Heart of orange

Heart of orange

The French Marigold is a sturdy stalwart of British gardens, bright, breezy and very cheerful. Some would say they’re ordinary. Even a bit common. 

But take some close-up photographs of a very healthy display (in my mother’s Essex garden) and you may change your view of these little flowers. 

Their structure is intricate and complex with some rich variegations in colour, with splashes of crimson and yellow. A marigold in bloom is reminiscent of a crumbly chocolate bar’s delicate swirls.

Bold and ubiquitous they may be, but this flower remains a natural wonder.

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The Photo Shop

Mimosa

Yellow candy burst

This is a welcome barrage of colour in a long, dank and sodden winter.

I came across this robust clump of yellow mimosa in a street near my home, where a terrace of houses is painted in an array of pastel shades.

It’s a vibrant, fascinating plant which chooses to bloom in the winter months. Its pale yellow, berry-like buds explode into puffs of flower, while the foliage is made up of neat, pale green fronds.

Yellow mimosa is positively revered in parts of southern France, prompting festivals and even a trail to be named in its honour. Ironically, as I took these photographs, a French lady passed by to tell me all about it.

What a tonic to see this light up the neighbourhood, almost banishing the cold away.

green

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Quenched

QuenchedSummer has taken hold in London. There are long, very warm sunny days and plants are flourishing. The rain is staying far away for a change.

This little vegetable plant is thriving in Chelsea Physic Garden, a wonderful city oasis bursting to the seams with life. The sprinklers are working overtime, and these leaves drip with moisture which catches the sunlight.

Quenched, delicious and captured on camera.