Bejewelled

At first glance as I walked through the meadow alongside Colemere the dew encrusted spiders webs were just a pretty white (very damp) blanket but as the sun rose above the treeline the early morning rays lit up the webs in a glorious display.

Red & Gold in the Veg Patch

I spotted this gorgeous flower growing in a vegetable garden alongside Rainbow Chard, cabbages and broad beans. I was surprised to see it there and I was immediately drawn to it.

I have looked through hundreds of pictures of flowers trying to identify it but I had no luck so if you can help me out I would be very grateful.

I love the different elements of the flower, I have cropped the central section to show off the soft feathery stamen which are a delight. I also love the lush velvety petals in a deep burgundy red fringed with yellow complementing the yellow fronds at the centre. It really is a lovely flower.

Return of the Native

Native English Bluebells that is (in case you were thinking I was referring to Thomas Hardy's classic novel).

You may remember that I recently went to Boilton Woods in Lancashire to find some bluebells and I posted a few pictures here on my blog. Well last week at Bodnant Gardens I found a few more late blossoms hidden away among the shrubs. While there were lots of brightly coloured azaleas and other plants I was really pleased to find these gorgeous bluebells and knew that they would find their way into my blog. 

I hope you think they are worth sharing...