tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95496502012-02-16T11:47:59.392ZBeauty is in the eye of the beholder!Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.comBlogger1651100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-15710245732091282672010-07-20T16:07:00.001Z2010-07-20T16:27:07.012Z

Our first visit to Belton house was almost a year ago and where I suffered from an acute case of photo deprivation when my then Canon camera had a touch of the wobblies. Things have moved on since then, and over the last 12 months or so I have grown to be quite fond of the new Finepix camera which if I am honest I use much of the time in auto mode. Lazy if you like, but the results are not

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-70065769307296696022010-06-28T16:00:00.033Z2010-07-01T14:58:48.653Z

During our break in Norfolk last year we stayed in the Tower on the Blickling Hall estate and obviously we had to go to have a look around the big house. Being National Trust, no photography is allowed inside the house, but the gardens are most enjoyable for a walk around and there are no restrictions on where you point the lens. The current structure of Blickling Hall was built in the early

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-6397088501833007592007-11-11T11:23:00.001Z2007-11-11T12:01:06.348Z

This year I bought a poppy. That's nothing unusual, surely. But this year I actually felt I should buy one, rather than being coerced into it by the poppy seller. It seemed to be the right thing to do, possibly to salve my conscience at the thought of all the men and women so needlessly killed and injured in recent years at the bidding of our elected leaders.Unfortunately there is not much that I

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-3561455776331729742007-07-25T15:53:00.000Z2007-07-25T15:58:52.930Z

A recent stay in North Devon was brightened by this regular visitor to the cottage we were staying in.

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-60339396721571798822007-07-21T15:22:00.000Z2007-07-21T15:30:43.903Z

Seen earlier this year, before the rains came.

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-40176532050910392472007-07-09T10:20:00.000Z2007-07-09T10:21:13.211Z

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-71063884327038946972007-07-06T11:46:00.000Z2007-07-06T15:48:00.169Z

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-10202767926825349792007-06-28T13:46:00.000Z2007-06-28T14:10:47.345Z

A wonderful place to be able to get close and personal with the animals is the Buckfast Butterflies and Devon Otter Sanctuary. The aim of the sanctuary is to be able to return the animals to the wild after a period of recuperation although some have become permanent residents and seem quite happy with there lot.Otters being what they are provide great entertainment, but you do have to be

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-83335038521167301432007-03-06T11:50:00.000Z2007-03-06T11:50:48.263Z

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-6098510875604436782007-03-02T12:35:00.000Z2007-03-04T12:13:50.469Z

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-19668869592960995492007-03-01T11:59:00.000Z2007-03-02T12:46:24.151Z

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-35669106305018570502007-02-24T17:23:00.000Z2007-02-24T17:24:43.785Z

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-31880089104740945612007-02-22T11:42:00.000Z2007-02-22T11:46:23.650Z

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1156756222971005412006-08-28T09:04:00.000Z2006-08-28T09:22:30.466Z

Situated next to the Trebah Estate are the, probably, even better gardens of Glendurgan. Created in much the same style of typical Cornish valley garden by the same Fox family, it takes full advantage of the mild climate to grow nearly sub tropical plants. It has been looked after by the National Trust since 1962 although the house is still owned by the family.The famous Glendurgan MazeClick on

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1155745622228372022006-08-16T15:56:00.000Z2006-08-16T16:46:37.080Z

Since retiring we have spent quite a lot of our new free time wandering around some of the many stately homes and gardens that are to be found all around the country. I have not been a great one for mechanical things, and have generally preferred to ignore steam fairs, motor shows and the like, never really being able to get excited by gleaming metal, piston rods and spurts of smoke and

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1154620063944762122006-08-03T15:46:00.000Z2006-08-03T15:57:03.833Z

Situated at the South-eastern tip of Cornwall is probably one of the most evocative of all the properties owned by the National Trust. It is an island at all but low tide conditions, and access is by a short boat ride, and whilst it is possible to walk over the causeway when the tide is out, it feels more like you have taken a journey if you use the boats.One requirement of a visit is that you

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1154359736221660472006-07-31T15:24:00.000Z2006-07-31T15:32:15.403Z

The recent hot spell has brought a sudden welcome rush of visitors to the garden. It had seemed that the decline of the butterfly was becoming terminal, but the last few days has seen much interest in our oregano in particular by the Painted Ladies.

