Warmed by a climbing sun; my paths eased by Martin’s clearance work; ears soothed by sweet birdsong, occasionally accosted by raucous jackdaws; I dead headed roses and Welsh poppies and pulled up weeds this morning.
Before a trip to Ferndene Farm Shop this afternoon in order to buy three large bags of compost,
I photographed more flowers and garden views, each of which bears a title in the gallery.
Something else has gone digital is our postage stamps. I have been doing my best to ignore this leaflet from Royal Mail, but bit the bullet today and followed the instructions, filled in the form on the reverse, and posted to the recycling centre 32 first class stamps which will soon be regarded as weeds ready for composting. We are promised replacements bearing the relevant barcode.
Becky turned up just before dinner and stayed over.
We all dined on pizzas, salad, and sausage rolls our daughter brought with her. Jackie drank Hoegaarden and I drank Collin-Bourisset Fleurie 2021.
Having collected stamps for years, I feel rather sad about the demise of postage stamps. I still have several stamps left over from a time when we had a functional postal service. Alas, I have not posted a letter for an awfully long time. Your beautiful flowers lift my spirits though.
Thank you so much, Anne. I’m sorry about your postal service.
Wow Derrick, you have so many beautiful photos today! Dinner sounds delish. I’ve never heard of barcode stamps before, we have a stamp that says Forever on it, they are always accepted.
Thanks very much, John
You are welcome.
Lovely flowers
Wonder when these stamps will affect the States. Something new to dread.
I agree with something new to dread!
Yes – you and other countries, no doubt. Thank you very much, Pat
The Post Office seem to be geniuses at inventing money making schemes!
Quite so, John. I almost couldn’t be bothered – which must apply to many. Thanks a lot.
Your garden looks lovely against that blue sky, Derrick. Martin has done a great job clearing paths, and allowing you to get up close to the amazing views. I spotted several owls on the photo journey. Interesting story about postage stamps. At least you can get your money’s worth by trading in old postage, though I imagine a number of people have stamps tucked away in all sorts of places in their home.
It is good to read this batch of comments from you, Alys. Thank you very much
Your roses are looking particularly splendid today.
Thanks very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
We buy our postage online for the most part now. With only an occasional visiting post office in the town, it is the most convenient way to do it.
Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal
I’m still using stamps from my dad’s collection. As long as the right amount of postage is affixed to the envelope, it makes no difference whether the stamp is dated 2022 or 1972. The face value is what’s important. Of course, using stamps from too long ago isn’t practical, since it would take a lot of three cent stamps to meet the requirement. But ten, or fifteen, or twenty cent stamps? Combine at will. I’ve got enough to last several lifetimes, and probably could supply most of my town, as well. I’ve sold some of the blocks to collectors, and I’m hanging on to some that are from a time when engraving was used; they’re true works of art.
What an impressive collection, Linda. Thank you very much.
hmmm … something new Derrick, Bar-coded stamps, I suppose we’ll see them soon here in Australia
Thanks very much, Ivor. I trust you are getting better
Youāre welcome Derrick
I had not heard of barcoded stamps here in the US, and like you, will try to ignore it as long as possible. Thank you for sharing your beautiful garden – beauty beyond the reach of barcodes.
Thanks very much, JoAnna
your lovely garden awakens, to share joy with all – as for digital stuff, it’s all over!
Thank you very much, Catherine
Beautiful garden Derrick and I can imagine the hard work behind its beauty. I have not written a letter for a long time.
Thank you very much, Lakshmi. Nor me now, which is why I still have the stamps.
Barcoded stamps? I wonder how long they will swap out the old ones. I still have a bunch somewhere, with “left over” English money, awaiting my next trip back there. No sense posting them back from Australia š
Thanks a lot, Gwen. I hope you can use them, and the money, when you next come.
At least the money should still be valid, one hopes š
A haven indeed. Lovely.
Thank you very much, Margaret. I don’t seem to be able to follow you?
Oh! Well, thanks for wanting to: much appreciated. I can’t explain. I have – I thought – both a ‘follow’ icon, and a space to fill in an email address. Perhaps my site is just having a tea-break?
I have filled in those places twice. I think my site is the problem. I wonder whether you got my comments on the six degrees of separation post? I will keep trying because I am sure I will like your posts
Oh, Derrick, what a lovely thing to say! WP is a curious beast. I am having the same trouble trying to follow someone else’s site.
I see you are now following me and will keep trying
Thanks!
Fun title! A beautiful opening paragraph! And lovely flowery planty leafy garden photos!
I spotted a couple of owls watching over the garden!
The bench blanketed in shade is so beautiful!
(((HUGS))) ā¤ļø
Thank you so much, Pat
Sorry – Carolyn XX
The last letter I got from France had a bar code on one end and was one of those postage meter-printed generic “stamps”, a strip of paper with low resolution graphics.
Thanks a lot, Doug
Your garden is particularly beautiful in these photos. I know the hard work that goes into making it so.
A pain about the stamps. One more thing. š
Thank you so much, Merril
I hope the barcoded stamps don’t make it here.
The garden is a wonderful achievement!
Thank you very much, GP
A prize winning garden.
Thank you very much, Sherry
Thankfully our stamps have not done that yet. Beautiful garden.
Thanks very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
Your garden is gorgeous! And your photography is outstanding. Itās no wonder you have so many followers. Youāre a victim of your success – whew! So many comments to respond to!!
Thank you so much, Jan
I had not heard of barcoded stamps over here, yet, so I did a search. So far, seems no one is asking the general public to go digital, yet.
https://postalpro.usps.com/mailing/intelligent-mail-barcode
Thank you for that link, Lavinia. We, of course, although instructed to change our stamps or lose them, have not been told the purpose.
I am enjoying photos of your fabulous roses, as well as the rest of your floral profusion, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Dolly. I always think of you when I photograph them
Ah! That’s why my ears are ringing sometimes.
My pleasure, Derrick.
You do an amazing job in keeping up with deadheading your rose plants. I haven’t yet had news of barcoded postage stamps in the USA.
Thank you very much, Rosaliene. These days dead heading is really my limit.
Ah, your garden at its peak is a thing to behold. Thanks you for sharing. xo
Thank you very much, Jodie
Beautiful flowers. The rhododendrons! OMG! stunning! The bushes are like trees. What joy you must feel to have them in your garden. Eye candy indeed!
Thank you very much, Zakiah
Beautiful, beautiful!
Thank you very much, Laurie
Such colours! Great efforts and results.
Thanks very much Rupali for these six words comments
Loved the flowers as usual. I would have kept the stamps for collection. Nowadays everything is going digital
Thanks very much, Geetha