Conkers -My Sunday Photo
Sunday morning, walk in the woods. Hunting conkers.
(Some of the collected conkers are destined to be planted, while the rest will be turned into soap liquid to wash clothes, as an experiment.)
Hops – My Sunday Photo
At this time of year, I used to collect a handful of hops from the hedgerows, on my homeward journey from the school run. Inevitably crushing them in my hand as I crammed as many as I could into my grasp. The fragrance is gorgeous, although not one I connect with first thing in the morning. Passing cars might have thought I was picking blackberries. The hops, in the hedgerow, usually went unnoticed. No-one else ever seemed to collect them.
I took a cutting or two and they rooted. I planted them by my covered bench, protected from the strimmer by an old pottery drainage pipe. They grew. Covering half the bench roof. I thought I had no hops this year, until I checked under the leaves today. Was I wrong. They are bigger than the ones I found in the hedgerow.
I’m growing them to fill sleep pillows, rather than for beer. Just need to find out when best to harvest. Anyone know?
Poppy seed heads – My Sunday Photo
If I was to list all the flowers I would have in a summer garden, poppies would be near the top. They are so beautiful and delicate, but short lived as flowers. Woe betide anyone who tries to pick them. Instant petal release. They are best admired where they have grown.
Not that the petals are everything. The seed heads have a beauty in their own right, and stick around longer. I admire the way the holes appear, as they dry, ready to disperse the finest of seeds. Like perfect pepper pots. The heads change colour too. Useful for crafting with.
I also love the way they stand tall, in groups. Hanging out together. I want to give them names.
“Hey, I’m Pete, and over there are Pam and Phil. They’re an item. And over here is Percy. Wave at the lady, Percy. He’s my best mate, and Pat and Penny too, just behind him. No idea who the other three are. They just tagged along.”
It amuses me at least.
Poppies definitely get a place in my summer garden.
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