CLICK ON ANY IMAGE IN A GROUP TO ACCESS ITS GALLERY, INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF WHICH CAN BE VIEWED FULL SIZE BY SCROLLING DOWN AND CHECKING BOX AT BOTTOM RIGHT.
On a warm and sunny afternoon, whilst Jackie planted in the shade, with a pit stop at Five Ways, I made my way to the Rose Garden. The Head Gardener followed me with Mum’s perching stool, placed it beside the Florence sculpture, propped up the single crutch I am now using, and left me for a while. After two further shifts of the stool I was among the roses.
From Five Ways I could look down the Phantom Path between the Cryptomeria and Margery’s Beds;
I could see more poppies on the Weeping Birch Bed; geranium palmatums attracting small white butterflies flitting to and fro; a tall red climbing rose; the Cordyline Australis preparing to pervade its bed with its powerfully sweet scent; and a laurel leaf that doesn’t look too well.
Honeysuckle cavorts with Madame Alfred Carriere atop the entrance arch to the Rose Garden,
where there are so many roses in all stages of development that I could see that I really must get dead-heading as soon as I can.
In particular the peach Crown Princess Margareta and the red Zephirini Druin now flank the Ace Reclaim Arch in the far corner.
Later this afternoon I walked from my desk in the hall through the kitchen to the sink. Not really a big deal. Until I realised I had forgotten my crutch.
Tesco ready prepared meals for dinner this evening consisted of fish pie for me and pasta carbonara for Jackie, who added runner beans to each.
Things progressing well in all areas then, Derrick. xx
Many thanks, H. X Encouragement still very much appreciated
Radiantly beautiful…
Very many thanks, Smilingtoad
happy dead heading to you – and don’t forget your crutch
🙂
Many thanks, prior. 🙂
🙂
With each day, you seem to be doing better. You’ll be back to your old self soon. The garden is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing the gorgeous photos, Derrick.
Very many thanks, Jill. Such encouragement is invaluable
no crutch! Get you Stirling…
🙂 Thanks a lot, Geoff. I will hopefully gather no moss
You really are getting better when you set off without the crutch. Don’t overdo it, though. That is very easy to do. You have some beautiful reds and pinky mauves in your garden. I’m sorry to say that I’ve never seen Zephirini Druin before, but it’s certainly very lovely.
Thanks very much, John. I hadn’t known Zephirini, either.
Zephirine D is heavily scented, tolerates shade, and to add to her joys she is thornless! What more could you ask of any rose?
Your garden is looking an absolute delight, Derrick. Dead-heading and tieing up the roses was my own Sunday morning occupation. I’ve got the thorn pricks to prove it.
Many thanks, Roland
Grow Zepherine D she is thornless!
Oh, wonderful news about forgetting the crutch! It’s the forgetting that makes it so great I think. You’ll be dead heading in no time!
Thanks very much, Pauline
So what if we get photos of rose hips instead of roses for a season – take it easy. And I like the new perspective you have in your photographs – less close ups yet feels more intimate.
Nicely observed, Mary. Many thanks
Sounds like you are making excellent progress! Just as well, there’s a summer’s worth of dead heading ahead 🙂
🙂 Many thanks, Jessica
So wonderful to see your beautiful garden awakening to new growth!
Don’t let your haste to get moving again jeopardize the healing process.
Thanks a lot, Rosaliene. A good warning – still painful enough to remind me 🙂
I like how your enforced semi-mobility has shifted the views we get of the garden. 🙂 .. it’s an ill … knee-replacement, that blows no good. 🙂
The first time realised I’d got up and walked without conscious intent I nearly fell down again. Congratulations on not falling down again! 😀
Many thanks, Widders. Loved the falling down bit. I like the different perspectives too. I’ll continue it when well. For years I haven’t been able to bend to get lower views
Wow, you’re making unconscious progress. That’s so good to hear. And I’m glad Jackie takes a night off now and then from the undoubted pleasures of cooking. Sometimes, you just need a meal without making it yourself.
So true about the cooking, Lisa. When Jackie was still working that was my job 🙂 Thanks a lot
I might be out on a limb here but I have a standard rule that if my leg hurts and I can’t walk or bend easily then someone else can do the dead-heading.
