI/s1600/IMG_20160831_160612145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkgSObci3UgHDFyRPQQa5Ka8lgUlvGN4EgFzT8ORNEPcI9ByblDqyAlnHG-3T-kqszvTXUH4waKtFGRy6u5ozShQfvbWh-82IadTTeFV5a6OXGTttkQCU0sRUxoGjgeP3T_HFNTmIzkI/s640/IMG_20160831_160612145.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqIcH4FWMIbKOCP1HlVhsJaAeQAHFywCPFjftQ99r0YJt2UBijwroPA1aOhF2Sikutejl_UseFJSE0hxPIjOaFkHeAg6gu75n91Pzk1OAiFP-Mdnn_6zro45ujKyUPJRWoG7jO0idVOs/s1600/IMG_20160831_160619771_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqIcH4FWMIbKOCP1HlVhsJaAeQAHFywCPFjftQ99r0YJt2UBijwroPA1aOhF2Sikutejl_UseFJSE0hxPIjOaFkHeAg6gu75n91Pzk1OAiFP-Mdnn_6zro45ujKyUPJRWoG7jO0idVOs/s640/IMG_20160831_160619771_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRWqwg19YXSP_v2yAj1qirbO7-Xo2U_Ao4Cfq-WUUd3V1gQyi71vWa2gUjVG71Sbn1ycImHbylFVQ2jmaek4OYayu9fOu8286hWNjBXvXjOCqVZBn9HuACxqTOwKcAOoOtwIvaj1pgWY/s1600/IMG_20160831_160632003_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRWqwg19YXSP_v2yAj1qirbO7-Xo2U_Ao4Cfq-WUUd3V1gQyi71vWa2gUjVG71Sbn1ycImHbylFVQ2jmaek4OYayu9fOu8286hWNjBXvXjOCqVZBn9HuACxqTOwKcAOoOtwIvaj1pgWY/s640/IMG_20160831_160632003_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Then there are a couple of areas of annual meadow planting, one a frothy mix of pinks and blues, mostly Cosmos when we went but there were cornflowers, Ammi, poppies and corncockles in the mix.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87FQ1v_MepjCaqcYz1GdKt5BccuX_FAaLLQX9ip5DT_zx3YlbNbX1mSN65u5Np3mqlQYs1X-EKqOHWgdH4dHTh1fsCKgj7tqgkihFvvN4PqGXNU-PQLyGvShyphenhyphen-x8Tf3UIVQ58OM8pkhQ/s1600/DSCF3546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87FQ1v_MepjCaqcYz1GdKt5BccuX_FAaLLQX9ip5DT_zx3YlbNbX1mSN65u5Np3mqlQYs1X-EKqOHWgdH4dHTh1fsCKgj7tqgkihFvvN4PqGXNU-PQLyGvShyphenhyphen-x8Tf3UIVQ58OM8pkhQ/s640/DSCF3546.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLDSa4JX4lVRokXyDCkZtJqs-WILllvaSSAifo7y50TFIjXKnNmpTsD8AKgtJGovSQqEEh6n3Pp9iIGAydhyphenhyphenGe3mICSpUu3m-7mgCGxGsPKVz4SzTCRX7j8f920RKV-ksioeMQ3M3l4A/s1600/DSCF3550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLDSa4JX4lVRokXyDCkZtJqs-WILllvaSSAifo7y50TFIjXKnNmpTsD8AKgtJGovSQqEEh6n3Pp9iIGAydhyphenhyphenGe3mICSpUu3m-7mgCGxGsPKVz4SzTCRX7j8f920RKV-ksioeMQ3M3l4A/s640/DSCF3550.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3x9gZqeMMnccE5T9iEMMaiLeaVAmaSl8lpNQaMJS_E-TYWqqm2JVUBcLqwME5k-vOu1A8g1pqgQIWx3zo1EvKHOF49hfhc5GhLNSZgmvdAnLAu82Y9K1Qi0Br_FX4_D6qZAuohJx200/s1600/DSCF3554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3x9gZqeMMnccE5T9iEMMaiLeaVAmaSl8lpNQaMJS_E-TYWqqm2JVUBcLqwME5k-vOu1A8g1pqgQIWx3zo1EvKHOF49hfhc5GhLNSZgmvdAnLAu82Y9K1Qi0Br_FX4_D6qZAuohJx200/s640/DSCF3554.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
There was some tantalising shady meadow planting in the woodland areas of the lakeside, there was some mass planting of Michaelmas daisies. Unfortunately I couldn't get any very good photos of these. But they lit up this shady area. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKvhHKd-DbUmfqsIv3LJvVaJm8fUtMIR0A2g5uyI7sHndGKP17RYebIJBGxv1ACqf8XV398DGgk4z-WS55PabMC6WHSCBLgh36kwMw55_fLmG7B3vgvdg3Alr6iIjlSip85OFmOtX8e0/s1600/DSCF3585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKvhHKd-DbUmfqsIv3LJvVaJm8fUtMIR0A2g5uyI7sHndGKP17RYebIJBGxv1ACqf8XV398DGgk4z-WS55PabMC6WHSCBLgh36kwMw55_fLmG7B3vgvdg3Alr6iIjlSip85OFmOtX8e0/s640/DSCF3585.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9277Fpwxfk6DqvT6fji1Mj-EcnSgudHEXM7giSLM13VjJAV_cqXIx0fj-JlXYTNajyhe3KBqX1rmOYYG81FECSTDei_p6CtnClC4Vx2bN_6XQIJvAZ5jW591NytDI7E2JngTS_RsA5W0/s1600/DSCF3591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9277Fpwxfk6DqvT6fji1Mj-EcnSgudHEXM7giSLM13VjJAV_cqXIx0fj-JlXYTNajyhe3KBqX1rmOYYG81FECSTDei_p6CtnClC4Vx2bN_6XQIJvAZ5jW591NytDI7E2JngTS_RsA5W0/s640/DSCF3591.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Further along was some newer planting of spring flowering shade lovers a mix of Brunnera, Lamium, Ferns, Epimediums, Geraniums which will be interesting to follow its development.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiVOhXJec0vMErJ8JnnpEg_7aWjS9bG2syUMa7yAxTLKaVeJWSHX6JpvlSXukD9Z3DuWOaJRCQZdR8uDQYv4AbuFwq4cyfIN5t8G7tOIaj_kGtUboA9dKElHdFf5QS8YUmZNjsIoqh8c/s1600/DSCF3577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiVOhXJec0vMErJ8JnnpEg_7aWjS9bG2syUMa7yAxTLKaVeJWSHX6JpvlSXukD9Z3DuWOaJRCQZdR8uDQYv4AbuFwq4cyfIN5t8G7tOIaj_kGtUboA9dKElHdFf5QS8YUmZNjsIoqh8c/s640/DSCF3577.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
But then as you walk back to the far end of the lake the woodland opens out into a meadow full of sunshine, looking glorious under the tall giants of the Redwoods.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsSlfz6fjKLpKOx6gIw_izE1FKUOiSkIJ0y5RpwKzNPtHYIPcnZ1oaj70MQpBSlMCaeBEpCBznYGjRU_JF3aeEGwX32dNUKt5FFl1kl7avC_Op9vkYEOwew_W73tjtNkSHSKDWFn8n-8/s1600/IMG_20160831_152947757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsSlfz6fjKLpKOx6gIw_izE1FKUOiSkIJ0y5RpwKzNPtHYIPcnZ1oaj70MQpBSlMCaeBEpCBznYGjRU_JF3aeEGwX32dNUKt5FFl1kl7avC_Op9vkYEOwew_W73tjtNkSHSKDWFn8n-8/s640/IMG_20160831_152947757.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wUIPPyRukZPLG0lD__N8vgIgb8IF9WZYDw0f9gqA3GEEMznypkYWsWtlEvbgiQ57yF_BkxFH849gSTT94KplqOyARULOd9K42BRQklvRwM5l923x0lIkoxa8l6fXs6VOinrmKwIkWlE/s1600/DSCF3597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wUIPPyRukZPLG0lD__N8vgIgb8IF9WZYDw0f9gqA3GEEMznypkYWsWtlEvbgiQ57yF_BkxFH849gSTT94KplqOyARULOd9K42BRQklvRwM5l923x0lIkoxa8l6fXs6VOinrmKwIkWlE/s640/DSCF3597.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEZgI2lk-sqjHfoY0EAY4-q9rNa6KBhbHF5YcYCA_ncv3H9cgHrdGHx_4WJAVSdkOw0wF1ly0gF8ktwvmn92yjDg3qHJxMHRPuqQnJ9WH6tmrx_H1Exs2sO6sFZpDuQMgivaJARw6VZA/s1600/IMG_20160831_152757661_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEZgI2lk-sqjHfoY0EAY4-q9rNa6KBhbHF5YcYCA_ncv3H9cgHrdGHx_4WJAVSdkOw0wF1ly0gF8ktwvmn92yjDg3qHJxMHRPuqQnJ9WH6tmrx_H1Exs2sO6sFZpDuQMgivaJARw6VZA/s640/IMG_20160831_152757661_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7muBixsvHWvCfYHnTwouGYowUJzc4UX0UM6FQb5eWOFOfdga0p3nc9CEiz1t6tgvIS2qWEH_xDi4D144dv9EiW4KHMo2YhfdWd0p6cTeW6FchuziPx3JeuJLg5QixU7Xw2czgWxqJGIA/s1600/DSCF3598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7muBixsvHWvCfYHnTwouGYowUJzc4UX0UM6FQb5eWOFOfdga0p3nc9CEiz1t6tgvIS2qWEH_xDi4D144dv9EiW4KHMo2YhfdWd0p6cTeW6FchuziPx3JeuJLg5QixU7Xw2czgWxqJGIA/s640/DSCF3598.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1mwU4Kjpdl90oEytUNOXBZ-Gft71sl_NsNQGYy7BUZh3UVpFAa8HmH4tyDmIkttNHDWASiJgUxxYYTiVBIBGc-XN_H0JGy2W9Lmy0FD-MEBNdkU6owiFg82O0PNs4lR3zm0Vhpnziq0/s1600/IMG_20160831_152843211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1mwU4Kjpdl90oEytUNOXBZ-Gft71sl_NsNQGYy7BUZh3UVpFAa8HmH4tyDmIkttNHDWASiJgUxxYYTiVBIBGc-XN_H0JGy2W9Lmy0FD-MEBNdkU6owiFg82O0PNs4lR3zm0Vhpnziq0/s640/IMG_20160831_152843211.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNow4peqsuyeHK8lr1kxGQRZaHZOGY5ZUoTjmQl1as0gZaDFdt4XdVzDvsWEpTb7Th0Sd48OkeTjjvUUJIBOBK1zihOusNuEL7fjwgJv-BAx8S1VsMudSMpzArvxjqLjmeCCWk0h23RI/s1600/IMG_20160831_152034876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNow4peqsuyeHK8lr1kxGQRZaHZOGY5ZUoTjmQl1as0gZaDFdt4XdVzDvsWEpTb7Th0Sd48OkeTjjvUUJIBOBK1zihOusNuEL7fjwgJv-BAx8S1VsMudSMpzArvxjqLjmeCCWk0h23RI/s640/IMG_20160831_152034876.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Hope this wasn't too long a post but there was just so much to see in this beautiful estate, great for a good walk, lots of fabulous planting to see, there are big play areas for kids, a couple of cafes, you could spend the whole day there and I definitely recommend that you do just that.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-72205098680811287902016-09-26T20:54:00.001+01:002016-09-26T20:54:29.173+01:00A Gull on the roof and other stories<div style="text-align: justify;">
We've just got back from a much-needed break down in North Devon, a week in a small studio on the cliff tops of <a href="http://www.putsborough.com/">Putsborough beach</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyy-8X9LTTWqN4xFueJZ9964LtN9rzyC1dqsfyNNej2SuRpgUxip0wEq-Neogny5_bqKQ7ZtW8vKeozvsZx7XIokACwxi6uEIU6ZWUioBCN62WhsrRLwsSigTlDLDOKNjqdTsbRFknrtE/s1600/IMG_20150918_184943168_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyy-8X9LTTWqN4xFueJZ9964LtN9rzyC1dqsfyNNej2SuRpgUxip0wEq-Neogny5_bqKQ7ZtW8vKeozvsZx7XIokACwxi6uEIU6ZWUioBCN62WhsrRLwsSigTlDLDOKNjqdTsbRFknrtE/s640/IMG_20150918_184943168_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What a place to stay, we had our own set of steps down to the beach and were on there most days walking, beach-combing, playing frisbee, paddling, star-gazing, sun-bathing, reading, swimming, body-boarding and I was even persuaded to have a surfing lesson! Blimey that was hard work, I was aching all over for a couple of days after that but it was exhilarating being in the still warm sea. Admittedly I wasn't very good, Martin was much better, I might give it another go but body-boarding might be more my thing! It was certainly a good buy getting wetsuits last year. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you've never been, Putsborough beach is at the one end of a 3 mile stretch of beach with Woolacombe at the other end. Its one of the cleanest beaches I've ever seen. The whole stretch of beach has been awarded the best beach in the UK on TripAdvisor. Its not as popular as Croyde and Saunton sands for surfers but very good for beginners. Martin knows it well, he went there for many years as a child from their holiday base at Combe Martin, and he's introduced me to it. I think North Devon gets overlooked compared to the more popular beach resorts in South Devon and Cornwall, and long may that last. Though to be fair I've never been there at the height of summer so it might be manic then.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Looking out to Woolacombe.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0WZE39AFr726TM8G0xUyuNx2AphemXzx1vJaPS8-58gQg_AXkojMIJbcBMPt6Gyf7CXPke2ulACRXdOYm8opvDbru67AJBNw8Yzd1nIdViwUqjRoAxNeG3YOV78wAhj7oSfl3f42qsM/s1600/IMG_20150918_184947281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0WZE39AFr726TM8G0xUyuNx2AphemXzx1vJaPS8-58gQg_AXkojMIJbcBMPt6Gyf7CXPke2ulACRXdOYm8opvDbru67AJBNw8Yzd1nIdViwUqjRoAxNeG3YOV78wAhj7oSfl3f42qsM/s640/IMG_20150918_184947281.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our view from the kitchen window.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifltTPmxicAjhBRGeMdp7ySsUBDXlFf5hyLfnOzf-TA59Ozbizp23az37TpTcOCFZs_xh0ByNXDoZbOKQ1Fojy9LY19CXg3ECEglP1fwcKm258s8guiDtuZyhyphenhyphenPWHatD11Zcm4-rVFdPo/s1600/IMG_20160922_134919084_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifltTPmxicAjhBRGeMdp7ySsUBDXlFf5hyLfnOzf-TA59Ozbizp23az37TpTcOCFZs_xh0ByNXDoZbOKQ1Fojy9LY19CXg3ECEglP1fwcKm258s8guiDtuZyhyphenhyphenPWHatD11Zcm4-rVFdPo/s640/IMG_20160922_134919084_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We did a lot of walking, mostly round about from the accommodation, along the beach to Woolacombe, into Croyde the next village. But there was no mobile signal round there and much to Martin's dismay there was no wi-fi in the studio but actually we both enjoyed the break from that and did lots of reading. One thing I love when I go away is to see what books they have at the cottage. There is usually a shelf or two of ones that people have left behind or the owners have kindly provided. It can introduce you to books that you might not otherwise choose yourself and new authors. I quite like reading books about the area that I visit. The Island by Victoria Hislop on a visit to Crete, Daphne du Maurier books on a visit to Cornwall. On a visit years ago to a cottage on the Isle of Skye there was a load of books by Lilian Beckwith which I devoured in a week while I was there. Her tales of moving there from England in the 1950s and buying a croft and all the characters and shenaniggans that went on were brilliant and even better read in a cottage by the edge of a loch with the heather out and wildness all around. This time I was intrigued to see a book called A gull on the roof by Derek Tangye, about him and his wife Jeannie giving up a busy life in London to run a flower farm on the cliffs in Cornwall, again set in the 50s. Such a lovely book, with beautiful illustrations by Jeannie. Reading all about them growing potatoes and daffodils literally on the cliffs down to the sea, with all the challenges that they faced but how they embraced the simple life and the descriptions of the nature all around them and the seasonality was a joy. I'm looking to get the other books now too. Reading about the couple now online, this book is the first of the now called Minack Chronicles, named after the daffodil farm. The fields around the cottage are preserved as a nature reserve 'The Derek and Jeannie Tangye Minack Chronicles Nature Trust'. It is a place for solitude and quiet contemplation. Other books there to read included a Rosamund Pilcher book, an author who I've not read for years and her descriptions of Cornwall and beaches were just the thing to read on a beach, albeit in Devon!! Is it just me or do others have favourite books to read when they go certain places?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UEcCxCph8PkKUCZdhDgEdkilGpD7FRV4LbJwT3V7EJnI-QQ_KWR0Ujz336IpjVX0X6K5RAO8cvxTvzoOo6j5HZjGuf6BsWBSS4LNHH_R5lJg2QcFEoeIrNOR1CG0moOrWloF5pk0xdc/s1600/DSCF3872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UEcCxCph8PkKUCZdhDgEdkilGpD7FRV4LbJwT3V7EJnI-QQ_KWR0Ujz336IpjVX0X6K5RAO8cvxTvzoOo6j5HZjGuf6BsWBSS4LNHH_R5lJg2QcFEoeIrNOR1CG0moOrWloF5pk0xdc/s640/DSCF3872.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I did a couple of garden visits, to Arlington Court and also to RHS Rosemoor, both with glorious walled gardens. I'll blog about those later. Arlington Court had the Woollen Woods where you could spot a medley of woollen creatures. Some more realistic looking than others!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjICei1Rbuqcrj4_DEp_tdKz8Qdf0gauBgS4ojHabibaCDmr8C2sf0Xu0LJSgBygs6DCZd5kRBIbo2JWKUhu7ZbvTD_orv89tO_M7A31fq4bgfkoyL2DLagel5rbRNh-5kGGN8zdr4gg/s1600/IMG_20160918_144912662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjICei1Rbuqcrj4_DEp_tdKz8Qdf0gauBgS4ojHabibaCDmr8C2sf0Xu0LJSgBygs6DCZd5kRBIbo2JWKUhu7ZbvTD_orv89tO_M7A31fq4bgfkoyL2DLagel5rbRNh-5kGGN8zdr4gg/s640/IMG_20160918_144912662.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Living in a big town, where we are never far from street lighting it always fascinates me when I go away somewhere like Devon to be in the proper dark. We were well prepared with a couple of torches for when we walked back on the lanes from Croyde. But one night we just sat on a bench on the cliff and looked up and beheld an array of stars. A real treat for a reluctant townie like me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj016S_xsm_8BrIUkAb7C49hJK_knJppusc92mQxLP4Q-ScAbyVTi-0q_-8WIWEpoR1NXZKVI7s4kuyrhKAMXElQwb-ahfQPwGWmZZNfXqOrkjV6idYUMlyveuQkjlQtlsQD1RGkdzQMvg/s1600/IMG_20160920_175838088_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj016S_xsm_8BrIUkAb7C49hJK_knJppusc92mQxLP4Q-ScAbyVTi-0q_-8WIWEpoR1NXZKVI7s4kuyrhKAMXElQwb-ahfQPwGWmZZNfXqOrkjV6idYUMlyveuQkjlQtlsQD1RGkdzQMvg/s640/IMG_20160920_175838088_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We had an interesting last night there though, watching a helicopter fly over the bay with search lights and two lifeboats going up and down the seas again with big powerful lights obviously searching for something. They were there for a couple of hours searching a massive area of sea. What seemed to us like looking for a needle in a haystack Our hearts were in our mouths and we were again made aware about what an amazing job the RNLI do along our British coastlines. We looked at the local news the following day and it was thought that a handglider had gone into the sea off Baggy Point on the headland but thankfully this time it was a false alarm. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After the long drive home its time to catch up with washing and back to work and real life till next time..... </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-56733810536156569922016-09-14T16:44:00.000+01:002016-09-14T16:44:11.695+01:00A tour of......Dove Cottage Nursery and Garden<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the closest gardens to me in Huddersfield is <a href="http://www.dovecottagenursery.co.uk/index.html">Dove Cottage Nursery</a> and Garden in Halifax, how lucky am I! A real treat for lovers of hardy perennials and the garden is a true showcase for the plants. I have done a post about it <a href="http://annieslittleplot.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/new-local-nursery-discovered.html">before</a> when I first visited. But I've been a few times now and it is always changing, with new plant combinations and varieties. The nursery was recently visited by Roy Lancaster for one of his features on UK nurseries in the July issue of The Garden magazine.<br />
