A Tattooed Jet-skier

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Yesterday, Jackie, having set a border with transplanted heucheras some weeks ago, thinned out the other plants in the small bed to the left of the rose garden entrance. As Aaron said, this increased the sense of space.

One of Aaron’s tasks this morning was to prune the plants over the arch to the front garden;

another was to fix spikes to the top of the Westbrook Arbour to prevent perching pigeons pooing onto the bench beneath.

Late this morning Jackie drove me out with the intention of photographing the New Forest Marathon. Unfortunately, because of road closures, and my inability to walk far enough along the paths that would lead to the runners, we abandoned the idea and went home to lunch, after which an amble round the garden was possible.

We still have a number of lively clematises, like this Polish Spirit in the Dragon Bed alongside the Shady Path,

and this Hagley Hybrid in the Rose Garden,

where is also to be found glorious Gloriana,

pink-cheeked Mum in a Million,

and Rhapsody in Blue harmonising with verbena bonariensis.

Peach Delight still stretches over the Oval Bed,

where nasturtiums echo rudbeckia,

itself found in the Palm Bed,

also home to helenium

and echinacea.

Bees swarmed blushing sedums

and Japanese anemones;

a wasp sought saxifrage.

Perhaps a spider’s spinning a modest veil for Florence sculpture.

Gauras have proved difficult to grow here. An exception is this one swaying in the Weeping Birch Bed.

This fuchsia curtains Elizabeth’s Bed from the Rose Garden.

In the late afternoon we visited Mudeford Quay which thronged with visitors, Many of whom were enjoying themselves catching crabs, although they snared more seaweed. The secret, which enabled one group to fill buckets with the unfortunate creatures before tossing them back into the water, seemed to be the bacon bait, which, to my mind, would have been better served flavouring a sausage casserole.

Taking advantage of the low tide, one dog walker wandered along the sandbank, passing the Isle of Wight, and retracing his steps.

Just as I was about to leave, a tattooed jet skier sprayed into sight and navigated his way between the port and starboard buoys.

heuchera

Early this evening, Jackie rushed in for the camera, rushed out with it, and returned with a backlit image of the heuchera I had photographed this morning.

This evening the three of us dined on Jackie’s splendid pork paprika; wild rice; crunchy carrots, and our own runner beans, followed by her sublime bread and butter pudding. The Culinary Queen drank Hoegaarden while my sister and I finished the Fleurie.
 

0 comments

  1. I love seeing the bees busy buzzin’ at work!
    I think that sculpture is so beautiful and sweet…and how kind of a spider to add to the beauty!
    More lovely portraits of those lovely flowers!
    Happy Day to each of you!!! HUGS, too!!! 🙂

    1. Derrick generously offered to teach me the basics of using his ‘posh’ camera, until last week I have deferred any lessons, but did enjoy taking this pic, and remembered what he taught me!

  2. Love the photos as always. Derrick, just curious, have you or Jackie every counted just how many species of flowers and other vegetation you have in your gardens?

  3. So amazing that you have verbena in this post. I was in Cape May today (a seaside resort about an hour from my home). It is known for its gardens and at some point I saw a plant and thought, “that’s verbena.” Then I thought, “That’s odd, I’ve never seen verbena before. Why do I think I know what verbena looks like? Is that really verbena?” (I am a quiet person because THIS is what is going on in my head – who has time for conversation?) But now I know why I knew. I’ve probably seen YOUR verbena dozens of times and I have learned what it looks like. So – thanks for the education!

    1. Jodie, this sounds like me, quiet but with a constant conversation going on in my head–except I wouldn’t remember the name of the verbena. I want to get back to Cape May, if we ever have nice weather again! 🙂

  4. Jackie certainly has an innate knowledge of lighting. Heucheras do look magical in the exposure. The spikes for stopping pegeions from soiling the earthbound creatures are a great mechanism. You have captured the windsurfing tattoos inscribed upon the plump enthusiast well.

  5. I am sorry you weren’t able to photograph the marathon as you are so good at observing people and you produce fantastic action shots. However, your beautiful garden has provided so many excellent pictures to make up for it.

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