We are still enjoying temperatures in double figures, and the rain was easier today.
This morning we left a large photographic print for mounting with 4Most Framing in Old Milton. We returned home via Barton on Sea where
the waves were choppy and a layer of spray around the dimly visible Isle of Wight gave it the appearance of a Hovercraft skimming over the surface of the water.
The weather was still mild enough for walkers to venture onto the shore down below the crumbling cliff.
This afternoon we brought our Christmas decorations downstairs and prepared a space for the tree which still occupies the boot of the car.
Jackie picked a precocious hellebore bloom and placed it in a little brown Victorian cream jug gathered by Matthew during our mudlarking days.
Later, she trailed a string of coloured lights along the front garden trellis.
The Christmas lights at Lymington, where we dined at Lal Quilla, were inviting, but I forgot my camera. Although it is several months since we last visited the restaurant we received our usual warm welcome and excellent meals with Kingfisher beer.
So annoying when you forget your camera. It’s been a while since I went to a beach, thinking about it.
Thank you, Alex
The white bloom is so pretty in the brown cream jug.
Thank you, Laurie
The bloom is perfect, Derrick. It’s just what you need on a dreary and rainy day. Lovely lights too!
Thank you, Jill
How beautuful!!!!
Thank you, Elisabet
Should the hellebores be blooming inFeb? I thought they were the Christmas rose though…
It’s December Lisa ….. 🙂 Hellebores bloom here in early to mid-winter and are still known as the ‘Christmas Rose’ Go figure!
Hmmm. That would be, what June here? A friend of mine has them and they range quite widely between December and Feb. Derrick said it was precocious so maybe that means a week early?
I’m not knowledgeable about them, I only tried to grow them once and failed miserably – I loved the thought of flowers for mid-winter [yes, June here] I guess anything that flowers somewhere around mid winter in your hemisphere counts as a Christmas flower yes? Any way it is a beautiful example of a hellebore! My peonies flowered and faded too soon for Christmas this year – they are becoming popularly known as our ‘Christmas Rose’
Thank you, Pauline. Hellebores normally flower here in early spring. They self seed all over our garden
We wouldn’t normally see them for a while yet, Lisa. Thanks for the comment
We call them both Christmas and Lenten rose. Perhaps there are different varieties
Cynthia, as so often, has it right. Thanks, Lisa
I love the hellebore—an ancient and curious flower that I used to grow in my garden. It blooms at Christmas and Easter, here in New England. In the works of Rabelais,( Gargantua and Pantagruel) a concoction made from hellebore was given to pupils in order to have them unlearn all the false things they had been taught, before they could become proper students of right learning!
The Head Gardener says you are right, Cynthia. It is many years since I read Rabelais. Thank you for the reminder
A very lovely plant, and I like the little brown jug. Have fun decorating the tree. 😃🎄
Thank you, Sylvia
Seeing the brown jug reminded me of that old English drinking song, “Hahaha Hehehe little brown jug how I love thee.” 🙂
Yes, it was in my mind, too
All I can say is: a precocious hellebore is better than a precocious bore from hell.
It wasn’t you who once commented on one of my Mordred cryptic crosswords: ‘I dread more puzzles from this setter’, was it? Thanks for the comment
It can’t possibly have been me! Although I used to give the cryptic crossword out to my class (not photocopied of course) and as each answer was deciphered by a class member I would nod wisely in a know-all fashion.
🙂
Quite the wild surf Derrick – love the atmosphere by the sea as showing your photograph. My kind of day on the shore. Tree trimming – just finished mine over the weekend. Your hellebore is gorgeous.
Many thanks, Mary
That’s quite the title. Many thanks for the photos and words in this post, Derrick.
Thanks, Ann
I saw a full-double rainbow the other day, bright as could be – no camera!!! You still put together a great post, tho!
Thanks, GP
A hovering Isle of Wight on a sea of misty spray – great imagery Derrick and a great post! Precocious plants and all! 🙂
Many thanks, Rob. Such a compliment from you is valuable
You’re very kind Derrick – thank you!
Such a lovely plant… have fun Derrick….
Thank you, Chitra. You too
The hellebore is a delight. 🙂
Thank you, Micheline
Hellebore in that brown jug= perfection
Thank you, Cynthia
I’ve always loved hellebore … And really, anything brave enough to bloom in winter … For all the metaphorical reasons, and also all the aesthetic ones. 🙂
Thank you, Ashley
Beautiful
Thank you, Nisthur
😊