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1153999275639202342006-07-27T11:12:00.000Z2006-07-27T11:27:12.720Z

We had a very hot but enjoyable day out visiting Hardwick Hall recently. The house, now managed by the National Trust, is one of the finest Elizabethan properties to be seen and reflects the wealth of Bess of Hardwick for whom it was built in the 16th century.The gardens are largely formal, and there is a restored herb garden which it is well worth making the effort to see.For more pictures of

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1152893072828365422006-07-14T15:53:00.000Z2006-07-14T16:09:12.223Z

Many years ago, too many in fact, I went to Logan's Rock in Cornwall and distinctly remember seeing a "rocking" stone balanced precariously on the cliff top. This year I relived my childhood memories and went back there, or at least tried to. Parking up at the car park in Treen we set off to walk across the fields to see Logan's Rock, and whilst we saw what everyone tells me was indeed Logan's

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1152269440776023492006-07-07T10:49:00.000Z2006-07-07T11:13:16.866Z

A recent day out took us to one of our favourite areas, the Cotswolds, to visit an old favourite, and a new. Kiftsgate Court Gardens was new to us, but I am sure we will be back there as it is simply a garden lovers delight. It is situated in Gloucestershire has some wonderful gardens created on the top of, and down the side of the Cotswold escarpment just south of Mickleton and was built in 1887

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1151407715477378952006-06-27T11:24:00.000Z2006-06-27T12:47:29.600Z

A wonderful example of what can be done by the determined retiree. 26 acres of ravine garden restored by the Hibbert family after 40 years of neglect, before handing it over to a Trust.

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1151231494966539132006-06-25T10:23:00.000Z2006-06-27T12:51:55.883Z

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1150193834851650582006-06-13T09:56:00.000Z2006-06-23T08:58:49.523Z

Last weekend, we took a trip to Shugborough Hall in the Trent Valley, Staffordshire. This is another National Trust property, although the estate is wholly financed, administered and maintained by Staffordshire County Council. Our main interest was the house and its gardens, but there is a great deal more to do there in the form of museums, exhibits and working farms, much of which would have

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1149852171810854982006-06-09T11:13:00.000Z2006-06-09T11:23:46.056Z

Summer seems to have arrived at last

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1149416344300099752006-06-04T10:03:00.000Z2006-06-04T10:29:28.906Z

We took a trip to Packwood House again last week, mainly to see what was going on the gardens. We were not dissapointed by the plants, but, it being a Bank Holiday, and not wishing to be too snobby, there were one or two less desirables in attendance. One couple, although obviously not unintelligent, were encouraging there beloved offspring to try to jump across the ornamental pool in the sunken

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1149089963386480562006-05-31T15:34:00.000Z2006-05-31T16:26:13.486Z

A mild climate is how the tourist information describes this famous Cornish fishing village. Actually it was decidedly cold and grey on the day we went to visit, but this was not really a problem as the main purpose of the trip was to see what all the fuss was about at the Tate St. Ives gallery.The new building has been squeezed onto the seafront opposite the Porthmeor surfing beach, and in

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1148573093643636402006-05-25T16:04:00.000Z2006-05-25T16:10:40.273Z

Ne'er cast a clout 'til May is out! I'm not sure who came up with this particular old saying, but I have always understood it to mean the May blossom, and not the month of May. This year our May blossom has been in bloom for some time, but any clouts cast have been pretty soon put back on again.Perhaps it is the month that is refered to after all. It's nearly the end of the month and the sun is

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1148573008034042632006-05-25T15:57:00.000Z2006-05-25T16:09:44.830Z

We recently spent a very pleasant week in the West Country, basing ourselves in Mousehole, a small, former fishing village situated about 3 miles beyond Penzance along Mounts Bay in a westerly direction. Our home for the week was a bungalow at the top of the village with fine views across the bay. Although it was not particularly warm, the weather was mostly dry and perfect for the type of things

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1147604952580403552006-05-14T11:00:00.000Z2006-05-14T11:26:52.343Z

We recently took a trip down to the West Country, and to break up the journey to the southern tip of Cornwall we stopped off at Killerton House in Devon, close to Exeter which has been in the hands of the National Trust since 1944 when it was given to them by Sir Richard Ackland. The house itself dates back to 1779 when it was built for Sir Thomas Ackland by the acrcitect John Johnson. Ther have

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1144253144494398772006-04-05T15:56:00.000Z2006-04-05T16:16:18.410Z

There is still a chill in the air, but the sun is shining and flowers are starting to come out of hiding. These celandines have escaped from our lawn and are starting to colonise everywhere.More refined perhaps, these Chionodoxa are looking really great in the rockery.Here we are getting up close and personal.We get a lot of activity in our bird bath, this thrush not being in the least bit put

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1143976120517524552006-04-02T10:57:00.000Z2006-04-05T14:35:18.110Z

Casares, perhaps one of the lesser known of Andalucia's "White Towns"The "Puente Nuevo" - New Bridge spanning the gorge in Ronda.The view from the bridge, with iron railings to keep you from the 300 feet drop.A view from the Mirador, Ronda, to the encircling mountains beyond.

