No 11
  • Home
  • About Robyn Kilty
  • Visitor Info & Contact Us
  • Cottage & Garden
  • Blog

24/7/2021

Winter walks

7 Comments

Read Now
 
 Winter is the best time of all to get out and walk - an escape from the four walls and that dozy interior phug, away from the fireside and heaters  .  Go out amongst the mist, the frost, and those dripping bare trees.  Feel the sharp cold on your cheeks, the wind at your back and slosh through puddles, even a bit of a shiver, awakens you from that winter apathy.  Experience the elements and nature and you will feel alive again!
Picture
The beauty of a damp misty morning in the Botanic Gardens in July
In Christchurch we don't know how lucky we are to have Hagley Park and Botanic Gardens so close to the centre of the city.  Our Victorian early settlers during the 19th century, brought with them english garden values to their new far flung home at the bottom of the world.  They had become aware of the importance of gardens, parkland, and open common land for the people, to the cities, and suburbs of England, to offset unhealthy, dreary industrial areas.  Clapham Common, Streathem Common and Hampstead Heath in London, to name just a few.    Every time I walk in Hagley Park I think of those english parks and commons, and thank those hardy 19thC. english settlers for their far seeing vision in allocating the central open spaces of Hagley Park so reminiscent of their homeland,  to our city for our people.    
Picture
By the time we have pulled those woolly hats down over our ears, drawn jackets closer around us to keep out the cold, and negotiated chilly wet pathways for a good hour or so, we are more than ready for the warmth and chat of the iconic Boatshed cafe, not to mention their consistently good hot coffee.
Picture
We have the Port Hills behind us, Hagley Park in the centre of the city, beaches to the east of us and the rib of the Southern Alps to the west,  beckoning to us from their snowy tops.  How many cities in the world can have such diverse environs? 
​And I am lucky to have my group of walking friends to meet at 9am either at the Park or up the hill, because it is that which motivates me in the dark of mid winter to get out of bed and get out amongst the elements.  Without them I know that I would still be tucked up in my warm bed, missing the drama of winter mornings.   
Picture
To see the mists rising from the river and the shafts of sunlight piercing the treetops on a winters morning, is something I wouldn't want to miss - not to mention those early pale winter daffodils that dare to brave the winter frosts
Picture
And what drama it is, to experience the mists rising from the river, the shafts of early morning light through the trees and the crunchy white frosts on the grass.
Picture Around we go, past the Heritage Rose Garden, the roses so bare and twiggy in winter and perennials tall and frosted brown. Their colour might have gone but their height and structure still adds interest to a winter palate. Noticing and feeling the frost on the ground, before we go on through the daffodil woodland, so still and silent in the depths of winter with not a bright yellow daffodil to be seen.

​NEXT TIME - UP THE HILL AND AWAY FROM THE DAMP MISTY CITY - UP TO THE CLEAR BLUE SKIES AND UPLIFTING VIEWS TO BE SEEN FROM 'UP THERE' 

Share

7 Comments
Ruth link
31/7/2021 07:43:13 am

When I was out walking last Thursday I saw you pruning roses in Beverly Park, but didn't interrupt as you were busy talking with one of the team.

Reply
Tiffany
31/7/2021 05:57:24 pm

Thanks for all the reminders of how special Hagley park is especially in winter. Lovely photos

Reply
tish
1/8/2021 03:16:06 am

It looks so very magical, thank you.

Reply
Tiffany Thornley
2/8/2021 03:59:19 pm

Thanks Tiffany - great to hear from you. Are you feeling the pressure this week - just another week to go!!

Reply
Barbara
1/8/2021 04:03:41 pm

Oh, Robyn
Great photos and I am pleased you enjoy your walks in a winter wonderland. Can’t say I am so energetic in the cold months

Reply
Penny Zino link
1/8/2021 04:07:03 pm

Love that Robyn and all so true, winter is one of the best times, Ikebana time! It is true you feel so much better after a good walk!

Reply
Julia Atkinson-Dunn
2/8/2021 11:43:02 am

Such beautiful words as always Robyn. You have really inspired me to get out of bed and outside much earlier than I have been! xoxoxo

Reply



Leave a Reply.

Details

    Author

    I AM A GARDENER, GARDEN WRITER AND ARTIST.   AFTER SEVERAL YEARS WRITING REGULARLY AS A COLUMNIST I HAVE MISSED WRITING ABOUT MY GARDEN, OTHER GARDENS AND GARDENS IN GENERAL FOR THE GARDEN PAGES OF THE PRESS SO HAVE RESOLVED TO SET UP MY OWN BLOG AND WEBSITE.
    ​
     IN THIS WAY  I CAN DISCUSS WHAT IS HAPPENING IN MY GARDEN AND IN OTHERS AS THE SEASONS TURN.  I STILL DO GO RUSHING INTO THE GARDEN TO TAKE PHOTOS OF SOMETHING  WHEN THE LIGHT IS RIGHT OR SOMETHING LOOKS PARTICULARLY DELECTABLE, BUT ITS NOT THE SAME WHEN THE PHOTOS DO NOT GET 'OUT THERE'.  HOWEVER WITH MY OWN BLOG, THE PHOTOS AND ACCOMPANYING STORY CAN AGAIN BE SEEN BY THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED.  

    Archives

    March 2022
    February 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    October 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019
    September 2018
    June 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • About Robyn Kilty
  • Visitor Info & Contact Us
  • Cottage & Garden
  • Blog