After lunch I published https://derrickjknight.com/2022/02/02/a-knights-tale-97-i-branch-out/
I then wandered around the garden with my camera and photographed
The mimosa in the last picture was planted in the North Breeze garden by the last resident, who kindly gave us the benefit of its hanging over our back drive fence. These are the burgeoning blooms.
Lichen is snowballing in more than one sense of the word.
Seedpods and heads linger from last year; fallen twigs remind me of the clearing up that must be done.
Into which category should be placed this pelargonium and a similar one having bloomed continuously since last spring?
Finally, I offer the next four pages of ‘The Highwayman’ featuring Charles Keeping’s marvellous illustrations:
This evening we dined on succulent roast lamb and mint sauce; crisp roast potatoes and parsnips; crunchy carrots; and tender runner beans, with which Jackie drank Hoegaarden and I drank Azinhaga de Ouro Reserva 2019.
Despite so many complaining about winter this year, your garden continues to bloom as they wish.
Thank you so much, GP
I think that such a determined Pelargonium deserves a category of it’s own: “Pretty, Perky Persistence!”
How bold and strong it is, despite it’s delicate looks!
A fine category, Emma. Thank you very much
Your garden looks lovely, both the pretty blooms and the seed-heads and variously shaped skeletal remains of last summer.
Thank you very much, Anne
I was reading lots of poems yesterday about Imbolc/Brigid’s Day. She seems to have visited your garden. It’s so full of color!
Thanks a lot, Merril
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I can’t get over your blooms in winter! One of the things I liked best about “The Highwayman” was Bess’ dark red love-knot.
Much appreciated, Liz
🙂
Beautiful photos as always, Derrick. Love the snowballing lichen.
Thank you very much, Sylvia
I can’t get over the green and blooms that you people have going on! Outside my window it is dead, dead, dead except for the white that is going on today. 🙂 Love that you have blooms.
Thank you very much, Marilyn.
I marvel at the magnificence of your garden. The
Thanks very much, Sheree
Statue in lichen photo reminds me of a prayer cap worn by some brethren ladies in the 70s.
Fascinating, Chrissy. Thanks very much
Oh, so beautiful!
And I always love those sweet pansy faces! 🙂 Ooh, on the lichen snowflakes…a wonderful new hairdo! 😉 The pods, seeds, teasles, etc. are so fascinating and beautiful!
I would put the pelargonium in the Determined category! 😉 A reminder to all of us to not ever ever ever give up! 🙂
The details in those illustrations are amazing!
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thank you so much, Carolyn. A good point about the pelargonium X
Amazing garden photos, Derrick. I cannot tell you the joy it brings me to look away from my snow covered back yard and gaze upon the beauty of your flowers. You give me this every year – the promise of my own spring. xo
That is lovely, Jodie X
xo
Your comment about the impending twig “clean up” is so appropriate. Spring freshening up will be here before we know it.
Cheers, Maj
Your mimosa tree looks great.
Thanks very much, Rosaliene. This is the first time it has flowered.
And what a first show!
When I look at our garden and then at yours, I am almost overcome by an urge to move south.
Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal
Your garden looks gorgeous! It certainly doesn’t seem like winter in your yard, Derrick. Thanks for sharing!
Much appreciated, Jill
So nice to see all those colorful flowers. I’m surprised you have so many so early. I do have a couple of crocuses blooming, but that’s about all.
We are lucky here. Thanks very much, Nicki
Your garden is looking so good. Puts mine to shame.
Our weather has been somewhat gentler. Thanks a lot, Gary
So glad I found you again. WordPress dropped you from my followed sites❣️
Thank you so much, Val. Another of their blips.
I like the pansies, honesty seeds and the persistent pelargonium. These drawings by Mr. Keeping seem to have more depth or softness.
Thanks a lot, JoAnna. The muted colour wash makes all the difference
Today’s poetic presentation of the garden has been paired by exquisite illustrations of Charles Keeping. The reflections have been given life like treatment in those illustrations.
Thank you very much, Uma
It looks like spring is well on its way where you are, Derrick! Silly pelargonium to bloom all winter…
Thanks very much, Anna 🙂
Charles Keeping was an astonishing and prolific artist.
Once again, no need to keep any leftovers from your dinner for me. I’ll find something else to fill my tummy, thanks. <3
X Thanks very much, Yvonne. There are no leftovers
So, everyone is happy, then. 🙂
Amazing to see such colours these days.
Thank you very much, Rupali
Lichen is a much under-rated plant. Seen close up, it is like a little world, all of its own.
Thanks very much, John
Those illustrations are fabulous. Love the flowers, but what really caught my eye was the lichen on the statue. Striking!
Thank you so much, Laurie
Unbelievable! Blooming in February is just like a sweet dream.
Thanks very much, Alexander
Your dinner sounds so delicious it is quite distracting, Derrick. Great flower pictures and I love the illustrations.
Thank you very much, Robbie
The 4th picture from the top. What flower is that peeking out?
Iris reticulata, Mrs W. Thanks a lot
It caught my eye.
It’s amazing the glorious color in your garden. Plus, the illustrations, especially the first one. are awesome.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
The February garden is coming to life. So dry here in the east I am already watering pots.
Gosh, that can’t be usual. Cheers, Andrew
You and Jackie have so many spring flowers already! You must be getting some relatively mild temperatures. The illustrations are well done, as always.
Certainly very mild, Lavinia. Thank you very much
Love the pockets of bright flowers…some of which look like they are year round bloomers.
Some have been this year, Catherine. Thank you very much
Are those spring blooms or winter blooms? Some rain really seems to make lichen pop. Gorgeous pictures.
Thanks you so much, Pat. Mostly spring.
Reminds me of what I see in central and southern coastal California. It is a month or more too early for such blooms to be out in Virginia.
Of course your plants bloom continuously, they are all so loved and cared for 🌸😉 Sprig is coming 🌸
Definitely on the way, Ribana. Thank you very much.