Wednesday, March 26, 2008

demolition works


industrial archaeology reveals the original mill (to the left) underneath the monstrous corrugated iron carbuncle at Beals Mill. Very soon the little cottages in the shadow of this great hulk will be bathed in light again ...we will keep an eye on the progress of the demolition work.

lesser periwinkle

lesser periwinkle (unimaginatively derived from the latin pervinca when it might have had all sorts of old english connotations). It is a ground covering plant, usually found near habitation, but growing wild in the south west. Good for fertility when eaten by both parties, and nose bleeds in Christians (and no one else?). It is a lovely light purple blue.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

no more puppies


Cassie looking very excited about the arrival of a new puppy (Charlie J) in the family. Don't ask what Harri is doing.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

anywhere but here


a grey heron fleeing the approach of the wolf pack. They are very shy creatures except when they are fishing in your ponds.

Friday, March 21, 2008

hellebores

a hellebore growing underneath a hedge tree. Not sure which type but probably a garden escapee, the purple edges are typical of stinking hellebore. Spread by snails, and used to make violent purgatives for worm infestations; unfortunately the treatment tended to kill the patient as well and thus fell (eventually) out of favour

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

falling between two pews


the villages of Venterdon and Stoke Climsland are situated between the methodist chapel on the left and the anglican church on the right. Unfortunately there is no pub between them. Dartmoor is visible bathed in sunlight on the far horizon to the left.