I Really Must Get Dead-Heading

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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.

70 comments

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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! 😀

    1. 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

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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

    1. 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

  11. 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…

  12. 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!

  13. 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.

  14. 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!

  15. 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!?

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

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