My garden visit this time was at the end of August, probably the latest that I've been to visit the garden and it was still going strong and in fact was so lush that you really could almost get lost in the planting. The great thing about the garden is that its on a slope and you walk up and down the garden getting amazing views above and below the plants. There are many really tall plants around and lots of grasses so it always feels like such a swaying garden, lots of movement and colour. Delicious plant combinations abound and you really get a feel for how plants love to mingle.<br />
Enclosed by tall yew hedges, you enter the garden from the nursery through a lovely old door with no view of what is on the other side and it makes you catch your breath as you step through.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNZLbaN_xSO3otQFw1q4n9OtuzkepK1lHqA3g-7N8KJfo3WQ0KgnBbiNC-0mYocCXAO_y7-GzXgBI5wcnlFkoId-ybD2sh_bjsfHbdctsfcDj3xyEiv8VOlgcvE5EWT2j-o8EsKOwuFk/s1600/IMG_20160826_114702548_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNZLbaN_xSO3otQFw1q4n9OtuzkepK1lHqA3g-7N8KJfo3WQ0KgnBbiNC-0mYocCXAO_y7-GzXgBI5wcnlFkoId-ybD2sh_bjsfHbdctsfcDj3xyEiv8VOlgcvE5EWT2j-o8EsKOwuFk/s640/IMG_20160826_114702548_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Then you can wind down the garden towards a small summer house and then meander upwards to the top of the garden, with views out to the hills around. It is hard to believe from the lush planting and the huge range of plants that this garden is situated on a north-facing hillside. So it gives you ideas of plants that will grow in more challenging conditions. The views change as you go round each bend in the path.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujg-XoNuoDUqG8n0EOCphs8R6zxxuXsDHisrBLUDVkt9YfXTOMxcWjAK6aIDwqqsJanyqP7BanX-rB4XMNv6Y00hveb-eNptsMM7eB7e9QZc-wDrPt1IVABp0tlPngMX1asjszQ51NGw/s1600/IMG_20160826_114709703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujg-XoNuoDUqG8n0EOCphs8R6zxxuXsDHisrBLUDVkt9YfXTOMxcWjAK6aIDwqqsJanyqP7BanX-rB4XMNv6Y00hveb-eNptsMM7eB7e9QZc-wDrPt1IVABp0tlPngMX1asjszQ51NGw/s640/IMG_20160826_114709703.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
There is a river of the creeping bronze-leaved Acaena with the frothy grass Panicum. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaTqgJ-_vBl0mKrReERtHv0K0GBnKvkMeiAeoKEoQURicxUYLSivZ96a035VSNNqnXaZ4Av84UA6oK_C_kzZaLhcVbfJVLL2J-ODcAGBFMXxJY8mNVw0HB0_cA9v4rRP5g7q2RaeEh64/s1600/IMG_20160826_114724860_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaTqgJ-_vBl0mKrReERtHv0K0GBnKvkMeiAeoKEoQURicxUYLSivZ96a035VSNNqnXaZ4Av84UA6oK_C_kzZaLhcVbfJVLL2J-ODcAGBFMXxJY8mNVw0HB0_cA9v4rRP5g7q2RaeEh64/s640/IMG_20160826_114724860_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtAU11VQ2vxJP6IefzzpH_5K5y1WdKOYoCnNGZn1bxYHixLorsZJWnps5jyfmUuM338ZbqqZOBLOVfWVqWXckQEDhMz24twTfIblac8uFBisuTigJ8N7SP4trx4wZ6-Q7pyQ9V8jT2R2E/s1600/DSCF3510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtAU11VQ2vxJP6IefzzpH_5K5y1WdKOYoCnNGZn1bxYHixLorsZJWnps5jyfmUuM338ZbqqZOBLOVfWVqWXckQEDhMz24twTfIblac8uFBisuTigJ8N7SP4trx4wZ6-Q7pyQ9V8jT2R2E/s640/DSCF3510.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
There are lots of lovely grass seed head at this time of year which look great against the sunshine, this is Hordeum jubatum. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyAXVcYYIePOaCTXecYYeGh_Z3kVmW1geVAGT5lcrOgvYdtq4T6y0vXfVI6c8r0x_Xd5epfyVAhBjH71KA4hwkOkGds5LxgXwMCrTZegr1mo4c4mYBEi_aY52UCpp3CDBR1CbrRM4RPw/s1600/DSCF3534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyAXVcYYIePOaCTXecYYeGh_Z3kVmW1geVAGT5lcrOgvYdtq4T6y0vXfVI6c8r0x_Xd5epfyVAhBjH71KA4hwkOkGds5LxgXwMCrTZegr1mo4c4mYBEi_aY52UCpp3CDBR1CbrRM4RPw/s640/DSCF3534.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhTcsniJKtqaEaPHVfxeVWd7tXeh4MdEybtaxXmOU3G0I9Noq0A0Ozu4Asz19ufnEbzUDDznuOwyL4xHBVWssz0hTie7TP_OWyMQf5dTyRQ3wd0MXkzGsCWnpblA90bm0N0XugKOstkQ/s1600/IMG_20160826_114843970_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhTcsniJKtqaEaPHVfxeVWd7tXeh4MdEybtaxXmOU3G0I9Noq0A0Ozu4Asz19ufnEbzUDDznuOwyL4xHBVWssz0hTie7TP_OWyMQf5dTyRQ3wd0MXkzGsCWnpblA90bm0N0XugKOstkQ/s640/IMG_20160826_114843970_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiTN_F5ewpjOnyaxuhKBIAdLxxHNLLu-Ce8AYMLveYONGuxhe8weNdKS-XxzdZDlXc0OlGBmscMgkyoyEAfggIAVkiHSXNon4hfKBWe325GH98YSwymBrlyRUI9G1pPsDY12x-Z37h0Y/s1600/IMG_20160826_115106483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiTN_F5ewpjOnyaxuhKBIAdLxxHNLLu-Ce8AYMLveYONGuxhe8weNdKS-XxzdZDlXc0OlGBmscMgkyoyEAfggIAVkiHSXNon4hfKBWe325GH98YSwymBrlyRUI9G1pPsDY12x-Z37h0Y/s640/IMG_20160826_115106483.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The little summer house is almost buried by plants.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyrcNB3xaHql8rMdCenkFma17JvoMjwLDR0rqBCqs29jZZxd48t4IVKtNeD7hTfM4PjILo_ffFKYiOUnN3yiK4iOHC-VxQRC6Ie7z8P-5Rxi5fpkPFr_nPwk0Bi07npuxDEH6orBr3x0/s1600/DSCF3536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyrcNB3xaHql8rMdCenkFma17JvoMjwLDR0rqBCqs29jZZxd48t4IVKtNeD7hTfM4PjILo_ffFKYiOUnN3yiK4iOHC-VxQRC6Ie7z8P-5Rxi5fpkPFr_nPwk0Bi07npuxDEH6orBr3x0/s640/DSCF3536.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UbBSI6pZ194pTGjm2b0Sy5K_sDoClvk3gHmZ4E5lucfC1bOZOrndXTb7Z2Bf1b8NRQDO-NkztzaUhvB3gP80a1bmZBv9HIgq2bioyXxdPmgwGv13EOf8In5Fx6H0b3K2TElS46iFEsA/s1600/DSCF3535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UbBSI6pZ194pTGjm2b0Sy5K_sDoClvk3gHmZ4E5lucfC1bOZOrndXTb7Z2Bf1b8NRQDO-NkztzaUhvB3gP80a1bmZBv9HIgq2bioyXxdPmgwGv13EOf8In5Fx6H0b3K2TElS46iFEsA/s640/DSCF3535.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The Echinaceas were looking particularly splendid at this time of year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCjEnP-l-1b0fOXGeONICzl_NeoMZCZm3GXrn3Fsg4zpotb4UB3XkrmrJimLefPUqLjFZgfS1-GW9oBv8nxRKgjCgpTMw2OBGvSgoBCby6ZHjcC24li6pRgi_Nv5TY5Hbk-C89_A9ZCY/s1600/DSCF3528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCjEnP-l-1b0fOXGeONICzl_NeoMZCZm3GXrn3Fsg4zpotb4UB3XkrmrJimLefPUqLjFZgfS1-GW9oBv8nxRKgjCgpTMw2OBGvSgoBCby6ZHjcC24li6pRgi_Nv5TY5Hbk-C89_A9ZCY/s640/DSCF3528.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8MHCdyKafo8BV8NWuTLpeHM8oR72k4XNW9oPSwQ7An0rA8AGnphl8aPp5pA2vCItsSrfKueabCmCQ8QYIfipAlRplCg3WIhc_aSlNzSO8mP4gtqf-lfGn0ZTg0MJK_UPOnAN-5ScAUE/s1600/IMG_20160826_114353496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8MHCdyKafo8BV8NWuTLpeHM8oR72k4XNW9oPSwQ7An0rA8AGnphl8aPp5pA2vCItsSrfKueabCmCQ8QYIfipAlRplCg3WIhc_aSlNzSO8mP4gtqf-lfGn0ZTg0MJK_UPOnAN-5ScAUE/s640/IMG_20160826_114353496.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There are also some lovely lower level plant combinations including this Oregano, bright pink geranium and Hordeum.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLOQZEoLUhfZVG35slVty9bHR9VR2bpQ8vdTDyohwXPNKp07xOw8D2RASrXTOYiAZC3uWeIeBSUx3KQOSrccwu_vDbA_iRgFF8bVqf4j3yogyRJkWp-5yJv101MezQNXsXr-JYCfRJko/s1600/IMG_20160826_121335122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLOQZEoLUhfZVG35slVty9bHR9VR2bpQ8vdTDyohwXPNKp07xOw8D2RASrXTOYiAZC3uWeIeBSUx3KQOSrccwu_vDbA_iRgFF8bVqf4j3yogyRJkWp-5yJv101MezQNXsXr-JYCfRJko/s640/IMG_20160826_121335122.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There is a gorgeous border full of lovely yellows, with Rudbeckias, Achillea, Fennel and the really tall white Sanguisorba.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEopPnP9XkAX4ovVV5oqWJNQOio25DTxPOg4dP8oyqr_5PjqF2MzIntmjASp5h-tazhBQaRo_RhQxsHZEqEmCocmsnviTZkWS6TJXMvIBeLISGqpioUCZ4HxKXvfgdo649e4iL9QfL3k/s1600/DSCF3539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEopPnP9XkAX4ovVV5oqWJNQOio25DTxPOg4dP8oyqr_5PjqF2MzIntmjASp5h-tazhBQaRo_RhQxsHZEqEmCocmsnviTZkWS6TJXMvIBeLISGqpioUCZ4HxKXvfgdo649e4iL9QfL3k/s640/DSCF3539.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWT4MfMedS-_QPCBpGiegZ0DnJ9nL0fckLy_TOrKZtK1LjiW-r0fYhe8JIJ07eXtZ8MZtOhSFm5befBurGF0YV2cVPMem0eNJfohGcU9l63E7LT1s14uhbJFHMD4-An3MTxWLOYQgokE/s1600/IMG_20160826_114249773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWT4MfMedS-_QPCBpGiegZ0DnJ9nL0fckLy_TOrKZtK1LjiW-r0fYhe8JIJ07eXtZ8MZtOhSFm5befBurGF0YV2cVPMem0eNJfohGcU9l63E7LT1s14uhbJFHMD4-An3MTxWLOYQgokE/s640/IMG_20160826_114249773.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66NYtPSagJafs2COn3kf1322CIGhC9-bVkRbVzFjP6SSBzZiVnq9WEaZ4wNUgHUEKjVHquRkW7rniTwh_Ki1iawnuBwWJxzNSKDGnf7BAc9_1VGKcRnuRzJJtFQpIEf9067OldjLW0go/s1600/DSCF3538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66NYtPSagJafs2COn3kf1322CIGhC9-bVkRbVzFjP6SSBzZiVnq9WEaZ4wNUgHUEKjVHquRkW7rniTwh_Ki1iawnuBwWJxzNSKDGnf7BAc9_1VGKcRnuRzJJtFQpIEf9067OldjLW0go/s640/DSCF3538.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
This lovely plant caught my attention as I wandered through the garden.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJI3drMs6gFG4djlmDS7mzURTYAnsviYVPDsaRit2G4a5xMHX3SWeEgBoijXleSD0CbsRMPvDLHQLSnCmmkhJccLmqlyYV_EJNs8wJAwm98R4g5AAX89K9wqSxtgP4giiNNmI9JZcgo8/s1600/DSCF3499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJI3drMs6gFG4djlmDS7mzURTYAnsviYVPDsaRit2G4a5xMHX3SWeEgBoijXleSD0CbsRMPvDLHQLSnCmmkhJccLmqlyYV_EJNs8wJAwm98R4g5AAX89K9wqSxtgP4giiNNmI9JZcgo8/s640/DSCF3499.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
If I had read the article in the magazine I would have see that it was a variety of Teasel called Dipsacus pilosus, but actually what is great about this place is that you can chat to the owners, Stephen and Kim about the plants, you can really feel their passion for them. So I asked about it and Stephen said this had been the plant that most people have talked about this year, its common name is actually Small Teasel but its not small at all, reaching up to 2.4m if grown in rich soil. The small actually refers to the flowers which are well loved by bees and hoverflies with lovely white scabious like flower. But I actually was more fascinated by the seed pods. I think the flowers and seed pods will make a lovely unusual cutflower. Its a biennial and can seed around a bit and there was evidence of that in the garden but I bought a small plant of them and am giving it a try.<br />
It seems that they let quite a lot of plant self-seed, the bronze fennel, Erigeron anuus and the lovely acid yellow burpleurum, taking control later in the season, moving plants as they see fit. It all culminates in a garden with a contemporary feel but alive with movement not just from all the grasses but from the insects that the planting attracts. <br />
I would recommend a visit here, but you will need to be quick for this season as the garden and nursery shut on the 30th September. The nursery will reopen again in 2017 around early March and the garden in June.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-55821313263585643842016-09-05T19:57:00.000+01:002016-09-05T19:57:48.005+01:00Slowly getting back to things<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thanks to you all for the lovely comments on my last post, still get emotional reading it and I miss my mum so much. But its a bit like how I felt after my dad died, when you lose someone it makes you cherish your own life and want to make the most of every day. Autumn is starting to creep up on us, the nights are drawing in slowly and its darker in the mornings, its a bit cooler in the evenings and there is a lovely light to the days. Some people get sad about autumn and the slow march into winter, but there is something about autumn that also feels positive, there is the abundance of crops the feeling of harvest festival time. I love the colours, the rich reds and yellows of sunflowers, rudbeckias and eupatoriums, the purple heather on the moors, the black shine of the blackberries and the spiky punks of my plot, the globe artichokes. As ever are covered in bees.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-M8id9Ay0dQek6hwx6D6q02BZyS-a0_PxJrIc7piLjF3vLDSfC619IScjbtsVKaBGvaCxGtudn2qGBbe_Bi0bX6mxCqUK7LUT7egV1IIe5kTZ4sGN62mUTpLjUpzTLNET91GdrOpP0c/s1600/IMG_20160824_102351490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-M8id9Ay0dQek6hwx6D6q02BZyS-a0_PxJrIc7piLjF3vLDSfC619IScjbtsVKaBGvaCxGtudn2qGBbe_Bi0bX6mxCqUK7LUT7egV1IIe5kTZ4sGN62mUTpLjUpzTLNET91GdrOpP0c/s640/IMG_20160824_102351490.jpg" width="640" /></a> There is the planning ahead to next season with all the bulb planting and some seed sowing. I've already started thinking about where things are going to go on my plot next year. Sometimes spring can get a bit frenetic and I prefer the calmer time of autumn. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can't say my allotment has been a huge success this year, I've just not had the time to dedicate to it like I usually do and it really makes you realise how quickly you can lose control of planting, harvesting and weeding. For the first time ever it became a bit of a chore and got me a bit stressed at not being able to get on top of things but then I just thought, let it go for a year, it won't come to any harm and do a bit at a time, its not the end of the world if your sweet peas go to seed, if the slugs eat all your celeriac or if you have a few weeds. Then I just popped up there when I could to get some fresh air and away from it all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvl3p22Yy7kk-4kkkMc70eAfBHDoTF3xTRtqIF6jVN9SxNdynwHAgLPCHO2bQoo-YjmHbNuVSANbTT85hkN2lHEaoUQHsp6C7DuRcHTsjwQ0_VCK9-WBJpejP8PtaBKqsC-Z3jSySQp-E/s1600/IMG_20160821_172440920_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvl3p22Yy7kk-4kkkMc70eAfBHDoTF3xTRtqIF6jVN9SxNdynwHAgLPCHO2bQoo-YjmHbNuVSANbTT85hkN2lHEaoUQHsp6C7DuRcHTsjwQ0_VCK9-WBJpejP8PtaBKqsC-Z3jSySQp-E/s640/IMG_20160821_172440920_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VElR4xfOlUQO_HKDISc33K37vWO3xgshBPhyeFPXwcsw3tBfWdnXvH5z1oRp9hVB5ba5bbZcRA83ptM0S5LYCu7JrPG72LKq5dXyU2orfZFS5yK3EoMFNLirBfWw4X4wdPW8HK20hdw/s1600/IMG_20160824_102401858_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VElR4xfOlUQO_HKDISc33K37vWO3xgshBPhyeFPXwcsw3tBfWdnXvH5z1oRp9hVB5ba5bbZcRA83ptM0S5LYCu7JrPG72LKq5dXyU2orfZFS5yK3EoMFNLirBfWw4X4wdPW8HK20hdw/s640/IMG_20160824_102401858_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My cut flower patch has been reasonably productive but there have been some failures, only one sunflower survived the slug onslaught this year. One of my allotment neighbours said how much she missed the sunflowers that I usually have on my plot. The Ammi visnaga which was such a great success and not touched by the slugs at all last year was ravaged by them this year. I managed to rescue a couple of plants. The Zinnia have been disappointing. There have been some failures I think as I wasn't able to water as often as I'd have like too. A few things flopped too early on and never really recovered. My sweet peas were fantastic and started flowering early but then I just couldn't keep on top of them and so they started setting seed and that was the end of them. Actually I've done quite well for collecting seed, one up side for not being able to pick as often as I'd have like! There were some successes though with some lovely Scabious. I'm starting to get a real feel for the good old stalwarts of the cut flower patch, the reliable plants whatever the season can throw at them. I'm starting to assess what I've grown and thinking about whether they get added to my list this year!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjHngC0bjGwcxT2MRne76xOVniG89ceTU0AP5PDU4E-H_wMyjIlNQOCU9WiyrpXHWgARzSYocaGvJjWte9Yu7lYkUPYPvpg8i-Vs8tgCWUD8ZCTA5AVkainS6gIM8EcJCMTTHK7x9HLA/s1600/IMG_20160824_102437344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjHngC0bjGwcxT2MRne76xOVniG89ceTU0AP5PDU4E-H_wMyjIlNQOCU9WiyrpXHWgARzSYocaGvJjWte9Yu7lYkUPYPvpg8i-Vs8tgCWUD8ZCTA5AVkainS6gIM8EcJCMTTHK7x9HLA/s640/IMG_20160824_102437344.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the veg side of things, I managed a good crop of onions and potatoes, I'd completely forgotten that I'd planted 'Arran Victory' a vibrant purple skinned potato, so that was a surprise when I came to dig them up! A good spud for mash. Courgettes have been a disaster, the plants grew well but the slugs just kept eating the flowers and so hardly any crops off those. I planted all my celeriac and celery and when I next returned to the plot the bed was completely bare, not a single plant. So frustrating for a crop that you start so early and cosset through. Yes slugs have been a big problem for me, I just haven't been able to really stamp them out this year. The rain we had early on was perfect conditions for them, not weeding as much also means more slugs I think too. I've also realised that I've created lovely slug and snail hotels on my plot. Most of my veg beds are divided by rows of chives and I think this is where the critters go to shelter in the day. I've got rid of a load when I've cut back the chives hard recently. May need to rethink that, but I do love them, they are a good early flower for bees on my plot. I've managed to salvage a few things more recently, I have some crops growing for winter, I've some good parsnip plants, some leeks and have got some sprouts and greens for later.