Summer in London hasn’t exactly been a hot, dry affair so far. The advent of July brought heavy showers interspersed with sunny spells – and a spectacular show. A vivid double rainbow occupied the sky over this corner of the metropolis. It remained solid and steady before inevitably fading away, more than enough time to capture it from my roof space. This was one occasion when monochrome simply didn’t get a look in.
The White City housing estate here in west London is quite large and imposing. I walk through part of it every day and it’s become a familiar place. Just lately, “my” little corner has been transformed. An area of lawn was carefully seeded and has flourished into a meadow studded with poppies, daisies, cornflowers and other delightful flowers.
The obvious juxtaposition is this slice of English countryside in the middle of a city estate. It’s stark yet beautiful. The little meadow has trails weaving across it, while it’s bright and upstanding in the sunshine and gently wilts in the rain. It’s a pleasure to share this delight with you…
This is a magnificent garden tucked between the suburban sprawl of London and one of the world’s busiest airports, Heathrow. It is Syon Park, part of the Duke of Northumberland’s estate, also consisting of a sturdy and impressive stately pile – not to mention a fantastic ‘greenhouse’.
It was a partially sunny day drilled by a cold wind with the threat of rain. But these are beautiful grounds to capture, from the magnificence of the Giant Rhubarb at the water’s edge, to a whole host of flowering plants and natural details. Apart from the older couple seated and enjoying the peace and quiet, I had the run of this London gem.
The first truly shimmering day of the year prompted a trip to the east of London to enjoy a stretch of the city’s waterways. This walk took us from Angel to Limehouse Basin along Regent’s Canal, taking in modern buildings, industrial tumbledown and a good sprinkling of narrowboats. We also stopped off at Victoria Park, a green oasis along the route.
I set myself the photographic task of spotting small details and minimalist lines on the walk, although both water and the urban landscape of the canal crept into the frame too. It’s an interesting spot and one worthy of a return visit or two – there is plenty to see and capture.
Spring is arriving with a stutter here in west London. The sun has been shining, but a piercing wind from the far north killing the benefits. But in my neighbourhood, the trees have blossomed and started to drop their delicate cargo. In our community garden, a robust clump of Euphorbia is radiating its yellow bounty along with other signs of life and flowers (including a plant I’m unable to identify). If Spring is here, can summer be far away?
