Monday 27 July 2020
An Abundance of Wild Flowers at The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall
Today I follow on from my previous post, which was about a visit to The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Today we are looking at Heligan's West Lawn and Valentines meadows. As can be seen they are ablaze with a beautiful display of wild flowers.
The flowers seem to go on forever. In the distance - as can be seen in the photo above - the blue of the sea at Mevagissey contrasts with the yellow of the flowers.
The dominating flowers are corn marigolds, but there are other flowers as well.
I did manage to also find a few blue cornflowers, white corn chamomiles and a some lingering poppies
As well as being attractive to look at wild flowers provide nourishment for bumblebees, solitary bees, butterflies, moths and a whole host of important pollinators.
Saturday 25 July 2020
A Visit to the Lost Gardens of Heligan - 15 Photos
At the time of writing it is necessary to book a timed visit, on their website, in advance. It all worked okay and we found there was plenty of room to walk without bumping into anyone - so felt safe while at the gardens.
To be truthful, the gardens weren't up to their usual high standard, not an abundance of flowers as usual, but I feel sure they will soon be back on track now that they are open once more. Everything is neat and tidy.
We walked our normal route - an archway of apples.
And, of course, apples - of various varieties.
A few veg.
Corn in front of the greenhouse.
I love some of the old walls where the brickwork is so weathered.
We walked into the Sundial Garden.
A few flowers
A pleasant seat and ...
... of course, a sundial.
Looking back down the Sundial Garden.
I forgot to mention the Thunder Box Room, which is considered to be a 'Living Memorial'. Yes, it's an old fashioned toilet but, as the gardens were being discovered, the names of some of the gardeners from August, 1914 were found written on the wall.
By the Thunder Box Room there is also a metal helmet on a wall from World War 1. One of the interesting things about Heligan is its history.
I have only scratched the surface of the Lost Gardens of Heligan on today's post. Please also see some of my many other posts on Heligan, try, for example:
Lost Gardens of Heligan - Voted UKs Top Visitor Garden
Or enter Heligan in the search box towards the top of this blog on the right.
Thank you.
Wednesday 22 July 2020
Charlestown Harbour, Port and Sailing Ships - Plus Prostitutes in the 1700s and1800s
Okay, I know there has been a recent post on Charlestown but these are all different photos from a separate visit. As you can see the sky was blue.
How lucky is the owner of the house below, it overlooks the sea and also the harbour.
The small beach looked tempting but ...
... there weren't many people enjoying the sea.
It was, however, quite busy on one of the harbour walls next to the beach.
A few tall ships in Charlestown Port, always interesting to see.
Another sailing ship. Note the chute to the left of the photo. This would have once been used to load ships with local china clay.
The small boat below was initially used in the Hornblower television series. It has been used in other TV shows and films including Poldark, Taboo and Ammonite.
The vessel is an example of an 18th century boat used for carrying goods and people to shore.
Looking across the fields and houses.
Finally Eleven Doors. I think you can probably guess from how it got its name. Yes, there were eleven doors but there is also something else for which it was well known: prostitution!
Not nowadays, of course, Heaven forbid, but in times of old (early 1700s to mid 1800s).
At the time Charlestown was famed for its smuggling by 'free traders'. The prostitutes would await for custom by the Eleven Doors.
And on that note, that's all for today. Thank you for your visit.
Sunday 19 July 2020
Cornwall Random Photos
The lager was from my son and the platter is something meaningful to me.
When my mother was 83 she decided to do a pottery course at night school. The cheese platter is one of the items she made.
Cornish Fudge |
Mum decorated it in a meaningful way to her and, I guess, to me. According to her version of events Bambi was the first film I ever saw at a cinema. Seemingly I cried so much when Bambi's mother died that the usherette told my mother that we would have to leave if I didn't stop my tears!
Moving on, the photo below, with many reflections, was a snap through the kitchen window from outside. Reminded me that I must get my hair cut!
I did say they were odd photos and the one below is a pattern on one of our our kitchen walls - as seen in the photo above.
Goodness knows how the next photo was taken. I must have touched the camera screen accidently or something. It's part of our house and part of me!
Anyway, this is how the back of our house should look.
And a few random garden plants and flowers.
I caught this duo on a local roof while on an early morning walk. We get quite a few gulls locally - some quite big - when they decide to take a trip inland.
And finally a couple more Cornwall products I received back on Father's Day - plus the fudge and a few Korev lagers as seen in other photos.
That's it for today, thanks for the visit. Best wishes.
Thursday 16 July 2020
Walking Cornwall's Coastal Path From Polkerris
Following on from my previous post. After visiting Polkerris we decided to walk west along the coastal path.
The only snag in doing this is that it's all uphill from Polkerris to reach the path. There's a short flight of wooden steps, as below, and then the rest of the way to the top is via uneven stone steps. (I counted 124)
Anyway, once up the top it's quite pleasant with the sea and distant views.
The path is mostly easy walking, but some of the farmer's fields have barbed wire to keep walkers out.
Saw this boat making waves and showing off by making patterns in the sea. It looked fun.
A view looking back (east) along the coastal path.
And the path ahead.
Had a quick look at Booley beach. As usual not many people about.
A few sheep in the farmer's fields, some had been shorn.
We watched the sheep dog rounding up the sheep into a tight group.
I love border collies, we had one for years, he was such a wonderful dog. If out walking with the family or friends, and a few were lingering behind, Toby would try to round them up - pure instinct.
In places, along the coastal path there are some quite steep drops, so have to show a certain amount of respect.
Shallow water near Par, where the tide goes out a long way. Fun for children though - and dogs!
And finally I was lucky enough to snap these two swallows sitting on the barbed wire fence. They seemed quite happy to have their photo taken. Made a nice end to our walk.
Other nearby walks: Walking From Ready Money Cove, Fowey to Gribbin Head, Cornwall
Walking to Black Head, Cornwall - With Magnificent Views of Coastline
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