The beauty, peace and tranquility of RSPB Arne.

Whilst away in Dorset, we decided to spend the day at RSPB Arne. 

This was a real treat!

Although the car park appeared to be very busy, once we began to walk 

around the reserve, we hardly saw a soul; it seemed that everyone had

gone off on various paths and at various paces.

The most stunning part of Arne, during the summer, 

has to be the many carpets of Heather.

The ground was a mass of pink perfection; a most delightful sight.

RSPB Arne overlooks Poole Harbour and so you get the added bonus of

being able to spot many wading birds.

I would imagine that a winter trip is also a treat!

RSPB Arne caters for the whole family so what better way than to encourage

 your children to become involved in the world of nature?

I hope to return!

If I lived nearer then Id be here every week!

Click here for more info:

https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/find-a-reserve/reserves-a-z/reserves-by-name/a/arne/about.aspx

Beautiful Botany!

If ever you want a break away from it all, this is the place!

Botany Farmhouse is a delight! It's a perfect, peaceful piece of paradise!

We discovered this hidden gem over 20 years ago 

and it hasn't changed from when we first visited.

The owners, Carol and Graham are the friendliest people

 and they give their time to you; nothing is too much trouble.

The rooms are a joy!

There are two, equally delightful...and if you love vintage then this is vintage

at its best!  (Carol loves vintage fabrics!)

And oh my! The breakfasts!!

The extra little touches are oozing with charm!!

The breakfast room is simply lovely.

The bread is home made! And gorgeous!

You are given the jams and marmalades in little, vintage tea cups.

And all in all, breakfast is an inspiration!

Just the way to start the day! 

If you are lucky, at breakfast time, you will spot deer in the 

field belonging to Carol and Graham!!

I even saw them from our bedroom window

when I woke very early one morning.

I love Botany!

It's a little piece of heaven to which I hope

 I'll return one day... very soon!

                                                     http://www.botany-farmhouse.com

In the August garden

I've loved the garden this year! Everything has behaved!

It dare not with me in charge!!

Whilst June and July seemed to have been full of pinks, blues and purples,

August has entered with the theme of yellow...and so sunny it is too!!

Rudbeckia, Coreopsis and Echinacea (to name a few), appear to have popped up

without me almost noticing...and thus nudged other plants out of the way!

It's lovely, as we haven't had the sunniest of Julys!

August isn't that great either!

But the yellow in the garden has more than made up for the lack of sun.

My one 'pain in the neck' has been a mole!

Molehills everywhere!!

I bought a 'gizmo' but that hasn't worked too well

and thus 'Molevolio' ( as a friend nicknamed it)

is still being a right nuisance!!!

Oh well...I suppose they have to exist somewhere!

Meanwhile, I'm hoping that the days of buying endless bags of compost, will soon be over!

We are now the proud owners of three compost bins...thanks to my other half!

It's all going on at the bottom of the garden!

And as these photos were taken a month ago, I can now report that the bins

are in use and we are composting whatever we can !!

(Within reason!)

This all occurs behind my summerhouse!

Oh yes! It's a wonderful thing, the garden!!

I wonder what September has in store?

 ;-)