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1143560774016718372006-03-28T15:39:00.000Z2006-03-28T15:46:14.016Z

One of our resident blackbirds was working himself up into a bit of a state this morning, and later I found one of his offspring hidden in the ivy, so I suppose he was putting up the first line of defence. I hadn't realised that they had already produced a brood which must have been during the recent very cold weather. Just goes to show that Spring did arrive a while ago!

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1143133729186407262006-03-23T17:03:00.000Z2006-03-23T17:20:25.346Z

Rather amazingly, the sun did actually shine properly today and a few hardy flowers took the opportunity, whilst braving the still cold wind, to celebrate what they consider to be the start of spring. These crocus (or should it be crocii) had been standing to attention for some days without daring to expose themselves to public gaze, but it has been well worth the wait.Another indomitable little

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1142769842506198472006-03-19T11:56:00.000Z2006-03-28T15:38:46.950Z

I do believe I saw the sun for a few seconds earlier this morning, but then again I could be mistaken. It has been so miserable here for the last few weeks that I despair of ever getting out with my camera ever again. I am not into suffering for my art, and nor is my wife either. Although she is pretty tolerant of my picture taking activities, she does rather draw the line when the temperatures

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1142165712576374042006-03-12T12:04:00.000Z2006-03-12T12:15:18.126Z

I haven't been using my camera much just lately. Just haven't felt in any way inspired. Late yesterday evening however I spotted a sparrowhawk sitting in a tree in the garden next to an ivy bush which houses quite a sizeable sparrow roost.The hawk comes from time to time to try its luck, but I think that on this occassion it went hungry. Usually at that time in the evening there is a tremendous

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1141988710430430512006-03-10T11:03:00.000Z2006-03-10T11:32:13.923Z

Ecija is situated more or less midway between Cordoba and Seville in southern Spain. It seems to be best known by its title of "frying pan of Spain" as a result of the extremely high summer temperatures. It was over 40C whilst we were there early one June. Another of its titles is "city of sun and towers", referencing the profusion of the latter, there being some eleven towers and fifteen bell

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1141661690041705572006-03-06T16:10:00.000Z2006-03-06T17:04:01.673Z

Travelling roughly southwest from Granada takes you through vast olive groves and by many typical Spanish hilltop towns, of which Baena is a fine example. Like many places in this part of Spain, the Moorish architecture has been commandeered and converted to Christian use, as with the minoret which is now a church tower.The city of Cordoba is mostly modern now, but that is not what everyone

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1140197014077004382006-02-17T17:19:00.000Z2006-02-18T16:09:05.390Z

I have at last been able to get back to scanning in a few more Spanish photographs, some of which are shown here. More are in my gallery at Smugmug and I will be adding more over the next few weeks.Perhaps the best known place to visit in Granada is the Alhambra Palace. It is certainly impressive and spectacular, but it comes at a price in terms of having to share the experience with many other

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1139936289282117142006-02-14T16:54:00.000Z2006-02-14T17:28:38.226Z

We recently took advantage of somewhat better weather, which although cold and dry, was bright and sunny, and got out into the countryside. Well, it was sort of countryside, but attached to one of our local garden centres as some 30 acres of natural parkland. Dobbies have done a pretty good job of establishing the park, which contains trees, lakes and some wildlife. I'm not sure what it will be

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1138031659443186332006-01-23T15:51:00.000Z2006-01-23T16:11:26.726Z

The road to Granada takes you through some spectacular scenery and by some interesting towns and villages. Here we have a view across Loja.Apart from the Alhambra, there are many sights to see in this most Moorish of Spanish cities, and this is the Cathedral.A walk around the town rewards you with some unusual scenes.

