Llanthony Priory

Paula over at Lost in Translation runs a weekly Black and White Sunday challenge. I have been intending to write some posts about the castles and priories I have visited in Wales, but like other posts, I haven’t quite got around to them yet. But when I saw this week’s theme I thought about the ruins I have photographed and which, to me anyway, always convey that moody atmosphere which clings to ancient buildings. You can almost hear the chanting of the monks, the slap of leather sandals on Welsh slate floors, the swish of robes through the Cloister and the murmur of voices in the Chapter House where the ‘Black Canons’ assembled each morning.

moody

And of course the background of the Welsh hills and the glowering clouds in a wet January only serve to enhance the mood.

Christmas Glow

From Thursday 3 December until Sunday 3 January RHS Wisley added to the enjoyment of the festive season with the Jigantics light installations in the shape of magical, giant lit-up flowers.

Of course you have to wait until dusk before the show really begins.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Snowdrops at the entrance

snowdrops

snowdrops

Tulips along the canal and loggia

Lotus flowers changing colour

Lilies near the food hall

Gerberas on the lawn

and more lovely lights in the garden

If you enjoy a walk, long or short, then have a look at Jo’s site where you are welcome to join in.

And I guess this could also be a post for my January challenge: Winter Gardens!

garden photography: orange peel

For those of you who have popped in to see the usual Sunday bench challenge, I’m sorry to say it has finished. I know I could have continued for longer, but it is a new year so how about a new challenge? This year I am running a challenge on my Garden / Flower blog but it is not just for the gardeners amongst you as the monthly themes are quite broad. It has more to do with focusing on what is around you and maybe seeing things in a different way. I hope you will join in – as with the benches I will post every Sunday and the theme will change every month. So get those cameras out and start clicking!

ta-da!

Some benches didn’t make the ‘Director’s Cut‘ so here are the ones that were short-listed. Will any of you ever walk past a bench again without thinking “Oh, look, a bench for Jude!

January: In the Garden

2010-04-17 088
RHS Wisley – under the magnolia

February: Benches processed in Black and White

ram in canberra
Ram in Canberra, Australia

March: Wooden Benches

DSCF6838
Natural wooden seats

April: Benches with a View

Keswick
Castlehead summit overlooking Derwentwater, nr Keswick, Lake District

May: At the Beach

chesil beach
Couple admiring Lyme Bay, overlooking Chesil Beach, Dorset

June: Art Effects (some post-processing to any bench – use your imagination!)

powis terraces
Benches in the terraces at Powis Castle, Wales

July: Unusual details

Animal arm
Original wrought-iron bench

August: Colourful Benches

manly point (2)
Blue benches at Manly Point with Sydney in the distance

September: Metal Benches

Gazebos
Bench in the Gazebo at Hidcote Garden, Cotswolds

October: People/things on Benches

Kiftsgate
Looking over the Black Pool, Kiftsgate Garden, Cotswolds

November: Messages / Plaques OR  Autumn

DSCN5459
RHS Wisley

December: anything you like!!

P1290038
Snowy Haslemere benches, Surrey

And if you are up for another challenge then pop over to my Garden Blog where something different is happening in 2016.