Earth Mother News

A-HUH
 

What my dear friends is an A-HUH?  I didn't t know so I asked Kathleen our tour guide.  This was while we were touring a garden in Devon, England.  Well, an A-Huh is like a "I got, ya ".   I was standing on the front lawn of this lovely estate and there were sheep and cattle grazing in what looked like the front lawn.  What one cannot see is a low or dug out trench with a curved metal fence.  Hidden from view from the front lawn, it is called an A-HUH.  Oh, those clever English gardeners, you never want to spoil a good view or a good joke!

After this last garden of the tour, we headed back to London to attend the Chelsea Flower show.  The tour made a very short stop at Stonehenge, which I might say was a bit of a disappointment not having enough time to see it proper and a chance to get close enough to gain a sense of time and place.  It is a World Heritage site and will be under going extensive development to preserve and protect it in 2007.   Another time....

Upon our return to London, we prepared to attend the most famous flower show in the world, The Chelsea Flower Show 2006 .  Rising early, and after a hardy English breakfast, we were standing at the gate before the show opened on opening day.  Everyone was on their own after that.  I dashed to purchase a program of the show.  I had a large supply of film in my handbag and faster than you can say "howdy you all," I went into the main venue and took pictures as fast as I could.  The goal was to get photos before the crush of people poured into the hall.  I shot 3 rolls of film in about 20 minutes.  Then I sat down and looked at the map of outdoor displays.  I slowly worked my way out and took some more photos.

Outside, I visited with some folks in the various venues and then rested on a bench with two pleasant ladies from Wales.  The show was so big and had so much to take in that I decided to go into main venue and see it in sections.  I took another break for a rest at the florist competition and then ate lunch.  I sat at a small table with an elderly gentleman from Rhodesia who told me in a very bold tone that he was a retired police officer.  What a delightful gentleman!  All I had to do was open my mouth and everyone said, "An American".  Everyone seemed to have friends or relatives in the USA.

I want to post a few of my favorite photos.  I can t possibly relate all the facts and figures from the flower show.  So what follows are some of my better photos.  The lovely reclining green lady was the # 1 display.  I stood my ground for about 20 minutes to get a picture without a human in it.

The other outdoor display that I fell in love with is the patch of blue Himalayan poppies. Which on other occasions I have written about.

When you enter the great pavilion my first encountered was the bulb lady from Holland.

The size and the quality of plants was amazing, these lupines a prime example.

One of my favorite displays was titled a bed of roses .  An old iron bed with roses all around in shades of white and peach...sweet heavenly dreams.

The display by the farmers organization was a very creative one.  I would call it "best use of materials".  Vegetables and flowers combined in a happy blend.  I guess a head of cauliflower is really the bloom of the plant.  Who knew?

The photo of the bunches and bunches of day lilies show how colorful and exciting the show was in all of it glory.

The show included an alley-way filled with vendors selling garden tools, clothes and greenhouses; everything you could think of and then some.  After spending the whole day at the show, I headed out to find a bus back to the hotel.  What I decided instead, was to take my time and walk back.  I sat beside the river Thames and watched as the tide was raising the water.  I people-watched and poked along.  I had my street map and traveled on, slow but sure. 

I came across a little cafe and decided a spot of of tea would be jolly nice.  I shared a little table with a lady who had come from the Philippines and had made her home in London.  She worked in a boys school that was across the street. 

Next came an antique shop that was filled to the ceiling with treasures and then Embassy row...talk about luxury homes.  I would not turn down an appointment to England, that is for sure.  I turned the corner and it I wasn't more than six blocks back to the hotel.  All told, it took me 3 hours to walk 15 blocks.  That evening we had our farewell dinner and exchanged addresses, e-mail addresses and bid everyone good bye.

My plane didn't leave until late in the afternoon the next day.  That meant shopping at Harrods and some little shops near the hotel.  I brought a huge hat (like you'd wear to the Ascot races) and a bongo drum for granddaughter.  I managed to get everything packed and hire a car hire to the airport.  What an unbelievable holiday!  A dream come true....

2007 is here and I haven t really thought about gardening.  I hustled about last fall and did some plantings.  What I want to do is remove all of the 35 year old shrubs from the front of the house which are overgrown and no longer adding to the house.   New shrubs would add freshness to the overall landscaping.   2007 will be a project year, maybe a new water feature?  Paths, fences, and a few veggies in the plot.  I am still interested in obtaining different kinds of willows.  My best wishes for a great 2007.

Remember to eat good food for better health, be kind, and spread that kindness about generously...and expect the truth from all.  Talk later, your Aarde Moeder.

January 27, 2007
County B
Platteville, WI. 53818