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1137517823569519102006-01-17T16:50:00.000Z2006-01-17T17:39:39.400Z

A great many unkind things have been spoken about Malaga in Spain, many of them true, but mostly because of the airport which has to deal with vast numbers of tourists whose prime concern is to get the hell out of the place.I have started to take a look through some of my many boxes of photo prints with the view to transferring them to my computer and among the first subjects to be scanned are

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1136919385894701162006-01-10T18:52:00.000Z2006-01-12T15:47:04.493Z

A while ago we visited Westonbirt Arboretum near Tetbury in Gloucestershire and were rewarded with some magnificent walks around the 600 acres that form the site. There are said to be some 17 miles of pathways, although I have to confess that we didn't cover more than perhaps 3 or 4.The weather during the visit was not particularly inspiring so that I limited my photography to recording some of

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1136825986318451952006-01-09T16:50:00.000Z2006-01-09T16:59:46.320Z

You may have noticed a bit of experimentation going on here just lately, resulting in the new background display for this blog.I have to thank Ed at Sailing Down the Stream consciousness for his assistance in this matter.I would be interested in any reaction to the new display.

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1136480418562425402006-01-05T16:59:00.000Z2006-01-05T17:03:09.246Z

I am sorry if I seem to be getting a bit obsessed with shapes, but it really is too cold to venture outside just yet.

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1136307844025555862006-01-03T17:03:00.000Z2006-01-03T19:40:25.890Z

Looking through my files I notice that I have not given any space here to Hidcote Manor Gardens which is something of an omission as they are some of the best gardens in the country. We last visited there in Autumn 2003, and these pictures date from then so that things may well have changed since that time. The house was bought in 1907 by Mrs Gertrude Winthrop, mother of Major Lawrence Johnston

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1135874637355089342005-12-29T16:40:00.000Z2005-12-29T17:01:47.290Z

The combination of the cold weather and my somewhat less hardy atitude these days has kept my camera firmly in its case. I have spent a little time practising with my photo editor and have "created" these offerings.Both of these are from separate photographs of a paperweight and a piece of rose quartz.Coming more down to earth are these from travels to the East Coast.

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1135184209359745812005-12-21T16:31:00.000Z2005-12-23T11:07:11.043Z

There are a great many interesting houses in the Midlands, many of which are owned by the National Trust whose work we should all be thankful for. We have been fortunate enough to have visited a good many of them and hope to be able continue our ramblings when the season restarts next spring.The end of this season saw us at Canons Ashby in Northamptonshire, a romantic,16th century Elizabethan

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1134577442461389362005-12-14T16:20:00.000Z2005-12-15T09:35:32.786Z

For a variety of reasons I have not been very active with my camera for some while now so I am taking this opportunity to recall a visit a couple of years ago to Waddesdon Manor, another National Trust property, this time in Buckinghamshire , close to Aylesbury.The magnificent exterior provides the perfect setting for one of the best collections of French 18th century decorative arts in the world

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1132487052827645772005-11-20T11:42:00.000Z2005-11-20T11:44:12.843Z

I have just added a new Smugmug Gallery at Smugmug - London

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1132311771881436762005-11-18T10:57:00.000Z2005-11-18T14:20:56.543Z

Probably one of our last visits to a stately home for this year took us to Burghley House near Stamford in Lincolnshire. It is one of the largest and grandest houses of the first Elizabethan Age. Built and mostly designed by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I, between 1555 and 1587, the main part of the House has 35 major rooms on the ground and first floors. Whilst we were

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1131640455668608202005-11-10T16:34:00.000Z2005-11-10T16:40:59.950Z

A recent trip to London was supposed to take us to the Tate Britain Gallery, but we found parking anywhere close by to be quite impossible, and so we finished up in Battersea Park. On reflection it was probably a much more enjoyable option.A statue by Henry Moore of Three Standing Figures is close to one of the entrances in Prince of Wales Drive. I was most impressed that it seems to have escaped

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1130669222371845622005-10-30T10:47:00.000Z2005-10-30T10:59:15.293Z

We have been waiting all summer for this newly planted lily to produce its first flower. We had given up all hope for this year, but it seems that after all the wait was worth while.I know I have shown this Nelly Moser Clematis before, but it is tucked out of sight and so I was surprised and delighted to find it back in bloom so late in the season.And here they are from a different angle 

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1130668831138794582005-10-30T10:40:00.000Z2005-10-30T10:43:14.153Z

During a recent outing to Canons Ashby we came across this plant in the gardens. Can anyone tell me what it is please, as I have been unable to identify it.This is one of the seed pods that I picked up off the ground.No prizes, but any help would be much appreciated.

