A Walk in Kingston Lacy

Spring, is that time when the trees are covered in new foliage and the world is brighter. This change in season awakens subconscious thoughts and re-evaluates how I interpret an everyday occurrence. From this ebb and nothing, comes a new consciousness of the most trivial of events, creating a story with thoughts so strong, it begs to be written. The sun holds onto the day until late in the evening. The late evening light gives us time to enjoy the garden’s colour and scent. Later my eyes adjust to the lowlight allowing me enough sight to reveal the peace of the evening.

My favourite daughter phoned me today enquiring about a dish she had cooked for dinner. A simple dish exploring the basic flavour. She was a little worried her many children would not have liked it but when I heard what the ingredients were, I would have given it to my children, of which I also have many. She also spoke about Nadal Darks, not sure what those are and said so, but she said I was being obtuse, not too sure what that meant but I did recommend a little Parmesan sprinkled over the pasta. Nadal Darks, a herb maybe?

Simple meals are sometimes what we crave and hers was just veggies, mixed herbs, chopped tomatoes and pasta, cooked in vegetable stock. Crusty bread and a wee bottle of wine would completely compliment such noble food.

Went for a walk at Kingston Lacy and walking through the gardens, I realise just how well I have come to know the place. Every tree we pass and every stream we cross, hold memories and associations. I recognise flowers, swans with their signets, trees of particular favourite to Jenson and seasonal plants. The light at different times of the day or the clouds forming when the air is warm and the wind turns to the northeast captivate the experience. The wildflowers I expect to see in fields or woodland and those which catch me by surprise because I was inattentive. I would not say I understand it, but more that, this land and I have come to an understanding. Makes sense to me. What did I see? Life.

Life can be so close to home we sometimes miss it. I am sitting on our patio looking out over the garden and it does not disappoint. Pink, very scented roses are towering above the Red Lilies, while the purple chive flower bravely strives for attention. There is an old weather station tucked in but of no use anymore, the strawberry plant does enjoy the limelight, so it should.

Our wildflower bed has come to life and the Salad rocket is attracting all manner of insects. Nestled close by is White Mustard surrounded by the Bee plant, Borage, which is growing through the Pot Marigold, also a big fan of the bees.

On a more sombre note, you may have noticed that Tamacgor S Bold has been slightly reticent of late. Age comes to all of us and the knees are a problem now, I blame it on those stilettos but let us not pass judgement. Unfortunately, it is the left knee, always a favourite and quite important in the grand scheme of hiking. Seems that is not all, the days pass in a burl, I do fear that life and its many decadent traps have proved too much. The mind slows and you are beckoned by a comfortable space with no discomfort. How old is Tamacgor S Bold, no one knows but I would guess just over 3 score years and ten. Tamacgor S Bold has this philosophy, if it becomes too much, go out with dignity and a good glass of wine. Let us hope the melancholy is short-lived, life for Tamacgor S Bold has been the most amazing rollercoaster and my brother from Tanzania will miss his friend.

Enough of sadness, those flowers at the top of the page are beautiful, but they are not just flowers, they are our flowers and they do compliment the work surface that is our BBQ man’s world. He does like the finer things in life and that is why we have always called them the Middle Smiths, really posh. Knows how to cook a decent BBQ as well as all the washing up, fetching and carrying, just what he loves. Thanks for being you.