Turn and Blow Away

What a wet October; although it has been relatively mild. The trees are turning...



The leaves have started falling: the rain dampening their vibrancy. Reflecting memories of kicking up and crunching through paths; like streams swimming with crisp leaves, on the way home from school.

The colours are still beautiful though, brightening up grey days.

Thought I'd share these that I managed to catch before they pile up brown and waterlogged.

Going for a walk - the 'Down's Link' way

Yesterday I had to get out for my 'oh no; impending school holiday'/ "get me out of here" walk! I always have done so - for years. I highly recommend it. I only manage a couple of miles but I am not a competitive soul.

We are very lucky to live right on the 'Down's Link' see here and also a more tourist guide here.

Here are a few photos I took on my phone in transit...

Lots of lovely wild flower that is so tall up the banks. Beautiful buddleia - a fond memory of my childhood; catching butterflies with a net and storing in an ice-cream tub : D ( with holes punched in the top of course) but always letting them go. Wonderful.

This area is under development I believe; "fields of gold" in more ways than one...

Looking back...

My favourite bench stop: for resting or a turning point; depending on how I feel. It looks out to a field and a house which keeps horses.Lovely.

Books, sunshine and flowers...Summer.

Today we have been to Nymans and what a beautiful morning. Looking up ...

The sky was so blue you could be mistaken we were in England. Take a look at this tree below. It is called a Trachycarpus Fortunei and looks like one of those palm tree umbrellas I imagine on the beaches of the Caribbean. The trunk was almost furry but I expect if it was touched it would be spiky. A very unusual sight and one we had not noticed before. That's the beauty of these gardens here; they evolve.

The rock garden area has come on well since our visit earlier in the spring but the show-stopper as ever had to be the rose garden. In full bloom and inviting; I could sit there for hours in my imagination. So many species it is somewhat intoxicating. 

Another bonus today - two bookshops. The Potting Shed had been set aside today for donations for their bargain books, whilst the other little bookshop sells with a more eclectic collection of second hand books . We found a great little local history book and I got a great novel for a pound. There are even collectable editions there now. Take a look at their website page at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nymans/eating-and-shopping/. 

The gift shop has some lovely ideas - I got a few bits including two stones; one for me, one for my daughter. I chose 'Hope' and she chose 'Happy'. The stone attracted me by it's coolness and calming aura on such a hot day. I love it and it was a bargain for only two pounds. It's amazing what you can find at these places. Whatever you do if you visit - you must eat cake! I can highly recommend their scones, lemon drizzle and carrot cupcakes. 

I will post some more rose pictures later once I have decided which ones - so many to choose from. Sending more sunny days...

Bumble Bees Take Over the Tree

Our back garden has a tree. I don't know what type it is but it loves wildlife; or should I say birds and bees.We have loads of wrens nesting in our hedge at the moment, blue tits as well (some are in our roof too by the sounds of it!)

We did the RSPB birdwatching survey http://rspb.org.uk/  again this year and on that day we had hardly any birds (apart from pigeons in the back oak tree fighting for pole position as usual). I think blue tits are so cute. The way they dart around and pick at the branches of the tree; as I watch out of the kitchen window whilst washing up. Birdsong and Spring mornings are beautiful.

Anyhow, the reason I am blogging this one is that bumble bees are taking over the tree. I went out last night to get some washing in and there was such a droning buzz coming from the tree above; I couldn't believe it. I was expecting to find a wasp nest or something but no: just bumbles taking pollen in great delight from our tree. The tree is in bud and will soon leave annoying fluffy clumps all over the grass. I would love to know what type of tree it is. One branch is still hanging after the storms; yet to be pulled down. The pigeons love playing on it. It looks like they are on a see-saw when they land and it goes down. It provides shelter I guess. It is in bud too even though it is only just attached; like a wobbly tooth begging to be pulled.

I think bees are on the increase this year which can only be a very positive thing for the environment. Maybe we will have a bumper crop of honey this year... All good. X

If anyone knows what type of tree this is; would be most grateful...?

Note added May 2014 by author
The tree is a Crack Willow apparently and the branch has now been removed. The pigeons seem a little sad to have lost their sea-saw and since the tree also got a hair-cut; the sparrows are rather bemused...