This afternoon I ambled round the sunlit garden.
Pink and red camellias, which first bloomed in January, appear to be going on for ever.
Tulips, like these yellow ones, are now replacing some fading daffodils, while
a variety of others are still in the bloom of youth.
Jackie planted these leucojum vernum last Autumn.
The amanogawa cherry came with the house.
Primulas, hellebores, and euphorbia are regular visitors;
Snake’s head fritillaries have so far survived a year or two.
Shortly before closing time we drove to Streets ironmongers in Brokenhurst to order a tap fitment. We took a leisurely route home.
Beside the road to Beaulieu a group of small deer disappeared into the woodland.
It wasn’t far from sunset when we arrived at Hatchet Pond.
I’ve never seen a galloping donkey before, but the one silhouetted against the skyline near the group grazing opposite the pond, crossed the ground at a fair lick when a young woman began photographing its companions. As I explained, the creature had come in search of treats.
Nearer sunset we diverted to Tanners Lane in search of a scene such as this.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s succulent, short crust, beef, onion, and mushroom pie; boiled potatoes; crisp carrots and broccoli, followed by sticky toffee pudding and vanilla ice cream. I drank Outlook Bay Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017 and my lady drank more of The Quintet.
Derrick – the sunlit garden photo shoot was masterful and delightful just now (and maybe cos I have all those red dresses in my head – I needed this garden wind down)
And the galloping donkey – ?!
Very many thanks, Yvette
I had a bad eye day today, but seeing your photos has made them feel better. 🙂 Thank you, Derrick! I love the shot after the deer.
I hope your eyes are better, Jill. Thanks very much
Thank you, Derrick!
I hope you’re feeling better, Jill!
Aww…thanks, Merril. It’s been a struggle that’s for sure. One day the eyes are okay and the next I can’t get them into focus. Obviously, being on the computer all day doesn’t help. Enjoy your weekend!
You, too, Jill.
Camouflaged deer and galloping donkeys (I so wish you’d managed of a shot of it in full flight) are all out done by that wonderful photo of the setting sun. Perfection!
Very many thanks, Pauline. I walked across the shingle for that one.
You are doing well! I’m pleased to hear that.
Thanks again
Breathtaking, Derrick–just love your spot.
Thanks very much, Cynthia
The images you share are always gorgeous. It is as if Spring doesn’t arrive until Derrick announces it.
🙂 Many thanks, Drew
Those flowers are looking gorgeous! And what a lovely picture of that sunset
Thanks very much, M.B.
OH!!!! All of these photos are so wonderful, Derrick!!! 🙂
I love the flowers…all so lovely with their own unique beauty…soft, colorful, different shapes, sweet details, etc! 🙂 So glad you got to amble in the garden! 🙂
And you know I love the donkeys! That one of the donkey against the darkening sky makes such a beautiful photo! 🙂
And your sunset is gorgeous! 🙂
HUGS!!! 🙂
Very many thanks, Carolyn. X
If my knees weren’t as creaky, I would gallop for treats, too, especially if those treats involved chocolate. Speaking of galloping…looks like spring is galloping by.
Indeed, Laurie. Thanks very much
I love seeing your garden, Derrick. It snowed here again today! Your breath of spring was just what my soul needed! I have not seen Snake’s head fritillaries before. What a beautiful flower! And, it is always fun to see what Jackie has prepared for your dinner! Tonight we are having salmon over rice served with cauliflower topped with a cheese sauce – and a green salad. Have a great evening, dear Derrick.
Thanks very much, Jan. I hope you enjoyed your dinner as much as we did ours
A ,lovely picture of the fritillary.
Many thanks, Tootlepedal
Lovely as usual. Keep moving that knee Knight. Hug Jackie for me. We are kindred gardening spirits.
Very many thanks, Flower. I think you are
Thanks for hug, reciprocated. X
A gorgeous sunset photo and delightful flowers. I especially like the yellow tulips with the fringe.
Thank you very much, JoAnna
Flowers and donkeys and wine! Some of my favorites!!! 🙂
Many thanks, Luanne
Beautiful garden photos, Derrick. Gorgeous sunset too.
Thank you very much, Sylvia
Those camellias are pretty awesome but I love all your photos.
Thanks very much, Arlene
The fritillary is absolutely beautiful.
I can’t identify the deer. If they were small they might be Roe deer but I’ve always thought that they were relatively large. The white rump is not the best camouflage after making the rest of the animal virtually invisible!
Thanks a lot, John. I think they were roe deer, but I wasn’t sure. 🙂
Continuing thanks, Derrick, for your delightful visits to photographers’ wonderland.
Very many thanks, Roland
Really lovely post. Your photos are better than ever.
Many thanks, Sherry. I have slowly built up better equipment
And more skill. ?
🙂 Thanks again
Your garden is certainly taking to the Springtime!
Are the animals allowed to roam through the night?
They are, indeed. Some ponies wear reflective collars to make them more visible. Thanks very much, GP
A lovely ‘Ramble’ indeed Sir – your new wooden arch is looking good! 🙂
As are the flowers in your and Jackie’s garden. I had only ever seen a fritillaria once before on someone’s blogpost and then had to go looking on Google for more examples of these stunning ‘chequerboard’ flowers and you actually have some! – I’m green with envy. 😉 Thank you for yet more shots of your wonderful local fauna, too.
A wonderful way to end your post, and day, with that sunset.
And it is sounding as if you’re appetite is returning to it’s healthy state, which is almost as pleasing as i’m sure Jackie’s meal was. 🙂
Very many thanks, Bob. General improvement
This post is full of delights–your garden, galloping donkeys, and that beautiful sunset at the end.
It sounds like both and Jackie are feeling better.
We are, thanks very much, Merril.
A most pleasant day surrounded by flowers and ending with a savory meal. You make the ordinary sound extraordinary, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Cindy. I appreciate this
Just beautiful! Your flowers made me happy.
That’s good. Many thanks, Leslie
Snake’s head fritillaries are officially on my list of things to investigate. Hoping I can have them here.
I hope so, too, Jodie. Many thanks
Your photos are superb as always. I love the silhouetted donkey! That’s a really nice shot.
Thank you very much, Cheryl
What a gorgeous piece of sunset. 🙂 … it would’ve been a hoot watching that donkey come galumphing down the hill for treats.:D
Thanks very much, Widders. Both were great sights
Derrick,
The tenants in your gardens are blooming wonderfully!
🙂 Thanks very much, Gary
Watching your garden is happiness.
Thank you very m much, Rupali
Your gardens look beautiful in any season, Derrick and Jackie!
Thanks very much from us both, Lavinia
Your photography is always a pleasure. The Snake’s Head Fritillary is stunning. Love the checkerboard.
Thanks very much, Crystal
Lovely!
Many thanks, LL/PS
A lovely selection of images. I find the fritillaries very tricky to photograph. let alone grow.
Thanks very much, Susan. Our first fritillaries were planted in a more shady patch, and didn’t really flourish. Those in our West Bed are more successful