As it’s that time of the year when we’re all working away in our gardens, I thought I’d write a post about some of the UK’s most poisonous plants. Over five thousand people a year become ill through contact with plants, and the National Poisons Unit estimates that over ten people die, and hundreds are hospitalised …
I love some of the stories connected with flowers, so today I thought I’d share some of them with you.Geranium There are many legends attached to the anemone. In Palestine, it’s sometimes referred to as “Blood drops of Christ” as it was thought to have grown under the cross and on the graves of those …
Read more “Myths and legends associated with flowers and plants.”
Everywhere I looked in Bangkok I noticed shrines to Budda, in which incense was burning and gifts of flowers and food were left. These shrines were often decorated with colourful ribbons and orange marigolds. All the cars and taxi s had garlands hanging from their mirrors, for protection against accidents. Often these shrines would be …
It’s easy for me to grow my own veg, salad and fruit as I have a fairly big garden. This is my veggie patch, which I’ve just turned over after harvesting my peas and lettuce. Now it’s ready to re-plant with spuds, turnips and carrots. Daughter’s friends used to think it was a double grave …
I like bees, especially bumble bees, which sadly, are now becoming threatened. I heard last night that their numbers are dropping drastically in the North West. But the good thing is that we still have hundreds of bumble bees bumbling around our gardens. This hole in the wall under the kitchen window is always a …
In corners of forgotten fields the poppies bleed each night. For they remember nameless men who lost their wings in flight. I love poppies and let them grow everywhere they seed, even in the cracks of paving stones. I never tire of painting these hauntingly beautiful, delicate little flowers and always think of my late …
By the time summer kicks in, my body starts changing for the worse, and despite the endless rain we’ve had, I’ve still got on with my normal summer persuits. Endless walking, cycling and gardening can do strange things to one’s body! I feel as though I’ve had two bricks implanted in my butt and my …
Living walls are suddenly springing up everywhere and seem to be the new craze. Gardener’s World and the big flower shows are all featuring them of late and there seems to be no end to their adaptability and diversity. They can range from rambling ivy to neat structured designs. I really like them, especially if …
