Red

This opium poppy sprouted up suddenly between the blackcurrant bush and the compost bin, and this week it began to flower, just in time for Becky’s month of squares. Red is the theme, and square the format for the header photo.

The bees have fun with all the frills, burrowing in and out to gather pollen. I notice, too, there are more poppy plants coming on outside Graham’s shed so we’re in for a show from these showy volunteers.

When the buds first break, they are almost black, giving a glimpse of the dark underskirts first. Later, when the flower opens, they are only visible if you stand on your head.

#SimplyRed Day One – Join Becky for her month of squares: painting July red, but in a good way.

Dull day in the Cotswolds. The sort of day you will the sky gods to switch on the lights. But then I spotted this wonderful tree. It lit up the street and the ochre tones of old Cotswold stone. I’ve no idea what it is. (I should have done a close-up of the berries). Notions anyone? Jude? Laura?

For logistical reasons that ever confound family gatherings at Christmas, we celebrated ours a week earlier than most people, staying in a cottage near Broadway. The weather was mostly dank and dismal, but there was the odd bright interval, and the splashes of red, festive and otherwise, brightened up the street scenes.

Happy New Year Everyone

CFFC: Red

Tish Farrell

Writer on the Edge

A Surprising Red Arrival

December In The Cotswolds