Beginning with the cherry trees at the front, I focussed on the garden this morning.
A crafty sparrow uses this holly tree as a diversionary tactic en route to its nest around the corner.
Despite the efforts of cumbersome pigeons and pelting hailstones, the pale pink winter flowering example has bloomed constantly since September;
a smaller tree has added the tones of a deeper pink blossom;
and the soaring amanogawa is now attracting bees. Can you spot the seeker after nectar homing in on the first picture and having landed in the second?
Some of the camellia petals are taking on the brown hues of weathered old age.
Like this tulip they have reacted to the recent heavy rainfall. The tulip just curled up its nose;
others, such as these standing proud in the Palm Bed, remain unperturbed.
A yellow Japanese maple stretches towards the Gazebo Path.
The first deep red rhododendron buds are opening in the Dragon Bed,
which carries clusters of yellow lamiums.
Snake’s head fritillaries are proliferating in the West Bed;
others, beside the stepping stones crossing the Cryptomeria Bed, we thought had failed. In fact they were just a little later than their neighbours.
Daffodils and hellebores dance to the right of the stones.
While I photographed the fruits of her labours, Jackie puzzled over a surprise to come. Normally she labels her greenhouse seedlings and bulbs. Sometimes she forgets to do this.
Elizabeth visited this afternoon and stayed to dinner, which consisted of Jackie’s classic cottage pie; crunchy carrots, cauliflower, and tender green beans. Ian had brought a rather delicious bottle of Aguilla Chillando Garnacha 2017. I started on that, Jackie drank Hoegaarden, and Elizabeth drank Becks Blue.