Tam and I decided on another long walk yesterday, so headed down the valley and climbed the very steep hill up to Lady P's stud. When we first came here we bought a yearling palomino Section A colt from her (stable name Merlin). Although she is now in a Care Home, friends and neighbours still run the stud for her, on a small scale. Here is the broodmare band.
. . . and the first foal - very new, and not long born. Mum made sure she was between baby and us!
What an idyllic spot to live . . .
Above and below: Lovely views, On a clear day, a little further along, you can see the mountains.
The lane ahead, with Bluebells . . .
These youngsters belong to Lletty Stud, who breed Thoroughbreds.
These appear to be White Campion (when they open). Rare in our neck of the woods. I say "appear" as the Calyx is not normally that deep red.
The first wild Aquilegias - they are mostly blue along this stretch of the lane.
Wood Sorrel.
Our favourite photo spot along the river.
One of several wonderful Copper Beeches at the bottom of the hill, near a neighbour's smallholding.
Tam's Real Seeds order arrived on Friday and she opened it yesterday (out of quarantine). Green Zebra vine tomatoes (some to be planted today), Organic "Devil's Tongue" Romaine Lettuce, Minnesota Midget Cantaloupe Melon (one to take over the polytunnel), Organic "Godlen Frill" Salad Mustard Green, Organic "Magenta Magic" Orach, and yellow "Touchon" carrots. Much sowing will be done today . . .
After our walk I helped Keith clear a bit more wood. Photo above shows the end of an ancient oak beam, with too much sapwood to save bits of it from woodworm. Looks like you could pull it apart with your hands doesn't it? YET - below - inside it was as hard as iron and took some cutting through with the chainsaw. You would struggle to get a nail in that!
Cats on the patio - Alfie (above)
The "wild boys" Sam and Squeaker, dozing in the flower bed.
The stripey boys, Ghengis and Theo.
Progress - the L-shaped raised bed finally dug right through and with Garlic left and rows of Leeks seeds just sown. The empty bit will have salad stuff in.
My Magnolia stellata sadly died one hot summer, but it has been clambered over my this wonderfully scented Clematis. It smells like Vanilla. I can't remember the name of it, but I can recommend it.
Right, off to do some more gardening before the weather changes for the worse.
