It's foxglove time here in Lakeland and Beatrix Potter, who lived in the area, added these tall pink flowers to several of her illustrations. Here is an example from 'The Tale of Jemima Puddle-duck'.
..... 'Jemima searched for a convenient dry nesting place. She rather fancied a tree-stump amongst some tall foxgloves'..... (Sounds idyllic doesn't it).
Foxgloves above Tarn Hows. This lovely place was one of the many Lakeland 'beauty spots' bought by Beatrix Potter to save them from destruction by developers. It is now owned and cared for by the National Trust.
The narrow lanes round here are all edged by foxgloves so tall and heavy-headed they almost topple over.
This is Brantwood, the home of John Ruskin until his death in 1900. With magnificent views over Coniston Water and the mountains beyond it is open to the public and there is a vast selection of Ruskin's work on display.
Just look at the view Ruskin got from his upstairs windows. Across the lake is the village of Coniston and the mountain that watches over the village has the splendid name 'The Old Man of Coniston'.
Close to Brantwood, and taking shelter from the wooded hill behind, is this pretty stone cottage which is typical of those found around the area.
Once you have looked round Ruskin's house you are free to explore the garden he created. On the edge of the garden, next to the car park, are some enormous rhododendrons. Just look at the height of this one!
As it was such a hot day I walked along the lake shore.
But all too soon it was time to return home. On the way back we passed the lovely Yew Tree Farm which was once owned by Beatrix Potter. It was used in the recent 'Miss Potter' film as the location for Hill Top her Lakeland home. Yew Tree Farm is now owned by the National Trust and remains a working farm. The traditional tea room in the house was first opened to visitors in 1933 and is the perfect place to enjoy light refreshments on a hot day.
I'm ending this post with more foxgloves. When I was a child my granny always treated me to a glass of lemonade and chocolate biscuits on this pretty plate with a pink foxglove design. It was part of an art deco set dating from 1930 but sadly only plates and saucers remain. They are now in my safe hands!
Time for some light refreshments I think.
Until next time,
Eli
Eli, I enjoyed the tour immensely-such beauty! And the plate, what a treasure. I have never seen one like it!
Posted by: Suzanne | 10 July 2009 at 01:46 PM
Yes thanks for the pictures. I love England and Beatrice Potter. The stone cottages are so cozy looking. Linda
Posted by: Linda | 10 July 2009 at 05:29 PM
Dear Eli,
Thank you so much for sharing with us how beautiful the Lake District really is~I love John Ruskin, and to see his home was quite thrilling. And the stone cottage, and the rhododendron, and the lake, and the plate with chocolate biscuits. . . !
Love,
Marqueta
Posted by: Marqueta | 10 July 2009 at 06:19 PM
LOVE your pictures!! You live in a fairy wonderland!! I adore Foxgloves but it is too hot here for them. thanks for the lovely tour!!
Posted by: Miss julep | 10 July 2009 at 09:06 PM
Oh I loved this post...pure escapism, thank you. xx
Posted by: Tina | 10 July 2009 at 10:14 PM
Hi Eli
Thanks for the tour. How lucky you are to live in such a beautiful area I am so glad you showed the picture of Yew Tree Farm becasue when I saw the movie Miss Potter because I was confused. We'd been to Hill Top and I didn't remember it looking like the house in the movie. I love chocolate covered disgestive cookies and only just recently found out there is a place here that sells them and I just bought a package today. They are so good with a cup of tea!
I loved looking at all the pictures today.
Hugs, Rhondi
Posted by: Rhondi | 13 July 2009 at 02:38 AM
Dear Eli,
Thank you so much for sharing the beautiful part of England you live in! I love foxgloves, and planted one in the late spring. Unfortunately I planted it where it received entirely too much sun. It bloomed beautifully before the heat set in, and thankfully we saved a lot of seeds before it died, so I will plant more in a shady spot!
The foxgloves there are simply amazing! I love the Beatrix Potter illustration you shared. I am so thankful that Beatrix Potter bought up so much land to protect it from developers and that it is safely in the care of the National Trust. There is so much beauty there, it is wonderful to see it so untouched!
John Ruskin's home is stunning! The view from his upstairs is incredible. It looks like a wonderful place to tour. The lake and the Yew Tree Farm are just lovely. It is so picturesque! I enjoyed the photos so very much!!!
Oh, those dishes of your grandmother's are so beautiful. I am glad you have the remaining ones. I know how you treasure them. The chocolate biscuits and lemonade look so yummy!
Love,
Paula
Posted by: Paula | 14 July 2009 at 07:47 PM
We had a lovely visit to Beatrix Potter's house when we were uo in the lakes and the scenery is just breathtaking!
Posted by: Esther Bultitude | 15 July 2009 at 02:46 PM
I love foxgloves! Thank you for sharing these pictures. I love your grandmother's plate. What a lovely treasure!
Love, Heather
Posted by: Heather | 16 July 2009 at 10:31 PM
What wonderful photos and a pretty blog! Coincidentally, I have a Ruskin quote at the top of my blog right now. Wonderful post!
Posted by: Helen | 21 July 2009 at 11:49 AM