Jackie spent the day in her element, nurturing
her Autumn garden, which I photographed at intervals. WordPress willing, each of these images is individually titled in the gallery.
Later, I scanned the next four of Charles Keeping’s superb illustrations to ‘Our Mutual Friend’.
‘Composedly smoking, he leaned an elbow on the chimney-piece and looked at the schoolmaster’ displays both arrogance and reserve.
‘Spreading his hands on his visitor’s knees, he thus addresses him’
‘The little expedition down the river’
‘Crouching down by the door and bending over her burden to hush it’
This evening we dined on Hordle Chinee Take Away’s excellent fare, with which Jackie drank more of the Pino Grigio and I finished the Faugeres.
Her plants looked beloved–a credit to the Head Gardener. How quintessentially English.
Thank you so much, Pat
Jackie looks so happy in her beautiful garden.
Thank you very much, Jodie
: )
Wow!! I’ve never seen an autumn garden look as beautiful as Jackie’s. I love the first of the Keeping illustrations. I can tell what kind of guy Eugene is just by how he holds that cigar.
Thanks very much, Liz. Yes, the cigar was perfect
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Jackie looks so happy and relaxed Derrick, lovely photo mate 👌
Thanks a lot, John
The photo of Jackie is just beautiful.
And the photos of your wonderful flowers are so lovely too.
Thank you so much for taking the time to note the names – I’m learning so much from the posts about your amazing garden. It’s a total inspiration, as you both are.
Thank you so much, Emma – from us both
So many beautiful photos today, Derrick! And Jackie looks so happy in her environment! ❤️🇬🇧☺️
Your garden(er) never ceases to amaze me. You seem to have at least two of our seasons on the go at the same time.
We have had so many second flushes this year. Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal
Wow! The flowers are gorgeous! I love the photo of Jackie…it’s beautiful. Chinese sounds yummy!😋
Thanks very much, Jill. The best Chinese takeaway ever.
Yay! After reading your post, Derek said we were due for some Chinese.😉
Your photos are especially stunning today. The Head Gardener has every right to celebrate the beauty she nurtures daily.
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
The photos of your wonderful flowers, Jackie, are beautiful.
I don’t think I’ll ever learn the names of all my plants and shrubs. I just grow them because I like them. 🙂 Your garden, Jackie, should be shown in a garden magazine.
Thank you very much, Chrissy.
You’re welcome, Derrick.
The Beautiful Garden Queen
Has a smile that brings the sun!
She works with care and diligence
She deserves some rest and fun!
The flowers, plants, and even the trees
Smile back from low and above!
They can thrive with joy every day
Because of her sweet tender love!
(((HUGS))) 🙂
PS…always love seeing the hanging baskets! And the name Joe Pye Weed intrigues me…so I looked it up and found this:
According to legend, Joe Pye was a Native American herbalist who used a local plant to cure a variety of illnesses including typhoid fever. For years, it was unknown if Joe Pye was a real person or a botanical myth until research confirmed the plant’s name originated from the nickname of Joseph Shauquethqueat, a Mohican chief who lived in Massachusetts and New York in the 18th and early 19th centuries. 🙂
A lovely poem and fascinating information on Joe, Carolyn. Thank you very much X
🙂
Jackie and her smile are a beautiful muse for poetry! The poem was birth-ed quickly, with love and smiles! 🙂
I love that poem!! Will get D to print it for me and it is going on my fridge. Thank you. X
Oh, good! That makes me smile SO big! 🙂
I loved writing the poem about you, for you!!! 🙂
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Jackie brings forth, pays attention, and expresses her soul in what she does. A treasure for you both and the family
Thank you very much, Val
I loved her joyous face. If I were a Flower in her garden, I would bloom.
Many thanks, Flower
I can’t decide which I like best! Are those cherry tomatoes growing to the right of the Diascia etc?
Yes, they are, Barbara. We are pleased you spotted them, because they are virtually the only ones that have escaped the blight which ruined most of the others. Thanks very much.
