Category Archives: Flora

A Day in the Garden…..

Posted on by under David Oakes - Images, English Garden, Everyday Life, Flora, Floral, Peace, postaday, Staffordshire, summer weather, Trivia

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Dorothy Clive Gardens, Staffordshire

Not our own garden, but one that we have visited regularly over the years.   Our Covid restrictions have eased a little (not sure for how long) so we took advantage of the sunny weather and headed across to Staffordshire, close to the Cheshire and Shropshire borders.  We knew that it would be a safe environment.  It is just a little remote and there is plenty of space, so little chance of any overcrowding.

Dorothy Clive Gardens are a rather special mix.  We think they are at their best in the spring / early summer.  Rhododendron and Azalea blend with Herbaceous borders and spectacular Laburnums….. all surround by some magnificent woodlands.  Lots of dark dells, spacious lawns and borders, and Alpine bank.  In past years the variety seems to merge seamlessly into each other.  I have made mention before that this Spring and now early Summer, have not been following the usual cyclical time scale. This season time spread is evident here.  The Alpines, normally full of colour are yet to show in any meaningful way.  Rhododendron are dropping petals like confetti and the herbaceous borders, at this moment are dominated by Alliums. The good news is that everything is a lush green with a promise of much to come….. and still lots to enjoy today

So join us for a walk round the gardens..   

The bonus is a rather nice Tea Room.. So we enjoyed our first Cream Tea for over 18 months.  Rather nice, but being honest, the disposable Covid cutlery, plates and cups rather take the edge, indeed the magic, off the English Tradition of Afternoon Tea in sunny garden. Still yummy, but miss the china – but paper will have to do!

Still a great sunny summers day out…

Please Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

10th June

(C) David Oakes 2021

Maybe the Perfect Plant……

Posted on by under Botanical garden, David Oakes - Images, Everyday Life, Flora, Peace, postaday, Trivia

PITCHER-PLANTS

Pitcher Plants….

With all the wet weather we have been enjoying, these Pitcher Plants may be perfectly at home.  They may though be missing both  the tropical heat and of course a supply of Insects on which to feed. 

Just another wonder of the Natural World.

Please Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

17th December

(C) David Oakes 2020

Golden Fronds of Autumn…

Posted on by under Autumnal Change, David Oakes - Images, Everyday Life, Flora, Peace, postaday, Trivia

Golden Fronds

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…

Hats and Scarves

Seasons change regardless of the strange situation in which we live, so….

Please Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

23rd October

(C) David Oakes 2020

Saturday….So Another Grand Day Out

Posted on by under David Oakes - Images, Derbyshire, English Garden, English Summer, Everyday Life, Flora, Peace, PHOTOGRAPHY,, postaday, Roses, Trivia

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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.

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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.

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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.

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( 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

Please Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

27th June

(C) David Oakes 2020