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1129307358092527252005-10-14T16:29:00.000Z2005-10-14T16:32:06.916Z

Another recent trip found us not too far from home in Warwickshire at a National Trust property called Baddesley Clinton. It is a remarkable house that has remained largely unaltered for the last 500 years and has a facinating history much of which centers around its activities as a Catholic haven during the Reformation. There are three priest's holes in the house, two of which can be seen by

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1128684928684389652005-10-07T11:35:00.000Z2005-10-07T11:37:30.580Z

We had often thought about going to visit one of the RHS gardens, but we never seemed to be very near to one, and certainly they seem to have given the Midland of England a miss, thus creating a bit of a gardening desert in this area. Our recent short break in Devon found us staying just a few miles from one of their gems, and so whilst the weather was set fair we just couldn't resist it.The RHS

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1128076316169016082005-09-30T10:31:00.000Z2005-10-03T15:06:56.006Z

We have had a pretty good crop of tomatoes from our plant this summer, but they are all just about finished now so it's goodbye to taste and back to the supermarket for a while.This is one of the byproducts of feeding the birds. It seems that the sparrows here are not too keen on sunflower seeds and so there have been many of them popping up. On an unrelated topic, I was listening to the radio

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1127834962319137352005-09-27T15:29:00.000Z2005-09-27T15:35:23.900Z

We went away for a few days last week and made the journey down to North Devon. A break from retirement seemed to be called for, well, everyone needs the occasional rest.Anyway we timed the journey down so that we would have time to visit Knightshayes Court which is just off the M5 motorway near to Tiverton. This is another National Trust property formerly home to the Heathcoat Amory family since

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1126790920535279592005-09-15T13:28:00.000Z2005-09-16T08:24:47.900Z

I said the other day that I seemed to having an obsession with cygnets, well maybe they are having an obsession with me. We took a trip to a local beauty spot at Sence Valley and sure enough, there they were. Mum and Dad proudly escorting their 5 offspring onto the lake. These were much more the size you might expect them to be at this time of the year, unlike the ones we saw at Attington Park

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1126437345825545392005-09-11T11:15:00.000Z2005-09-12T18:33:24.110Z

A most enjoyable day was spent at Upton House, some little way south of Stratford upon Avon. This is one of those places which immediately grabs you with its architectural splendour set off by the beautiful mellow Cotswold stone with which it is built. The interior of the house is also a delight, particularly on the day of our visit as there was a pianist playing appropriately classical music in

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1125671350983268782005-09-02T14:29:00.000Z2005-09-02T14:40:59.796Z

Last weekend was a holiday weekend, the weather was fine, and so we decided to brave the crowds a pay a visit to Attingham Park in Shropshire.This is another fine property looked after by the National Trust, and although I don't think it is a very beautiful building on the outside, the interior is very splendid. Built in 1785 for the 1st Lord Berwick, it has been the setting for scandals and

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1124890890953699312005-08-24T13:41:00.000Z2005-08-28T09:28:42.546Z

There are many places to visit in the Midlands of England which clearly illustrate the "Great" in Britain. Whether anyone would agree that the title still holds true is debatable, but a visit to Blists Hill Victorian Village, part of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum, certainly demonstrates why our past should not be forgotten. It is a delightful experience which certainly gets some of the people

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1124462535753313232005-08-19T14:42:00.000Z2005-08-19T14:59:03.173Z

We have been away for a few days, to London again, this time to welcome a new member of the family as our younger daughter celebrated the birth of a son. We are particulary pleased for them as the pregnancy has been difficult for the last few months, and everyone is relieved that it is all safely over.Whilst there I took a few pictures around St Thomas's Hospital, this one just outside the main

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1123863916033366672005-08-12T16:25:00.000Z2005-08-12T16:30:58.976Z

Anyone visiting Ayrshire would be well advised to to stop off for a look at Culzean Castle. Owned by the Scottish National Trust since 1945 it has been beautifully restored, and now sits proudly on the cliffs overlooking the Clyde and the Isle of Arran.The castle was converted by the architect Robert Adam as a bachelor residence for the Earl of Cassillis, between 1777 and 1792. There is now a

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1123592229181206682005-08-09T12:57:00.000Z2005-10-05T15:01:12.440Z

A new gallery has been added at Smugmug - Gardener's World LiveThe following photos, and many more can be viewed there.

