And so the seasons move along, autumn gathering speed at quite a pace. Even in the moments of decay, plants still manage to produce a show of beauty.
Temperatures have dropped….. so it is time to get the hats and scarves ready…..maybe even a new one is appropriate…
Seasons change regardless of the strange situation in which we live, so….
23rd October
(C) David Oakes 2020
22nd July
(C) David Oakes 2020
Let me take you on a virtual walk round the Rose Garden. Hopton Hall Rose Gardens to be precise. Hopton Hall is located above Carsington Water on the edge of the Derbyshire Peak District. Dating back to 1414, it has had a number of owners, many of whom have left their mark with various additions, to the house over the centuries…..hence its unique frontage.
Some years ago a new owner arrived and has set about restoring and improving the estate. One of the key tasks and a major achievement was the restoration of the old Walled Rose Garden. It was indeed in a sorry state when I first viewed the garden, and I heard that this was the next big project. I did wonder how and if it would be successful.
Indeed it has, and the gardens are opened for the public to view. I should mention that the Hall is a private residence and the Rose Gardens are only open for a few weeks over the summer. NOT this year though….CV19 has seen to that. So lets enjoy a virtual tour.
There is also much more to enjoy. After pausing in the Pavilion at the top of the Rose Garden for Tea and Cakes and then suitably refreshed, you can explore the Herbaceous Gardens and the Lake.
Then before heading for home…. take another pause. Maybe past guests, who include Oliver Cromwell, Mary Queen of Scots have also paused here.
( The Grounds are also open for a few weeks in the Spring so you can enjoy a mass display of Woodland Snowdrops.)
One day, virtual will become a reality again, till then
27th June
(C) David Oakes 2020
The Dog Daisies in the wildflower meadow are flourishing. So as the day started to brighten at last, an evening stroll was needed. I did think the time would be just about right to spy some insects amongst the Daisies. Not much luck on that score, I think they had head for bed early. But we did catch one short burst of late sunshine.
Few insects but still nice to see so many Dog Daisies. Ragged Robin is starting to make its mark, but the rich growth from the Daisies has rather swamped the Clovers.
After a rather dull day (again) I feel rather more pleased with my little lot having been able to enjoy a leisurely potter to end the day.
Not sure that tomorrows forecast is any better, so heigh-ho here we go…
9th June
(C) David Oakes 2020
The first of our cultivated Poppies burst out from its shell this morning. Shortly after the sun had started to warm everything up, along came the Bees. They kept busy for quite sometime, burying themselves in the black centre of stamens, lost to the outside world…
The delicate paper thin petals never last for long, nor are they as prolific as our wild visitors…… none the less they are nice whilst they are here.
The morning was warm from the start today, a morning haze over the lake…
The prediction was that it was going to get hot, very hot…. 27c which is hot for us in our corner of the World. In the Lilly pond the water level is very low…. who would have thought that would be a problem after the floods earlier in the year…. and the first of the Lilies has appeared….
I had to stop and take a close look at this Iris (don’t know the variety), it was the tiny ant like insect that caught my eye. Can you spot it? If you know the name let me know.
A quick walk through the woods and meadows and back to the Lake where the that morning haze had finally burnt away…..
So a slow wander home and a lazy day in the garden was the answer…. rather nice to do nothing for a change.
The forecast is good for the week. We have though, had disappointments, so we wait to see what actually comes our way.
26th May
(C) David Oakes 2020
Come view the world from my loft
Poetry/Poems, Photography, Travels, Musings, Quotes, Challenges, Awards, Reblogs, Uncategorized
"My Backyard Visitors" - All about birds - The world is my backyard!
Adventure at Home and Away
WRITER
Real stories about real people in Kamloops and beyond!
Enjoy Photography and sometimes Writings 😋
Fun, Fitness & Photography
Redefining life after the fledglings have flown
Random observations and unsolicited advice
Exploring American restaurants over the centuries
Photos, thoughts and stories
"At the end of your life, its not going to matter how many breathes you took, but how many moments took your breath away"......... Shing Xiang
The Diary of a Retiree
Sailing, Photography, Wilderness
by PaulaB
Exploring Wisconsin with a camera and a muse or two
Mostly photographs with some words by this arty scientist...
Yousuf Bawany's Blog
ruminations on life at fifty ... or so ...
The Creative Zone for Making Art
To encourage, edify, and inspire
Notes from Near and Far
Because everyone likes pictures.
To thine own self be true
An Occasional Diary of Everyday Life and Travel in the U.K. and sometimes elsewhere
An exploration in human being after decades of human doing.
Caring About Our World Reflecting About Life
To See a World in a Grain of Sand...
It Is All About Me
Art, travel, and livin' the life
life through my lens, and in my words
Writer in Residence at the Royal Scottish Geographical Society
Walks Stories and Nature
Food, Photography and Travels
images for a free world
irregular updates on family life, books & cross stitch. Lots & lots of cross stitch.
Andy Dow PhotographY
Opinion, photography & travel blogging from a small rural farm in Türkiye
Word(s) . Light . Life
