Ahhh this was a lovely early morning read, Imogen. I loved the first part of the blackberry story. It took me right back to when I lived in a block of flats in North London with a gorgeous communal garden that provided me with many, many blackberries. I am an early riser and would go down from my fourth floor flat and gather them when it was oh so quiet… never saw anyone else picking them - all mine!
I have seen one or two painted ladies this year,in the wonderful meadows that surround my home. Thank you for this delicious post on a cold, damp and dark evening here in Somerset, it provided a sunny warmth for my evening.
Thank you Nikki, and that’s so lovely to hear on both counts - that the newsletter brought a little warmth and cheer, and that you have actually seen some painted ladies this year! In the garden here there have been a couple of red admirals on the buddleia (not that the same time so it could be the same one!) and sadly that’s all. But let’s see if some more migratory painted ladies arrive later in the season. Now that I understand their patterns a little more I think that it’s possible. Take care, love Imogen x
I have done some research on painted lady butterflies and discovered that one of their favourite plants is thistle and nettle; both of which abound where I live. They are such fascinating and utterly amazing creatures. ❤️
That was so lovely Imogen . The seaside and the blackberry picking takes me right back to my childhood in 1960s East Anglia. You evoke such a lovely time and place threading past and present . The butterfly story is also so interesting they are amazing little winged creatures.
Like you I love those linen tea cloths from my mum so precious. Your garden is looking so beautiful , your writing and youtube posts always elevate my day.
Much love from a heat wave in the Canadian prairie .
Oh Denise, your lovely words have really touched me thank you. I have several of my mum’s linen tea towels. They all came from the gift shop at Norfolk Wildlife Park, a visit to which was a real treat especially the inevitable stop off at the tea room and gift shop as my brother and I were always allowed to choose a tiny souvenir like a postcard of a seal or an owl shaped eraser. I remember the tea towels tacked up with drawing pins around the walls; all wildlife themed and mostly with all the names of the species lettered in for identification purposes. We used to have them in our caravan and for picnics and I am so thrilled to be their custodian now. They are used all the time for wrapping coffee things and snacks - endlessly useful. The others I have include British wild animals, a bird table scene with garden birds, and more birds with their names rather like the butterfly one. They are incredibly thin but linen is so strong and they are so well made that over 50 years later there are no holes or fraying at all!
Ahhh this was a lovely early morning read, Imogen. I loved the first part of the blackberry story. It took me right back to when I lived in a block of flats in North London with a gorgeous communal garden that provided me with many, many blackberries. I am an early riser and would go down from my fourth floor flat and gather them when it was oh so quiet… never saw anyone else picking them - all mine!
I have seen one or two painted ladies this year,in the wonderful meadows that surround my home. Thank you for this delicious post on a cold, damp and dark evening here in Somerset, it provided a sunny warmth for my evening.
Thank you Nikki, and that’s so lovely to hear on both counts - that the newsletter brought a little warmth and cheer, and that you have actually seen some painted ladies this year! In the garden here there have been a couple of red admirals on the buddleia (not that the same time so it could be the same one!) and sadly that’s all. But let’s see if some more migratory painted ladies arrive later in the season. Now that I understand their patterns a little more I think that it’s possible. Take care, love Imogen x
I have done some research on painted lady butterflies and discovered that one of their favourite plants is thistle and nettle; both of which abound where I live. They are such fascinating and utterly amazing creatures. ❤️
Sorry, that should have been two of their favourite plants!
That was so lovely Imogen . The seaside and the blackberry picking takes me right back to my childhood in 1960s East Anglia. You evoke such a lovely time and place threading past and present . The butterfly story is also so interesting they are amazing little winged creatures.
Like you I love those linen tea cloths from my mum so precious. Your garden is looking so beautiful , your writing and youtube posts always elevate my day.
Much love from a heat wave in the Canadian prairie .
Denise xo
Oh Denise, your lovely words have really touched me thank you. I have several of my mum’s linen tea towels. They all came from the gift shop at Norfolk Wildlife Park, a visit to which was a real treat especially the inevitable stop off at the tea room and gift shop as my brother and I were always allowed to choose a tiny souvenir like a postcard of a seal or an owl shaped eraser. I remember the tea towels tacked up with drawing pins around the walls; all wildlife themed and mostly with all the names of the species lettered in for identification purposes. We used to have them in our caravan and for picnics and I am so thrilled to be their custodian now. They are used all the time for wrapping coffee things and snacks - endlessly useful. The others I have include British wild animals, a bird table scene with garden birds, and more birds with their names rather like the butterfly one. They are incredibly thin but linen is so strong and they are so well made that over 50 years later there are no holes or fraying at all!