Surfacing

Slowly re-entering the land of the living after being hit hard by a nasty virus that I think has been lurking in my sinuses ever since returning from Lisbon. The descent on the plane at Heathrow took a long time this time and the normally uncomfortable but tolerable routine pressurisation problems this time made me feel as if my head was about to part company with my body.

I’ve felt odd ever since (even more odd than is normal, dear readers !!). Whatever has been hanging around finally blossomed as a miserable cold – or viral attack of some other sort, which has had me taking to my bed on several occasions in the last few days, attempting to resurface and finding I was not able to do so, giving up and returning to a horizontal position.

Up and about for part of today though – and into the garden to capture the laburnum tree in its biennial glory – like the apple tree at the back of the house, it is old and only gives of its best once every two years – and this is the year for both of them to explode with blossom.

The apple tree looks set to give a fine harvest – so we are seeking out an apple press for cider making (any for sale, please contact me!) – the laburnum, on the other hand, will not be consumed by anyone – merely admired in its abundance.

The glorious pink rhododendron is also at its best right now – this is the single bloom of a bush that I had planted just after we moved here, which had been buried in the undergrowth and forgotten. It was rescued last year and planted behind the pond – this year it will be cut back and fingers crossed, it will shoot again from its base. You can see why it is worth all the effort to renovate it – isn’t that dark flushing on the inside of the blooms strikingly handsome?

And as you can see, Lissie has been keeping an eye on me while I carry out my "duties" in the garden – it’s tiring being a pussycat and having to supervise the workers, you know!

Comments

[Britt Arnhild Lindland]

Fantastic to have you back in the blog world Roz. And now I want garden house and pond photos - please :-)

[Terri]

So glad to have you back with us Roz. Always miss you when you are down.

[Carolyn]

Roz, I feel like I walked the property at Autumn Cottage with you. Thank you, a nice relaxing end to my day. I have a pic of Otis in my empty window box before planting it, will send it to you privately friend. Lizzie looks adorable and tired Ah yes they work hard keeping up with the gardener. Glad you are feeling better.

[Ulla]

Oh goodness Lizzie shows her best there in the flowerbox! What lovely flowering trees... Such beauty in your part of the world!

[Marie-Noëlle]

Welcome back, Roz!

Nice blossomming trees!
Our own apple tree was all blossom 2 weeks ago. I like even years when it is entirely pinkish! the look and the smell are awakened...
MN

[Connie]

Beautiful flowers, Roz. Glad you are feeling better so you can enjoy your beautiful trees and flowers!

[Boyd]

Oh my goodness, I LOVE the pictures - it all looks so serene and lovely and I just want to sit over a cup with you and natter away all afternoon!

[Kali]

I'm glad I was sitting down when I was reading your post, because your garden took my breath away ~ glorious.
I'm glad you're feeling better and as for Lissie, she sure has it all worked out :)

[Nancy]

Hi Roz. Sorry you've been feeling bad, but happy to hear that things have improved.

What beautiful trees!!! Thank you so much for sharing those pictures. And that rhododendrum!!! Just gorgeous!! They can be tricky here.

[ardi]

The nice thing about colds is they DO eventually leave! Auutumn Cottage is so beautiful - I yearn to be there sipping tea with you at the garden house (providing you've scared the you-know-whats away first). Our neighbor has the same yellow tree and now I know its name. They also have a chain link fence (ugh) which is covered the entire 60' of it with one or two clematis which are white with a pink blush and absolutely loaded with blossoms this year. Like another commentor said, "Takes your breath away" indeed. Thanks for sharing and hope you're feeling better now.