Sunday, April 28, 2013

IN SEARCH OF AUTUMN





“I loved autumn, the one season of the year that God seemed to have put there just for the beauty of it.”
Lee Maynard     
Oh,  there is that Autumn feel here in Stratford, the days are cooler and I am enjoying a fire in the evening but as yet there is not much show of the richness of Autumn, however last week I went across to Napier to visit my sister Joan and Denis and we went in search of Autumn's lovely glow.
We left Napier and drove north to Gisborne, the first day was quite damp but on the way up we managed to dodge the showers and stop for a walk in Holts Forrest. I had not known that the forest was there and we had a delightful walk  through the tall trees.





















By the time we reached Gisborne the showers had cleared and although it was late in the day I could not resist a photo of Captain Cook's statue,  the light was all wrong  (and I knew I would not get back again)  however he makes a great silhouette

 
The second day we were blessed with fine mild weather and most of the day was spent at Eastwood Hills the National Arboretum which was the reason for our trip-    to visit there in search of autumn colours. As we walked round the paths there was truly the feel of Autumn
 
And although everyone told us the colours would peak in about a week we found plenty to enjoy as these photos can testify .


and I really did enjoy finding the little cyclamen growing in the grass under the trees. I have two large groups of these in my garden, they hold special memories for me of visits to the Christchurch Botanical Gardens with my mother and finding them growing in the rock gardens there. A holiday in Christchurch always meant a visit together to this part of the gardens. They are such tiny blooms compared with the larger house cyclamen we had in the florist shop where I worked. At Home here they are still in bloom.
 
 
The sun is shining this morning and I am off to enjoy its warmth. Have a happy Day
 
 








7 comments:

Evelyne said...

Lovely pictures and beautiful Autumn collors. I love the little Cyclamen too, I have theme here in my garden under the trees, they are so tiny.

Have a nice day en hugs, Evelyne

brandy1 said...

Hello Lee, yes Autumn is knocking at the door. The trees between home Te Awamutu and Cambridge are starting to change, glorious colours. Resisting putting heat on at night but not sure for how much longer.Have been up to Northland and stayed at Kerikeri. Like Summer there last week. All looking fresh and green.I am stitching and knitting. Have so many projects I want to complete. Enjoy the rest of the week end. Kind regards Shirley

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

A long awaited spring is just arriving in the states. Sometimes it is difficult for me to choose which season I like best, spring or fall.

Annette-California said...

Beautiful photos and what a lovely visit you had. I loved hearing about the trips to see the cyclamen flowers with you mom too. wow your fall is arriving and our summer approaching. love Annette

Vickie said...

Thank you for sharing the beauty with us Lee. I hope to enjoy a warm day today too!

cucki said...

very pretty pictures...
lots of love for you x

Anne said...

Hello

Thank you for visiting my blog and becoming a follower. I am following you too.
Beautiful photos and I love the little cyclamen.
Your stitching is beautiful.
Bye.