I woke later than usual this morning. As I passed our upstairs windows soon after 7 a.m. I spied Jackie standing with a camera at the far end of the garden.
She was taking advantage of the early morning light, which was just as well for the first three images in particular.
Titles, as usual, can be gleaned after accessing each of the galleries with a click. Otherwise I will let her results speak for themselves.
This afternoon she drove me to
Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, where I walked for thirty minutes along this reasonably even path.
So crowded were the car parks that we only just managed to find a space. Surrounding the car park, golden St John’s Wort glowed in the sunshine that pierced gaps between the
majestic giant redwoods
surrounded by bracken.
Now the tourist season has begun, and children have been let out of school, I do not walk alone.
Two little boys ran on ahead of their parents, pausing while a woman approached engrossed in her mobile phone. Having put it aside, she greeted me warmly.
Two gentleman I took to be the fathers of the boys called them to stop, caught up with them and turned to communicate with the likely mothers with whom I had been conversing.
The woman carrying a younger child, I think did not speak English. Nevertheless when, realising that they were pacing me and my knees, I urged them not to wait for me she held up her little boy to wave and say “bye”. Her companion had good enough English to tell me about her aunt’s hip replacement.
On my return to the car I paused to photograph a trio playing catch. Anyone who has been accustomed to catching a hard cricket ball will appreciate that it is much easier to pouch than is this yellow tennis ball.
When we set off for home string of cyclists wheeled along Rhinefield Road.
Just outside Brockenhurst a leisurely pony and foal were instructing a patient motorcyclist in the rules of the New Forest roads.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s luscious beef, mushrooms and peppers in red wine; Yorkshire pudding; crisp roast potatoes; crunchy carrots; and tender runner beans with which I finished the Grenacha Syrah. Mrs Knight had downed her Hoegaarden while seated on the patio in conversation with Nugget.
Loved your garden photos Derrick and of course the Redwoods who could fail not to like these magnificent Trees.. <3 🙂
Thanks very much, Sue
Beautiful photos by Jackie to brighten my morning 🙂 I love the way you care for each other. Blessings <3
A great post, I really enjoyed it!
Jackie’s photos don’t need captions, they are that good! But it is nice to know what we’re looking at.
The tourists and all seem pleasant, that helps with the local animal kingdom!!
Thanks very much, GP. Jackie’s pictures didn’t need any help from me either.
haha
More gorgeous photos and the garden is looking stunning.
Thank you very much, Sheree
Some quite outstanding sights, here!
Thanks very much, Leslie
The garden looks magical! Well done, Jackie! Rhinefield Ornamental Drive looks like the perfect place to take a stroll…it’s beautiful
Thanks very much, Jill
Soooo many photos to admire today! The early morning light offers some interesting shadows – but my fav (one of my favourites any way) is a peak of the iron chair through the growth in some corner or other. It looks quite inviting. I always love to see the chimney pot on the lawn too. As you know, I have a view of that framed and hanging on my wall for a couple or so years now and every so often I get a glimpse of what it looks like as Jackie works her annual magic. Fabulous stuff! And I was delighted to read you are walking for a half hour too Derrick – your knee/s must be coming along splendidly.
Thanks very much, Pauline. We are so pleased you have a good sense of before and after. Walking is getting more tolerable 🙂
Keep at it, my friend. Mobility is the key.
🙂 Thanks a lot, Jodie
And the photos do speak for themselves, beautifully. Last week was so hot, the cool green forest was like a dream.
Indeed. Many thanks, Libre
Beautifully refreshing photos Derrick. Your walk on the forest path look gorgeous..Your article is a glorious positive start to my Monday morning.
I’m pleased, Ivor. Thanks very much, Ivor
Early morning light is the best. Beautiful images, I especially love the Morning glory and redwood walk.
Many thanks, Inese
You have such wonderful places to walk. As the summer wears on, I need to search out more places with shade — such a lovely addition to our lives, thanks to the trees.
Thanks very much, Linda
As always, wonderful photographs Derrick, they capture the summer spirit
Thank you very much, John
A beautifully illustrated garden and a walk full of interest. Good post.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Floribunda abundance! Lovely.
Thanks very much, Cindy
What a gorgeous garden you and Jackie have–and what nice walks with friendly encounters. I liked that picture of the two little boys, the one with his one pant leg up and the other down.