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another negative aspect to this summer has been a thief on our site, we have had our communal shed broken into and the shop money stolen. But more frustrating for some people we have a thief who is going round the plots and pinching crops. Just a few bits of things, some peas, some courgettes, onions, potatoes and a whole cucumber plant. I didn't think I'd been affected but with only having a couple of squash on my plants this year, I couldn't fail to notice when one went missing. Its almost as if someone is selecting stuff to have for his (or her) tea!! It just causes a bit of bad feeling as its likely someone on the site.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On a more positive note, I'm pleased to announce I have some lodgers on my plot now, some residents in my bug house.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuK3EDXhsQ1ERULnFONoWh0f-AOk9iNeU5fMPy8jUhKEpq96M0jVaikLqHUA2dnK9QfxEs8IHfmS3QatXoyagCmphMtKF_ggFIZ8Nm-rf7svyM1WDoRDxjZoyxINlS-jC8q3bsDIVBSlM/s1600/IMG_20160824_102331019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuK3EDXhsQ1ERULnFONoWh0f-AOk9iNeU5fMPy8jUhKEpq96M0jVaikLqHUA2dnK9QfxEs8IHfmS3QatXoyagCmphMtKF_ggFIZ8Nm-rf7svyM1WDoRDxjZoyxINlS-jC8q3bsDIVBSlM/s640/IMG_20160824_102331019.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, just a quick update on my plot, I'm doing a bit of clearing and reorganisation of things this year. Planning on even more flowers for next year! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've made a couple of garden visits recently which I'll try and blog about soon, a return visit to one of my favourite gardens and nurseries, Dove Cottage in Halifax, always a delight to see the everchanging plant combinations that they try out each year. Then last week I made a much anticipated visit to Trentham gardens near Stoke-on-Trent, I've see lots of photos on Twitter of the newly planted meadows there, designed by one of my gardening heros, Nigel Dunnett. Anyway more on that in a later post.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Enjoy your garden xx</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-73218762694288666922016-08-19T10:53:00.000+01:002016-08-19T10:53:48.256+01:00Sadness<div style="text-align: justify;">
Gardening is such a big part of my life, its keeps me happy, sane and grounded. I love flowers they bring me joy, and gardening I can't imagine not doing it, the connection it gives me with nature and the environment, the fresh air and the eternal link to the seasons, it keeps me going. My love of gardening has been nurtured by my mum, she has always created beautiful gardens in both of my family homes and I have strong memories of the plants and flowers in those gardens. Even more recently when she moved into sheltered accomodation she created a small garden of containers which everyone there admired. More than that she was always creating pots for all the other people in the home. Sharing her joy with others. My mums name was Daisy and she had three sisters Lily, Iris and Violet, is it any wonder that she loved gardening. It gave her great happiness and enjoyment, sitting out there watching the birds. It was her pride and joy and got her through the many trials and tribulations which every family has to contend with.<br />
My mum passed away a few weeks ago, I'm going to miss her so much, she has been the
centre of my life, always there for me either in person or at the end of
the phone to hear about my week and telling me her news.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE40ISj4H1jc4YOhFlmrLLSsOhWKBgfYsFDj32g6TW_LoxPxKmf7XoNFqmiNwHF75CGsSVgkouLpsRQuAYh9ebopyrMXc-3LH2nvh2eu6A-Zy2JB0AWWaxT4NHSX7fimLHuElJ8hxlLXU/s1600/picture+402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE40ISj4H1jc4YOhFlmrLLSsOhWKBgfYsFDj32g6TW_LoxPxKmf7XoNFqmiNwHF75CGsSVgkouLpsRQuAYh9ebopyrMXc-3LH2nvh2eu6A-Zy2JB0AWWaxT4NHSX7fimLHuElJ8hxlLXU/s640/picture+402.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
She never really got over the death of my dad three years ago though was really brave and tried really hard to keep going, even with increasing ill health she never complained. I myself have 4 sisters and a brother and over the last few years we
have seen her at least once a week and how glad I am to have had that
time with her. Our routines will all have to change now, but one of the nice things in these difficult few weeks has been spending time with them. We have made promises with each other to arrange more times together. <br />
<br />
This was the poem that I selected to read at her funeral. Think it was perfect for my mum and also for all us siblings, hope you don't mind me sharing it with you. <br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
My Mother kept a garden.<br />
A garden of the heart;<br />
She planted all the good things,<br />
That gave my life it's start.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She turned me to the sunshine,<br />
And encouraged me to dream:<br />
Fostering and nurturing<br />
The seeds of self-esteem.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And when the winds and rains came,<br />
She protected me enough;<br />
But not too much, she knew I'd need<br />
To stand up strong and tough.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her constant good example,<br />
Always taught me right from wrong;<br />
Markers for my pathway<br />
To last my whole life long.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am my Mother's garden,<br />
I am her legacy.<br />
And I hope today she feels the love,<br />
Reflected back from me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcb_y2rpf7qG-yDAarbFYIIl2XdxbXT0K4AJuPp4clC59-M_bwbdFWx1G2KpFgdwt3s6TpR7SNoOj55aG6UM07Lf5TQ5z2n35qvOh-xT7amYV5CAawvYjJNhI89wtpYjGuOKOhu0DUEM/s1600/Picture+057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcb_y2rpf7qG-yDAarbFYIIl2XdxbXT0K4AJuPp4clC59-M_bwbdFWx1G2KpFgdwt3s6TpR7SNoOj55aG6UM07Lf5TQ5z2n35qvOh-xT7amYV5CAawvYjJNhI89wtpYjGuOKOhu0DUEM/s640/Picture+057.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As you might imagine my garden and allotment have taken a back seat these last few months but I'm slowly getting back into it and finding it helps. I have missed following all your blogs, I hope to catch up with all your plots and gardens soon xx<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-22707014999601011592016-06-01T20:16:00.000+01:002016-06-01T20:16:16.206+01:00Chelsea highlights - The Great Pavilion<div style="text-align: justify;">
Its a grey windy day here in Huddersfield and I'm quite glad to be inside looking through my photos from Chelsea. It was a busy couple of days and tiring but I was very lucky to have two days there. Its my treat of the year, a real celebration of Britain's love of gardening. I know it gets busy but you can time it and get to see everything. On the Tuesday I was helping Sue Beesley on her stand in the Great Pavilion, she had a lovely display of shade loving perennials.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2sSjoh3dA-YpCAJSpoKeB6hRYnsZHlMQ_2NJOkqXZY8CKsnZoUhyIKUw1VM1VQD6EL3WEY6j6eg9umveepXfCXj9f23ZDmg2Yj5HEvQHlNlaPAEi3CjSRgjCfTOvqzQ9MPhvlb1ftxI/s1600/f231692896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2sSjoh3dA-YpCAJSpoKeB6hRYnsZHlMQ_2NJOkqXZY8CKsnZoUhyIKUw1VM1VQD6EL3WEY6j6eg9umveepXfCXj9f23ZDmg2Yj5HEvQHlNlaPAEi3CjSRgjCfTOvqzQ9MPhvlb1ftxI/s640/f231692896.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In only her second time at Chelsea she got a silver medal which she was happy with, the judge came round while I was there to give feedback and it was positive on the whole, he said that most of the plants were gold medal quality, there were just some issues with the presentation. There were gaps in height at the back of the display and some were too close to each other, they also thought the willow cat was a bit big for the display. Sue would prefer to get an island stand for the plants that she displays, as they are often small and delicate and deserve close inspection which you can't really get with this type of display. But Sue has learnt lots and standing by the display we got lots of feedback and interest. People seem to love the Thalictrums which are fabulous plants for shade, giving height and gorgeous ferny-like foliage and airy flowers (and most importantly slugs don't tend to like them!). Another popular plant were this Primula.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRmyP2YY7XQgzs95XOsxJjYSG-JsZI4ao09q8fOLeZiB1iMTfLVEszaYaroACIHyIjQa9RQRpFI0mRpB-cdDEenardAy6WZ1U_TqTGuyLU4lNQe5LhCC4ZRtvOX4fvZhTnpYc4EQsnSU/s1600/f158552832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRmyP2YY7XQgzs95XOsxJjYSG-JsZI4ao09q8fOLeZiB1iMTfLVEszaYaroACIHyIjQa9RQRpFI0mRpB-cdDEenardAy6WZ1U_TqTGuyLU4lNQe5LhCC4ZRtvOX4fvZhTnpYc4EQsnSU/s640/f158552832.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Primula sieboldii 'Winter Dreams', isn't it lovely. Unusual foliage for a Primula and soft-pink flowers like a snowflake. I had many discussions with people about the renaming of Dicentra spectabilis to Lamprocapnos spectabilis, yes doesn't it just roll off your tongue. The display contained the white form and also a newish variety called 'Valentine' which has dark red flowers and dark burgundy stems. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sue is specialising in Thalictrums at her nursery and she displayed a range of varieties, from the tall varieties such as Thalictrum 'Black Stockings' which has dark purple star-like flowers and dark almost black stems to small delicate varieties such as Thalictrum ichangense which is a tiny variety with unusual foliage and the pinky white star-like flowers of the genus.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFgqsRZw6Lgty2V41OzfABCZsdbXA_u4_Yw_Yqd9kfCAogBndv_YzW1raTzvk2vhWbZ4-TjBRAeHU9J9-oHgr33_QP-NK3nqWKtOc1yUIHU6ATTYWalywvl45-r7G2ch9UBhRdqONL1Q/s1600/f133209888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFgqsRZw6Lgty2V41OzfABCZsdbXA_u4_Yw_Yqd9kfCAogBndv_YzW1raTzvk2vhWbZ4-TjBRAeHU9J9-oHgr33_QP-NK3nqWKtOc1yUIHU6ATTYWalywvl45-r7G2ch9UBhRdqONL1Q/s640/f133209888.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can see from the very top picture that the Bluebell Cottage Nursery stand was right next to a display of lilies. Two more contrasting displays you will ever see! The scent was very strong and a bit much after a few hours!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the Wednesday when I got there at just after 8am the show gardens were already busy so I headed for the peace and tranquility of the Great Pavilion and it was really quiet. There had been long queues previously to go into the Bowdens display which was taking the usual place of Hilliers nursery in the centre of the marquee at the monument site. I'm sure you saw this on the TV coverage it was the one with the train carriage, the Belmond British Pullman. The concept was that you stepped onto the train from a typical English country station and leave the train onto a lush, exotic rainforest, with tree ferns and bamboos. It was a great idea and really popular but I had it almost to myself that morning what a treat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAgPoBEaklJhDpCXB815PI1RvU78SuuzGuiAVBjrNVY1n_ueA_rXCA4SkqzDEc97UMGlcn3TVVX8Azq_tfOM8U83_pTjZvFveop4g-B2BBTCbwqfrfGm3n_uj4bkeewgMXm9P2on6CUo/s1600/DSCF3107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAgPoBEaklJhDpCXB815PI1RvU78SuuzGuiAVBjrNVY1n_ueA_rXCA4SkqzDEc97UMGlcn3TVVX8Azq_tfOM8U83_pTjZvFveop4g-B2BBTCbwqfrfGm3n_uj4bkeewgMXm9P2on6CUo/s640/DSCF3107.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhg92NBaTdd7RCtUStiFNUAosSnqiqR0VzxvUIQKRSq-A91QMOQgiAgtHLw1R0Q6HOcOuRjDpv7n5GilXuDbvzjnPPpR1tBrR4esHkas9h5PLtSnXKSVKPwJOaCifh_usyKCCkjvjWn9M/s1600/DSCF3110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhg92NBaTdd7RCtUStiFNUAosSnqiqR0VzxvUIQKRSq-A91QMOQgiAgtHLw1R0Q6HOcOuRjDpv7n5GilXuDbvzjnPPpR1tBrR4esHkas9h5PLtSnXKSVKPwJOaCifh_usyKCCkjvjWn9M/s640/DSCF3110.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another popular display in the pavilion was that from Birmingham City Council. Rare these days to see council displays and they are one of the few councils left that grow their own plants for shows and for their parks and displays. Their display was a bit odd in celebrating sport but also collaborating with an amazing artist called Willard Wigan who makes small sculptures in the eye of a needle!! Crazy stuff and they had set up little microscopes round their display to show the work. There was then a larger version on the stand. Bit bonkers but certainly a talking point.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmelruzV5yFUubPI2y1Q42N0BgPjAvi43GN6edgsk-z73yV1zD_19WByBcz88m2xR55iQ2dL4z_AW7a6HMtzpT7jwCPsYbldFeOg3estjrQCWAJdtxiPUH5GkY85_AtX5b0_-yxSciN8/s1600/DSCF3145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmelruzV5yFUubPI2y1Q42N0BgPjAvi43GN6edgsk-z73yV1zD_19WByBcz88m2xR55iQ2dL4z_AW7a6HMtzpT7jwCPsYbldFeOg3estjrQCWAJdtxiPUH5GkY85_AtX5b0_-yxSciN8/s640/DSCF3145.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The flower arranging displays as always were impressive. Especially the display by New Covent Garden market, who were making their debut at Chelsea. With one side showing the work of the market with a wall of black flower buckets highlighting the range of flowers and foliage.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3AuSdhHPV9yS3Pn3Kt5zTg-5QnivLWqOjvKlmJKBACbHYJB4r5WJxDxVRMGQVMFEsEb55C4rU3Gw25UZl8nczwoKTYj-K3shw-R3XxSX3T5sWv_kcC3c-z-mQwmIyxQ_kHka_9NyWbQ/s1600/DSCF3216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3AuSdhHPV9yS3Pn3Kt5zTg-5QnivLWqOjvKlmJKBACbHYJB4r5WJxDxVRMGQVMFEsEb55C4rU3Gw25UZl8nczwoKTYj-K3shw-R3XxSX3T5sWv_kcC3c-z-mQwmIyxQ_kHka_9NyWbQ/s640/DSCF3216.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But then on the other side is a modern sculpture of the Queen's head with layers of colours and flowers against a white background, a tribute to the Queen's 90th Birthday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0P9-woq4OHx25HbISSW43IpfOBUmphuX78q7yzpb0WGvrhjET8GlK6HTZ3HmfhjpXvhWrbgnYskfwNgCe-LK_Ys0wzzYuxVhKD9Y6o5rHEHd2tS-y6zdXcGNhsY9Z-rnuxujgSIXaaco/s1600/DSCF3217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0P9-woq4OHx25HbISSW43IpfOBUmphuX78q7yzpb0WGvrhjET8GlK6HTZ3HmfhjpXvhWrbgnYskfwNgCe-LK_Ys0wzzYuxVhKD9Y6o5rHEHd2tS-y6zdXcGNhsY9Z-rnuxujgSIXaaco/s640/DSCF3217.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
Fabulous, and well worthy of the Gold medal.<br />
The NAFAS display was a Victorian revival<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2niuZPYtA8z61dSMz8fektXygEU4Q1X9U3vff2PuHmosCKvFZqS7mNLWq_lsSRjOpeNXefUkDScaDFvSqnabbs_fD_fhrpPlt9Y59JkIBu4NCiZ8GUFhORR8lJDY5XzherjKiaCsHw_c/s1600/DSCF3207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2niuZPYtA8z61dSMz8fektXygEU4Q1X9U3vff2PuHmosCKvFZqS7mNLWq_lsSRjOpeNXefUkDScaDFvSqnabbs_fD_fhrpPlt9Y59JkIBu4NCiZ8GUFhORR8lJDY5XzherjKiaCsHw_c/s640/DSCF3207.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
