View From The Conservatory

Today the post is more of a View In The Conservatory.

Over the last few days, with the glorious weather that we have been “suffering” (tongue firmly in cheek), the temperatures have been as high as 41 degrees. While that is far, far too high for a wilting pansy such as myself there has been at least one plant that likes the conditions.

We have three orchids that we have, so far, failed to kill following their initial blooming. In fact we one plant with two fresh shoots growing rapidly and we have this one which is just gorgeous.

You can see why I have entitled the photo “Pretty Maids All In A Row”.

View From The Conservatory

Today I ventured out into the garden. Thought it was probably safe since the rain and the winds had subsided. The sky is still very grey but all the plants are looking very lush. So here is a sampling from the Wrantz Estate.

The first offering is one of the thousands of Aquilegia that grow in our garden. As soon as they go to seed I shake the pods all around so they pop up in the most surprising places.

The next is just a little humour. This game of chequers has been on the go for several years or perhaps they are just trying to out stare each other.

Gardens are for fun. I’m certain these two are enjoying themselves.

And last of all, for the moment, is this plant which grows in my neighbour’s garden but shares the colours, shapes and style with us by hanging over the fence. Delightful. Just one problem, I don’t know what it is. It does look a bit like Holly though.

Anyone out there know what it is ?

You can just see the leaf shape which is very much like a Holly Leaf. Answers on a post card……

Nature Lover Mugged – RSPCA Should Be Ashamed

The RSPCA should be ashamed of their actions.

The greatest joy in the life of animal enthusiast David Brown was the wild habitat he owned opposite his cottage that was home to foxes, badgers, hedgehogs and squirrels.

So when he wrote his will, Mr Brown chose to leave his property to the RSPCA – a charity he trusted.

But the RSPCA repaid his trust by selling the land to property developers, and last week, to the horror of his former neighbours, the habitat was flattened – in just 12 hours.

Legally they may not be bound by David Browns “wishes” but morally they were.

From the RSPCAs own website

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – the UK’s leading animal welfare charity. We rescue, rehabilitate and rehome hundreds of thousands of animals each year. We offer advice on caring for all animals and campaign to change laws that will protect them, which we will enforce through prosecution.

The cynical amongst us may believe that people at the RSPCA are motivated by self-interest, that the officers of the RSPCA saw this bequest as a way in which they could help safeguard their inflated salaries.

The cynical amongst us will also be distrustful of the RSPCA since they do not seem to exhibit either sincerity or integrity when they have quite blatantly diverted from their stated intent.

And in their own name ..

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

How cruel was it to clear this site and deprive the many creatures of their homes and habitat.

I believe the RSPCA have been hugely disrespectful to David Brown and have damaged their own reputation.

Nature lover leaves wildlife haven to RSPCA ¿ who sell it to be bulldozed and built on | Mail Online.

Two cars in Waterlooville crushed after tree topples in strong winds – No Injuries

A lucky escape for the vehicle owners but two cars were severely damaged after tree topples in strong winds.

Apparently the tree had received a lightning strike a short while ago which may have weakened it.

Two cars in Waterlooville crushed after tree topples in strong winds – Local – Portsmouth News.

Spring Show

Springtime has to be one of the best times of the year. Nature showing all her best bits. Have just driven past thousands, if not millions, of beautiful Pansy’s, Primula’s, Daffodils and Magnolia Tree blooms. So here is a small contribution from our front garden.

Had to snap the back view because they were just so bright. And here they are from the front, some might say from the proper side.

Obviously we are all waiting for the Cherry blossoms to begin their display. Unfortunately, I have noticed that one of our two trees looks to have finally succumbed to the disease which was causing its leaves to wilt. It had managed to give a magnificent display each year even though the leaves would die back. This morning I can find no sign any buds forming. I guess we’ll have to replace it after giving us great pleasure for thirty years or so.

View From The Conservatory

This Chinook crossed the skies yesterday. As you can see the sky was a dull grey at the time. 24 hours later and the sun is shining, the sky is blue and look what I can see today.
This is Masher, showing his metal to the nettle….. he used to live in our kitchen but we caught him scratching at the inside of our stainless steel saucepans. Apart from the appearance we were a bit concerned about the shards of metal turning up with our bangers ‘n’ mash. So he was relegated to the garden.