We sent to see Alistair’s family last weekend and on the way we passed this lovely fabric shop in an old mill in the scenic village of Crook of Devon. I looked up the name and it is confusingly so called because the river Devon bends and makes a crook shape on the village. Disturbingly, this pretty hamlet was the scene of witch trials and burnings in the 1660s.
I have become really obsessed by growing tulips this year. Every one is different and they change and develop with weird jagged edges, coloured streaks or warping forms. I also recommend reading The Tulip by Anna Pavord about the history of the flower and the Dutch obsession with exotic tulips.
I really miss my long drives in the country. Later this month, however, we are driving to Perthshire to see Alistairs brother. So I made a mono print inspired partly by the Scottish landscape and partly by some corrugated cardboard I received with a parcel.
This year I am again growing things from seeds for the garden. I am still experimenting but have also learned what grew well last year. This is the year of flowers and herbs.
Flowers:
Nasturtiums, including the sinisterly named Bloody Mary
Sweet peas, going for the old scented varieties
Marigolds did not come up
Giant sunflower
Edibles:
Basil and coriander, home of many greenfly
Cucumbers
Squash, dont grow squash here but great leaves
Courgettes, not germinated yet
Chilli
Rocket
Apple seedling grown from apple, yes I know they dont make the same kind (clones)
Fennel and dill
Some mystery seedlings, I forgot to label the pots.
I made a giant sunhat! And a yellow waterproof rain hat. Why are waterproofs traditionally yellow?
A panorama from the roof terrace of Aberdeen Art Gallery. I like the way it includes Gothic and Baroque architecture. The trees are lovely in Spring.
