Insects – Page 3 – Frames of Reference

A June Garden

Where the month of May was perfumed with hawthorn and cow parsley, so I associate June with the smells of rowan, elder, privet and pyracantha blossom. In the garden, the honeysuckles have been in bloom for the last two weeks, and on a hot humid evening the perfume is heady – almost overpowering. In contrast my rose ‘Lady Emma Hamilton’ smells at its best early in the morning, with a delicious perfume of peach and orange. So I go out for a whiff first thing before I go off to work. Continue reading “A June Garden”

Mementi

This is the Ponte della Maddalena (Bridge of Mary Magdalene) across the Serchio river in Italy, also known as Ponte del Diavolo (Bridge of the Devil). We visited last year on our way to Lucca and I was reminded of it again recently when it appeared in Il Racconto dei Racconti (Tale of Tales), a magical film shot in spectacular locations all over Italy. It prompted me to go looking for more mementoes. Continue reading “Mementi”

A May Garden

The first of the poppies has unfurled. There’s a cluster of about twelve of them on one plant just waiting to pop open one morning – what a sight that will be! Though I fear the predicted rain might put the mockers on their fragile display. Continue reading “A May Garden”

An April Garden

Just some of the lovely blossom that has appeared recently. This is pink cherry blossom Continue reading “An April Garden”

Candalla

This is the old mill at Candalla in the hills above Camaiore in northern Tuscany. I think it’s possible to rent it as a holiday home, but it’s perhaps not the most peaceful retreat. The pool attracts lots of visitors in summer, all of them keen to jump in and cool off. Continue reading “Candalla”

A September Garden

Echinacea

Although I consider we’re on the downward slope now into winter I do love this time of year. Rich autumnal colours and bright spangly berries are beginning to appear, though we’re not quite there yet – next month will be the firework display. Meanwhile, here’s a chance to enjoy some late summer flowering plants. Continue reading “A September Garden”

An August Garden

Water water everywhere

My water lily seems to be enjoying the wet August weather and has put on twice as much growth as usual. This latest bloom reminds me of a sea anemone. Continue reading “An August Garden”

A July Garden

A retrospective batch of photos from a July garden.

Sunflower

A self-seeded sunflower, dropped from the bird feeder. Goldfinches are messy feeders and seem to eat about one in three seeds – the rest they toss with great aplomb over their shoulders. Continue reading “A July Garden”

A June Garden

Here’s a few photos of things that have been happening in the garden recently. Peace and tranquility in a suburban garden. English cottage garden style, wildflower areas, a little bit wild. Hedgehog recently in residence, slugs not. Continue reading “A June Garden”

Beetle, Crayfish & Mussel

Two new prints just arrived from Beatrice Forshall, both drypoints printed from multiple plates in small editions and hand-coloured, which means they’re short-lived and not designed for mass production. It’s a form that suits the content, since these are images of endangered species. This tansy beetle is just a detail; for the complete picture, and Bea’s thoughts on the subject, please see below. Continue reading “Beetle, Crayfish & Mussel”