But one one piece stood out for me, look at this, a little pouffe footstool made from Stachys byzantina leaves (otherwise known as Lambs ears!), gorgeous.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyH4Cq-DUAlOjowTsNKPimsl7lYl0qdqhPnRLhYQfVZgM3m_2EDjnfNB_J9oKfHaPDV7NRYBobMJZ_BtfgWuSxWOuRxcsclYS2jXEXNbMwNfY_cihwlLaXbX6Y33VE8pmrupVMhPuU38k/s1600/DSCF3209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyH4Cq-DUAlOjowTsNKPimsl7lYl0qdqhPnRLhYQfVZgM3m_2EDjnfNB_J9oKfHaPDV7NRYBobMJZ_BtfgWuSxWOuRxcsclYS2jXEXNbMwNfY_cihwlLaXbX6Y33VE8pmrupVMhPuU38k/s640/DSCF3209.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There was a definite change in the pavilion this year regarding some of the plant displays there was a clear move towards the use of props and I think this was a bit hit and miss. I do wonder what traditionalists will think of this. My feeling is that it worked sometimes but less so with others and it is a fine balance between them helping to show off your plants and detracting from them!! I think some of it is needed as I've been to Chelsea for many years now and some displays are exactly the same every year. So for example a display from Blackmore and Langdon (who have shown at every single Chelsea Flower Show since 1913) of Delphiniums and Begonias is a fantastic display, though like Monty I'm not a great fan of the big Begonias, but isn't it the same each year and to be honest I think I just whizz by these displays. Maybe its the displays that show only one type of plant, I also don't go a bundle on the displays of Chrysanthemums, Gladioli or Lilies. Even the tulips, though they can give you ideas of varieties to choose. But some nurserys were using more props to highlight their plants, such as Heucheraholics who displayed their plants around some colourful beach huts. I think this worked and the plants were definitely the stars but then I wasn't so keen on a display by Primrose Hall nursery who had a display of paeonies, one of my favourite flowers, but the display had a big Chaise-Longue in the centre and not many plants!! Apart from the flower heads in a bunch at the bottom. Didn't take a very good picture, I apologise. I know that nurserys are being encouraged by the RHS to work with designers to develop these displays but I don't think this one quite worked. The plants should still be the stars of the show and I didn't think the balance was quite right on this one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobElPGcr5uNl3a7ALjXqFtgsL5W6MKIcZ4pUUkFibkJLc98b5jD09XeIQYn3Vt98tv19phxpbzqmnJZscsNTGubW5tfQMJfdb6MPybF4r88yDTJyiM1vGfmL4NzhuBoeoalMpIiCxy0o/s1600/DSCF3165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobElPGcr5uNl3a7ALjXqFtgsL5W6MKIcZ4pUUkFibkJLc98b5jD09XeIQYn3Vt98tv19phxpbzqmnJZscsNTGubW5tfQMJfdb6MPybF4r88yDTJyiM1vGfmL4NzhuBoeoalMpIiCxy0o/s640/DSCF3165.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
No my favourite displays tend to be those that have a mixture of perennials, such as Hardy's, Barnsdale Plants, Culm View Nursery or Claire Austin's stand. I also like the displays of alpine plants in troughs and pots. I loved the display by Kevock Garden Plants, I was fascinated by the range of Primula species, and I spent a good few minutes going round this stand.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzR8NqLYDqjIh3fmcqW9S7JhAQHYtoZ8dMsMZhOLxFKLHzwAhnwatfnAzTG7Ab6RqZs1-Mpl2V-z7e1VT-4MSO8KOtI3Zhpw86VoH6Jqzj4FxgncCCHR1ckPBF5DoiYSfbC84jO5oJJfE/s1600/DSCF3184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzR8NqLYDqjIh3fmcqW9S7JhAQHYtoZ8dMsMZhOLxFKLHzwAhnwatfnAzTG7Ab6RqZs1-Mpl2V-z7e1VT-4MSO8KOtI3Zhpw86VoH6Jqzj4FxgncCCHR1ckPBF5DoiYSfbC84jO5oJJfE/s640/DSCF3184.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
They had a stunning display of Blue poppies, which I can only dream about growing but lovely to see it in its prime.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqP-tY-IGRGqjNAzz-C8VtTdK3Y3nbPbtMOTbGftEPCKry2QM6H8nflxK8amugon6mnqep5iVPzGuOIPpVoC_UhFCaCAwCKim8_yJZuKlpo5O7pzoCds0R_0wTKCuBNF1fnXJRhvBpDf4/s1600/DSCF3193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqP-tY-IGRGqjNAzz-C8VtTdK3Y3nbPbtMOTbGftEPCKry2QM6H8nflxK8amugon6mnqep5iVPzGuOIPpVoC_UhFCaCAwCKim8_yJZuKlpo5O7pzoCds0R_0wTKCuBNF1fnXJRhvBpDf4/s640/DSCF3193.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Having said that I prefer stands with mixed plants, the stand out display in the Pavilion this year was a display of a single genus. This was a display by <a href="https://www.ashwoodnurseries.com/news/ashwood-nurseries-to-exhibit-hepaticas-at-chelsea/">Ashwood nurseries</a> of Hepatica's. What an amazing display and far and away the best in the pavilion and rightly so the winners of the Diamond Jubilee award for best exhibit in the pavilion. What a challenge this would have been to bring these early spring flowers to a late spring flower show. But the display showed off these jewel like flowers to their best in a mini-woodland setting. All set at the perfect height to inspect their delicate blooms. A real delight and if you saw the interview by Carol Klein with John Massey, the nursery owner, you will have seen what it meant to him. A real dream come true.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmoElzGP6bg69L_3BRPg63J2BYAIl8NRqp-aVDFV0TkfSbn_F9DAs17EYOljFcOytR2rRDwx7zPLo7EE_N0Kt6z0hUQlSAuv5prGGjXdHS24xAqAyFRCczTLQ-HA67kKagb4plO1u1bY/s1600/DSCF3171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmoElzGP6bg69L_3BRPg63J2BYAIl8NRqp-aVDFV0TkfSbn_F9DAs17EYOljFcOytR2rRDwx7zPLo7EE_N0Kt6z0hUQlSAuv5prGGjXdHS24xAqAyFRCczTLQ-HA67kKagb4plO1u1bY/s640/DSCF3171.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4E3ZcqAmCMchSL6S0wkL5a6RspWeb-VOcKFDWAt83NgwxENohf2QLmTxB4W57RBdPHEfBFxJ5BpCGacbnNyNuRsflwoxq6YOByfVnLx31x9b0KldeyapS118hDe8V6OgJf1mrfBauwKU/s1600/DSCF3172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4E3ZcqAmCMchSL6S0wkL5a6RspWeb-VOcKFDWAt83NgwxENohf2QLmTxB4W57RBdPHEfBFxJ5BpCGacbnNyNuRsflwoxq6YOByfVnLx31x9b0KldeyapS118hDe8V6OgJf1mrfBauwKU/s640/DSCF3172.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAQ9iFkiRVXQ8mXqq4I20rZWVp4kMKSuKn0ohGjWXpGK-LQ0vrR9PiQz_k2PX0o6dWPm4ngapJMj9j6t83BgWo7_WbUAJLE7aYNXQm3zMwwmw1UpBy5PU3DC9obEZTw-btaiYjNbhBPU/s1600/DSCF3174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAQ9iFkiRVXQ8mXqq4I20rZWVp4kMKSuKn0ohGjWXpGK-LQ0vrR9PiQz_k2PX0o6dWPm4ngapJMj9j6t83BgWo7_WbUAJLE7aYNXQm3zMwwmw1UpBy5PU3DC9obEZTw-btaiYjNbhBPU/s640/DSCF3174.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdMugC9j2vbe5AEMyNLdywGp3j96RuyrTvUr0iQb_eQP7zhyphenhyphendVaf176VHGiqIj96Rjt52N12DMo7ZVM1WhSD5GLD1RmQyrOuCYnfcq1wnzoH1iqyn4ZLPzpNhyphenhyphen-qNAr0VK7L4QUj6I2I/s1600/DSCF3176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdMugC9j2vbe5AEMyNLdywGp3j96RuyrTvUr0iQb_eQP7zhyphenhyphendVaf176VHGiqIj96Rjt52N12DMo7ZVM1WhSD5GLD1RmQyrOuCYnfcq1wnzoH1iqyn4ZLPzpNhyphenhyphen-qNAr0VK7L4QUj6I2I/s640/DSCF3176.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbdMwrh_AwMK2WIjVgfAUeCkwMIDZ5dc1pWbwhNDVHs9zCP_qUMglARnOI9i4IO3whEOvV_zvqjjG6r9VoyVsZqHqodc89LYSiM9AzasH714gPt2btBqK_JY5uUvekPnIJGVdAs-wY7w/s1600/DSCF3177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbdMwrh_AwMK2WIjVgfAUeCkwMIDZ5dc1pWbwhNDVHs9zCP_qUMglARnOI9i4IO3whEOvV_zvqjjG6r9VoyVsZqHqodc89LYSiM9AzasH714gPt2btBqK_JY5uUvekPnIJGVdAs-wY7w/s640/DSCF3177.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqw9UiEKxxF9nYT12KxOQ8hnubJ1lqkjhKkRrBpv5OcHROvzzyxUcsFBR5BvPFdRdt641XrLV2zgthZlFM48L71p7Hn0hliaNCZDM4O4znnsECbfJJJjEXNfMubh0kI556TvvtlzQECo/s1600/f217059648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqw9UiEKxxF9nYT12KxOQ8hnubJ1lqkjhKkRrBpv5OcHROvzzyxUcsFBR5BvPFdRdt641XrLV2zgthZlFM48L71p7Hn0hliaNCZDM4O4znnsECbfJJJjEXNfMubh0kI556TvvtlzQECo/s640/f217059648.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't think my photos do them justice really, the range of flowers and also interesting leaf shapes and foliage markings. Ah I could go on and on about this stand. Just gorgeous. I really must visit this nursery. Anyone else go to Chelsea? Or saw the coverage, what are your thoughts on the displays and plants in the Great Pavilion?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-4890787171819553522016-05-23T20:50:00.000+01:002016-05-23T20:50:04.877+01:00Sunshine, showers and off to Chelsea<div style="text-align: justify;">
May has been a much warmer month thankfully and the plants are growing quickly. Its manic with all the seed sowing and planting, but I love this time of year. My garden is looking good, alliums are just starting to come out, foxgloves start to point to the sky and roses coming into bud. The tulips are finishing and blossoms floating from the trees. At the allotment its all about the chives, its a sea of purple and the bees love it. I'm excited because the asparagus which I've grown from seed is coming up well, I'm not able to pick this year but its starting to bulk out a bit, so maybe next year!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxNLThLwd3qkHFvC7U7bsa2RAWfB5ukyiOWUmzCBpD81op3RCuJUotn2TyKpGbd_x5UnQyBWNLvSKAevpa6SHXpimFtKs6SHe1XLjfQZmj6etsqamNLa30BeDFs6N8LOO5HkO-pKAG5I/s1600/IMG_20160515_175305832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxNLThLwd3qkHFvC7U7bsa2RAWfB5ukyiOWUmzCBpD81op3RCuJUotn2TyKpGbd_x5UnQyBWNLvSKAevpa6SHXpimFtKs6SHe1XLjfQZmj6etsqamNLa30BeDFs6N8LOO5HkO-pKAG5I/s640/IMG_20160515_175305832.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The cutting patch is getting into gear. Lots planted but still more hardening off in the greenhouse or being potted on, be glad when its all in now. This mixture of sunshine and showers is really getting things growing at last which is great. Though the slugs are also loving this weather too as you might expect.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosyEPyKul0TtEte87_ByTMib_tGe0y89izmG9voABBV-oAg433kTa-kI9QNoPHLCVDoqKNQPrle_xNx2TAXz6iRQkfD7z67HiEay7NEGWFP4t2-hB_iaDRv5c-p-xrhoM225V5vm8OKc/s1600/IMG_20160515_175407147_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosyEPyKul0TtEte87_ByTMib_tGe0y89izmG9voABBV-oAg433kTa-kI9QNoPHLCVDoqKNQPrle_xNx2TAXz6iRQkfD7z67HiEay7NEGWFP4t2-hB_iaDRv5c-p-xrhoM225V5vm8OKc/s640/IMG_20160515_175407147_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The plot is certainly looking greener. The wallflowers are still flowering away and I've picking lots for the house. There are lots of flowers on my fruit bushes and the strawberry plants so looking forward to a good crop from these. There are buds developing on my artichokes. I've got ladybirds all over my plot, has anyone else noticed lots this year. Its been lovely to see.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWo4lKJK3XcFLXnf916T8cr2QwhnklEsUyDJ_PeZeRXRZWjlYpwS3DhEAHlh4CaSxuErcTaU6m4fjMPyoFeH-886Oi8pZeUv57t3RF0yjamlNicCURJUSn6RawTMSfvKQMKs4SuWtyfKs/s1600/IMG_20160515_175412056_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWo4lKJK3XcFLXnf916T8cr2QwhnklEsUyDJ_PeZeRXRZWjlYpwS3DhEAHlh4CaSxuErcTaU6m4fjMPyoFeH-886Oi8pZeUv57t3RF0yjamlNicCURJUSn6RawTMSfvKQMKs4SuWtyfKs/s640/IMG_20160515_175412056_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
I've got some lovely Camassias on plot starting to bloom.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxl6vAlyZoX8QOhiVbOE8ZvwkoCEv_S5C6gbO7lO-kymj1uVs46kEWirCuShmBL9bee7JxLoLKUolkGb6A9IrUgJh9xkOwi7sfH9bXGkaRASavq7XtQILsTPpKmvF2TX9tKSdEAA9Gsc/s1600/IMG_20160515_175314184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxl6vAlyZoX8QOhiVbOE8ZvwkoCEv_S5C6gbO7lO-kymj1uVs46kEWirCuShmBL9bee7JxLoLKUolkGb6A9IrUgJh9xkOwi7sfH9bXGkaRASavq7XtQILsTPpKmvF2TX9tKSdEAA9Gsc/s640/IMG_20160515_175314184.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm off to Chelsea tomorrow, going to help Sue Beesley, from Bluebell Cottage Nursery, on her stand in the Great Pavilion, she has a small stand showing Thalictrums and delicate shade loving spring perennial. Then on Wednesday I have a ticket to look round the show myself. Looking forward to seeing all those lovely plants and get lots of ideas for my garden.</div>
Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-2705778885778474632016-04-29T11:02:00.000+01:002016-04-29T11:02:31.561+01:00The plot in April<div style="text-align: justify;">
April, is it really April. Looking out my window as I write you would be forgiven for thinking that its January or February, only when you look closely and see the brightly coloured Tulips against the snow and the pink blossom of the Rhododendron and the greeness of the garden. Yes its snowing. Crazy April weather. Its May day on sunday!! I thought we had escaped the snow that has been hitting the north of the UK this week, but woke up this morning to a thin covering and its still snowing now. I need to go outside to knock the snow off the greenhouse roof but it can wait a bit. I'll wait till it stops, the showers come and go with bright sunshine in between, and the north wind, it goes right through you. Its no wonder that for the second time this winter I've got a cold. Its all the temperature changes I think.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjf1yRkm4M3XEXJtQ5CZv88VakjHh7KqzAm4Z3iInYfoc_pC5lNBXm1HxbwUNUtRwqWkyj9Igr3SkYvsPsI_vCS_xikNjEG5vH0r4t5BxP6qAFP8xYry3oa7hEC9KhcBuKvi92ZDDWs8/s1600/IMG_20160429_071010639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjf1yRkm4M3XEXJtQ5CZv88VakjHh7KqzAm4Z3iInYfoc_pC5lNBXm1HxbwUNUtRwqWkyj9Igr3SkYvsPsI_vCS_xikNjEG5vH0r4t5BxP6qAFP8xYry3oa7hEC9KhcBuKvi92ZDDWs8/s640/IMG_20160429_071010639.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So I missed posting my last update of the blog in March, as usual its just been too hectic but actually its slow moving on the plot. The cold snap we've had for what it seems like most of April has slowed things down. It will all burst forth soon I'm sure but its still quite bare at the moment. I've been busy at home and in the greenhouse with seed sowing and as usual my greenhouse is fit to burst. Its made all the worse by this cold weather as I can't move things on. I've bought extra shelving for the greenhouse and another mini-greenhouse for outside as a coldframe. But still no space.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the allotment, my cutting patch has started producing which is the earliest I've ever had flowers, my wallflowers are in bloom. They are a bit dwarfer than I thought they would be, but make a lovely small posy. I've got them in a vase with some chive flower buds, Dianthus 'Green Trick', Erysimum 'Bowles Mauve' and some white Spanish Bluebells that have sprung up on the allotment site round the communal hut. The wallflowers are also delicately scented.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4f-T658JsHv0isEJmY2G_5Z87Z1h2Ifjmm20t57mW76_2ALKhA5BJPGkEVD8bYt5LD6kBGhjp6dua91YX5g-tWKCRkS8zB0MUPCHYHOxBokyH1nY4Jylatxz4Xf0HN9gqA_L5PS1neY/s1600/IMG_20160422_134949845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4f-T658JsHv0isEJmY2G_5Z87Z1h2Ifjmm20t57mW76_2ALKhA5BJPGkEVD8bYt5LD6kBGhjp6dua91YX5g-tWKCRkS8zB0MUPCHYHOxBokyH1nY4Jylatxz4Xf0HN9gqA_L5PS1neY/s640/IMG_20160422_134949845.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSh40EKaT_8yVeaWZ_P9UqAqkZYe_LUUt18rgrTCRnhg5bN8ejM9DFr7QxmwqCWrOqnSJSD0xAFd0oj-9QARlOvV9EGhONtUsq_2a2XF0QZ9oIWTcilplZ_e0r4Y0zJqtfaUZMKxILJc4/s1600/IMG_20160422_135012328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSh40EKaT_8yVeaWZ_P9UqAqkZYe_LUUt18rgrTCRnhg5bN8ejM9DFr7QxmwqCWrOqnSJSD0xAFd0oj-9QARlOvV9EGhONtUsq_2a2XF0QZ9oIWTcilplZ_e0r4Y0zJqtfaUZMKxILJc4/s640/IMG_20160422_135012328.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the plot I've planted a few of my hardy annuals, but how they will be coping with this weather I'm not sure. I'm more worried about them getting squashed by the snow and battered by the wind than the cold really. I've planted some Larkspur, some Poppies 'Falling in Love', Echium 'Blue Bedder', Ammi majus and some Calendula. But still got lots waiting in the wings. I've planted my autumn sown Sweet Peas and have tried a new way of growing them this year. I usually grow up a wigwam but you get lots of growth at the narrow part of the wigwam so thought I would try growing up a vertical frame this time. looking on other blogs have seen people recommend jute netting from Agriframes so I ordered some and got it all set up. Unfortunately I'm not sure what happened but this was what I found when I went up to the plot this week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_h87fs3xCCsWg0C7eAV0M5pEay2eaUStWz8kJHSX0wziQ5sIpNkYP1vA9Pj6Ugng3KyQA6iGy8uIyEb4w_E0QJGI4S_whOfhOKMt49Fj6zIzP6ScI0gq2YyfVV_o_AYR90mErxsGMiw/s1600/IMG_20160422_105920394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_h87fs3xCCsWg0C7eAV0M5pEay2eaUStWz8kJHSX0wziQ5sIpNkYP1vA9Pj6Ugng3KyQA6iGy8uIyEb4w_E0QJGI4S_whOfhOKMt49Fj6zIzP6ScI0gq2YyfVV_o_AYR90mErxsGMiw/s640/IMG_20160422_105920394.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A big hole!! My plot neighbour think it would be the foxes but I've managed to salvage it and tied it back up.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Veg-wise I've planted my onions and shallots, potatoes are in and lots on the way in the greenhouse. I've had another go at sowing peas and broad bean direct but no sign of them yet, so we'll see.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another beauty that I've been growing in my greenhouse this year has been a lovely variety of Ranunculus. Its been in a big pot in my greenhouse and I've had lots of blooms off it for the house. Mostly mixing with tulips, white ones as shown here but also a lovely purple streaked variety. Here it is on its own and then with some tulips and pussy willow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQLzfaLaQfS0sp28Q6-0YP1Cs0gAwbP4OYbVzbTmSfgz4FDATlM2qdltJSb3rl7PXbNWpOfSyLmHoX0YqrRdGkHndOcGKajHkF22g8K3IURRAQxbseuK5SZIo35IUIoFXYAI8ZzioZUU/s1600/IMG_20160331_170042322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQLzfaLaQfS0sp28Q6-0YP1Cs0gAwbP4OYbVzbTmSfgz4FDATlM2qdltJSb3rl7PXbNWpOfSyLmHoX0YqrRdGkHndOcGKajHkF22g8K3IURRAQxbseuK5SZIo35IUIoFXYAI8ZzioZUU/s640/IMG_20160331_170042322.