In our house the daily routine is punctuated by our morning dog walks. Fortunately, we live in a wonderful part of North West England that have major cities like Liverpool and Manchester not that far away. We can also enjoy walking the walls around the City of Chester.
Setting off with Willow, who was a street dog from Bosnia, we walk into the nearby woodland and instantly my eyes are drawn to the flowering Honesty, proudly standing out amongst the weeds, ferns and carpet of ivy. I remember seeing this plant here before and how amazing the wonderful circular seed pods were. What I didn't know is that Honesty is actually part of the mustard and cabbage family. I guess the seeds must have been dropped by a passing bird some time ago.
I let Willow off the lead and she eagerly runs ahead, knowing the route we take, and she is into the main pathway we take into the woodland. Fallen trees can be seen in various parts. Many have happened over the last few years caused by the various named storms we have had.
As we walk deeper into the woodland, the carpet of fallen leaves from the previous winter are now well broken down. The weather is finally becoming drier and the brown woodland carpet has become soft and almost springy under foot. Its a great place to come with a dog, I say to myself. The trees are in their first flush of new lime green coloured leaves.
A small opening between the trees and we come across a 'Herd' of bluebells... well that's what I am calling them. Its a burst of colour and many British people find inspiration from them, including the likes of Oscar Wilde, Emily & Anne Bronte. So I am in good company as I imagine this herd of bluebells roaming around the woodland at night and like statues now standing still amongst the trees as I pass by.
The path now leads me to higher ground and out into the sunshine. As we are not far from the sea, the land is covered with gorse bushes. The flowers are a vibrant yellow and in their first flush of new growth. In a few months these thorny bushes will all be a blaze of colour as the warmer weather encourages the summer growth. We collect the flowers to infuse in oil as part of our natural soap making process, as the flowers have properties that may help the signs of ageing and help the skin with firming and tightening effects. Well if the soap doesn't make me look 10 years younger, the tropical coconut smell that the flowers give off and the walks I can enjoy here will all go to making me feel much better to face the day.
Well I can see my four legged friend is giving me the eye that its time for her breakfast.
Thanks for joining me on my ramblings and I hope you'll come again some time.
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