They look like they are ready for a salad!
What a fantastic photograph of Jackie. I wonder if she has a count of all the different varieties she has nurtured over the year.
I’ll bet she could if she put her mind to it, John. Thanks a lot
That’s a great shot of Jackie — a frameable shot of the head gardener interacting with her garden! And the garden is full of beautiful flowers blooming before the fall season besets them! A beautiful post!
Thank you so very much, Janet
Gorgeous, autumn garden!
Thank you very much, Byung – and for all the likes
Your posts are always enjoyable.
Happy gardener.
Thanks very much, Gary
This is the most beautiful collection I can recall of your garden which must have something to do with the lovely queen gardener with the beautiful smile and her adoring photographer.
Thank you so much, JoAnna
gorgeous autumn garden. precious photo of Jackie! 🙂
Thank you very much, Uma
The first image has truly captured Jackie in her spirits, the gallery that follows is a testament to her passion. Charles Keeping continues to mesmerise.
Thank you very much indeed, Uma.
I have recently discovered a show called Rosemary &Thyme it’s a delightful light hearted murder mystery show, but every time they do a garden. I find myself asking what Ms. Jackie would think, as she is an amazing gardener.
“Oh, good gracious!” says Ms Jackie “not to be taken too seriously” 🙂 Thanks very much, msw.
A bounteous, beautiful garden reflected in the lovely photograph of Jackie. This magnificent gallery is a testament to the constant care your garden receives – a beautiful entry into autumn.
Thank you so much, Anne
I love, love those flowers. Jackie howdy?
Thank you very much, Arlene
🙂
Hi there Arlene, glad you like the flowers.
Yes, I do. You have a lovely garden Jackie.
Love makes everything grow better. Lovely photo of the Head Gardener in her element.
I agree with Sheree. Such a beautiful smile.
Thank you very much, Rupali
The plants are lovely, Derrick, but the image of Jackie is outstanding!!!
Thank you so much, GP
What a lovely photograph of Jackie, well captured, Derrick.
We enjoyed roast pork last night with all the usual trimmings, all thanks to your post from a few of days ago and I think Saturday night might just be a Chinese night, providing Joss is here to share.
Thank you very much, Sue. A lucky snatch which paid off
Your garden is looking wonderful Derrick!!🤩 And Jackie looks vibrant… what a perfect candid shot!🥰
Jackie certainly seems in her element. That’s a lovely photo of her–and the garden is glorious!
I agree with comments above about the cigar in the illustration, and also the Chinese food. 😏
Thank you so much, Merril
You’re welcome. 😀
The look on Jackie’s face says it all! The glorious garden brings joy and comfort!
Thank you so much, Eugi
My pleasure, Derrick.
I am enjoying the garden right along with Jackie, Derrick! What a beautiful place!
Thank you so much, Lavinia
Simply stunning! Does your garden go dormant in the winter? I have no idea what your climate is like there.
We do have milder winters than most of the UK, and do have some winter flowering plants – but we are pretty dormant. Thanks very much AnneMarie
Thank you, Derrick. Lucky you to have winter flowering plants!
What a glorious photo of Jackie. At first I thought her smile reflected the beauty of her flowers, but then it occurred to me — perhaps her flowers are attempting to replicate her generous spirit.
Thank you so much, Linda
Garden is looking better and better . . .
Thank you so much, Quercus
Your glorious roses and proud gladioli brighten my day, Derrick. This set of of Mr Keeping’s exceptional illustrations demonstrates his mastery of characterization.
Thank you so much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
A wonderful autumn garden and a wonderful spirit, both beautifully photographed. Some of the curls on those roses are delightful. I hadn’t realised R. ‘Winchester Cathedral’ had such crinkly petals.
Thanks very much, Susan
So moved by this post. Beautiful flowers, beautiful Jackie.
Thank you so much, Laurie
Absolutely amazing! 😍
Thank you very much, Ribana