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaohv8jhjCe4J55cs6Gci1qBDEX9fyOcd1e02LBYM7LfN0juY4Es_2AXxZRBcAqJCS9xQ45HIKdJPsj7G5uqtor4Q_calMWi11Qc7bXms0fuQPCE38qIjuFdWWLfHQEJyn7XI42AZ1nF4/s1600/IMG_20160410_192209322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaohv8jhjCe4J55cs6Gci1qBDEX9fyOcd1e02LBYM7LfN0juY4Es_2AXxZRBcAqJCS9xQ45HIKdJPsj7G5uqtor4Q_calMWi11Qc7bXms0fuQPCE38qIjuFdWWLfHQEJyn7XI42AZ1nF4/s640/IMG_20160410_192209322.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJUx16GdvKHl3WAPiWUCos5UKWnWDsXdgtsh1fm7wTFXjKR_o10M72mCpuQFD0qnKdwALCsf77mvmsRLZ18wqTE-sKOVefCA4bs8PJy_cOa9zLndggps2pX_9tmc9ofWZZBu0YzrZtIw/s1600/IMG_20160410_192236990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJUx16GdvKHl3WAPiWUCos5UKWnWDsXdgtsh1fm7wTFXjKR_o10M72mCpuQFD0qnKdwALCsf77mvmsRLZ18wqTE-sKOVefCA4bs8PJy_cOa9zLndggps2pX_9tmc9ofWZZBu0YzrZtIw/s640/IMG_20160410_192236990.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They have cheered me up on a bleak day, hope they have you too xx</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-37572130797307230712016-03-21T21:30:00.000+00:002016-03-21T21:30:41.745+00:00Spring has sprung<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yippee, we have passed the Spring equinox, we are now getting longer days than nights, oh joy and the clocks change this weekend so we will have even more time for gardening, and its Easter so we have extra days off. And lots of chocolate eggs. Ok I'd better calm down. Just to temper the excitement, the weather forecasters of doom are suggesting this settled weather is going to break just in time for the Easter holidays. Lets hope they have got that wrong. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGY70gqqY0M3qwtWTk2Ux9E9KCnq50oSNMqEVdrxi5OUYL2DLWxTy7ENIS_EyMnCoDefkPo0aZm46_LQZYY3py_u2XwrNOxUvgyy-vtvb5NOy_DV6X1f0JUXwm4u1PhnTVG0J7ONfgns/s1600/Garden_21_04_2013_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGY70gqqY0M3qwtWTk2Ux9E9KCnq50oSNMqEVdrxi5OUYL2DLWxTy7ENIS_EyMnCoDefkPo0aZm46_LQZYY3py_u2XwrNOxUvgyy-vtvb5NOy_DV6X1f0JUXwm4u1PhnTVG0J7ONfgns/s640/Garden_21_04_2013_07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hope you have all been making the most of the settled weather, I certainly have hence the blog getting neglected as usual. We have had some gloriously sunny days here in Huddersfield but also some grey days where the sun has never made an appearance and its stayed chilly but even those days have been good for gardening in. Especially if like me you have been barrowing muck. Myself and a fellow plot holder got a delivery last year, but it gets dumped in a communal area and we have to barrow it to our plots. I'd put what I needed on my beds and the rest needed to be piled up to store for next year. I thought I had taken my half but chatting to Marion she said she had taken hers so the rest was mine. Well I wasn't going to complain (though my back did a bit) and let anything go to waste so I set to on sunday to get the rest moved onto my plot. This pile never seemed to diminish and backwards and forwards I went, the pile on my plot was getting so big now that I was having to use a spade to put it on top rather than just making a run and tipping it on top. Anyway lets just say I earnt my dinner that day, and a sneaky early Creme Egg. The one good thing is I won't have to do this again next year, I have plenty to see me through for a bit. So the beds just need a bit of a fork over but already for planting when needed. The plot is looking slightly greener and less bleak now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PEb0NfYcCPDdCKWTBUc4z84MbFMfLUFoUE04PAcyrGzEZV4W1SXawl3hdpJ0G54fah8vxiGPNuoN7bWYMRkib3tGzws0jcz7yhY15_QRhgLxPJrXmm_CUH-lfwm6Mm5ZC7OWzAbopRY/s1600/IMG_20160316_160250990_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PEb0NfYcCPDdCKWTBUc4z84MbFMfLUFoUE04PAcyrGzEZV4W1SXawl3hdpJ0G54fah8vxiGPNuoN7bWYMRkib3tGzws0jcz7yhY15_QRhgLxPJrXmm_CUH-lfwm6Mm5ZC7OWzAbopRY/s640/IMG_20160316_160250990_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I did manage to do a few other more pleasant jobs over the weekend. I cut down the old stems on my monster artichoke plants. The fresh foliage looks fabulous in the sunshine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispNh-N-flkpMpj6FBc8tjqKlMYHsJLNXcuUVLKW5Wesh51ngtUj8aumQ5nG0ynR8xVcusxmqeIiqpqOiE93cVfZ8fwnVRDLcfCdgiSnNeaDWS8Bc7GPqU-Kf1PRvDtpX8fDrfL1XLRmo/s1600/IMG_20160316_160146561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispNh-N-flkpMpj6FBc8tjqKlMYHsJLNXcuUVLKW5Wesh51ngtUj8aumQ5nG0ynR8xVcusxmqeIiqpqOiE93cVfZ8fwnVRDLcfCdgiSnNeaDWS8Bc7GPqU-Kf1PRvDtpX8fDrfL1XLRmo/s640/IMG_20160316_160146561.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I pruned the gooseberry and redcurrant bushes and mulched those. Cut back all the dead foliage on the strawberry plants. Gave the over-wintered onions a light feed and removed the few weeds. In the cutting patch I had a big mass of self seeded Briza maxima, which is a lovely grass for foliage in bouquets, it is also good for drying. Also known as quaking grass it has oval-shaped flower heads which dance in the breeze. I dug these up and split them and made two rows in the plot. So that was nice and easy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I planted some biennials last year but sadly the slugs, which have been so active over the early part of the winter at least, have made a mess of the Sweet Williams and I'm not sure they will recover. The wallflowers look ok. However on a recent trip to B&Q I spotted some nice packs of bedding biennials. I'm never that sure about B&Q plants, they sometimes look neglected and not well watered. But these looked newly arrived and in good condition. You could get 4 packs for £10, so I bought some sweet william, some stocks and some forget-me-nots. They were in little 'teabags'!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBN6Kcy1xnuhE5XIuFtKZpCQJRSDvxRCdPFci4a9JXxzmPo5gC8_lvyMDp-bxtgOrK4nLyO0Rk8bGEfjAwYOG6IVyYy9ENYzIYvx7TWiglDgd4J_f4GolcUoKpiroQE2Y0VXoAi2cL3c/s1600/IMG_20160316_144935221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBN6Kcy1xnuhE5XIuFtKZpCQJRSDvxRCdPFci4a9JXxzmPo5gC8_lvyMDp-bxtgOrK4nLyO0Rk8bGEfjAwYOG6IVyYy9ENYzIYvx7TWiglDgd4J_f4GolcUoKpiroQE2Y0VXoAi2cL3c/s640/IMG_20160316_144935221.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyo-xovLOb2yvsN0SS67NF7K25xnINMIQhPg-PEd67mGp2xqn4Q7_8_yRmCTdjbw53tMx4acDFSysyodAJ_2a5o3Af2mjg8eYBnkpeWQdkDevVfmOBZHMdP0cwi93gGmkUKmNOUd9x5Vw/s1600/IMG_20160316_144949562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyo-xovLOb2yvsN0SS67NF7K25xnINMIQhPg-PEd67mGp2xqn4Q7_8_yRmCTdjbw53tMx4acDFSysyodAJ_2a5o3Af2mjg8eYBnkpeWQdkDevVfmOBZHMdP0cwi93gGmkUKmNOUd9x5Vw/s640/IMG_20160316_144949562.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So most have gone at my plot, but some of the forget-me-nots have gone into my garden.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Also picked the first crop of the year, some rhubarb. I have two big plants now so will have loads. Last year I had a go at making some rhubarb wine, it should be ready to drink soon....</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've also been getting busy in the greenhouse, potting on a few autumn sown annuals. I've started hardening off the Larkspur plants which have made nice big plants now, I also have some Orlaya grandiflora, some poppies, Ammi majus, Scabious, Echium 'Blue Bedder' and some Calendula plants. Plus some Sweet Pea seedlings. But I've also started sowing some Cornflowers and Nigella. My chilli peppers are growing well and I've just pricked out the Tomato and Aubergine seedlings. The Celeriac and celery seeds have germinated. But I've had a few disasters, the onions that I sowed way back in January have failed, they germinated well and I pricked them out but they've not thrived and most have died. Oh well thank goodness for onion sets. Plus I had some Aeonium cuttings in my greenhouse from my sister and a couple looked sickly and a bit of investigation found the roots had been eaten by vine weevils, yuck so they have been chucked. I've repotted the others and am hoping to get some Nemasys to try and save them, but who knows. I'm worried about other things in the greenhouse now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGUcopZ253JlIw9o87GzOTX8YooYo-x6MP2g3pp9hMlNbF-EE2LJhW8KSQvfq2UmgYafxSAveyt73GQjOnhP_7RgMBVLJGqUQxTHbvJR3ewLo8ELtBituB1ktkAHcZ6Z2WDhYmfEzePU/s1600/DSCF9813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGUcopZ253JlIw9o87GzOTX8YooYo-x6MP2g3pp9hMlNbF-EE2LJhW8KSQvfq2UmgYafxSAveyt73GQjOnhP_7RgMBVLJGqUQxTHbvJR3ewLo8ELtBituB1ktkAHcZ6Z2WDhYmfEzePU/s640/DSCF9813.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm starting back working at <a href="http://www.bluebellcottage.co.uk/">Bluebell Cottage Nursery</a> this weekend, the gardens are opening for visitors for the new season. The garden is a real showcase for the lovely plants that Sue sells in the nursery. I'm like a kid in a sweetshop when I'm there. Come and visit and say hello!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-36444726292695177762016-03-07T19:24:00.000+00:002016-03-07T19:24:06.179+00:00New garden visitors<div style="text-align: justify;">
Its been a cold weekend but thankfully mostly dry after the snow fall on friday. Here is the snow on the war memorial in Greenhead Park.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWvvhxlwaUF1Kvag9QgRgfk4CUgKyJBuUlRXNhCqm3NQTE3w5GCMuG_1oTCiKyPYQvtqQ0aR6nlIqUizI4whyx6WT3RoZPJqpt6kKt-JLHUG4klvwv5biTAg0erWIFI5exRNEAVtWQ54/s1600/IMG_20160304_104937769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWvvhxlwaUF1Kvag9QgRgfk4CUgKyJBuUlRXNhCqm3NQTE3w5GCMuG_1oTCiKyPYQvtqQ0aR6nlIqUizI4whyx6WT3RoZPJqpt6kKt-JLHUG4klvwv5biTAg0erWIFI5exRNEAVtWQ54/s640/IMG_20160304_104937769.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To contrast here is the same place but on a recent winter afternoon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsPTcPpDmUa9vIUP832XXDK_qgXlYqhQiUCLg5wdocAP_FqGFEdL1G7Owuc9EdO-Aw3RLtIZCPFuZlk1UyiVrkt1f1s0ZJ0RDjorCW4QIz57v-3thNXNpga_65FGKQvsEkliRtt7Tkrc/s1600/IMG_20160113_122516260_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsPTcPpDmUa9vIUP832XXDK_qgXlYqhQiUCLg5wdocAP_FqGFEdL1G7Owuc9EdO-Aw3RLtIZCPFuZlk1UyiVrkt1f1s0ZJ0RDjorCW4QIz57v-3thNXNpga_65FGKQvsEkliRtt7Tkrc/s640/IMG_20160113_122516260_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So very different. I've not been able to make the most of the dry weather though really as I've been full of cold and feeling very lethargic. I'm just starting to feel better again today. Thankfully I had a day off today though and its been a gorgeous day, clear and sunny though still cold. But I've made a start on my seed sowing. Tomatoes and aubergines are on the propagator, I've sown celeriac, some lettuce, broad beans and leeks. For the cutting patch I've sown a few hardy annuals, some cornflowers, scabious and nigella. So nice to be back in the greenhouse and pottering. It feels more like spring every day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRi3XRj5N-dpF6UQHPlUm5AD5gOw5XFkNzz3MQotAXGJ2JTyCyZeHaP3DP6ESSJZ44Ypm-m9Dp8s_hc6nfG7aVyK-AudSRIazfrV_-WkfGP71k0vQKIDuGl0cex1V5Gej_N4YFuF7OP1g/s1600/DSCF2710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRi3XRj5N-dpF6UQHPlUm5AD5gOw5XFkNzz3MQotAXGJ2JTyCyZeHaP3DP6ESSJZ44Ypm-m9Dp8s_hc6nfG7aVyK-AudSRIazfrV_-WkfGP71k0vQKIDuGl0cex1V5Gej_N4YFuF7OP1g/s640/DSCF2710.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love watching my garden birds, there is a big flock of sparrows which visit each day, fighting and squabbling to get to the feeders, blue tits and coal tits, a robin, and a couple of blackbirds. A couple of bigger birds like magpies and pigeons come along every now and then but I've been excited this week by a couple of new visitors, and the two couldn't be more contrasting. One is a wren which I've seen flitting around the garden not actually on the feeders, such a lovely little bird. But the other was a bit of a shock, and perhaps not surprising that its found my garden because of the number of small garden birds and that is a handsome Sparrowhawk. The first time I saw it I think it just quickly flew through, but this week it was sat in the old apple tree. I did try and take a picture but I wasn't quick enough. I don't think it had anything this time but it looks like I'm inadvertantly also feeding him! The other new visitors I've had in my garden before but not for ages and that is a small flock of long tailed tits, I love these little pink, black and white balls of feathers with long tails. The joyous thing was watching them. They were flitting in and out of my two Japanese maple trees, these are leafless at the moment and so I could watch them easily. They looked like they were feeding on little insects along the branches, they were busy dangling upside down and in and out. Twittering away to each other the whole time. So happy for them to clear up any bugs on my plants.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggGgITVKedyufEZe9rbAcEJgPJaGAnPk_mG0pxN75dr2ComXXYAvuxUjneY-aLPSVHShyo86iiXj6AVFbpDf3jpVwtOTfX0obFECGsdK_M8Fom6M_orOQqXpbMawGebgDHIOhHzHv5JU/s1600/DSCF2723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggGgITVKedyufEZe9rbAcEJgPJaGAnPk_mG0pxN75dr2ComXXYAvuxUjneY-aLPSVHShyo86iiXj6AVFbpDf3jpVwtOTfX0obFECGsdK_M8Fom6M_orOQqXpbMawGebgDHIOhHzHv5JU/s640/DSCF2723.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In my previous blog post I mentioned a visit to Dunham Massey last week so I've added a few pictures from our walk here. Above are the snowdrops highlighting the white stem of the silver birches. Daffodils were the other star plant of the moment</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kKW1eCrnzObBH1Ud3RxPmLgUyFuu0ZZmFDblyLmrShPx26FVJ8nswx8GXfHsVR8M-Q69BD3EdjLOtZt4y-nIXIC-gdY4PylNcwm-DwydCwtio19h9SiwfTSRSwQ147cdmVP6y0FjwAA/s1600/DSCF2727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kKW1eCrnzObBH1Ud3RxPmLgUyFuu0ZZmFDblyLmrShPx26FVJ8nswx8GXfHsVR8M-Q69BD3EdjLOtZt4y-nIXIC-gdY4PylNcwm-DwydCwtio19h9SiwfTSRSwQ147cdmVP6y0FjwAA/s640/DSCF2727.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-89074416262057501672016-03-02T13:40:00.001+00:002016-03-02T13:40:40.869+00:00The plot in February<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ok so I'm running a bit late with this post, though to be fair there is not much to talk about on my plot. Its been a quiet month gardening-wise for me, it was still too wet at the start of the month to do anything. I've only actually been a few times to the plot and on one of those the wind was so biting that I just checked everything and then just headed home to the warmth. But miraculously towards the end of the month we have a some runs of dry days, how exciting is that. We have had some lovely sunny days here though it has been cold with frosts at night. Plus the nights and mornings are getting lighter, spring seems to be on the way. However, I'm looking out of my window now its snowing heavily, we've even had some thunder and lightning today, so spring is on hold for a couple of days. After the really mild days early on in the year where plants were going a bit crazy and flowering madly, we've had some cold here and things seemed to have settled a bit and I think getting back to normal flowering times again.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's an example of a crazy combination. I still have some bedding plants left over in a pot and they have continued weakly flowering over the winter, so I had a little vase of my first snowdrops and osteospermum!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYA3eHiRzlNi_R4MfHA11JlUYEMOn7obeqfNS1ODQ9uonyu5AzCuvwkawOEgEfT551ZA83zwTNpFbAeqRFEh7VUT8OFc49JrBFFfjeTaREIpnjyPs4uMHm6tbTuyeP0m3e2B61sDbUPM/s1600/IMG_20160207_142619851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYA3eHiRzlNi_R4MfHA11JlUYEMOn7obeqfNS1ODQ9uonyu5AzCuvwkawOEgEfT551ZA83zwTNpFbAeqRFEh7VUT8OFc49JrBFFfjeTaREIpnjyPs4uMHm6tbTuyeP0m3e2B61sDbUPM/s640/IMG_20160207_142619851.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the allotment, I've also finished top dressing the beds and all looks calm and still. There is some greenery from chives edging the beds and the rhubarb is growing well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nQ_VBCEO_YsHK1Wbjd_DeuBTJSA9kyzC9QGNFgX1pTBqKIsSIzjfuwqQLc6_EI5875SLUxJQ9DHnSmV4VV3hU03Hy0RqBMFrkq4QJQwJ1DSk2td2c6pmDt0BkQCZyQW8cfTI5-h5zOM/s1600/IMG_20160226_141514482_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nQ_VBCEO_YsHK1Wbjd_DeuBTJSA9kyzC9QGNFgX1pTBqKIsSIzjfuwqQLc6_EI5875SLUxJQ9DHnSmV4VV3hU03Hy0RqBMFrkq4QJQwJ1DSk2td2c6pmDt0BkQCZyQW8cfTI5-h5zOM/s640/IMG_20160226_141514482_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I spent a day pottering there on Friday, pruning the redcurrants and gooseberry bushes and mulching. I also mulched the raspberries and rhubarb plants. I dug up and composted the remaining Chard which was looking a bit worse for wear now after the frosts. I also cut down the green manure I have growing in a couple of beds. Garlic is sprouting well now, though the over-wintering onions look a bit tatty I hope with some sunshine they will perk up. So all poised and ready to go.