Millenium Seed Bank at Wakehurst 30 September 2017

Yes, I know it's past Christmas already, but in the alternate universe of this blog - it's not called Topsy Turvy for nothing - we're still in September. Stick with me, it's autumn, Christmas Carols haven't been heard yet, in fact, Halloween is still on the horizon. I've got a bit of catching up to do.

We're back at Wakehurst (which you may recall is part of Kew), the autumn colours are beautiful and it's time for that cream tea.

The Millenium Seed Bank is our destination.  This is an exciting place. Built in 2000, the initial aim was to store all seeds from the UK's native plant species.  They managed to do this almost completely by 2009 - the first country to have preserved it's botanical heritage. The current aim is to bank 25% of the world's plant species by 2020.

 

It's also quite a beautiful space. Spacious, light and airy with displays worthy of an art gallery. Above ground are three glass sections containing exhibition spaces, seed preparation areas and laboratories. Below ground are the vast storage vaults.

Seeds are collected from all over the world by an associated global network - Australia, Mexico, Chile, Kenya, China, USA, Jordan, Mali, Malawi, Madagascar, Burkina Faso, Botswana, Tanzania, Saudia Arabia, Lebanon and South Africa.

In the future any seed can be germinated and reintroduced to the wild, or used in scientific research, or let's go really sci-fi now - repopulating a new planet! (Yes, I'm a sci-fi fan and have a vivid imagination).

Style and form.

The giant flower sculptures are by artist Tom Hare.

Giant tree roots by Mother Nature. Reminiscent of Lord of the Rings.

Toadstools! This really is a magical place. Probably deadly though.

These are more friendly - also by Tom Hare. He used purpose built steel frames and then wove different shades of willow stems around them to create this wonderful effect.

Read more at: https://www.midsussextimes.co.uk/news/village-voice/mega-mushrooms-set-to-spring-up-at-wakehurst-place-1-6021562

Tom has worked closely with fungi experts at Kew to ensure the designs are scientifically accurate – as well as being visually stunning. Each sculpture is painstakingly created by weaving willow stems around purpose built steel frames, with different shades of willow used to create different colour effects.

Read more at: https://www.midsussextimes.co.uk/news/village-voice/mega-mushrooms-set-to-spring-up-at-wakehurst-place-1-6021562

Tom has worked closely with fungi experts at Kew to ensure the designs are scientifically accurate – as well as being visually stunning. Each sculpture is painstakingly created by weaving willow stems around purpose built steel frames, with different shades of willow used to create different colour effects.

Read more at: https://www.midsussextimes.co.uk/news/village-voice/mega-mushrooms-set-to-spring-up-at-wakehurst-place-1-6021562

Read more at: https://www.midsussextimes.co.uk/news/village-voice/mega-mushrooms-set-to-spring-up-at-wakehurst-place-1-6021562

Tom has worked closely with fungi experts at Kew to ensure the designs are scientifically accurate – as well as being visually stunning. Each sculpture is painstakingly created by weaving willow stems around purpose built steel frames, with different shades of willow used to create different colour effects.

Read more at: https://www.midsussextimes.co.uk/news/village-voice/mega-mushrooms-set-to-spring-up-at-wakehurst-place-1-6021562

That's it for the moment. Time for a glass of wine.

Walk Wood Sculpture Trail - Sheffield Park 3 September 2017

I'm falling behind on this blog - sorry everyone.  I'm working away from home a couple of days a week and life has been busy so we're still in September in this little world, when in reality it's December! And it's winter! How did that happen so quickly?

Dayne and I went back to Sheffield Park, to the Walk Wood Sculpture Trail. On the north east part of the estate is this lovely woodland which was only purchased by the National Trust in 1982 and, with the help of a £20000 legacy in 2005, re-established the woodland to provide a windbreak for the garden.

In May we'll be back to check out the blue bells but in the meantime, it's mushroom and berry time in the garden.

Time to collect winter reserves. 

Sussex resident Keith Pettit is the artist, scultor and wood engraver of these works of art.  He has used materials sourced and collected from the woodland.

There are four of these portals leading from one area to another. They are each created with different wood.  It's such a peaceful place.

When trees fall, they are left to rot naturally with their exposed root plates (who knew that is what they are called!) creating a whole new growing environment.

Back out into the garden with it's colourful signs of autumn.

Cream tea!

Ditchling Beacon 28 August 2017

With spectacular views over the Weald, Ditchling Beacon is the second highest point on the South Downs.  It was, back in the day, one of the chain of fires lit to warn of impending invasions. Who invaded Sussex you ask - well, Julius Caeser in 55BC, Saxons after him, then the Normans - so a long history of invasion. They really needed the beacons.

Today though, I decided to walk on the other side of the road.  It's not as busy as the car park side and, I think, really lovely.

Being so high up, the sky is big, you can see for miles and miles. On a clear day you can see Brighton. It's easy, stride out walking. Just what you need to clear your head after days in the office.

It can get windy and cold on this part of the South Downs Way, even on a sunny day, so make sure you bring warm gear.

Cows, unperturbed by people, but unhappy with dogs, so they are best kept on a lead, particularly when there are calves.

I find them so photogenic ...

A good spot to lean on the gate, contemplate the view, decide on a route, or whether it's time to turn around. Not yet today.

Late summer flowers bring a bright flash of colour.

Down in the valley, I think this is the agricultural college in Plumpton.

And Plumpton Place - Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin fame was a former owner. Imagine the parties this place has seen!

Then it really was time to turn around ...