Have you ever heard of nasturtiums blooming in England six days before Christmas?
Well you have now. These still cling, erect, to the trellis attached to the garage door.
The purpose of Walkford Woodland Burial Ground is to provide plots for interment and for ashes which will eventually return to their natural state. Approved trees may be planted among the graves, with clusters of flowers around the cremated ashes. These flora must be those found indigenous to this country.
Today I accompanied Jackie, Helen, and Shelley for their annual placing of a wreath on their mother’s plot.
Afterwards Shelley produced a splendid meal for us all, including other husbands, Ron and Bill. We were treated to a succulent chicken and artichoke heart casserole; creamy mashed potato; and flavoursome carrots and Brussels sprouts. This was followed by home-grown raspberry and blackberry crumble with cream or custard. I, of course, chose custard. Red and white wines were on offer, after mulled wine. When we returned home no further sustenance was required.
the flowers are so pretty and to be blooming in December is a Christmas miracle. May you and yours have a blessed Christmas season.
Thanks very much, Wendi
my pleasure.
Every year I am deeply touched by the tribute the three sisters pay to their mother. We should all be so well loved!
Thanks very much, Pauline. Their mother gave them such good Christmases
What fun to have those lovely flowers on your garage trellis in December! Lucky you! The meal looked wonderful. Mmmm… artichokes and chicken casserole? I think I’ll go defrost some chicken now for our dinner. <3
🙂 Thanks very much, Jan
I think I’ll get one more meal out of the nasturtiums in the back garden. Last week, the others in the front garden were still blooming but I haven’t checked since. Are yours in a sheltered spot or have you been blessed with no frost so far?
No frost to speak of. Thanks very much, Helen
That’s great!
Amazing, ours gave up in the frost two weeks ago.. Nasturtiums very tasty 🙂
🙂 Thanks very much, Sue
Ah ha, nasturtiums well who knew. Walkford is where mum and dad are buried in a joint plot. My uncle is there too. Good to know everyone is doing their bit for the environment.
Another coincidence in our lives, Geoff. Thanks very much
I had no idea nasturtiums were edible. Thank you, Derrick, for this bit of education!
Many thanks, Dolly
Lovely tribute, and the meal looks sumptuous! And I am impressed with the blooming nasturtiums, a hardy, yet beautiful plant!
Thanks very much, Diane. If and when the frost comes they will flop
I love that Jackie and her sisters have this annual rituals…very nice. I’ve never heard of the nasturtiums, but as you said, now I have! 🙂 What a feast!
Many thanks, Jill
“Have you ever heard of nasturtiums blooming in England six days before Christmas?”
~ Could this be climate change in action, Derrick?
It is difficult to discount it, Rosaliene. Although I did pick a bunch of roses on Christmas Day 1976. Thanks very much
I guess we’ll know for sure when the unusual becomes the norm.
Does the title enclose one more meaning in its bosom?
Well spotted, Uma. Thanks very much
Your garden is amazing and still blooming!
It is, indeed, Lynn. Still not had a real frost. Thanks very much
We haven’t had much snow and a little frost but still not like usual.
And they are such festive colors! They brighten the season and our faces! 🙂
It is sweet and touching ritual that Jackie and her sisters share each year.
My parents are buried far from where we live, so I don’t get to visit their graves. 🙁
I feel your title can reflect those flowers, those who lie buried, and you all after that lovely meal.
(((HUGS))) to all of you!
What an apt comment on the title, Carolyn. Many thanks X
You’re welcome, Derrick! 🙂
Good morning Derrick!!
In mythology, nasturtiums possess the power of protection. Folklore says that you will be defended from bothersome visitors if you grow it. If you look at the leaves you will notice they are shield shaped, offering up their guard.
Thanks very much for that, Efi. I didn’t know
Thank you for your incredible images!!!
That is so interesting!
That’s fascinating!
How splendid to have the flowers growing this time of year. I like how the cemetery wants to keep things as natural as possible and uses indigenous plants, too. It sounds like a beautiful day all around, and I can understand why no further sustenance was required!
Thanks very much, Merril
You seem to spend rather a lot of time eating splendid meals and drinking decent wine, Derrick. It’s a good job I’m not an envious type of person. But – please stop banging on about the nice plants you’re able to grow in that nice temperate part of the world you live in 🙂 Wishing you and Jackie a wonderful Christmas!
🙂 And you and the Britain family, Mike
I like the little burial plot.. I would like to be buried in one like that.
It’s going to be 60 degrees Fahrenheit or 15 Celsius tomorrow. It should be below freezing at this time of year.
Thanks very much, Sherry. We are still just below 10 Celsius
looks like a lovely time, and flowers are beautiful still <3
Thanks very much, Kim
Lovely to see such colour in your garden this late Derrick. I love how the leaves are divided neatly into eighths from their centres. (It’s the geometer in me!)
The pony Christmas party looks like fun!
Thanks a lot, Bob. Nice observation
How kind of the nasturtiums to splash that bright colour across your December.
I really like the idea of the Walkford Woodland Burial Ground – only plant local flora and design it to return to original forest someday. I am also pleased to know that this is where Jackie’s mother is. Who made the decision for her to have a plot here?
Your title applies to more than just your bellies after the meal, and I appreciate the cleverness.
Thanks a lot, Crystal – I appreciate the title comment especially. The 3 sisters made the decision.
A lovely way to remember. And what a feast!
Thanks very much, Laurie