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the garden I've also been cutting down the remaining dead foliage on my perennials and I've pruned my few roses. By the way a great tip if you are nervous about pruning your roses. Go and visit a good rose garden at this time of year. Last monday Martin and I went to Dunham Massey, we go most winters to visit the winter garden but we also had a quick wander round the relatively new rose garden that they have there. There for all to see is a masterclass in pruning as they are just starting to sprout and you can see how the gardeners there have pruned mostly to outward facing buds to create an open shape. Not great photos but go and visit and see for yourself.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQn9QNIIheYlGjO0QmrRryptJezGP9jrXHDfJ8trIx9WL2E65BL9c9BDVJHGV_3rPvVLCEHD34pbliDAe_VOEYth1VK1f1UlC7ldtaRycIa8I-dj7yVw4QqcFuPebf2XGr-kEQnkvylc/s1600/DSCF2714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQn9QNIIheYlGjO0QmrRryptJezGP9jrXHDfJ8trIx9WL2E65BL9c9BDVJHGV_3rPvVLCEHD34pbliDAe_VOEYth1VK1f1UlC7ldtaRycIa8I-dj7yVw4QqcFuPebf2XGr-kEQnkvylc/s640/DSCF2714.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGcAev9jEYilfkZQT9LyqSPDearo3_Qm78JMW0eSPneDeTlMM7NMT7rXgI7x-kc_k0YH_OT4Tk-sLvQHs3kokljHEUDxtYuMRdvVb-fUNkLSW5okz6LXV060W3diBF_PBtAInYndHTOk/s1600/DSCF2715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGcAev9jEYilfkZQT9LyqSPDearo3_Qm78JMW0eSPneDeTlMM7NMT7rXgI7x-kc_k0YH_OT4Tk-sLvQHs3kokljHEUDxtYuMRdvVb-fUNkLSW5okz6LXV060W3diBF_PBtAInYndHTOk/s640/DSCF2715.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know it looks a bit bleak now but this is it at its peak.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOheVpl8GTh0XznSFy01lZsOsFOR04NPa0hHGa-PpGku6Tfu4KpHiI4XCuoQhXjVMfo2r0OpyH9zS-Utby3fTF4AOfcYf_OB6fwbBLhVoLKqnAImZfKBk_1yxChHSFgvI7qawAHKx5_w/s1600/picture+333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOheVpl8GTh0XznSFy01lZsOsFOR04NPa0hHGa-PpGku6Tfu4KpHiI4XCuoQhXjVMfo2r0OpyH9zS-Utby3fTF4AOfcYf_OB6fwbBLhVoLKqnAImZfKBk_1yxChHSFgvI7qawAHKx5_w/s640/picture+333.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbW4O78Wn3kJtYmXiljEW2Hwvj08mEX1x7qrB-jCrElOmtZQp8wAsN8Z-21VeGHkvGvCX3I4wytkW7_4ERdw08FUPuz3HsrQSbLf8A2aPwlR_45rmNWwLOHFuCw1uoGZHg6AWTbPMLxk/s1600/picture+312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbW4O78Wn3kJtYmXiljEW2Hwvj08mEX1x7qrB-jCrElOmtZQp8wAsN8Z-21VeGHkvGvCX3I4wytkW7_4ERdw08FUPuz3HsrQSbLf8A2aPwlR_45rmNWwLOHFuCw1uoGZHg6AWTbPMLxk/s640/picture+312.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_Wd0dCw02LLOY0StD0gyLNOkEPvmANAF2vXIa-8MZRrWPHH6RwzvW5_s83coMetlZyAqJYoVXMF0DAznSmOpibdys9dLolv65SBiwiUNv6Pl8gjQZ9IBwqKtc3npGxf9wXw6XnOkV_A/s1600/picture+315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_Wd0dCw02LLOY0StD0gyLNOkEPvmANAF2vXIa-8MZRrWPHH6RwzvW5_s83coMetlZyAqJYoVXMF0DAznSmOpibdys9dLolv65SBiwiUNv6Pl8gjQZ9IBwqKtc3npGxf9wXw6XnOkV_A/s640/picture+315.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So far I've restrained myself from sowing too much, its still too cold. But I will get going soon. My chilli seedlings are coming on strong. In the greenhouse I've lost a few things due to damp and rot I think but its so hard getting the balance between keeping it warm but also keeping it well ventilated. Most days I'm out very early and it would be far to cold to open it then. Oh well my experiment in overwintering annuals was just that an experiment, some things have thrived, like the Larkspur and others like Ammi really not done well.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At home I've taken great pleasure from a lovely Amaryllis which I got for Christmas. Quite a subtle one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1tLIhhYhVTl2FrXZksFx8O2knR3NfoU3Xh3ScF-E9EUx2pm0Rqj-kJTrfv3mfquZOz6qzTFDE_5OpzD_U-EgqcVK3E5a0CnaXNNdqBfnzjxxVRh96LG1uc2RE-lFCpwKndrcMPTglgw/s1600/DSCF2666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1tLIhhYhVTl2FrXZksFx8O2knR3NfoU3Xh3ScF-E9EUx2pm0Rqj-kJTrfv3mfquZOz6qzTFDE_5OpzD_U-EgqcVK3E5a0CnaXNNdqBfnzjxxVRh96LG1uc2RE-lFCpwKndrcMPTglgw/s640/DSCF2666.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-85591633901386102082016-01-30T20:34:00.000+00:002016-01-30T20:34:02.540+00:00The plot in January<div style="text-align: justify;">
It has been an up and down week this week weather-wise. I was off on Monday and spent a couple of hours at my allotment on a very mild day and the week is coming to an end with snow showers and biting cold winds. I've not been to the plot too many times in January, its been far too wet, but finally we had a dry day and I managed to get a few jobs done. I cleared most of my last few crops that are in the beds, the last of the celeriac, parsnips, sprouts, leeks and cabbages. All that's left now is some kale and chard, though they are both looking a bit worse for wear now so they'll probably get harvested and then composted next time. The garlic is peeking up out of the soil now which is a good sign and though the overwintering onions are a bit battered they will soon grow on well again as soon as the weather warms up. With most of the remaining crops cleared I can now finish the spreading of compost and manure as needed so all the beds are then ready for the new seasons planting. Not much more to do as I did most beds before Christmas.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've cut the autumn fruiting raspberry canes down to ground level, they'll send up new canes which will flower in the late summer and will fruit in the autumn next year. I'll give these a mulch soon too. Here underneath and around the raspberries I planted some Snake's head fritillary bulbs in the autumn but there is no sign of them yet. This area is right at the bottom of a minor slope on my plot and with all the rain that we have had, this is the wettest part of the plot. I thought these plants would like it here, knowing that they like a moist soil and naturalise in wet meadows but we will see. I'll keep an eye out over the next few weeks. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I came home with laden bags and I then spent a relaxing couple of hours in the kitchen cleaning and chopping, preparing the veg mostly for freezing, though saved some for cooking this week. I've discovered a great recipe for braised red cabbage, who knew red cabbage could taste so good!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCbvOUc9duCs3QJvVC34X_7HzmJeyxaIm7R2snvoBw4K7Qwy1uwk9Iz80LoOjQwpTEQk5Yy_KvffSY62j3kRmrAkjmwi5oJQNibo8YROzOXrBHJhmiPxq7-3E_e_T2ygqI9fTt25D1B8/s1600/IMG_20151125_142752334_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCbvOUc9duCs3QJvVC34X_7HzmJeyxaIm7R2snvoBw4K7Qwy1uwk9Iz80LoOjQwpTEQk5Yy_KvffSY62j3kRmrAkjmwi5oJQNibo8YROzOXrBHJhmiPxq7-3E_e_T2ygqI9fTt25D1B8/s640/IMG_20151125_142752334_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've already started my seed sowing for 2016, only a few things but have sowed another batch of sweet peas and these have been put on my propagator in the back bedroom, as soon as they are all germinated they will go back out into the greenhouse, but I get better success using some bottom heat with the sweet pea seeds. So they get first place on the propagator and then quickly moved on leaving the space for other things. I've also sowed some chillis and they are starting to germinate now. Its important not to get too carried away with seed sowing yet (easier said than done I know!), but there are a few things that can be started now. Chilli plants need a long growing season and they can be slow to germinate, so its good to get them started soon and grown on. Other crops you might want to get started soon are celeriac, summer brassicas, early lettuces and salad leaves like rocket and mizuna which prefer a cooler growing season. I'm also going to start a sowing of some hardy annuals soon too to try and get some earlier flowers. You could also sow some Broad beans undercover to get an earlier crop.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the greenhouse, I've been overwintering some hardy annuals which I sowed in the autumn, I've never done this before and its been an interesting experiment. I've some Sweet pea plants which are looking robust and healthy. One surprise has been the toughness of the Larkspurs, I've struggled getting these to germinate in the spring in previous years so was pleasantly surprised to get such a good number of seedlings from an autumn sowing. These have then been pricked out and have grown on slowly but steadily and have now made nice little plants. I've got some of a Stock flowered Mix which have done really well and also pricked out some Consolida regalis 'Blue Cloud' and 'Snowcloud' which I'm very excited about. These are new to me this year and apparently grow quite differently to the usual Larkspur which have spikes of flowers, so these grow more bushy and have a more airy habit. The seeds were from <a href="http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/item_382h_consolida_regalis_cloud_series_blue_cloud_seeds">Chiltern Seeds</a>. I've also got some small plants of Ammi majus which I'm hoping will grow better from an autumn sowing. I've recently pricked out some Ammi visnaga but this seems to be struggling in the cold of my unheated greenhouse, will see how many get through. I've also got some Orlaya grandiflora seedlings, some varieties of Scabious, Echium 'Blue Bedder' and a Poppy called 'Falling in Love'. I think this will be trial and error for a few years as I get to grips with my greenhouse growing. Think the trick is to get the seedlings to a reasonable size before over-wintering. So I maybe need to sow a bit earlier than I did last year. So things are getting going both for veg and flowers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpBl7BF_tFNVskrqlTRl1aIudCZGRf9sLnNh7erQsOEC6RkQN4rbLoL5-JF-9nOxZy5aOmcMvb67L4k0xndge1zgYQZ2nCWLD2Oe4eyIWKPaHRF5Nc-BdViZDiH0Mbes0BWT4libx-2U/s1600/IMG_20150906_125017962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpBl7BF_tFNVskrqlTRl1aIudCZGRf9sLnNh7erQsOEC6RkQN4rbLoL5-JF-9nOxZy5aOmcMvb67L4k0xndge1zgYQZ2nCWLD2Oe4eyIWKPaHRF5Nc-BdViZDiH0Mbes0BWT4libx-2U/s640/IMG_20150906_125017962.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This afternoon I've spent a pleasant hour gazing out of my back bedroom window watching my resident birdlife go by. All in aid of the <a href="http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdwatch/how.aspx">Big Garden Birdwatch</a> and the way the weather has been this afternoon I'm surprised I saw anything. A squally day, with the wind blowing along lots of mini hail showers and then the sun showing its face every now and again. I have a great view out of my window here of the garden, out over the allotments behind my garden, out further to the field where people walk past with their dogs hunched against the bleak weather and then even further out to the hills surrounding Huddersfield. I can see the iconic building of Castle Hill straight ahead and then to the left is the tall spike of Emley Moor mast. You know when the weather has particularly come down bad when these disappear from view, as the cloud enfolds them and the rain, hail or snow comes down. Today the hail is blown along in gusts changing direction forming patterns across the view. So far its not sticking but may do later if the weather gets colder overnight. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This morning, as I do couple of times a week at the moment, I went out to top up the feeders with peanuts, sunflower seeds, fatballs and a few mealworms. I topped up the water too. The feeders are placed along various branches of an old apple tree at the bottom of my garden. Along side it is a large rhododendron which provides good cover for the birds before they fly out onto the feeders.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniz2Y0ko2xjyiRX0ZbYnS9ULPbAW-jDlaUQgvlhXJkX0yfT9KyYktSLlb89xN8UP8bopnlVPKhrheRpqMdkO8oXJUAnCVXvLViAL1a2k8R5mniJv0543DZcPuX3WhBjcZ68hGqoocoaI/s1600/IMG_20151125_120520923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniz2Y0ko2xjyiRX0ZbYnS9ULPbAW-jDlaUQgvlhXJkX0yfT9KyYktSLlb89xN8UP8bopnlVPKhrheRpqMdkO8oXJUAnCVXvLViAL1a2k8R5mniJv0543DZcPuX3WhBjcZ68hGqoocoaI/s640/IMG_20151125_120520923.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I didn't see the Robin today but this is usually what happens when I go out to fill the feeders, I get a visit by a little Robin, who gets first dibs at the fresh food. Today I had my usual flock of Sparrows, hard to count but I think I had 10 at any one time. They seem to be doing OK round here, and fly together around the area, calling in at different feeders. You can definitely hear them when they are roosting in a tree or bush, tweeting away. I saw some blue tits and a coal tit. 2 blackbirds which like to catch the bits that drop from the feeders and forage around under the Rhododendron. I also saw 2 magpies, who when they are around tend to prevent anything else from feeding and really quickly peck the fatballs to bits so I try to discourage them, but they have to feed too. But so cold and windy today was glad to see the birds that I did. The Big Garden Birdwatch can be done anytime over this weekend, so get going and see what you see.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-32195784024739828932016-01-21T18:42:00.000+00:002016-01-21T18:42:19.796+00:00A tour of ..... Nunnington Hall<div style="text-align: justify;">
So on a day when all is frozen outside and everyone else is posting pictures of their plots in the snow and frost. Where there is little that can be done but plan and dream about the season ahead I thought I would post about a visit I made last year to <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nunnington-hall">Nunnington Hall</a> in Yorkshire. I visited on one of the hottest days of 2015, it was a muggy day, hazy sunshine in the morning but then clouds building and thunderstorms a brewing. It is a less well known National Trust property I would say so I didn't really know what to expect but I was in for a real treat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc7mhuhZ6iNhNfFgmmfq8WUrBFCgQlMZL0eHORZ2tijU8Q_cQ18ExTafR1vLcUYz_nA6_zYGSJ4pUmfR9TdfEgw0nScyOTiB0h0jc_rmiPMjXY2TU_g3sJu-NF64xPYCKOIeDOV8pilw/s1600/DSCF2003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc7mhuhZ6iNhNfFgmmfq8WUrBFCgQlMZL0eHORZ2tijU8Q_cQ18ExTafR1vLcUYz_nA6_zYGSJ4pUmfR9TdfEgw0nScyOTiB0h0jc_rmiPMjXY2TU_g3sJu-NF64xPYCKOIeDOV8pilw/s640/DSCF2003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDI9jM6D3QhyuF2ic7SepfYCM-vObH-Z5rO71Kq0CeOEMUF0DfAlQ5fyMDnomzJMXn7pTtU3ECKE12ga0S0qUZnEDvmzXH77mAMnvxxUVqArha3OE76vJdQ-ZQsVXoSvjU5gG6TgXOYM/s1600/DSCF1946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDI9jM6D3QhyuF2ic7SepfYCM-vObH-Z5rO71Kq0CeOEMUF0DfAlQ5fyMDnomzJMXn7pTtU3ECKE12ga0S0qUZnEDvmzXH77mAMnvxxUVqArha3OE76vJdQ-ZQsVXoSvjU5gG6TgXOYM/s640/DSCF1946.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is an old Yorkshire country house by the river Rye, but what struck me most was the naturalistic planting, not really what you expect for such a formal house and quite different from other National Trust gardens that I've visited. There were lovely meadow areas underplanting the fruit trees and two lines of meadow up the formal path up to the gate. So it kept some of the formality of a grand garden but somehow there was a relaxed feeling to the place, maybe it was the hot, balmy weather. There were garden games set out to play with, such as croquet, and lovely big chairs outside the house to sit back and relax in. The garden is completely organic and has been so since 2002. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The next two photos are taken from a balcony on the house.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNzAOQxDDJffATJ3r3TzMnd8vvCGxBiqo_ebsHPpQojMJtJ-BUA4-NH7z03uv-W8Hepz7vbs4Uuo14GD7Ycj24EjYRYT92SWjXe3Hxm4CIsOu2a7LrjkPfZ6lsAMvELdYnfEyCmGzPT4/s1600/DSCF1948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNzAOQxDDJffATJ3r3TzMnd8vvCGxBiqo_ebsHPpQojMJtJ-BUA4-NH7z03uv-W8Hepz7vbs4Uuo14GD7Ycj24EjYRYT92SWjXe3Hxm4CIsOu2a7LrjkPfZ6lsAMvELdYnfEyCmGzPT4/s640/DSCF1948.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AzWM_gIwxTKyiL-D6mww9UPfFPQQUfqTw7mkc2G-_k12lkmNNaPkV_fZFmob4rNZSv7AOBVKTbLojvTkcK3UxYGWTk4FVhpLaZkiCjBrO9GVNI6vn4r-DgRdFXYa-SxMiIjtSqijtP8/s1600/DSCF1951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AzWM_gIwxTKyiL-D6mww9UPfFPQQUfqTw7mkc2G-_k12lkmNNaPkV_fZFmob4rNZSv7AOBVKTbLojvTkcK3UxYGWTk4FVhpLaZkiCjBrO9GVNI6vn4r-DgRdFXYa-SxMiIjtSqijtP8/s640/DSCF1951.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9-dCsK6ivk7iNfphrlQIRINx3Pw_2Q5r-I2hsQRHWJs-R-HNmVc5-OAjH0cOrZMvjhFjgZxFCTPC_pG7K9ab7__kkCNFsRwCQRenFkaQ0bfmde5PsP1oCUH0eCNeI_5zwgU1B52UdGQ/s1600/IMG_20150701_160537140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9-dCsK6ivk7iNfphrlQIRINx3Pw_2Q5r-I2hsQRHWJs-R-HNmVc5-OAjH0cOrZMvjhFjgZxFCTPC_pG7K9ab7__kkCNFsRwCQRenFkaQ0bfmde5PsP1oCUH0eCNeI_5zwgU1B52UdGQ/s640/IMG_20150701_160537140.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There were two squares of Orchard land on either side of the house with apple trees and the grass allowed to grow into meadow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWa8LX1BtJvHwUOq0zQBjI6B__1XG86Xc3U8zSBngVZ5IOvkJ6spdlyA6w2GcRwq8kfeTAp_HyNthqMaJLwZf4qvA_ge2ers1TvIT0jPd6Ke5Ow-9HAwd-isauxpCX9QG4b54_TqmoeM/s1600/IMG_20150701_160627341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWa8LX1BtJvHwUOq0zQBjI6B__1XG86Xc3U8zSBngVZ5IOvkJ6spdlyA6w2GcRwq8kfeTAp_HyNthqMaJLwZf4qvA_ge2ers1TvIT0jPd6Ke5Ow-9HAwd-isauxpCX9QG4b54_TqmoeM/s640/IMG_20150701_160627341.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GlqgCMzjRl3hXIGWsc-iV6E5UhQEPtJ7-SE8lKeCH9jt-NSFbFbQU-UKAQCdEJEpdxNLNJQzaRLTA0clpoAJtubVpL0psBPAV3CNPrBVaqsyF2irUP-PIMODUjoUFGl0Hguy_ya2oJk/s1600/DSCF2061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GlqgCMzjRl3hXIGWsc-iV6E5UhQEPtJ7-SE8lKeCH9jt-NSFbFbQU-UKAQCdEJEpdxNLNJQzaRLTA0clpoAJtubVpL0psBPAV3CNPrBVaqsyF2irUP-PIMODUjoUFGl0Hguy_ya2oJk/s640/DSCF2061.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhul6qKgKgY1awErTvXxuIOMM2BVY4EI3onYRSy1waPzmS_eXn-_V7ZLeaC3a1ynb1_y29iF3ZiIpxk9GN3KBR5vTo0w7JHFXBAMP8UaQxUgu-FhcPlMqh6k45LHmJFHvS7zatZQDMl7jo/s1600/DSCF2062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhul6qKgKgY1awErTvXxuIOMM2BVY4EI3onYRSy1waPzmS_eXn-_V7ZLeaC3a1ynb1_y29iF3ZiIpxk9GN3KBR5vTo0w7JHFXBAMP8UaQxUgu-FhcPlMqh6k45LHmJFHvS7zatZQDMl7jo/s640/DSCF2062.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
