So spring days can mean a visit to the gardens, but this year, the long winter and cold spring has meant there wasn't much to see in the gardens. The conservatory did have some lovely orchids and I squeezed my way past the orchid anoraks to get these photos. (I know, I know, me taking photos means I'm an anorak too, but my photos did not involve a tripod or flash guns.)
I love the delicate arching shape of the branches.
I bring some easy knitting in my bag, where ever I go. You never know when you might have a few minutes and every stitch that you get in, means you are just that many stitches fewer to completing something.
Don't you just love this little thatch hut? I've just noticed that there are loads all around in West Dean Gardens.
Away from the wind, and it was windy. Not wearing socks was probably a big oversight on my part...becuase my feet froze.
I managed a few stitches...
until another hat was done. doesn't that orange go well with the red?
Hat modelled by a real head.
orange and red are my favorite combinations. I just took a jewelry making class and one of the necklaces I made was from red and orange Swarovski crystals. It is beautiful.
The hat is gorgeous, some seaman is going to be very lucky.
Do you give photography lessons? Your pictures are always so clear and sharp, never a blur to be seen. I'm beginning to think that if you wear spectacles, as I do, then photography is a battle rather than a joy. I wish I knew what I was doing wrong.
Posted by: Louise at April 12, 2006 11:11 PMI'm going to put West Dean Gardens on one of my places I'd like to go to lists. It looks gorgeous. The photos of the orchids are spectacular.
Posted by: mrspao at April 12, 2006 07:05 PMI'm going to put West Dean Gardens on one of my places I'd like to go to lists. It looks gorgeous.
Posted by: mrspao at April 12, 2006 07:05 PMI'm going to put West Dean Gardens on one of my places I'd like to go to lists. It looks gorgeous.
Posted by: mrspao at April 12, 2006 07:04 PMThe red and orange are fantastic. I like this one :-)
And you know, I have never quite understood why the anorak is such a powerful symbol of nerdiness in the UK. Over here, it's just something to keep you dry, like an umbrella. You'd think that would be appreciated in a climate like Britain's. ;-)
Posted by: Beth S. at April 12, 2006 03:53 PMI love the red and orange hat--very vibrant!
Posted by: Allison Campbell at April 12, 2006 03:00 PMthat hat is LOVELY! and the first orchid... gorgeous :)
Posted by: stinkerbell at April 12, 2006 10:58 AMI LOVE the orchids you anorak you ! Especially the pink ones :0)
I too have been fooled into non-sock wearing by the sunny weather (yes, even in Scotland) only to be smacked in the face by mother earth throwing SNOW at us in the same day !
Posted by: Heather at April 12, 2006 09:50 AMbrrr! crazy sockless lady! the hat is cute but does it keep your feet warm?
love the orchids. love them.
Posted by: kris at April 12, 2006 09:16 AMLovely orchids, but i was quite shocked by the no-socks, oh my feet froze for you when i saw the picture!!
Very nice hat too. You're an angel.
The orchid is so beautiful!! Great little hat...you're knitting up a storm
Posted by: margene at April 12, 2006 04:49 AMMmmm, I can almost smell the flowers.
Posted by: colleen at April 12, 2006 02:38 AMYour blog is the funniest. I love thinking of a stuffed bear as having a "real" head! Your pictures of the orchids are lovely.
Posted by: Renée from Wisconsin at April 12, 2006 01:25 AM