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1123151982333401642005-08-04T10:39:00.000Z2005-08-04T10:45:24.570Z

At this time of the year the garden becomes heady with the perfumes of many of the plants.This buddleia, which was only planted at the end of last year, is already becoming a favourite with the butterflies and the bees.At this time I believe it is important to provide as much habitat for wildlife as possible in a small garden to try to tip the balance back in their favour whilst many, but not all

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1122568161570318452005-07-28T16:29:00.000Z2005-07-29T11:05:36.673Z

It seems like a long time ago now, but some weeks back we went to the Gardener's World Live Show at the NEC Birmingham. In the absence of any other activity with the camera I am posting just a few of the many photographs I took on a very enjoyable day out. These are just a few of the show gardens.  

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1122204381071300052005-07-24T11:26:00.000Z2005-07-24T11:26:21.106Z

I had a somewhat strange dream last night, in which I saw these two ducks in the garden, one of which was very blue. I asked my wife what it was, and she told me it was a grocken.When I woke up this morning I got out of bed quickly and took this photo to prove what I saw. A Google search doesn't seem to know what a grocken is, other that some cliffs in the Shetland Isles. Anyone else any ideas?!! 

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1122032822997781532005-07-22T11:47:00.000Z2005-07-22T14:46:30.790Z

Yesterday marked the end of a hot spell of weather, so we decided to go to Haddon Hall in Derbyshire to take advantage of the more comfortable conditions. The Hall as it is now was started around 1370 by Richard de Vernon, and what we have today is a wonderful example of a medieval building.There are some delightful gardens, due mainly to the passion of Her Grace the 9th Duchess of Rutland. When

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1121423624888782102005-07-15T10:33:00.000Z2005-07-15T10:38:31.830Z

The hot weather has brought out one of the most spectacular blooms in our conservatory, the hibiscus. Once it gets going we get a continuous succession of flowers well into the winter.From any angle they look attractive.Sadly, each bloom only lasts for a couple of days at best, which seems like an awful lot of triuble to goto for such a short life spanFinally, before dropping off, it neatly wraps

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1121253994764017562005-07-13T11:26:00.000Z2005-07-14T10:38:41.770Z

As it was very hot over the last week-end we decided that we wouldn't travel far and so opted for one of our favourites, Calke Abbey.The gardens are coming to their best just now, and although not particularly large, are well worth another visit.The borders in the walled garden are spectacular, as ever. You may recognise the tree from a posting earlier in the year. It does now have a few leaves

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1120830480692102442005-07-08T13:48:00.000Z2005-07-08T13:51:53.670Z

I had intended to make a posting yesterday, but the events in London rather overshadowed things, especially as we spent several anxious hours trying to make contact with our daughter, who works in the area. Fortunately she, and her husband are ok. Many others are not so fortunate.My simple offering today is from a little begonia in our garden which is representative of our hope for something

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1120485298826746922005-07-04T13:54:00.000Z2005-08-05T11:31:26.263Z

We recently took a trip to Anglesea Abbey in Cambridgeshire, another of the National Trust's impressive properties. The original building goes back to the reign of Henry 1 when an Augustinian prior was established on the site. Henry VIII put paid to its religious roots in 1535 with the dissolution of the monasteries, and eventually the house was acquired by the Parker family at the end of the

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1120143317350483632005-06-30T14:55:00.000Z2005-06-30T14:57:40.316Z

I decided to take a break from the re-organisation of my photographs which is now proceeding apace, and try out a some enhancements to a few pictures. This is one you may have seen before, but not quite like this! 

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1119888986904645262005-06-27T16:16:00.000Z2005-06-27T16:20:39.593Z

We may moan about our local councils from time to time, but occasionally the authorities do manage to get things right. We had a most enjoyable afternoon yesterday at the Sence Valley Country Park in north west Leicetershire. This is a reclaimed open cast mine area which has been developed over the last 5 or 6 years and done magnificently. There is no trace of the old industrial scar, and the

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1119612748391983592005-06-24T11:32:00.000Z2005-06-24T11:54:25.336Z

Well, the rains have come at last. Now I don't have to feel so guilty about watering the garden last night. We live on a small island here just off the mainland of Europe and have always been mocked in the past for our awful weather. Well, here in the East Midlands it has not been too bad just lately, presumably thanks to global warming even if George W Bush doesn't believe in it yet. Maybe

