Ipsden altar frontal: Japanese Anemone
As we near the end of our time in the vicarage life is getting more like bedlam – not so much physically as psychologically. I don’t enjoy change and the process of trying to find a house/flat to rent is my most unfavourite activity. Unfairly, even cruelly, I hand this task of searching over to the vicar but reserve the right of final veto. We made our first visit to prospective properties on Thursday, thought we had found somewhere ideal, offered the asking price and settled details of the offer with the estate agent. The landlord took his time getting back to the estate agent, being ‘in a meeting’ (twice) and then saying he needed to go home and ‘talk to his other half’. We were braced for a refusal when it came, though shared the surprise of the estate agent that the property had suddenly become a short let…
So, thank goodness for the soothing therapy of hand embroidery.
Clare Leighton’s Japanese Anemone (from Four Hedges, Little Toller books, 2010)
Here is a Japanese Anemone just like the ones that flourish in the raised bed outside our living room window. Leaves and stems have shot up recently but sadly we will not be here to see them flower this year. (Let’s not think about it). True to form this plant was difficult to establish but now shows every sign of taking over the entire bed. Others planted on the other side of the garden which are in even greater shade from the line of (listed) beech trees are less vigorous which is a pity because it would have been lovely if they had become rampant just there where little else seems to grow.
Ipsden altar frontal: Japanese Anemone
Japanese Anemone is a bit of a misnomer for these plants were originally native in China. But the Japanese embraced them, finding their stature and flowers ravishing grown against rocks and in the shade under trees. Plant hunter, Robert Fortune (1812-80), came upon them amongst tombstones in a Shanghai graveyard and brought them to Europe. The one I have embroidered is Honorine Jobert, the now popular hybrid of a C19th French nurseryman, called Jobert who named the plant after his daughter Honorine. Sarah Raven says she loves them on her website, which is great because I do too.
9 Comments
Truly a daunting task for you both searching for a suitable place to live. Landlords seem to have it all their own way it seems. I am sure a very special home will be in the workings for you where you can settle down and fluff your feathers again.
Not an easy time with the garden looking so beautiful… your embroidery is your solace for these days and how beautiful your stitches are… with the very best of wishes from Over Here – Lydia
Fingers crossed, we are ever hopeful that we will find somewhere, Lydia.
Of course we don’t know what might have been happening in the landlord’s life, but at the very least he’s guilty of discourtesy. I do hope you have more success next time!
Very charitable of you Rachel. We have learnt a bit more about the landlord in question and nice as the house was (although not without faults) we may well be better looking for somewhere else.
Perhaps a blessing in disguise that the flat rental fell through. A stressful time and good that you are able to absorb yourself in stitching. I hope the Altar front will be finished before you leave X
Yes, life has been ‘abundant in agitation’ here recently (to quote from the Italian film we saw recently). Fortunately the vicar is vey calm and undaunted, ploughs on with the search.
I think the altar frontal may not be finished by the time we leave but I am determined to finish it this summer.
Dear Mary, I’ve so enjoyed reading your blog, and your embroidery projects are beautiful.
After a little sleuthing, I wonder if you and I may be old friends from a previous life – if so, then it would be lovely to re-connect: my maiden name was Haddon, and I’m a Brincliffe Old Girl – hopefully that information will be enough for you to identify me, if I’m correct – if this is all gobbledygook, then I apologise!!
I do so hope your house-hunting proves fruitful – good luck, and best wishes – Sally x
Goodness, yes Sally, of course I remember you. How wonderful. We are just off out but when I get back I will email you and we can exchange updates on our lives without boring any body else – not that I’m implying your life is boring, you understand. How exciting!
Lovely – looking forward to it! xx