And yet there were formal features which juxtaposed with the informal planting of the meadows. I love the cloud pruned box hedge next to the wildness of the meadow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GuRc6zqMZcDQiWwC9gZ1smUiC2zxbwqm3jqNSogjc-ImYWLLnVI0B8NMumvRBj3k-PshdmvGVfUI2bGxack4cC1AJN_ix0sBsH2HBp33GO-xN8hIBXFOFmVtVWNsMhxjbxf7qyoeuxE/s1600/IMG_20150701_160844349_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GuRc6zqMZcDQiWwC9gZ1smUiC2zxbwqm3jqNSogjc-ImYWLLnVI0B8NMumvRBj3k-PshdmvGVfUI2bGxack4cC1AJN_ix0sBsH2HBp33GO-xN8hIBXFOFmVtVWNsMhxjbxf7qyoeuxE/s640/IMG_20150701_160844349_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The orchard meadow was home to some baby peacocks, not sure if you can spot them with their mum.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXqsXbiX6L6eN-KCyvmEBOJDMte1NEyHppirCGibWYK-hduwgq_ZmZV050EvfV1B110dWttT4OFPGSNQIMRul9H9Y0oy_fM_JuwC-rgV3_5grHoYHWfqfSgHeD2eZEgobYphHHr_GNDE/s1600/DSCF2058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXqsXbiX6L6eN-KCyvmEBOJDMte1NEyHppirCGibWYK-hduwgq_ZmZV050EvfV1B110dWttT4OFPGSNQIMRul9H9Y0oy_fM_JuwC-rgV3_5grHoYHWfqfSgHeD2eZEgobYphHHr_GNDE/s640/DSCF2058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
There were some lovely espaliered apple trees along the old walls of the garden.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIlnC4Q35ccA4qATf3MXe-xfPgFcojlYbhihQ-_PIlmstoDpmIbY8LHpmA-42UcJLRi2ZUulbDLFD0RwU1t6WFz8H5mVHKIGTd4N5UzSyZxQKa5kQQBXH7-SCZ6J_fAdbLdl0cGowYqg/s1600/DSCF1970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIlnC4Q35ccA4qATf3MXe-xfPgFcojlYbhihQ-_PIlmstoDpmIbY8LHpmA-42UcJLRi2ZUulbDLFD0RwU1t6WFz8H5mVHKIGTd4N5UzSyZxQKa5kQQBXH7-SCZ6J_fAdbLdl0cGowYqg/s640/DSCF1970.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
At the top end of the meadow area is a long thin herbaceous border. But even this felt quite a natural blend.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFokdzWAitQP-WA7oIhiKBJcHjZW6SuTmJln27TU9Mj6_6ivYyOS7JF2xy8WrPpMNIRArr7xFPJzLUDWimB1MBzh21f6CJXhzEPIEXcYpWYn2aOPhYOyaahZMstula3QnqdVS5KVdlc88/s1600/DSCF1974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFokdzWAitQP-WA7oIhiKBJcHjZW6SuTmJln27TU9Mj6_6ivYyOS7JF2xy8WrPpMNIRArr7xFPJzLUDWimB1MBzh21f6CJXhzEPIEXcYpWYn2aOPhYOyaahZMstula3QnqdVS5KVdlc88/s640/DSCF1974.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBjLiGVptdgO50Oo_xPxSoXvNOYc_kG_Q6PgcS-kPobYqtzMiLe9WXvNntiYx0fbHS4UDXV3j6nlhfxJx6vkuk5evC5VjS_ogR79GIL2nFhqvYkDMoe4HKm1T6RSyZ7pxrncQ41VcMTQ/s1600/DSCF1975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBjLiGVptdgO50Oo_xPxSoXvNOYc_kG_Q6PgcS-kPobYqtzMiLe9WXvNntiYx0fbHS4UDXV3j6nlhfxJx6vkuk5evC5VjS_ogR79GIL2nFhqvYkDMoe4HKm1T6RSyZ7pxrncQ41VcMTQ/s640/DSCF1975.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aebmUIOiXfWHSTkTevRKJld1k9l9X7Ity1CPzxDwkMhwSFCgqCrCaeM1DlcXWNKdI01WBvlePbjzBC0TdjFm_J27wMOR3d73jxwi3pipq_A-n7hiO958sERe2XOuQsi2D-ddFXAzd9o/s1600/DSCF1976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aebmUIOiXfWHSTkTevRKJld1k9l9X7Ity1CPzxDwkMhwSFCgqCrCaeM1DlcXWNKdI01WBvlePbjzBC0TdjFm_J27wMOR3d73jxwi3pipq_A-n7hiO958sERe2XOuQsi2D-ddFXAzd9o/s640/DSCF1976.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrMYkiCFtOra35K0mpZVKw8DeBwUefR4QplrAn3Da3HydcapFRuN8qq52cMnQ32wqFz_-6n_MOBVKyDt9OwLLrWQ5NgiGSVW5o0pBhOLEGDkN566ZwTla9JLcV29UjLOBMpPe5jlhjAU/s1600/DSCF1979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrMYkiCFtOra35K0mpZVKw8DeBwUefR4QplrAn3Da3HydcapFRuN8qq52cMnQ32wqFz_-6n_MOBVKyDt9OwLLrWQ5NgiGSVW5o0pBhOLEGDkN566ZwTla9JLcV29UjLOBMpPe5jlhjAU/s640/DSCF1979.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZqxAaYutEa2fXlr5ZUHoTF5iysZa9JCmvbLWueCA4UqJMutxOlfEiW2xJdgDaBcV68zV3T-wH5hBV4hTs0xTLtIt4dTlT1NhnqSOauWu16fz9Dhx6PH1mrxWuWXsPXYKGl3K8yb5LKo/s1600/DSCF1985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZqxAaYutEa2fXlr5ZUHoTF5iysZa9JCmvbLWueCA4UqJMutxOlfEiW2xJdgDaBcV68zV3T-wH5hBV4hTs0xTLtIt4dTlT1NhnqSOauWu16fz9Dhx6PH1mrxWuWXsPXYKGl3K8yb5LKo/s640/DSCF1985.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerD7MsSiSKr6g07BqJAf-1htAK054DeTX8vFJWzZSUFn_NwVDxSjIGEegdIPRMkokfTdz4wkOKQBM6Biwzh_rC-xoC-u7Ukwxwb1MqXbeFVqrixR8U0DhwFyDw2drRvKYZAVBwiCt-U0/s1600/IMG_20150701_161452869_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerD7MsSiSKr6g07BqJAf-1htAK054DeTX8vFJWzZSUFn_NwVDxSjIGEegdIPRMkokfTdz4wkOKQBM6Biwzh_rC-xoC-u7Ukwxwb1MqXbeFVqrixR8U0DhwFyDw2drRvKYZAVBwiCt-U0/s640/IMG_20150701_161452869_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7O5mlvI3y_wZrnnFq2Aaz4KOIXVXRDvOO_ny7cYux26PXwz5gUbikdcrMbYFp-M0kHJmyclSAOs8BUef3GToZ2lD4azTUL2XXvY_L7sv0GRg0eIjXlugeMndcjfEJU5SpbpFglgjGKU/s1600/IMG_20150701_161514888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7O5mlvI3y_wZrnnFq2Aaz4KOIXVXRDvOO_ny7cYux26PXwz5gUbikdcrMbYFp-M0kHJmyclSAOs8BUef3GToZ2lD4azTUL2XXvY_L7sv0GRg0eIjXlugeMndcjfEJU5SpbpFglgjGKU/s640/IMG_20150701_161514888.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YAmgZns2xwE4y9_ReZ8CbLsHbLH1q1w-tZviu5ZQvD9vciOiVOQBlWiyg19zAE7brPNn0_OgPHIYWMgLm3_-d3ykCUYVdFRvSE4g6fbHlSGFtUYLWR3eFn9evOq5DgER3_45gHsxFhw/s1600/IMG_20150701_161525309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YAmgZns2xwE4y9_ReZ8CbLsHbLH1q1w-tZviu5ZQvD9vciOiVOQBlWiyg19zAE7brPNn0_OgPHIYWMgLm3_-d3ykCUYVdFRvSE4g6fbHlSGFtUYLWR3eFn9evOq5DgER3_45gHsxFhw/s640/IMG_20150701_161525309.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRoTzfSpCn0JJxrOBDtS2dHqOa4CMzW0YpyioOFWpzyqF3jfOobx3RbcTM_Sl-06nn_JWll5Wtk-wwxC3Gf7ytLs3AaYWniiWJLd6VATGPSaPWk4T61xv9oKjNTyU7EsFwYzB3lXv08g/s1600/IMG_20150701_161548889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRoTzfSpCn0JJxrOBDtS2dHqOa4CMzW0YpyioOFWpzyqF3jfOobx3RbcTM_Sl-06nn_JWll5Wtk-wwxC3Gf7ytLs3AaYWniiWJLd6VATGPSaPWk4T61xv9oKjNTyU7EsFwYzB3lXv08g/s640/IMG_20150701_161548889.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Walking away from the main part of the garden, there was the kitchen garden. I'm always a sucker for a good kitchen garden, and this one didn't disappoint. It had lots of healthy looking fruit and vegetables. There was even a grapevine in North Yorkshire. They use a mixture of traditional and modern horticultural methods to enable them to be completely organic. This area was geared towards encouraging children to learn about growing vegetables and to teach everyone about their organic principles and methods.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFFS5kbc35F_gZjMRSZ-ZdJ3LTRCXtXsJsYdy6wpPkBpJzkwuD2Qe9HFtNjLrVDT7chb6bWUZzAzKhKmODtDpPy54-IoRaURo-fa_tGEv3Abw0wLHw01Sm2RyyMf_LZSHHndXEZ3yZl4/s1600/DSCF2022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFFS5kbc35F_gZjMRSZ-ZdJ3LTRCXtXsJsYdy6wpPkBpJzkwuD2Qe9HFtNjLrVDT7chb6bWUZzAzKhKmODtDpPy54-IoRaURo-fa_tGEv3Abw0wLHw01Sm2RyyMf_LZSHHndXEZ3yZl4/s640/DSCF2022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mIiSeiTHhuVqQLVOyZQZqI1cazYvX8IDJjpZrQSTTScVGqpj3QDz-QrYNgEgvRppzzyRU6DkyJ_aX1bdooiiOkztZaFa0WrqVpNZdhynWqwqmChSNFJFmqcOaHrZ_HLWwtb2-NvX3S0/s1600/DSCF2064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mIiSeiTHhuVqQLVOyZQZqI1cazYvX8IDJjpZrQSTTScVGqpj3QDz-QrYNgEgvRppzzyRU6DkyJ_aX1bdooiiOkztZaFa0WrqVpNZdhynWqwqmChSNFJFmqcOaHrZ_HLWwtb2-NvX3S0/s640/DSCF2064.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The majestic foliage of the globe artichokes next to tall healthy silvery foliage of the broad beans.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1L9UToQDQYBRz9dFWzyUwSQyknSRrWsG5ocWBtwrxYXkFVRKllhGR1A2BitW2ZhacwFBWbtBxuQMpZTKN5MArkXCDgzizHTbdjaQ1LMyhmBKAByLFZWtlaW2Yqoq_upmOMIJdHJMJ04/s1600/DSCF2025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1L9UToQDQYBRz9dFWzyUwSQyknSRrWsG5ocWBtwrxYXkFVRKllhGR1A2BitW2ZhacwFBWbtBxuQMpZTKN5MArkXCDgzizHTbdjaQ1LMyhmBKAByLFZWtlaW2Yqoq_upmOMIJdHJMJ04/s640/DSCF2025.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvFhxp198CBjaG-vK336dJ69kt20PyCZ34-APVwjbs-4GvDAKgKRIwAl8759GvbUGdLqfdC1hUmj64PodtwtNPGjfM8xfEasxpd15KJf5MVRGBqX7eaTxyngcIopKtX_odxmrMmU5Bz8/s1600/DSCF2027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvFhxp198CBjaG-vK336dJ69kt20PyCZ34-APVwjbs-4GvDAKgKRIwAl8759GvbUGdLqfdC1hUmj64PodtwtNPGjfM8xfEasxpd15KJf5MVRGBqX7eaTxyngcIopKtX_odxmrMmU5Bz8/s640/DSCF2027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And look who is here.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfMdye4sCgSZFCjxjHs0M7C5lovYTriY3nFKiiXmlp9Eewk1hxvRbTbV5zuOP6bJV8eAeX0EZrBbnIL-IP3F0IXtLw8yElcviuQ_Fml5HdtA3MqXX8yP6Y8S7LbCvQbX7Vb_oFV5qOQY/s1600/IMG_20150701_160439505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfMdye4sCgSZFCjxjHs0M7C5lovYTriY3nFKiiXmlp9Eewk1hxvRbTbV5zuOP6bJV8eAeX0EZrBbnIL-IP3F0IXtLw8yElcviuQ_Fml5HdtA3MqXX8yP6Y8S7LbCvQbX7Vb_oFV5qOQY/s640/IMG_20150701_160439505.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
There was a pretty herb and medicinal garden and a great fruit cage.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscZdMiDPUyreYPIOo1LIxtfl41njauJv-0mtdByTrwGTeUdZueNB2Am-VhClkA2fhKPzsH2MA6EGVY5_R9mQkGEvIkk7biosI6_2wzJ9SZ4stdTQDmfXpflyNlTbz6X0NdjVMNorfXyQ/s1600/DSCF2065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscZdMiDPUyreYPIOo1LIxtfl41njauJv-0mtdByTrwGTeUdZueNB2Am-VhClkA2fhKPzsH2MA6EGVY5_R9mQkGEvIkk7biosI6_2wzJ9SZ4stdTQDmfXpflyNlTbz6X0NdjVMNorfXyQ/s640/DSCF2065.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
There was a great potting shed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_u3saATd1Nv1MkLLb6QctCLEgX_xs4LzkAMIlDk7_dDxW7F0u_JIAh-LEG3AeUImj1ktShZPQ2iTwVGDIg4n8JkU9oIkMW6UT6KtF-7eQH0s_c1H7YBZpbxZug4UdltcaOvz16x27zuE/s1600/DSCF2017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_u3saATd1Nv1MkLLb6QctCLEgX_xs4LzkAMIlDk7_dDxW7F0u_JIAh-LEG3AeUImj1ktShZPQ2iTwVGDIg4n8JkU9oIkMW6UT6KtF-7eQH0s_c1H7YBZpbxZug4UdltcaOvz16x27zuE/s640/DSCF2017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Walking back to the main garden, there was a small cutting patch of annuals, with a gorgeous Californian poppy, I've not seen them this colour before so will looking to get some seed of that for my cutting patch. A gorgeous pink mix. This is the Iris garden, so in late Spring would be at its peak with spires of Iris.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8-PM6-jWwbVZRF2yJiMSbG-yam1HlMbiGeDkD6FxXu5WR8GgVxnnrnLm4QoOX7FEAkaJ7y720mOmXdRfL-n_X0N1THIcThXSy9wreyCpKK3hszsoe-iF5csy2NVEuxvDRsgv7jrIeLQ/s1600/DSCF2047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8-PM6-jWwbVZRF2yJiMSbG-yam1HlMbiGeDkD6FxXu5WR8GgVxnnrnLm4QoOX7FEAkaJ7y720mOmXdRfL-n_X0N1THIcThXSy9wreyCpKK3hszsoe-iF5csy2NVEuxvDRsgv7jrIeLQ/s640/DSCF2047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The Nunnington wishing tree, for you to tie and ribbon and make a wish!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm21YPCzcqcDYsHgPpjQLssDPSYnLsrSXr75gjnTVFYbuMUNT78b1lURvxZZjfaaRCqiNx3v8EXP08Ab2ADLkE0PlsCZP1XmUqy-S9G2mvqUyrjKg_F_cDk7m72Xm3cgLmyDheJCuyTx0/s1600/IMG_20150701_160702703_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm21YPCzcqcDYsHgPpjQLssDPSYnLsrSXr75gjnTVFYbuMUNT78b1lURvxZZjfaaRCqiNx3v8EXP08Ab2ADLkE0PlsCZP1XmUqy-S9G2mvqUyrjKg_F_cDk7m72Xm3cgLmyDheJCuyTx0/s640/IMG_20150701_160702703_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvB4woyeimfRwWKO-7w1sLn3J8i6ebsUc-Gksr_qzp6cra-1ocVkVacls7AbkF7viGQmaR6MX6RpdxarTuKU8cLWga-qODxhpw4vnc5sM97PgVx7kkGC7gmapVXsWCeobtZaEOBTFojM/s1600/IMG_20150701_160710737_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvB4woyeimfRwWKO-7w1sLn3J8i6ebsUc-Gksr_qzp6cra-1ocVkVacls7AbkF7viGQmaR6MX6RpdxarTuKU8cLWga-qODxhpw4vnc5sM97PgVx7kkGC7gmapVXsWCeobtZaEOBTFojM/s640/IMG_20150701_160710737_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My wish is for you to go and visit this lovely garden, there are not masses of garden to see here or any big garden design features, its not got any particular unusual plant collections, but I loved the wildness, the informality and the feeling of the place. Add it to your list of places to visit in 2016.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hope I've instilled some warmth into you on this grey chilly day. </div>
<br />
<br />Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-31417080047651859112016-01-13T16:12:00.000+00:002016-01-13T16:12:24.244+00:00The cut flower patch 2015<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of my new favourite things about having an allotment has been growing flowers, the only worry is that its taking over and soon there won't be any room for vegetables! Its been a real learning curve for me, learning how far to space plants out, which have good long growing season, which are short term stars and some which might not be worth the bother. My allotment is divided up into 7 long thin beds separated by grass or bark chipping paths. I've got 2 main beds which are divided into half and these are my 4 crop rotation beds for my vegetables (Brassicas, onions, legumes and roots). I have one long bed which has mostly fruit bushes and trees and another bed is half full of perennial crops (strawberries, asparagus and artichokes). So that leaves 3 beds which are mostly cleared each winter and I swap around what I want to grow in here each year. So I need space in these beds for potatoes, sweetcorn, courgettes and squash, cucumbers, leeks, lettuce and others. But the last couple of years I've grown lots of annual flowers for cutting. Starting with one long bed, then last year this expanded to one and a half long beds and seeing the list of plants that I want to grow this year I think it might get bigger! I've been a bit more organised in 2015 and sowed some biennials so I already have some Wallflowers, Sweet Rocket and Sweet William in the beds. I've also planted some bulbs, some Tulips and Alliums. Plus I've planted a few perennials which are good for cut flowers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQu8rrqfEINKEE1lv7OtzYSsLI2wCFbk42Q3XoJY0bKzd70HrDHrDtgLGSadfhGwGJtqDNWx7AOhlIpthh2aF7YCQOLe3qy5DNoVLDRw7pPm2GPfUOumPwB51tu6jH-aZImypunlGc1Y/s1600/IMG_20150906_124914729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQu8rrqfEINKEE1lv7OtzYSsLI2wCFbk42Q3XoJY0bKzd70HrDHrDtgLGSadfhGwGJtqDNWx7AOhlIpthh2aF7YCQOLe3qy5DNoVLDRw7pPm2GPfUOumPwB51tu6jH-aZImypunlGc1Y/s640/IMG_20150906_124914729.