During the early part of this wet day I recovered the photographs and set header pictures for the following posts:
Light rain did not deter Martin from applying his grouting to the patio. First he three times pressure cleaned the paving, spraying the cracks between them and locating the “hot spots” to ensure the correct depths would be filled. Far from being problematic, the precipitation aided the process, providing a temporary rainbow effect.
Having left Flo, Dillon, and Ellie to brunch at Camellia’s Café in Everton Nursery, Jackie and I acquired provisions at Ferndene Farm Shop where I photographed
Fire logs and kindling alongside cut tulips and other flowers and
potted chrysanthemums.
Trays of bedding plants such as these primulas,
and pansies, and hyacinths, some of which bore their own liquid pearls.
Jackie deposited me at home and continued along Christchurch Road to collect the young family.
Once the day’s drizzle had desisted I made further inroads on the debris behind the oil tank and shed, transporting more to the Shady Path.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s wholesome chicken and vegetable stewp and fresh crusty bread with which she drank Hoegaarden and I drank Mendoza Malbec 2021.
Never a dull moment at your house, eh Derrick?
Not very often, GP. 🙂 Thanks very much
Once again, your photography skills amaze me. Your photos delight me. Martin’s progress inspires me. Your wordsmith talents intrigue me (ie: “hyacinths, some of which bore their own liquid pearls.”) Love your posts always – and especially this one today, {{{Derrick}}} <3 Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much, Jan X
Martin does very careful work. It can’t be easy to grout in a cold rain.
The flowers from Ferndene Farm Shop are beautiful, especially draped in watery jewels. A perfect end to the day with a good meal at home.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
seeing flowers in bloom… so nice.. we are still very much in winter here. waves a sunny smile your way,, warm hugs
Thank you so much, Q X
Your garden shops are at least two months ahead of ours. Most of ours open on March 1 and have pansies by mid month. Wish you could clone Martin. Glad to read you are doing your bit too. 😉
Thank you very much, Pat 🙂
Beautiful photos.
Thanks very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
Great job is almost done! I love your patio, Derrick. It looks your place is ready to plant these beautiful flowers 🙂
Thank you so much, Alexander
The purple petal covered in raindrops is just lovely!
Thank you so much, John
The patio tiles are looking fabulous Derrick …
Thanks very much, Ivor. I hope your back is less painful today
I need to take grouting lessons from Martin. I love the colors and textures of the header photo.
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I so enjoy visiting garden centres and taking photos of whatever is on offer. Our local one is undergoing renovations thanks to new owners. Not many blooms here at the moment, though I expect much of the new owners because they have other outlets further afield that are well worth a visit.
Thanks very much, Sue. Good luck with the nearer centre
The patio is looking wonderful — and the flowers provide a delightful harbinger of spring!
Thank you very much, Janet
Wonderful work. Wonderful nature. And we are here ❤️
Thanks very much, Val
Martin’s work is admirable, and the patio’s taking wonderful shape. To be honest, my first association with pearl-like surfaces came as I looked at the patio stones: they have the lustre of fine pearl.
They do, when wet, Linda. Thanks very much
I am a tad envious of the bounty offered by your nursery. Ours is limping along with little variety on offer. It is wonderful that your patio will be completed in time to enjoy it as the warmer weather approaches.
Thank you very much, Anne. I wish I could share the bounty
Love the liquid pearls on flowers photos! So beautiful! So well-named! 🙂
Garden centers are such fun! Ooh, and I like seeing those tulips!
Martin, GREAT work! Looking good!
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Carolyn X
A busy but pleasant day with every doing their tasks. Martin does such careful work and with a smile.
I love your header shot. I don’t know why raindrops on flowers are so lovely, but they are.
Thank you so much, Merril
Love that patio Derrick🥰
Thanks very much, Arlene
So exciting to see the progress of your patio! And that first photo is exquisite. Also, it looks as going to the farm shop was such a treat with all those bright and beautiful flowers.
It is a wonderful resource. We lived in Minstead, 40 minutes drive away when we found it, but kept going there anyway. Thanks very much, Laurie
Would those bedding plants survive outdoors in your neck of the woods right now? Ours must wait a few months.
Most would, Elizabeth. Thanks you very much
Gorgeous header with a perfect title, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
The patio looks wonderful and very neat in appearance. Looks you are ready to plant some color. We have to wait until at least the beginning of May. Perhaps this year, because the winter has been fairly mild (Bite your tongue, Zakiah), we may do so by the end of April.
I don’t think you will need to bite your tongue, Zakiah. Thanks very much
Lovely images. 😊
Thanks very much, Pepper
Pretty plants, Derrick. Spring is on its way.
Thanks very much, Robbie
Martin is a treasure but I’m sure you know that.
We certainly do, Sheree. Thanks very much
Martin really knows his stuff. The patio looks terrific. I often think of grout as the icing on a cake; it pulls the pieces together. Great progress!
Thank you very much, Alys