It is definetly autumn, and after the weeks of sunshine and wonderful light, today it is on the change with fine mizzle and mists, hence the addtion of the little brass snail. I had to don waterproofs to go out and cut these flowers in the rain, and arrange them on the outside table, so there is still a splattering of drops on the arrangement.
As there is no sunshine I'm leaving this arrangement on the conservatory table along with pumpkins, nuts and chillis which are curing and adding to the 'still life'.
The red chillis are from the garden, and hopefully will dry well, and provide not only chilli flakes, but also seed to replant next spring. In the vase are the Alstromeria Indian Summer, Golden Lonicera nitida 'Baggesen's Gold, and heads of Sedum (Old Name) Spectabile 'Autumn Joy' which have turned dark red.
On Sunday mornings I head out with a group of friends on a cycle ride. We have each increased our confidence and strength during the last few months, and yesterday's ride found me suddenly stopping to investigate the small stall someone had put outside their gates. A large bag of wet watnuts for £2 and a few free russet apples outside another house, together with a nice chat with the generous gardener, made for a rest part of the way through our ride. It was nearly 19Km not allowing for the wrong turnings and doubling back! The most impressive feat is that I am mastering my phone, noting the route when I get back, but also using the Paper Ordnance Survey Map and then agreeing to share it.
In the afternoon, yesterday, some from our book club attended an event: Meet the Author which was put on as part of Wells Literature Festival. The Author in question is Lucy Atkins, and we had all recently read her latest book, which I recommend.
How lovely to still have blooms on your alstroemeria! MIne flowered for months but finshed a few weeks back, although it was its first season so hoefully will get bigger and stronger. The nitida provides great foliage for a vase.I did wonder about some autumnal produce but have nothing to offer (although do need to check out the raspberries and blackberries which are still producing) - can you eat walnuts when they are 'wet'? Will check out the book you mention as I have read many of your other recommendations ps you would be very welcome to visit!
ReplyDeleteI had a try of one of the Walnuts which were lovely fresh and crunchy. If they are not dried carefully they can go mouldy, so I may well crack them all, and oven roast them for a little, and keep them in a jar. My Alstromeria was new last year, and it hasn't stopped flowering, it needs lots of feeding.
DeleteI've never grown alstroemerias Noelle but yours like others I've seen recently makes me think I really must give them a try. That's a lovely display of autumn glow on your table. Thanks for the book recommendation too 😄
ReplyDeleteThank you Anna for your feedback. The only thing I would say about this Alstromeria is that the colour did look a little odd early in the year when all the pastels and daffs were out, but now it is bang on message with the autumn colours.
DeleteIt's a very cheerful arrangement, Noelle, even if your weather isn't. I haven't seen my own Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer' in months - it tends to enter the plant world's version of a witness protection program every summer.
ReplyDeleteI really love your arrangement Noelle, with your seasonal additions. The bike trip sounds like great fun.
ReplyDeleteWE also have a good chat as we go along!
DeleteWE also have a good chat as we go along!
DeleteWhat a gorgeous display! Looks like harvest festival.
ReplyDeleteThe Alstroemeria are the perfect complement to the autumnal scene. Very pretty. I just finished reading The Split, I think you recommended it? I enjoyed it very much, thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks you, yes I did mention The Split, and am pleased you enjoyed it. It had me turning pages for sure.
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