August

I can't believe nearly a whole month has gone by without updating the blog- it has been a busy and enjoyable time with holidays and visiting family.

Had a great time on Colonsay - the weather was mostly fine and sunny. We spent time walking, bird watching and identifying wildflowers!! Colonsay House gardens was a special afternoon with great views of Apis Mellifera Mellifera, the original  British black bee that dissappeared from Britain after the mainland population was wiped out earlier last century.

Hampton Court Flower Show

Last weekend the family visited Hampton Court Flower Show- a long held ambition that proved to be as good as we hoped. People who know us well know that we are rubbish at remembering to take our camera when we go places- this was no exception, the camera was ready but left on the back seat of the car. Luckily our children are better in this respect so we do have some photos!


I am because of who we are

 The gardens were great- I particularly liked the planting in the World Vision garden where I was able to buy some of my favourites- a Verbena Lavender Spires, Gaura Whirling Butterflies and Salvia- all pollinator friendly!
The best show garden- I am, beacause of who we are- was beautiful, with a combination planting of silver birches, white foxgloves, grasses and fine textured foliage the overall effect was lovely.
http://www.rhs.org.uk/Shows-Events/Hampton-Court-Palace-Flower-Show/2011/Video/Video


World Vision



 However there was far too much to see in the time we had- the show gardens are not as big as they look on TV, but the floral marquee was well worth a tour and the Lewis Carroll theme was great to get the kids involved.

Heligan

During our recent visit to Cornwall we visited The Lost Gardens of Heligan- a lovely garden where you can easily spend the day exploring. The gardens have been restored over a period of time and have areas of jungle, wild gardens as well as walled kitchen gardens and the Lost Valley to wander in. The weather wasn't the best for our visit but nevertheless I would recommend a visit to the gardens at any time of the year.



Bee Boles

These bee boles at Heligan show how people kept bees before the idea of hives were developed- the bees were kept in the skeps which each had a place in the wall protected by the wooden doors. You can just see a gap at the bottom of the door where the bees could go in and out to forage.

Eden

I have long wanted to visit the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall, spring seemed the best time to view gardens so a visit was planned. Tim Smit has been instrumental in developing both these gardens. It is ten years since Eden opened and our first visit- obviously much has changed but the philosophy remains the same- education about the planet and the impact we are having with the way we live our lives.

The biomes are impressive- no doubt- it was interesting to see how some of the everyday products we take for granted are grown and how they impact on the earth. It made me think even more about what we grow at home and how that can be made not only sustainable but more effective in our use of space and the plants we grow. Radio's 4 Food Programme recently talked about the Forest Garden, growing more perennial plants that we can eat, how they are more likely to withstand extremes of weather as the climates changes. Rob on his blog http://sustainablegarden.blogspot.com/  recently referred  to how this principle is close to his heart as he developes his new site with his family. Definately a programme worth listening to and giving consideration to when planning for the future.


Cashews



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