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1119450747871125272005-06-22T14:32:00.000Z2005-06-22T14:49:56.153Z

I have been having something of a dilemma just lately, trying to get to grips with the best way of cataloguing my photographs. This has resulted in several changes of mind about how to go about it. It all started off with the discovery of Picasa from Google, which at face value seemed to be the solution I had been looking for. However, my own methods had been a bit haphazard to say the least and

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1118930805230380742005-06-16T14:06:00.000Z2005-06-16T14:08:14.766Z

At Packwood House the gardens contain an area that is known as "The Sermon on the Mount". The assembled multitude are represented by a fine collection of clipped yews, some over 50 feet high. The mount is reached up a spiral of clipped box.Looking back towards the house you can be forgiven for being amazed by the amount of work involved in keeping these trees clipped.This is a great place to lose

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1118765212209765832005-06-14T16:06:00.000Z2005-06-14T16:13:29.960Z

These pictures were taken at Packwood House in Warwickshire, another superb National Trust propertyAquelegiaGeranium

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1118415343383880752005-06-10T14:47:00.000Z2005-06-10T16:22:04.940Z

Since retiring from full time employment some 9 months ago I have found that the greatest change in my life is being able to spend my time as I want to. A lot of things have suddenly started to make sense to me and I have grown to appreciate a great many things that before went unnoticed. Much of this is not really that exciting, but the little things, like what a great joy it has become to watch

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1118162624317721522005-06-07T16:42:00.000Z2005-06-08T16:43:42.206Z

On one of our trips to London to visit our daughter we took the opportunity to take a look at Syon Park, home to the Duke of Northumberland for over four hundred years and still owned and looked after by them. Situated across the Thames from Kew Gardens it has a very lovely setting, although the approach through Brentford is not the most attractive. The house from the outside is rather austere

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1117722592986884902005-06-02T14:29:00.000Z2005-06-02T15:40:00.956Z

It seems to be that time of the year when strange, unexpected things happen. One of the strangest, and indeed most enjoyable, from an Anglophile point of view is watching the French struggle with their consciences over whether they want to continue to be proper Europeans. It would seem that they don't, but being French, are not quite ready to give the ball back and let the rest get on with some

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1117124364933446362005-05-26T16:17:00.000Z2005-05-26T16:56:31.523Z

All the recent television coverage that has been given to the Chelsea Flower Show these past few days has reminded me of a trip we took to Barnsdale Gardens last year. Anyone of my generation with an interest in gardening will surely have been brought up on a weekly dose of Gardener's World every Friday night. We decided that we should take a trip to see the gardens which have been, since Geoff

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1116950100931922012005-05-24T15:54:00.000Z2005-05-24T16:31:31.703Z

I have been keeping this photo blog now for about 6 months and encouragingly seem to have found what I consider to be quite a fair readership. A pretty quiet one however, as only occasionally do I get a comment. I know I am not entirely talking to myself and maybe what I have to say rarely requires any response, but please feel free to have your say.The blog started around the same time that I

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1116322903447392992005-05-17T09:19:00.000Z2005-05-17T09:57:19.650Z

A few months ago "The Times" newspaper started to publish a new type of puzzle. New that is for this country, as it has been around in Japan since the 1980's. I have to confess to having become somewhat addicted to it in a rather masochistic sort of way. It's not actually something which requires high intellect, which is why it probably suits me, but rather a logical approach and much

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1115983792679509682005-05-13T11:29:00.000Z2005-05-13T13:47:44.046Z

On the long drive south from Penrith the other week, we decided to have a break from the traffic for a while and left the motor way just past Manchester and paid a visit to Tatton Park which is owned by the National Trust, but is financed, administered and maintained by Cheshire County Council.Tatton Hall There are in fact a great many attractions at Tatton apart from the house and gardens. As we

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1115719102468594142005-05-10T09:57:00.000Z2005-05-10T10:52:31.276Z

Since getting back from our short break “up North” I have been busy trying to catch up with the garden which took the opportunity to go crazy when left to its own devices for a few days, hence the delay in completing my post about Eden. Also, since we got back, the local bird population have decided to use our garden as a depository for all their newly arrived offspring, and where we started off

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1115307903081661142005-05-05T15:44:00.000Z2005-05-05T16:14:24.576Z

We have recently returned from a few days break in the north of England, “Up t’ north” as they say. However, sad to relate, we didn’t see one pair of clogs nor even a shawl wrapped around the shoulders of the mill girls as they ended their shift. No mills actually, they have all been closed down, their work sent to foreign parts and the mills converted either into apartments or taken over by the

