Sunday was the opening day of the new season for visiting the Gardens at East Ruston Old Vicarage:
Although the previous and following days were bright and sunny, this afternoon was overcast with mostly a dull grey sky with just the occasional hint of sun showing through. Many of the photos I took I binned as they looked so awful due to the dull sky. So I tended to look for detail for the photographs.
The above flower, a chivea, was in the greenhouse situated to the south of the tea rooms. I caught it in one of the few moments when the sun broke through the clouds, hence some of the dappled light on the plant.
I like to take photos inside this greenhouse – it has an old-world kind of feel to it, so I often present the photograph in Black and White or I sometimes tint it. Here I have applied, what I call, a ‘copper wash’ effect.
I like the range of tones this gives. In addition, you can see the chivea in the middle standing on the floor.
Outside there were some new views – this looks through some ornate gates attached to well built brick pillars:
Although it is difficult to see in this size image, there is a church tower showing just above the horizon to the left of the centre of the gates (I moved slightly to the left so the church tower is seen – it is dead centre to the gates). All the views in the garden end on something – churches or lighthouses for the distance; urns, statues etc. for the views within the garden. All this is cleverly thought out.
Finally, I am showing a photo of the tortoise:
Although it looks like it, I did not get in the pen. I held the camera over the short fence, lined it up and took the photo. I am using a moderate telephoto lens so I am not close to the animal.
It was a worthwhile trip. It was interesting to see the garden at the start of the season, the work that has been done and that still to come.
The full set of photos taken on this day can be seen in the gallery.