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This morning I became a veritable barber in a dead-heading spree.
I began with the prolific Japanese anemones in the front garden.
As I look out of my sitting room window each morning, I think of that excellent blogging poet Pleasant Street, who commented recently that she preferred to see older blooms alongside the fresh ones, “like life”. Although our reason for dead-heading is not vicariously to deny the effects of ageing, but rather to promote new growth, Pleasant certainly has a point. In deference to that I have left the blooms immediately in view to nature.
I also gathered up some of the branches broken by the winds. As the day continued the winds gradually returned to approach the 60 m.p.h. expected this evening.
Remarkably little damage has so far been incurred. Here are the Palm Bed;
the corners at the house end of the Brick Path;
the Gazebo Path;
Elizabeth’s Bed;
the solanum and clematis draped on the dead tree;
perked-up dahlias;
petunias and begonias in large pots;
chrysanthemums;
and rose Gloriana.
The Small White butterflies flitted around everywhere.
This afternoon Elizabeth visited and we took a trip to Molly’s Den, where I photographed a few random displays.
Not quite so random was this scene, taking me back to one Christmas in the 1980s.
Louisa would have been about six or seven when Jessica and I bought her an ironing board. “Just like Daddy’s”, was her delighted cry.
This evening, before Elizabeth returned home, we dined on Jackie’s perfect pork paprika and wild rice. Jackie drank Hoegaarden and my sister and I drank more of the Fleurie.
This made me smile…Mr. Doodle is the ironing man in our house and the girls know it…every Sunday night he selects the clothes that we will wear to work for the week and delightedly irons away…while watching a football, baseball, or basketball game…depending on the season.
🙂 Thanks very much, Doodle
“older blooms alongside the fresh ones, “like life”.” Isn’t that too true. I worked for ONE YEAR in a school where the Principal believed in getting rid of all the older teachers and replacing them with recent graduates. There was lots of ignorant enthusiasm and very little steady maturity. I resigned before being dead-headed.
Too true, Paol. Anyone who gave you the elbow would have been plain daft. Thank you.
Oh you are such a modern man 🙂
🙂 So kind, Pauline
I see one flower and think it is my favorite only to change my mind as I continue reading and viewing! So gorgeous!
Many thanks, Lynn
Adore your garden flowers, always brings on lovely memories of my dads garden.
Thanks very much, Ivor
Lovely photos, Derrick.
I’m glad you’re not doing your barbering on Fleet Street. 😉
Nice one, Merril. I almost made the reference myself, so I’m pleased you have 🙂 Many thanks
I thought you’d like it, Derrick. 😉
I’m somewhat confused, which isn’t unusual of course.
What about, Brian?
Who is daddy?
Moi.
then who is Jessica?
Sorry, Brian. All is explained in this one: https://derrickjknight.com/2014/01/05/my-branch-of-the-family-tree/
That first sentence reeled me in 🙂 and I love the owl w/flowers picture. So good to enjoy your garden after hard events here. And why do you folks get those high winds off and on?– Of course, the meteorological patterns must aggravate them but wondering about the area and its weather. We get them due to winds roaring through the Columbia Gorge in winter, mostly.)
Thanks very much, Cynthia. You know all about the need for a fishing reel to start off a piece. 🙂 These winds are all across the UK in recent years – a new phenomenon.
Changes everywhere we turn…let’s hang on…!
The garden is looking spectacular, Derrick. You did a great job.
Many thanks, Sylvia
It must feel like you’re loving in the Garden of Eden when you look out your windows! 🙂 <3
It does, Natalie, except at night, when all the solar lights come on and it looks like fairyland. Many thanks.
Then it’s a double blessing right?! 😊😊😊❤️
Yep. 🙂
First off all, I wish to thank you for the link to ‘Pleasant Street’. Over time, I have decidedly inched towards being an ‘old bloom’, I trust the journey shall continue, if not willed otherwise by the Keeper of us all. So I am happy you tend to leave those ‘immediately in view of nature’. It seems the storm has planted merely a caressing kiss on the cheeks of your garden, I am sure Mr Owl will testify. Molly’s Den looks interesting.
Very many thanks, Uma. I think you will like Pleasant. After another stormy night, the bestower of kisses has departed. It is for Pauline that I pop in an owl or two. Molly’s den is interesting, but very expensive to rent space, and looking like it is on hard times.
That is a poetic reply! Times, they’re surely a-changing.
I had to smile that you remembered me saying that. I don’t remember myself, but it sounds like me!
The circle of life, right? And of course you are right, the pruning is necessary to promote more life.
You’ve inspired me to write on this, but it hasn’t quite come to me yet.
Lovely! Thanks!~
My pleasure, Pleasant. This is what blogging is all about. I look forward to the poem. Thank you.
My son asked ‘what’s that?’ not long ago when he saw an ironing board at a friend’s house 😂 never sees it used at home.
Ha! I used to iron my shirts, but have ironed only one in the last decade or so, which should last for another decade. Or more.
I even had a sleeve board when I worked as a rep and needed to look presentable. Went self employed in 1993 and haven’t ironed since. 🙂
I’m much better suited to the rumpled look.
Rumpled describes me as well as my clothing. 🙂
You’re not alone!
🙂
There’s poetry in the creases. Straight lines are boring 😊
🙂
🙂 Thanks very much, Mek
I don’t know enough about gardens to comment in any valid way really, but in schools you need some experienced old hands if only to steady the ship on occasion. Interestingly, forests do benefit from the old dead trees being left in place because they encourage light to the forest floor and provide insects for birds to eat. Not that I’m calling anybody an “old dead tree ” of course!
Thanks a lot, John
Just enjoy so much the eclectic feeling I get from your photos and thoughts. Oddly enough, I posted this AM on Anemone and there you have a lovely photo of this every giving flower. Can’t wait for your next blog.
Very many thanks, Pamela
I’ve missed your garden – you and Jackie have done spectacular work. Great to see your beautiful flowers once again.
Many thanks, Mary. Good to see you back
Thank you Derrick!
Looks like a great shop – liked the tools.
Some of the displays are really industrial. Thanks, Quercus
As I may have said, antique shops and libraries provide me with inner peace. 🙂
Worth repeating
🙂
Following Pleasant Street now, Derrick. Thanks for the reference. 🙂
Your gardens are still beautiful going into autumn. You and Jackie have done a fine job!
Very many thanks, Lavinia. You will enjoy Pleasant
So nice to have time well spent with your sister. I like Louisa’s comment about her toy or play ironing board set. I enjoyed this memorable event.
Thanks very much, Robin