Month: November 2019

The Changing Seasons, November 2019

/ Su Leslie / 92 Comments
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Fern frond; slowly unfurling to release the seeds of new life. Image: Su Leslie 2019

I think if I had to find one word to describe myself at the moment, it would be introspective. Exhausted worrying about a world I have little power to influence, I’ve withdrawn to the personal, domestic space where my thoughts and actions can make a difference.

Harvest tomorrow. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Beetroot to roast soon. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Cucumbers soon. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Image: Su Leslie 2019
Sweet potato and blood orange salad with nasturtium. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Image: Su Leslie 2019
The rosemary is thriving. Image; Su Leslie 2019
My surviving kakabeak seedling. Su Leslie 2019
Fennel and apple salad with feta spread on sourdough. Image: Su Leslie
Almost ripe tomatoes. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Nasturtium. Image: Su Leslie 2019

I began the month in New Plymouth, visiting the gardens — both beautiful and functional — of the Taranaki Garden Festival and Sustainable Backyards Trail. I met people who grow their own food on tiny suburban plots, others who are creating off-grid lifestyles, and some of the professional gardeners whose job it is to care for the area’s stunning Regional Gardens — at Tupare, Pukeitiand Holland Gardens.

I came home energised, inspired and with my head as full of free-range, sustainably grown, nutrient-dense ideas as I’d hoped. The gardens deserve their own posts (I am working on them, honest), but there was a lot to enjoy just travelling to, and being in, Taranaki.

Crowd-sourced ideas to improve mental health. Billboards seen in New Plymouth. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Crowd-sourced ideas to improve mental health. Billboards seen in New Plymouth. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Crowd-sourced ideas to improve mental health. Billboards seen in New Plymouth. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Image: Su Leslie 2019
I got a bit carried away photographing Mt Taranaki; so often its summit is shrouded in cloud. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Len Lye Wind Wand, waterfront, New Plymouth. Image: Su Leslie 2019
I got a bit carried away photographing Mt Taranaki; so often its summit is shrouded in cloud. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Under-bridge art, New Plymouth. Image: Su Leslie 2019uth
I got a bit carried away photographing Mt Taranaki; so often its summit is shrouded in cloud. Image: Su Leslie 2019
I got a bit carried away photographing Mt Taranaki; so often its summit is shrouded in cloud. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Mirrored exterior, Len Lye Centre, New Plymouth. Image: Su Leslie
Mokau River. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Columbine, seen at Holland Gardens, Kaponga. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Black sand beach, Taranaki. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Tupare, New Plymouth, and the hydrangeas were beginning to flower. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Back in Auckland I haven’t strayed too far from home; venturing onto the (relatively) new ferry service from Hobsonville Point to the city one afternoon.

Hinaki/Guardian, sculpture by Virginia King sited on Hobsonville Point Wharf. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Hobsonville Point Wharf. Image; Su Leslie 2019
Ferry ride to town. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Leaving the harbour bridge behind. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Auckland Art Gallery. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Auckland Art Gallery. Image: Su Leslie 2019

And walking amongst the lupin-covered dunes at Muriwai Beach.

Following the creek. Regenerated dunes at Muriwai Beach. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Not a great day for swimming. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Following the creek. Regenerated dunes at Muriwai Beach. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Tree lupin (Lupinus arboreus), Muriwai Beach. Image: Su Leslie 2019
Ice plant (Carpobrotus edulis), Muriwai Beach. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Perhaps now that summer has arrived, I will feel more inclined to look outward.

About The Changing Seasons

The Changing Seasons is a monthly challenge where bloggers around the world share what’s been happening in their month.

If you would like to join in, here are the guidelines:

The Changing Seasons Version One (photographic):

  • Each month, post 5-20 photos in a gallery that you feel represent your month
  • Don’t use photos from your archive. Only new shots.
  • Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them

The Changing Seasons Version Two (you choose the format):

  • Each month, post a photo, recipe, painting, drawing, video, whatever that you feel says something about your month
  • Don’t use archive stuff. Only new material!
  • Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so others can find them.

If you do a ping-back to this post, I can update it with links to all of yours.

Update

Please visit these bloggers to see how November played out for them.

Tracy at Reflections of an Untidy Mind

Margaret at The Secret Diary of a Garden

Lani at Life, the Universe, and Lani

Ruth at Ruth’s Arc

A Wonderful Sheep

Jude at Life at the Edge

Little Pieces of Me

Marilyn at Serendipity Seeking Intelligent Life on Earth

Mick at Mick’s Cogs

Pauline at Living in Paradise

Ju-Lyn at All Things Bright and Beautiful

Tish at Writer on the Edge

Sarah at Art Expedition

Brian at Bushboys World

Joining us for the first time:

Dawn at A Shared Space

Darren at Arty Plantsman