Last of Summer

Wet and grey now but with a bit of luck sun ...the Ostrich plume Asters might still bloom (they're almost out)

The one and only

THE Livingstone daisy that appeared briefly in the Courtyard. (so many planted...so little sun)
- and no decent camera on hand  to take a photo. Aaah well.

 a Courtyard visitor...

Hopefully not the one and only as the aphids are numerous

Traverse Theatre : 50th Anniversary

 Culture Show : BBC 2 tonight 10pm - Edinburgh / Traverse Theatre.

The West Entry of James Court was home to the original, ground breaking Traverse Theatre.

Original site of the Traverse Theatre

Until late 1980's, the basement of number 13 still housed the theatre's tiny dressing room, complete with old style mirrors set with big lightbulbs all around the frame.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traverse_Theatre

The original door with the Traverse logo remained at number 15 until earlier this year, though the logo had been painted over by the resident sometime in the 80's.
The building had returned to residential property and was inhabited by various artists.
The impeccable blues singer / musician, Ronnie Tait eventually got fed up with the constant interruptions
to his sacred rehearsal time, from tourists who thought it was still a Theatre!

Blues man...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0315_3JI6_o


and the inimitable Jim Haynes....
http://www.jim-haynes.com/life/index.htm
( years 1962 - 1966)

http://www.unfinishedhistories.com/interviews/interviewees/jim-haynes/

http://www.aftereight.co.uk/meet_jim/

Latest from the Courtyard

Selection of herbs

"THE" cucumber

A late arrival

More to follow, hopefully

same flower, different shade

Poppy with an edge

Considering the lateness of planting, the pots at least have fared quite well - and hopefully a few more late blooms might appear. Random and wild is a good description of this years offerings - the highlights being the courgette flowers, the increased number of bees - and the unexpected gift (previous post).

There were disappointing fails - with rose bushes and the non appearance of flowers planted in the square of earth. The tree at it's centre casts too much shade. Learning curves!

The response has been heartening - all the positive feedback much appreciated.

With a bit more goodwill, a positive solution to unsightly refuse bins and the garbage that spills over into
 the courtyard might be found. We live in hope.

The courtyard doesn't get a lot of sun, so strategic planting is essential.

Filming beside a courtyard bin !

Happy Days

Euphoria is ...the Happy Cook coming to your kitchen, weaving her magic and producing the best delicacy... EVER! Courgette flowers from the Courtyard....Heaven on a plate.
With a Flamenco soundtrack, of course. Link for recipe below.

Precision and delicacy

A blog to follow  http://thecookishappy.blogspot.co.uk/

Courtyard flower update

Love surprises! 

The first of these Poppies has arrived at last

Prettiest Poppy so far this year?

Pretty on the inside too

Always a cheerful sight. It really is that shade of yellow

Bottons up! Bees love the Snapdragons

The most peculiar case of the Blackbird

Saughton Park during the heatwave.

Rugs laid out ready for a spot of sunbathing....

when a small ,still dark shape is seen in the distance...  

                             
                               is it dead?

                             
                                on closer inspection, apparently not....

                             
                               and it disappears into the bushes....

                             
                               we go back to watching daisies....

                                until...

                             
                                he preened

                             
                               and flapped

                                and looked

       
                                then did a kind of look and preen combo...

                               and looked again

                                back to the job of preening

                                and more looking...

                                another quick preen

                             
                               look, preen, look....(this is rivetting stuff...no?)

                             
                                look....

                                still looking....

                                reverse and look (different perspective, see)

                             
                                finally he gets to the grand finale

                                (or the grand fanning of tail)

                                and with that, he was gone ...without even a backward glance

Nonsense aside, this peculiar Blackbird behaviour is called "Sunning" - and here's a link :

http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/expert/previous/sunning.aspx

A grand detour to Saughton Park

 Located in beautiful grounds beside a stretch of the Water of Leith, is one of Edinburgh's true gems.

   The balance of natural and cultivated spaces is a glorious testament to the expertise
    of gardeners past and present

   Photos taken on one of the sunniest days of the year and can't possibly do justice to the plants and     gardens. If only one person is inspired to visit...job done!

    A small selection of the many varieties of  roses in the gardens

Entering by the Water of Leith, is to step into a tranquil woodland area.

The gardens sit within these beautiful old walls.

Topiary delights...

Selections from the Wild Garden, a haven for bees and butterflies....

Stunning walkways and majestic trees ....

Entrance to the sensory garden

A few more nooks and crannies

     Wren

That's all folks...now come and see for yourself.

p.s Just outside the gardens is a play park and a major Skate board / Cycle park