Those pant legs intrigued me, Lisa. Many thanks
I marvel that Jackie has ANY time to cook and you go for walks considering all the watering and deadheading and weeding that must be done daily. So many pots!
Thanks very much, Sue. Jackie started counting the pots once, then gave up.
LOL – every year I swear I will plant fewer pots – SO much upkeep. But they add SO much!!
They do indeed
Jackie is apparently conscious of the advantages of the golden hour in photography. But the afternoon shots are no less picturesque. New Forest is chock-a-block with tourists and lingerers. Thanks for the extensive gallery.
Many thanks, Uma. The forest filters the afternoon light
Lovely have a great week
Thanks very much, Mrs W. I hope your week is not too strenuous
Thank you
Beautiful garden shots to-day by Jackie.
Thanks very much, Albert
The garden photos look beautiful, Derrick and Jackie! The Forest walk was interesting. I didn’t know you had redwood trees there.
Thanks very much, Lavinia. Planted many years ago
I’m glad to hear that your wife talks to the robin. That reassures me that I’m not a nutcase, or that if I am, at least I’m not alone.
🙂 Thanks very much, John
Nutcases abound. I sing to the backyard inhabitants, as well.
Yesterday evening, Jackie, hearing singing from the fence behind us while we were having a drink on the decking said, “That sounds like Nugget”. Sure enough, it was
Wow – that’s amazing she could recognize his very voice. That’s super cool.
Isn’t it!?
Excellent work by Jackie catching the Morning Glory in their ‘prime Time’ 😉 I have only seen the plain blue-purple ones here, the variegated ones are amazing! And the red Honeysuckle and white Hydrangea are both rarities for me also – I only have the white and gold Honeysuckle, but they are a couple of months away from blooming.
Glad to hear the walking is becoming easier, you certainly have some visual distractions on your rambles. 🙂
Thanks very much, Bob. I’d never seen variegated convolvulus before.
Jackie gives you a run for your money in the photo-taking department, Derrick! 🙂
Love her photos AND your photos, both! 🙂
YAY for your walking outings! Such a beautiful place to walk and encounter other walkers! Everyone can encourage each other as they keep moving forward! Kids and dogs help us to walk with gusto and excitement! 😀
We lived among the redwoods in northern CA for many years! Such gorgeous forests of trees, moss, etc.! 🙂
I wonder what Little Nugget had to say. ??? 😉 Like Jackie, I talk to birds,too. And every other kind of creature! Of course, also, I talk to my plants, flowers, veggie garden, and trees, etc. 🙂 (HA! I typed “pants” and had to add the L …I don’t talk to my pants very often…really, I don’t! 😀 )
HUGS!!! 🙂
When I saw Jackie’s photographs, I said “I’ll put my camera away and leave the photography to you” 🙂 Thank you very much for all this, Carolyn. X
Nice fun-filled day Derrick despite you getting up a bit late!
🙂 Thanks a lot, Gary
Love the flowers 🙂
Thank you very much, AGE
“The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth,–
One is nearer God’s heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth.”
Lovely, Leslie. Thanks very much
I always think of that poem when I see pictures of your garden.
🙂
Jackie’s “garden awakening” is just as marvelous as your shady forest photos, Derrick. A feast for the eyes!
Thank you very much, Dolly
My pleasure, Derrick
The forest was certainly busy during your walk!
The season is well under way, Helen. Many thanks
Yes, week two of the holidays!
Nice job, Jackie! The right light makes all the difference.
Thanks a lot, Laurie. “Oh – that’s nice” said Jackie when I read this to her.
Beautiful flower and garden photos from Jackie in the early morning and then a cool and shady walk in the afternoon. Wonderful post, Derrick!
Thank you very much, Clare
That garden Derrick 🙂 So, so beautiful! I would love to take a walk surrounded by such a wonderful nature! And that dinner? Oh my, I’m hungry right now 🙂
Oh yes, and having a chat with little Nugget 🙂 priceless 🙂
Thank you very much, Ribana
Thanks very much, Ribana
Nice photos as always Derrick.
Thanks very much, Arlene
The morning light was just right. Good call, Jackie.
She says “Thank you” Crystal – me, too