flowers – Page 5

Non-violence and the problem of slugs and snails

Post author:tejvan
Post published:May 10, 2016
Post category:articles flowers

I have a dilemma. This year I’ve taken more interest in gardening, and have bought a few plants. The problem is that there has been an explosion in the population of slugs and snails. The garden is being decimated by these small creatures.

You wake up in the morning and new plants and old daffodils are mere shreds of their former selves, slugs greedily leaving a trail of their feasting.

It presents me with a dilemma – what to do about the slugs? (more…)

Trinity College Gardens May

Post author:tejvan
Post published:May 6, 2016
Post category:flowers

I was postering for some upcoming meditation classes in Oxford. Visiting Trinity College on the High Street I poked my head around the garden and there was a wonderful wildflower meadow – carefully managed to give a wonderful naturalistic style of planting.

When it is good in Oxford in May, it is very good. This felt like a scene from the Elysian fields.

Buttercups and daisies, with dark velvet tulips in the background. It was around 11am, so the light wasn’t ideal – a bit strong.
(more…)

Magnolia Blossom

Post author:tejvan
Post published:March 19, 2016
Post category:flowers photos

I waited until 5pm to get this photo. The sun sets low enough to just start to hit the Magnolia blossom.

“What a strange thing!
to be alive
beneath cherry blossoms.”

– Kobayashi Issa,

OK, these are photos of Magnolia blossom not Apple blossom. But, I don’t think the the spirit of Haiku is to be too pedantic. (more…)

Garden May 2015 – Wildlife and more

Post author:tejvan
Post published:June 1, 2015
Post category:flowers

Some photos of back garden.

Trying to combine competitive cycling and gardening is difficult. You never want to over-tax your muscles after a long five hour cycle ride, so I tend to favour the cultivated meadow look.

I would call it – a contemporary combination of avant-garde style companion planting, innovate use of native wildflowers, informal approach to weeding and – a dash of sitting around admiring your handiwork with your feet up.

A garden is a place to be enjoyed, not just to work in.

Good for wildlife is important. I love to see the bees. (more…)