October 20th – And in the green heaven of Kings Hill Park, where clearly busy people tend the flowers unseen to me, a bright, colourful reminder that the beauty isn’t over yet.
Spotted with raindrops, battered by the wind, these planters are still absolutely gorgeous and remind me of why I love the outdoors and why I appreciate this town and it’s hidden, lovely spaces.
I’m BrownhillsBob, not DarloDave. But for a twist of fate, I could have been – and would have been proud to be so.
October 6th – For all my (uncharacteristic) shoe-gazing, there was brightness; in the nasturtiums growing from a pavement fissure near a cellar hatch; in the flowers of the River Gardens and it’s rather cheeky robin, and in the swans and their goose-pal napping where once rowing boats were hired.
The love-lock restriction amused, as you’d need a seriously large one to clamp on the Jubilee Bridge, and the cleverly named coffeeshop made me double take.
It was an afternoon as English as tuppence, really, and I did rather enjoy the self-indulgent introspection of it.
September 12th – Remember that traffic island planted with wildflowers I found in Tipton way back in the summer? I passed it again today in the sunshine and it’s still very, very beautiful.
Although the huge mass of flowers is gone now, there are still plenty of diverse, beautiful and understated blooms attracting bees and bugs. And it still gladdens the heart.
When people tell you we live in a dreary, ugly, industrial place, think of this, and smile.
September 5th – I was lucky in the morning, my early commute just clipped the edge of the forecast rain, and I didn’t get wet, but when I nipped out mid day on an errant to Wednesbury, I was caught in a downpour.
The flowers in Brunswick Park seemed to enjoy it though. I most do more on Brunswick, it’s another beautiful urban oasis that’s often unappreciated.
Can we have summer back, please? Thanks.
August 21st – A workday full of heavy meetings and considering answers to problems, so I took time out in the afternoon in my favourite contemplation spot – Kings Hill Park.
Nobody about with rain spotting lightly on the pavement and leaves, but the flowers were beautiful, the greens verdant and the place spotless.
I love this little urban oasis so much. And I managed to solve a couple of problems. Result!
August 3rd – It’s been a few weeks since I called at Telford, and was pleased to note the flowerbed at the station has now been replanted with late flowering plants and as ever, is a credit to those that look after it.
Resplendent in shades of red, white and blue the yellow flowers are curious and I’ve not seen them here before. Anyone know what they are?
A lovely bit of brightness on an otherwise dull day.
July 26th – In Stonnall itself, the village has been tidied and maintained this year I think for the Best Kept Village competition. There are some lovely touches, like this old bike turned into a planter and the wheelbarrow full of gorgeous flowers.
It’s a lovely thing to see. My compliments to the villagers working so hard. Everything looks splendid.
July 25th – On an unexpectedly sunny afternoon, travelling between Tipton and Darlaston at 3pm, this gem looked splendid indeed.
On the island at the bottom of Owen Street – Tipton’s High Street – just by Coronation Gardens, Sandwell Council planted the centre with wildflower seeds. This is the result.
It’s gorgeous, captivating and a joy to the heart. Thank you to whoever did this, it’s a real act of beauty.
The Black Country: It ay all chimmocks and grime these days…
July 22nd – The rain was insistent, but warm and pleasant, too. I took the long way home from the supermarket via Stonnall and enjoyed the cool, damp petrichor scented air, and it’s gilding effect on the flowers and foliage.
At Lower Stonnall, the willowherb, glistening with fresh crystal raindrops, was fascinating and beautiful.
June 19th – Last week I noted in passing that we were between flowering phases in Kings Hill Park. No sooner did I say that, then blog came the grounds maintenance crew and replanted all the beds and planters.
And as usual, they look thoroughly gorgeous.
My compliments to the people who work so hard here. You’re all stars.
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