I was looking some way ahead, Paol 🙂 Many thanks
Holy cow – love that you’re up and walking without even thinking about it. That sounds like progress – even if you shouldn’t be doing it yet.
🙂 Thanks a lot, Jodie. I’m not likely to repeat it in a hurry.
Atta Boy
It’s no wonder you’re making such progress, with such an excellent caregiver/warden and beautiful views. There’s a lot more to healing than just the physical.
I’m really learning that, Oglach. Thanks very much
When I pass on, I hope heaven looks just like your garden.
🙂 I’m sure it will, Leslie. Many thanks
Not only do you live in the Eden you have created but you also capture magcial vignettes of its glory! I have some of the same roses you have all of which bloomed months ago, and the bourbons of course I won’t see again until next spring. Other roses are still producing some but when the open the intense heat of our Texas summers fry the petals so their beauty and glory are very fleeting indeed. So it is a joy to see yours and to know that somewhere it is NOT hot!!!
Have a great week dear Derrick. Love and hugs, Natalie 🙂 <3
Many thanks, Natalie. In Perth in Australia in December 2007, my son’s mother-in-law’s roses were all badly burned in temperatures in mid 40s
Yes sadly it happens. 😔❤️
Glad to hear you’re doing something useful, Derrick. And, joking aside, congratulations on the un-crutched walk. Deadheading roses – the difference between north and south – our roses have just started blooming! But I’m heading south this week – who knows, I may even get a pint of Fuller’s…
Is it okay for you to move around the garden now Derrick. So glad to know.
I am glad you are feeling more mobile and you sound great! It must be frustrating to have to do things slow and wait for more progress but it sounds like you are doing so well! Take it slow dear friend and enjoy the roses!
Without the crutch! Progress, Derrick! Do take care though 🙂
Forgetting the crutch is a blessed bit of news. I trust the Head Gardener wasn’t watching you do it! I suspect some of those shots too needed the forgetting bid. If you are ever called to explain, blame it on the poppies.
Definitely the poppies 🙂 Many thanks, Uma
Walking is important. I had to learn that every time after a surgery. It is easier with every time.
Your photos are showing a very abundant flower-filled scene. I regret we have to move and leave this place with so much flowers, rare trees and shrubs which also blossom.
I especially enjoy wild flowers.
Poppy portrait looks wonderful, as an artist I always appreciate the elegance of a floral petal, the line, the color, the softness.
I was using crutches for a year or so in 1992, that was after 9 surgeries. I was using it for a week this time,.
I wish you all the best in your ramblings!
Many thanks, Inese. My word, you have been through it
Beautiful pics again Derrick! The garden is looking great 👍
So happy you seem to be recovering so well. Just, please , don’t overdo things, yes? Exercise and rest combined become the most efficient healers!😀
Thanks a lot, Rob. Sensible comments
It sounds like you are doing well, Derrick–forgetting the crutch! The garden looks splendid–undead-headed or not.
Thanks very much, Merril
Among the roses. What a splendid place to be. Glad your making progress and that the cook gets a night off from time to time.
Many thanks, Laurie
These flowers were all so gorgeous Derrick.
Thanks very much, Drew
Yes, definitely a sign of progress when you forget the crutch. But also a mixed blessing, as I’m sure you noticed. 🙂
I did, indeed, Quercus. Interestingly the only thing the physio needed to put me right on was the walking.
Interesting that you’ve been walking er…for quite a few years…and haven’t got it right yet. 🙂
Hilarious 🙂
It sounds like forgetting your crutch could be a good thing, as long as it was a short trip. 🙂 Cheers!
Many thanks, JoAnna
It is about in all its glories now–lovely. Glad you get to be out in it.
Many thanks, Cynthia. In truth, I won’t be dead-heading for a while, I’m learning
A day at a time as they say–or an hour… As you well know 🙂
🙂
One day….I am taking notes from the Masters
I’m very glad you have such beauty surrounding you and an able assistant for placing your stool. The flowers all look great and not sure whether water or bugs got to the laurel leaf. . .
The walk without the crutch could have been a disaster, Derrick. Be safe! 😀
Yummy dinner which helps to relax the hardworking Gardener/Chef, too. She deserves breaks and rest, with feet up.
Thanks very much, Robin. The Head Gardener tells me that the laurel leaf is how it is meant to be 🙂