I’m starting a new series looking at what has inspired me each month when I’ve been out and about, including nature, the seasons, landscapes and gardens.
Even though Spring hasn’t quite arrived yet, February feels like the month when the new cycle of growth becomes visible. Hawthorn leaves are starting to unfurl from their buds in the hedgerows, more bulbs are sending up shoots and flowers, and there is warmth in the sun. When I called by the local Post Office to send an order, the Postmistress mentioned the beautiful word “apricity” (meaning: the warmth of the sun in Winter). (Have a look at https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/winter-words for more about that word and other obscure Winter words).
Seeing the leaves unfurling reminded me of a beautiful collection of poems by Ian Adams titled “Unfurling”, an invitation to see our interconnectedness with everything – people, creatures, earth – and unfurl from all the fears that keep us closed up and closed off.
Hellebores
Hellebores in Valley Gardens in Harrogate. I love the subtlety of colour in this one. They stand out at this time of year, and apparently they are good for early pollinators as well.
The Japanese Garden at Valley Gardens in Harrogate. According to the information board, a Japanese Garden was created at Valley Gardens in the 1930s. It declined over the years and was restored between 2017 and 2018. The garden is designed to have a calming feel, and it does feel like it is a peaceful corner hidden away from the rest of the gardens. Interestingly, in his preface to “Japanese Gardens: Tourist Library Vol 5” (written in 1952), Professor Matsunosuke Tatsui talks about how Japanese Gardens are attempting to capture the essence of nature, rather than copy it. He suggests that:
“The Japanese landscape gardener composes his picture, exaggerating the impression he obtains from nature, in accordance with his ideal, just as a painter transfers an extensive view to his canvas, containing similarly a poetic or philosophic idea.” (Japanese Gardens: Tourist Library Vol 5, by Prof. Matsunosuke Tatsui, 1934, revised 1947, 1949, 1952, reprinted 1953)
To finish with, Half Term saw a trip with my daughter to Birchfield Farm, near Ripley. We saw lambs, as well as piglets, goats and various other animals. There’s also play areas, a woodland walk and a lovely cafe (I am told the ice cream is really nice as well!) It worked really well as a family day out.