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1114185632350705542005-04-22T15:47:00.001Z2005-04-22T16:00:32.353Z

There has been something of a flurry of activity in the garden today now that the sunshine has returned. The birds are all busy doing what birds do, although I haven't yet seen too many bees.I have been waiting for some time now to get a decent picture of one of the robins that follow us around the garden. Usually, as soon as the camera comes into view they become most unobliging and disappear

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1113907684918671562005-04-19T10:48:00.000Z2005-04-20T16:29:38.283Z

A recent trip to London found us in a park in Dulwich where I took some photos of the natives. The Canada Geese were particularly handsome and just begged for their picture to be taken.Canada Goose Canada Goose

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1113907045457898542005-04-19T10:23:00.000Z2005-04-19T10:37:25.456Z

As this does not pretend to be a political blog I am not going to pontificate too much on this topic. I would just like to say that I have the greatest sympathy for all of you living in the USA where your election campaigns seem to go on for ever. Here in the UK the election was only officially called about a week ago and I am already heartily sick of it all with 2 or 3 weeks to go. How you cope

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1113580686530731292005-04-15T15:58:00.000Z2005-04-15T16:09:37.573Z

I was astonished to come across a story showing the climate of fear that exists amongst our health professionals who seem to want our environment to be absolutely safe. In this case, in Gloucestershire, it was decided that putting napkins with the meals-on-wheels service to old age pensioners could be dangerous because the poor old souls might choke on them. Who seriously thought that they would

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1113244618076186452005-04-11T18:36:00.000Z2005-04-11T18:37:42.013Z

Reflections at Burbage Common. Better weather tempted us out yesterday, and this view endeavours to capture the tranquilty. Hidden in here was a moorhen, but it never did come out. 

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1113064198537825452005-04-09T16:16:00.000Z2005-04-11T18:41:29.770Z

Last week-end, we made one of our regular visits to one of the nearest National Trust properties, Calke Abbey in Derbyshire. This house is a wonderful time capsule, capturing a moment in time.The house was acquired by the National Trust in 1985 as a most unusual property where it seemed that time had stood still. The Harpur family had lived there since 1622 and were noted for their reclusive

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1112630080214602532005-04-04T15:54:00.000Z2005-04-09T15:53:12.030Z

There has been something of feathered warfare going on in the garden over the last few weeks. Most of the battles seem to have been over possession of an ivy bush which grows up an old line post. At this time of the year, the blackbirds are particularly covetous of the berries that are now ripening, and although there are enough berries to feed most of the neighbourhood birds, still the battles

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1112283183332334382005-03-31T15:03:00.000Z2005-03-31T15:33:03.333Z

Is it spring or is it summer? In the northern hemisphere, the first day of the spring season is the day of the year when the Sun crosses the celestial equator moving northward (on March 20th or 21st). This day is known as the vernal equinox. Here in the UK British summer time started on March 27th, so does that make spring pretty short.Anyway, last week-end, Easter Day in fact, we were unable to

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1112196615280918302005-03-30T15:30:00.000Z2005-03-30T15:30:15.280Z

Blue Tit Feeding 

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1111770886425830572005-03-25T17:14:00.000Z2005-03-25T17:14:46.426Z

I couldn't resist this starling thieving the seed intended for somewhat smaller birds. Have to admire his ingenuity. 

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1111683261058927952005-03-24T16:54:00.000Z2005-03-25T11:05:23.793Z

Chionodoxa These bulbs suddenly made an appearance in our rockery, but we don't know what they are. Any one any ideas?UpdateI have now established that these are called Chionodoxa forbesii - also known as Glory of the Snow. No wonder we couldn't remember it!

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1111683127111403682005-03-24T16:52:00.000Z2005-03-24T16:52:07.110Z

Another anemony. I love the way these flowers wait until the sun shines before opening out. 

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549650.post-1111252319097740962005-03-19T17:11:00.000Z2005-03-19T17:37:01.746Z

Well, the weather today has reverted to normal and so I have not bothered with my camera today as it was dull and misty, not at all what was promised for us.yesterday was much more springlike and I took the opportunity to take a few shots of some of our daffodils and now I cannot make up my mind whether I prefer close ups or group shots of flowers. I have always rather liked the challenge of

Brodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594062951833336639noreply@blogger.com0