decline and fall
Tom and I have been looking at the garden in the waning light of the late afternoon. He needs subjects to draw for an art project and I like to see what's happening. I am fascinated by the decay of leaves and plants and fruits and flowers, how their colours and textures change and how, for a short while, we have a glorious moment of decline before the fall. I love this strange, temporary beauty even though I know that the inevitable emptiness is to follow, and that I shall never get as excited about the bareness and denuded structure of the garden in winter.
Today I saw the garden looking dramatic with its yellows and oranges set against the bluish tinges of the sky at dusk.
And the blue of Tom's trainers.
And I realised that some of us are going in the opposite direction to the season and, far from declining and falling, they are increasing and flourishing; in the last year, Tom has grown 5"/12cm and gone up three sizes in shoes. And he looks set to grow all through this autumn and winter. So I think I'll look at him, rather than the garden, when I need confirmation that spring will come again.
What wonderful photos, such colour again. I love photographing the garden in winter. We have a flowering cherry in the front garden, not what I would call a high value tree as its blossom lasts such a short time, but in the autumn the leaves - which, when green, are insignificant compared with say an acer - look wonderful, with all shades of gold and russet.
Posted by: Margaret Powling | October 31, 2007 at 05:20 PM
I also love the moments when you can see the intangible life of summer turning to winter.
Beautiful.
Posted by: Sarah | October 31, 2007 at 05:49 PM
Are those yellow fruit loquats? They grow all over Santa Barbara, but I've never seen them anywhere else.
Posted by: Pamela | October 31, 2007 at 05:59 PM
Hi, I just wanted to tell how much I enjoy your blog and book. It's staring to be season of snow here in Finland and your creations keep us Finnish knitters warm and cheerful through the darkest months of the year!
Posted by: Sanna, Finland | October 31, 2007 at 06:52 PM
I so enjoy your blog. The photo's, your adventures, the knitting, and most of all the way you capture it all in your words. Thank you! Lacy in Oregon
Posted by: Lacy | October 31, 2007 at 07:54 PM
Twelve centimeters in a year!?! Do I really have this to look forward to (twice). Blimey.
And aren't the pyracanthas just dripping with berries this year. Seems all that rain was good for growth.
Posted by: Ali | October 31, 2007 at 09:07 PM
As well as the 'spring' in Tom's footsteps, don't forget that Spring is alive and roaring along in the Southern Hemisphere! In Melbourne the scent of Jasmine is in the air, and it's getting warmer every day... We are already into shorts and sandals, and picnics in the park! It's nice that we can mind Spring and Summer until they are ready to return North! (Take care of Autmn and Winter for us, eh?)
Posted by: Lou | October 31, 2007 at 10:41 PM
My four boys are all growing like weeds.... I can SEE them growing as I look at them. I'm shorter than the older 3, and I'm eyeball to eyeball (almost) with my 'baby'. They have feet the size of row boats. Amazing, isn't it?
Your book arrived from the UK yesterday. I've read the first chapter. I'm really enjoying it, though it was different to what I was subconsiously expecting. (I don't know what the expectation was.... but it's been a pleasure to explore your world.)
You have a discerning eye not only for the visual, but the written word as well. It's a pleasure to read about the topics you've covered so far when they've been explored with intelligence, humour and a fine eye for detail.
Perhaps that's the problem with the critics. They've looked at the pictures and haven't bothered with the text, especially the disclaimer at the start where you clearly state that you aren't planning to take over the world a cupcake at a time! Well done, and I look forward to further exploration of the pages. Thanks.
Posted by: Lisa G | October 31, 2007 at 10:50 PM
Lovely colors - I miss the colors of autumn living in the Middle East. I made myself a quilt to get that mood once a year.
I just measured my little man this week and discovered that he's grown 4" this year - that makes a total of 8" between the ages of 3 and 5! No wonder he eats so much!
Posted by: Jenyfer Matthews | November 01, 2007 at 06:43 AM
what lovely pictures :) autumn skies really are so peaceful.
Posted by: kat | November 01, 2007 at 08:41 AM
What a stunningly beautiful picture :)
Posted by: Stephalicious | November 01, 2007 at 10:58 AM
Trees maybe empty and stark in the winter - but it is the ideal time to stand back and really admire their architecture. Take yourself out to Kew gardens one bright January day and have a wander around the arboretum. It is a beautiful sight to see.
Posted by: Carol | November 01, 2007 at 05:32 PM
Ooo, I think decay is beautiful too. Yet transient, as you've stated. And the bare garden won't be the same in winter, but every season brings its own beauty.
Posted by: Era | November 01, 2007 at 07:49 PM
Hi Jane,
Just recieved my Persephone Biannually catolog yesterday. What a nice write-up on your book. Take care and keep blogging - Lacy (Oregon)
Posted by: Lacy | November 01, 2007 at 09:10 PM
You know, it was only today that I looked around my life and saw these four lives I had a part in creating and thought, wow.
That and DEAR GOD can they all stop talking for just ONE MINUTE.
Posted by: kim at allconsuming | November 02, 2007 at 12:29 PM
Thanks for your insights, just found and read your past posts. I find life such a wonderful experience. I have enjoyed reading about yours, and how you view your world. Your book sounds delightful I belive I will have to add it to my reading list. It isn't across the pond yet so will have acess it from the UK. So that will make me an international shopper for once :) Thanks again!
Posted by: Andylynne | November 06, 2007 at 06:24 PM