Dorset :: Autumn 2016

For one reason and another we weren't able to take our usual summer visit down to Dorset this year. As it was the very first time in twenty odd years that I've not made that long journey to visit my folks in the summer time, I found that I missed it enormously. So after some persuading (and maybe a weeny bit of emotional pressure) we decided that an Autumn jaunt would be just the thing to allow my sea-loving soul to reconnect with my home turf (or maybe that should be home surf).

We've been to Dorset in autumn a few times before, the last time being two years ago in 2014. In many ways it's a nicer, gentler experience than a summer visit, with far fewer people and a noticeably more mellow atmosphere. The main downside is the lower temperatures and shorter amounts of daylight, but as you can see from these photos, we were generally pretty blessed with the weather to say it was the end of October.

There were some really gorgeous, bright and breezy sunshiny days which we made the absolute most of. We headed straight to the sea and spent hours meandering around my beloved and familiar childhood stomping ground. Breathing in the fresh salty sea air and taking in the beautiful shades of watery blue. Strolling around the little harbour, out along the gusty pier, down onto the pebbly beach. Sitting in the gentle warmth of the sun sipping coffee, or munching on fish and chips whilst gazing at the horizon. I was definitely in my happy place on these occasions.

We also spent lots of precious time with my folks which was good - my Mum isn't in great health and truthfully I was shocked by how much she has visibly aged since I last saw her in the Spring. I wish our visits weren't so far apart, but they are what they are and I appreciate them very, very much when they happen.

We were in Dorset for four days in total, and it was such a lovely time for my little family. The Little People are now aged 6, 12 and 14 and the age gap between my two boys seems more apparent that it's ever been. The Teen is fiercely independent with a quiet, laid-back personality, whereas six year old Little B is a highly energetic rather attention-greedy child. These two extremes don't always exist peacefully together at home but at least when we are on holiday, life is a bit more relaxed and it seems easier and more harmonious somehow.

We spent most of our good weather hours out and about beside the sea, and the bad weather days cosied up by the fireside with my folks. But I had asked the family if we could visit the subtropical gardens at Abbotsbury so that I could (among other things) indulge my newly discovered Hydrangea fetish. We've visited these gardens many, many times over the years, but of course it's always been in spring and summer.

The Autumn version wasn't nearly as visually inspiring as I had hoped, which was a shame. I was expecting lots of glorious Autumn colour in the foliage, but in reality it was mostly decaying brown and soggy green. 

There were some lovely little autumny bits here and there if you sought them out, and I did try hard to focus on the small colourful details and not feel disappointed by what was lacking. 

There is a whole great long "Hydrangea Walk" at Abbotsbury gardens which I remembered well from previous visits. It's glorious in the summer (if a bit pastel-coloured), but I was keen to see how it looked in October and how much the colours of the flowers would have changed.

The colours were pretty and very varied, although I was surprised by how much paler they were compared to the blooms up here in Yorkshire right now which have a beautiful depth of colour and a rich, autumnal look to them.

I've learnt that the colours of hydrangea flowers will change depending on the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, so I'm guessing this might explain the difference between the Dorset and Yorkshire blooms? I....mmmm.......I really prefer the northern ones!

I was hoping to feel really fired up by these flowers, had anticipated a rush of colourful inspiration and creative feel good, much like I did the other week in my studio, but truthfully?? Not so much. 

But I do still have some dried hydrangea flowers laid out on my studio table which have led to plenty of faffing with my yarn pegs, so there is definitely something hydrangea-ish lurking in my Creative Mind. We shall see what transpires............

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

 

 

 

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Comments

[Jocelyn Alvey]

It has been a few years since I've followed your posts, I can't believe you have a teenager now! The last time I really remember reading, Little B was maybe 2 or 3! I don't remember how I even came across your posts, but I want to thank you for your colorful inspiration. I have really branched out on my color choices throughout the last few years after looking at all of your gorgeous and colorful yarny creations! I especially love the upcoming Moorland CAL. I think I'll order a pack for another crocheting friend of mine as well. Those colors really suit her! Thank yo for sharing bits of your life with all of us!