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So what have I learnt in 2015, which were the star performers, well there are a few that are just fabulous, flower for a long time, not susceptible to slugs and look great in a vase. Echium 'Blue Bedder' was one of the first plants for flower on my plot and was still going in November, it looked fabulous with sunflowers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHw1I54B-hsIB1CB0YtTZMBJ9XcUHQP1U4e6HG5kuNEuff87cgWWsO5CkViYhSpT00xo40g-Z3i2Leva-ZBwqlp3LcouQ_qB5L4pqLZScC4TpgPi0mLIgjwH5czJWhyphenhyphenzY5eIId4h2JBI/s1600/IMG_20150804_161452916_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHw1I54B-hsIB1CB0YtTZMBJ9XcUHQP1U4e6HG5kuNEuff87cgWWsO5CkViYhSpT00xo40g-Z3i2Leva-ZBwqlp3LcouQ_qB5L4pqLZScC4TpgPi0mLIgjwH5czJWhyphenhyphenzY5eIId4h2JBI/s640/IMG_20150804_161452916_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another great long-lasting performer is Clary 'Bouquet mix', I loved the blue and pink version of this but was a bit disappointed in the white version it never really got going. This flowered for a long time and seems as tough as old boots. The blue variety went well with bright orange marigolds or dark purple cornflowers. The flowers (actually they are coloured bracts) last ages in a vase too. Here it is with Cornflower 'Black Ball' and 'Classic Magic', Amberboa muricata and Nigella (Ignore the toaster. Note to self, learn to take better photos of my arrangements!).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSUA7eSVbI9HJjbslDyd53LClpa4e0fpBw4OgbKCkHz_8TsPUv91uZW3mnjfBdoUJgB2R9wrDb1jABVpnGhyphenhyphenD5uoAXlPUYs6MkMt68mjb8v7oSn95irurswD0w5xhvJkvhKUvxeMzj24/s1600/IMG_20150727_152158266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSUA7eSVbI9HJjbslDyd53LClpa4e0fpBw4OgbKCkHz_8TsPUv91uZW3mnjfBdoUJgB2R9wrDb1jABVpnGhyphenhyphenD5uoAXlPUYs6MkMt68mjb8v7oSn95irurswD0w5xhvJkvhKUvxeMzj24/s640/IMG_20150727_152158266.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I grew a few varieties of Nigella 'Midnight', 'African Bride' and 'Delft Blue' and the standout variety was 'Delft Blue', such a delicate flower with white petals stained in blue/purple with such dark centres. Here it is with Ammi. However I have found that Nigella plants are quite low growing and you have to be careful who you put them next to, so that they don't get overwhelmed and smothered.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdPhyphenhyphenB09vuWDzp93sqb6EzkMla9p8yFIPtUlNzCJIdp9Med7ODNFHc2eoDrc9LZ3RqxGaSCgsAuCbpQMXxZefEgYTpeYATaCTs2lPK4ilBQ1U7wgqOFhXOrnVIdGV3PZ5LdM2CBTPO0A/s1600/IMG_20150804_161317994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdPhyphenhyphenB09vuWDzp93sqb6EzkMla9p8yFIPtUlNzCJIdp9Med7ODNFHc2eoDrc9LZ3RqxGaSCgsAuCbpQMXxZefEgYTpeYATaCTs2lPK4ilBQ1U7wgqOFhXOrnVIdGV3PZ5LdM2CBTPO0A/s640/IMG_20150804_161317994.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are a few other annuals that are like that, they are my delicate ones, others include Didiscus and a lovely variety of Gypsophila elegans called 'Kermesina' which was ok initially on my plot but then got overwhelmed by the neighbouring plants. The Didiscus this year, I grew through a lovely airy grass called Panicum elegans 'Frosted Explosion' which I think suited it fine. This is a tricky plant to grow for me, its lovely but the slugs like it too, but its such a gorgeous flower I think I will have to persist. Here is the Didiscus with some other nice pastel shades, from the pink Clary, Daucus carota 'Dara' and the Panicum grass. I loved this grass it made every arrangement fizz.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_9P10bDHKh6kU7AVeEFA3nMzKwiuW5wubckWEygpViywEu5TBP-RvlljC3BqzxGW_iAGm09pXgUt8f45Mq7TQWcPnKyDZfNZWaTfDtLOAoqRRDu7jpqs0i4rsNZwGhcBkRNKekinCf8/s1600/IMG_20150922_222612143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_9P10bDHKh6kU7AVeEFA3nMzKwiuW5wubckWEygpViywEu5TBP-RvlljC3BqzxGW_iAGm09pXgUt8f45Mq7TQWcPnKyDZfNZWaTfDtLOAoqRRDu7jpqs0i4rsNZwGhcBkRNKekinCf8/s640/IMG_20150922_222612143.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another great flower was Ammi visnaga 'Casablanca' here in the plot with Zinnias, Burpleurum, Clary and Panicum'. Its a really sturdy plant with ferny foliage and robust white cow parsley-like flower heads. Much better than Ammi majus I found this year. It probably wasn't a great growing season for Zinnias, they like the warmth I think, but I got a few blooms later on from these plants and they are great in a vase, lasting ages. I grew 'Mammoth' and 'Envy'. Not sure I would grow 'Envy' again I expected it to be a zingy acid green colour but it was a bit insipid and grew weakly compared to the vibrantly coloured mix of 'Mammoth'. But maybe it was just the weather conditions.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7QrOVnFNNmVjNJv-9T_2m1jxNGVNLV_uwuludjZpaY6yLBajXIk0pkaS2wj2fdYkN4y7Q0UPzNQWdE4drc8y9-UU3ffHpvzmCDI14-1BM0Q_XAhnoWDNK-q-fd37fParsIvrDU9PSCw/s1600/IMG_20150826_142030490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7QrOVnFNNmVjNJv-9T_2m1jxNGVNLV_uwuludjZpaY6yLBajXIk0pkaS2wj2fdYkN4y7Q0UPzNQWdE4drc8y9-UU3ffHpvzmCDI14-1BM0Q_XAhnoWDNK-q-fd37fParsIvrDU9PSCw/s640/IMG_20150826_142030490.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cosmos was a good robust plant, the varieties I grew were tall and needs space so you need to keep that in mind. I grew 'Purity' the classic white variety, 'Candy Stripe' which is a very jolly white with pink stripes and 'Click Cranberries' which has a lovely dark pink almost double flower. Here is Cosmos 'Purity' in a nice monochrome arrangement with Ammi visnaga 'Casablanca, Panicum and the lovely black Scabiosa.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEief3A7z3siMv7zvdr7ova6KQdyuigAHoyAUo_VkVM_ZbbCoCxdhqMwpXY40DbhhJG3XTM5WNfbQ0o9gszeHdYnHoJH63RkWzBiQQQ_hy_teQrp5m-vBdmXFM0XDsdNdVd-INimsGbRxKY/s1600/IMG_20150908_112620648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEief3A7z3siMv7zvdr7ova6KQdyuigAHoyAUo_VkVM_ZbbCoCxdhqMwpXY40DbhhJG3XTM5WNfbQ0o9gszeHdYnHoJH63RkWzBiQQQ_hy_teQrp5m-vBdmXFM0XDsdNdVd-INimsGbRxKY/s640/IMG_20150908_112620648.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Other varieties that I grew were Cerinthe major 'Purpurescens' which often self-seeds around my plot now, a couple of Calendula varieties 'Touch of Red' and 'Coffee and Cream' and lots of sunflowers. I planted a hedge of them round one side of my cutting patch but might rethink this for next year as it makes it quite hard to cutting the other flowers in that bed! I grew 'Claret', 'Velvet Queen', 'Giant Single', 'Valentine' and a new variety called 'Sparky'. The others I'd grown before and most are great for cutting (though not the 'Giant Single' but just love the cheery flower on this). I didn't like 'Sparky' it has thin quill-like petals, it looked it wasn't quite fully in flower (Sorry I didn't take a photo). Not like this lovely one below.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BfDd81Vr_NnZgm0DH2nd9ke5kUdwzlQmK40utsYiwqB1h4Mikz1Zg08CqpTc4hgoXFq4193zWltK3lknvbGMbwM-Qq1rnqCgAv3fFeAMn7v8bQVjYjltmt7l7gyZ4mCrEjrGB0ODwaw/s1600/IMG_20150906_125215002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BfDd81Vr_NnZgm0DH2nd9ke5kUdwzlQmK40utsYiwqB1h4Mikz1Zg08CqpTc4hgoXFq4193zWltK3lknvbGMbwM-Qq1rnqCgAv3fFeAMn7v8bQVjYjltmt7l7gyZ4mCrEjrGB0ODwaw/s640/IMG_20150906_125215002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Scabious was another big success, I grew a Black and White seed mixture but loved the really dark ones the best. They look lovely as cutflowers in bud, in flower and as a seed head, how great its that. They have lovely long stalks and last a good time in a vase. I grew some Daucus carota 'Dara' not really expecting it to flower this year, they are supposedly biennial, but I managed to get a few late flowers off those plants. This a gorgeous cow parsley-like flower but with a dark pink tint. I'm hoping they will flower again next year but not sure as this is the first time I've grown them. Amberboa muricata is not particularly well known as a cut flower I don't think but this is a lovely flower. Slug resistant and long-flowering this has pink knapweed-like flowers, which do also last a long time in a vase. Cornflowers are a good early flower, probably need a second sowing to keep them going through the year. I love the variety called 'Black Ball', and the blue one is a classic.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So I've had lots of fun this year, I've still got lots to learn about arranging them, but I love experimenting and especially enjoy the fact that every week you have different bucket full of plants and can discover different combination. The plot has looked so colourful and the bees have loved it too. So excited about growing some new varieties next year. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7980536948969347626.post-56147023458856657812016-01-08T17:27:00.000+00:002016-01-08T17:27:15.369+00:00Cold<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ooh its gone cold today. There was a biting wind up at the allotment
this morning, I didn't stay long as its far too wet. I shouldn't complain though there has been alot of pictures of flooded allotments around. I've never known it as
bad as this, even my bark chipping paths are getting churned up now. So
not much point in doing anything. Not that there is much to do, but the raspberry canes need chopping down and I want to remove a blackberry plant at the bottom of the plot. I bought it very cheap, from a pound shop I think, which wasn't a great idea. It was supposed to be a Tayberry but its definitely a blackberry! It crops OK but I've got another on the other side of it which is a thornless blackberry and this has much bigger fruit on it. Plus its a spiky thug so its time to go. On a visit to my local garden centre earlier on in the week, they had a sale on all plants and I decided to get a Loganberry, so I picked a good sturdy plant, took it to the till and they charged me £2.99, what a bargain, should have been £10. So very happy with that. Just got a bit of work to do now planting it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQANRwYSC-FPeTwCRnwILREPKxSD60LEfJeiP3mjMZTN9JkOax877fnCyIyrx513kfh4o7x2HU-rdSA3gDZoEW0DpI8VRsEwKk0N5jUyoF6dhvo8O60Xus6PKcF0XUQz8KgNwoGBez39k/s1600/IMG_20160108_113747615_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQANRwYSC-FPeTwCRnwILREPKxSD60LEfJeiP3mjMZTN9JkOax877fnCyIyrx513kfh4o7x2HU-rdSA3gDZoEW0DpI8VRsEwKk0N5jUyoF6dhvo8O60Xus6PKcF0XUQz8KgNwoGBez39k/s640/IMG_20160108_113747615_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The kale that is not covered is being eaten slowly by the pigeons so I need to get them up. But I
picked lots off the ones undercover and will freeze a couple of batches. I usually drop the leaves into boiling water then take them out almost straight away into cold water, dry them off slightly and then scrunch them up into balls and pop in the freezer. Then you can just get them out of the freezer and pop straight in soup or casserole. I also harvested a few more chard, celeriac and some leeks. Big soup making time for me I love that at this time of year. The kale grown undercover still does have some whitefly on it too so the enviromesh hasn't
prevented that, but its not as bad as the ones not covered.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBV66xij6PkfCjhFAEwNF2SvOfFXqQkeyMeq5umaWlkqx9JLikWbyVkmD-m0cX8ZWSHGYhPaVj_ofrh1NknVsCa7jUVGIsQpIXD7ejF7Yg_0Yw83LG4R40tsXW_VfgX7igyk5oNUZWnp0/s1600/IMG_20160108_113721617_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBV66xij6PkfCjhFAEwNF2SvOfFXqQkeyMeq5umaWlkqx9JLikWbyVkmD-m0cX8ZWSHGYhPaVj_ofrh1NknVsCa7jUVGIsQpIXD7ejF7Yg_0Yw83LG4R40tsXW_VfgX7igyk5oNUZWnp0/s640/IMG_20160108_113721617_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You have to have faith at this time of year, the plot can look very bleak, but actually its quite green for me this year, which might be a bit of a worry. The chives have been starting to sprout, the globe artichokes are sending up lots of their lovely silver grey foliage.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NK6eCod0MLN8GftA9m-dgCuujnMFnvYky-nvs3Mc-D4wcWTuYfa1lDs2BWhSa8OlEf2mfl80rUebNrf-Zvt-0qMEV3ttSgK3I5jGcIhxGi1e3aeL5m4due6Up_KyEAUKOyvaeVTljBU/s1600/IMG_20160108_113558971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NK6eCod0MLN8GftA9m-dgCuujnMFnvYky-nvs3Mc-D4wcWTuYfa1lDs2BWhSa8OlEf2mfl80rUebNrf-Zvt-0qMEV3ttSgK3I5jGcIhxGi1e3aeL5m4due6Up_KyEAUKOyvaeVTljBU/s640/IMG_20160108_113558971.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This clump is getting a bit big and probably could really do with splitting but might be tricky now with so much growth. So I might leave that till next year now, though I could probably could do with removing the old stems.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The rhubarb is also getting a bit ahead of itself. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgYl-9wx1hV-Wr1f6PQ5RsXtGcfZZjzPvn86D6mRE0c7RSscVklY6piAxnIgUxv3TVTg0MC2FJKzrZKLuo-5z7soZy8GEi1TJTNaain2BlShZ2IOws5yVAI93pQ8-C5dE1XAI3hs1soE/s1600/IMG_20160108_113544413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgYl-9wx1hV-Wr1f6PQ5RsXtGcfZZjzPvn86D6mRE0c7RSscVklY6piAxnIgUxv3TVTg0MC2FJKzrZKLuo-5z7soZy8GEi1TJTNaain2BlShZ2IOws5yVAI93pQ8-C5dE1XAI3hs1soE/s640/IMG_20160108_113544413.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I noticed I have a few bulbs coming up as well, some Camassias and Alliums, cold is forecast for the next few days and into next week though and there may be some snow on its way. Eek. But looking at the long term forecast (if it can be believed) it looks like there may be some dry, cold weather on from Wednesday onwards. We need a respite from this incessant rain.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been back at work this week and made a sad discovery. I work in Manchester and get the train in, I have a short walk at the other end which I really like, some fresh air before I have to sit at a desk all day. As you can imagine I go the same route most days and you get to know the surroundings its part of your scenery. There is a lovely big Horse Chestnut tree on my route and I track the seasons by this tree, watch the buds break into those impressive candle like flowers, the big leaves unfurl, followed by conkers which I love to see just as they come out of their spiky shell all shiny and brown. Then the leaf colour change in the autumn and then leaf fall and then it all starts again with the big sticky buds. This looked a great specimen too, they have such a distinctive shape these trees. Its a marker for me on my journey to work. I was walking through part of the old UMIST area, which is now part of the University of Manchester, on my first day back and shocked to see it cut down to its trunk. What a sad sight.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghBtnAJhRXs1VFxONevMoki-VToojextwIqO4a1wbU23wPZRVVrweRTBbuCVHWTls2Oc4_ejNdCWCaOR0FET9wfGmdvvN02GQq7f2TPKkky6U5d36qq0Q_ylH1Pgg_chGg6XUe-Uj2F4/s1600/IMG_20160104_154309536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghBtnAJhRXs1VFxONevMoki-VToojextwIqO4a1wbU23wPZRVVrweRTBbuCVHWTls2Oc4_ejNdCWCaOR0FET9wfGmdvvN02GQq7f2TPKkky6U5d36qq0Q_ylH1Pgg_chGg6XUe-Uj2F4/s640/IMG_20160104_154309536.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can only think it was diseased and the rip in its bark from the other side also suggests that but Oh, it didn't make it a good start to my week. There are so few trees in a city anyway, sad to see another one go. Horse Chestnuts are known to suffer quite a few diseases and from a quick bit of research its likely that it had <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleeding_canker_of_horse_chestnut">canker</a>, from the bark tear. Shockingly half of Horse Chestnuts in the UK are showing signs of this disease according to the Forestry Commision.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WPFpzGUqObmumoJV75PE4oZZmN1UABAQFUv3VPndth0y_EcksFHCe4vn34vsoi6JyssjA50kHJ8lxbedxzB5xP69NWwuafOcQ1-mZaCkBSSlkVnNCTHBSfezbgh7wTFX2ohUhjYh3oA/s1600/IMG_20160104_154257058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WPFpzGUqObmumoJV75PE4oZZmN1UABAQFUv3VPndth0y_EcksFHCe4vn34vsoi6JyssjA50kHJ8lxbedxzB5xP69NWwuafOcQ1-mZaCkBSSlkVnNCTHBSfezbgh7wTFX2ohUhjYh3oA/s640/IMG_20160104_154257058.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So lesson from this, cherish your trees. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway keep warm over the upcoming cold spell, make like a cat. Bob is an expert at getting cosy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcYKqKtLYbdY6F4BzW2dlV9N0PTpGF7xrl3tSSM2e0Tki66qdXmDOlgS7omAKgW9g29kgxZ_Y5OztLrOK6EMdmy_K2Xq8G8kjTtB3rpY-UBiP-rydaPlCk5UF4LdgH3bIDcuErrFQ8Y0/s1600/IMG_20160101_123058234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcYKqKtLYbdY6F4BzW2dlV9N0PTpGF7xrl3tSSM2e0Tki66qdXmDOlgS7omAKgW9g29kgxZ_Y5OztLrOK6EMdmy_K2Xq8G8kjTtB3rpY-UBiP-rydaPlCk5UF4LdgH3bIDcuErrFQ8Y0/s640/IMG_20160101_123058234.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Annie_Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140041665657746319noreply@blogger.com14