Buttercups near Astley
My walking has been a bit on hold, so maybe I'll start with a couple of walks I have managed to do. Friends, Molly and Frank, from the club, led a good walk from Astley Castle, a moated, fortified 16th century manor house in North Warkwickshire, now radically restored by the Landmark Trust.
It was an interesting area, but the weather was pretty grim. We were all soaked to the skin and our waterproofs took on a serious case of yellow spots, as we ploughed through waist high rapeseed in full flower, and the petals stuck to our soaked jackets and trousers. I'd like to go back, on a better day. The second walk, last week, started at Monyash, led by Jill and Brian. This time the weather was perfect. The wild flowers were magnificent - I just wish I'd taken more photos. Lunch was taken at Arbor Low, a Neolithic henge monument, and one of my favorite places in Derbyshire (next to Minninglow).
Close to Parsley Hay we came upon an unusual sight - a group of Croatian men, building a 'Kazun' (a Croatian style dry stone shelter). Fortunately, a former National Park warden was on hand to explain what was happening and to answer our questions about the structure. Eventually the circular limestone building will be topped off with a cone shaped, self-supporting roof. Inside, seats have been incorporated into the walls. I've seen similar buildings on Crete and it also reminded me of the neolithic buildings on Scara Brae.
At Parsley Hay, where some of the others took advantage of a toilet stop, I indulged myself with a hot chocolate and naughty chocolatey biscuity thing. Cales Dale was superb, if a little difficult underfoot, as the flowers and foliage was so lush, it hid the trip and slip slabs of limestone. It seemed like a lost and secret world, where purple orchids and many other wild flowers covered the grassy banks below the steep, limestone cliffs. I just wanted to stay there, and take it all in. We headed back through Lathkill Dale, reminding me of happy days out with Mike (as Akela) and the Cubs, when we stayed at Great Hucklow.
Orchids in Cales Dale
Unfortunately I missed the 'Gardeners' Question Time' up at the Hill last Saturday, as I'd forgotten I'd booked tickets for the Gardeners' World Show at the NEC. Along with my d-in-law to be I thoroughly indulged myself gazing at some magnificent plants and vegetables and, surprising, came home with very little. I did buy a few sedums for planting in an old wooden box, and a rose from David Austin's stand. To be honest, my garden is so crammed with stuff, I've had to learn to be self controlled when it comes to buying more plants. We also did a lot of looking and not buying at the food show there, as well, but we did test one or two alcholic beverages, including some rather good Harrington gin at Warner Edwards' stand. It's on my wish list, if anyone would like to buy me a bottle!
Two photos of the City of Birmingham Stand
A Father's Day BBQ at A & P's brought the extended family together, and the chance to test A's scrummy trifle. I just had to make sure it was as good as I thought - with a second helping!
If you are missing the sound of bees, they are on my plot, enjoying the chive flowers. Things are growing (including the weeds), but everything seems so slow to take off. I can write off a cherry harvest as, I think, the birds have had them, but am hoping the apple and plum trees won't lose too many fruits. The currants and gooseberries are protected by netting, as are the brassicas. Back at home in the greenhouse, my tomatoes plants are looking quite healthy and flowering well. The back garden is very green and lush with mainly cranesbills, iris and white hesperis in flower, but lots more waiting to burst forth. The front garden just does it's own thing, with a little help from me. It's very over-planted and every year surprises me when something I had forgotten about, fights its way out into the light.
Labradorite and antique bronze pendant
Yesterday I gave the caravan a good wash, as it is now up for sale. I hope it goes quickly, as I am quite upset about having to part with it. I finished off the day by giving my grape vines their first prune of the season, thinning out unwanted stems, and shortening those with flower buds. I'd given my weekly walk a miss as I am suffering, like a lot of people, with hay fever. However, I think I had my exercise for the day, judging by the number of times I was up and down the step ladders.
In the meantime, here are a few examples of my latest jewellery making sessions.
Lapis lazuli and citrine hair combs
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