[Sarah]

I too missed seeing your annual summer trip down to Dorset. I'm glad you still found the sunshine and managed to spend some time with your Mum and Dad. The colour of the hydrangeas depends of the variety too, our neighbour has a much tone of pink that is still looking good. Most of the mobile caravans at Highlands End at Eype have hydrangeas planted in front of them and the colours up there have been beautiful. Sarah x

[Yarndrift]

I am so intrigued to know what you're going to come up with...super-excited for the new blanket design too! :)

[crafty mema]

another great walk
oxoxoxo crafty mema

[Angela-Southern USA]

Lovely to see that shoreline again, it's become familiar to me over the years visiting with you here in the attic. Well wishes to your mum. My hydrangeas barely bloomed this year due to the severe drought here but, I look forward to seeing the results of what you have percolating in that creative mind of yours. ; ))

[Elsie]

So glad your colorful vacation will result in new creations. We all benefit from your time relaxing!

[gmc]

You take the most beautiful photos. Such an eye for color! It looks so incredible where you are that I want to hop on a plane and visit! I just received my stylecraft yarn - the colors I chose were based on your original hydrangea post. I'm hoping to make a poncho similar to yours. Thanks so much for the inspiration!

[Margaret Simpson]

Glad you managed some time away to recharge your batteries, and of course to spend time with you Mum and Dad. 💕🇦🇺

[Sue Wild]

I know how lucky I am to live in Dorset, though further along the coast in Poole. Love Abbotsbury, it's a fabulous place. I like your colourful pics of hydrangeas, even the faded ones,

[Zozie]

Hey Lucy
Love seeing your blog- I love sea pictures, it's always a treat when we go
I also love hydrangeas. ..we have two types...one full of colour.
At my blog www.whimsyandcosy.wordpress.com I love to blog nature too.

[Charlotte.]

Your pictures cause me to miss the water. I too grew up around water and now live inland. Thanks for sharing your awesome pictures. Trying to follow someone else with a CAL. Having lots of difficulties. No one gives instruction like you.

[CJ]

Such a gorgeous part of the world, I'm glad you managed to fit in a visit in the end. It's nice to have a happy place to return to isn't it. Mine is in north Wales, somewhere I'd love to visit in autumn, although it would no doubt be chilly and a little damp. I would love it nonetheless. cJ xx

[Eleonora from coastal crochet]

I love an autumnal break and the quieter beaches make it perfect for a seaside stroll to blow the cob webs away. I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

[Susan]

The coast photos look lovely & I grew up not too far from the sea as a child & as I get older I need my seaside fix too. Glad the weather obliged. Hydrangeas can be a very fickle lot, changing colour, dependant on soil, rainfall & even the a amount of light they are receiving. I've both seen & had ones with different coloured heads of flowers & some that have changed colour after being one for a number of years, so they are intriguing. Look forward to seeing the inspiration come to fruition. Take care.

[Penny Tasker]

We can't grow them blue on our limestone soil. I inherited a ghastly pink mophead one but now want a frothy white, or a modern japanese variety. I DO love the blues though!

[Lacy]

The many photos of all the different hydrangeas is much appreciated. My one and only hydrangea bush had pretty deep blue/purple blooms this year. Unfortunately the bush is so old and hadn't been cared for before we moved here that it will have to be removed.

[tinke]

My hydrangeas had weeks of cold rain taking the pretty pastels into soggy browns. It happened not so many times past years but still it's a pity of warm autumn days turn in cold wet pre winterdays. No painting them this year. Hope you can "borrow" some more for inspiration. Good to go see your parents and you roots.

[Valerie Dumond]

Beautiful pics!! Thanks for sharing your adventures!!I always love to see your posts!

[Holly]

I am looking forward to seeing what you do with those hydrangeas still. It is so annoying when the weather doesn't comply - we haven't had quite the usual fall colours here in Canada either.

[Andrina]

Your hydrangea photos would make a wonderful calendar! I would love to be by the water; it's so soul-soothing.

[Ian Allen]

A beautiful part of the world. I was just down the coast at the end of October too, but didn't make it to West Bay this time

[Winwick Mum]

Lovely photos as usual, I particularly liked your shells! The acidity of the soil varies around the country so the hydrangeas tend to reflect that in the colour of their flowers - although just to make things awkward some varieties will remain one colour whatever the soil is like. Contrary plants, eh? Adds to their appeal, I say! xx