Images of Landscapes and Wild Flowers

Brantwood sits on the eastern shores of Coniston Water and was the home to eminent the victorian John Ruskin from 1871 until his death in January 1900. Since 1951 the house has been held in trust and is open to the public displaying a collection of Ruskin's work as well as some of his collections of art, geology and furnishings. Ruskin spent many years designing the gardens around Brantwood and they too are open to the public and provide something of interest at any time of year.

One very pleasant way of arriving at Brantwood is across the water from Coniston Boating Centre, either on one of Coniston Launches or, on the restored Victorian Steam Yatch Gondola which is operated by the National Trust. (Follow the links for timetables). The pier and harbour were part of the alterations that Ruskin made in his time at Brantwood, though the current pier is not the original one that was installed by Ruskin.

SY Gondola

The path, lined with wild garlic, leads from the lake up to the garden and house.

Yellow Flag Iris

Monkshood and Clemitis

Clematis

Aquilegia or Columbine

Aqualegia

Hydrangea

Lily of the valley

In May, the walks around the gardens are adorned with Rhododendron and azalea.

Solomon's Seal

Bleeding Heart

Although the gardens are never strictly formal, as they spread out into the woodlands they become less formal and more natural. This is Bugle, a naturally shade loving plant.

Self seeded poppy.

The Meconopsis or blue Himalayan poppy are quite a feature in late May.

Later blogs will cover the flowers that I photographed later in the summer and into the autumn months....... Back soon!

Kandersteg is a part of the Jungfrau region, UNESCO World Heritage Site. www.Jungfraualetsch.ch

This is one of our favourite destinations in the Kandersteg area. From the cablecar station most people head towards Gemmi Pass, a magnificent walk, but there are other options. Others that we have tried several times include the winding walk of the Blumenweg, or flower walk that heads back down to Kandersteg, with lots of the local wild flowers labelled to assist the would be botanist. There is also a walk up onto the Gellihorn, not for the feint hearted, or those who do not particularly appreciate exposed paths. Although the views down to Kandersteg are sensational, it can feel a bit scary! From the Gellihorn there is a wonderful walk along the top of the Uschenegrat to the Schwarenbach Hotel (mentioned in an earlier blog about the Gemmi Pass). Another rather spectacular favourite of ours is up onto the Untertatelishorn at 2,500 metres or just over 8,000 ft. We have done this walk twice and never met a single soul. It is a summer walk, because the avalanches and chutes down from the Balmhorn last well into the late spring. It can be a dangerous route that is very vulnerable to avalanches if there is still snow and ice on the slopes above it (take advice, or check conditions). At the summit you will be rewarded with an amazing view, across to the summit of the Doldenhorn and down into the Gasterntaal, down the valley to Kandersteg, all around, incredible views.
And then sometimes, when we get out of the cablecar at Sunbuel, we just stay nearby. The Spittelmatte and Sunbuel offer some of the most beautiful wild flower meadows in the area. There is a circular walk of around four or five miles that takes in some fabulous views, visits the lakes of Arvenseeli and gives plenty of time to photograph and identify the flowers, or just to enjoy the delight of being there. Waking is great, but sometimes, just to sit and feel a part of the vast scenery that surrounds you, can be a very special feeling.

The flowers of Sunbuel

The view of The Doldenhorn (left) and The Tatelishorn (right).

Pennycress loves to grow amongst the rocks.

Oxlip on The Spittelmatte.

Trumpet Gentian

Pasque Flowers

Globe flowers with Altels forming a magnificent backdrop.

Looking south across the Spittelmatte. Arvenseeli is the area of trees to the bottom and right of the picture.

I'm not sure what it is about this picture. It isn't really of anything in particular, but on the other hand it also captures something of the essence of this side of the Spittelmatte, where it meets the Uschenegrat.