No Further Sustenance Required

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.

0 comments

  1. 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

  2. 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?

  3. 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.

  4. 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!

  5. 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.

  6. 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!

  7. 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!

  8. 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.

  9. 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!

  10. 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.

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