Bartimaeus

We had an outdoor day planned in the sunshine. As we walked to the next stop of the day we deviated into the Grange cemetery. We aren't obsessed with tombs but it is quieter than the road. At university we will all have gone to James Thins bookshop. His gravestone is here but slightly hard to find so we went straight through. 

We went to see Robin Cook's grave as I knew where to look. It is a quiet unassuming stone. Nearby was one with a lot of new flowers but the death had been many years ago. It was a baby's grave, perhaps one of twins, and the birth day was in September, so it is likely they are remembered on the birthday and get fresh flowers then. It was interesting seeing the different grave styles and the mature trees made it an attractive route.

Before we reached the next destination, which was quite a walk. Margaret mentioned a coffee stop. We just happened to be near one that I thought would be good. Kate's did not disappoint. 

Delightful scones and pretty table decorations were appreciated. I am often keen to try homemade lemonades then find it doesn't live up to expectations, but this one was delicious and they had several flavours on offer. Even the toilets were a colourful talking point.

On the way out Marion suggested an explore up an alleyway where we found a delightful little court, only seen if you head up the dead end street and I have never ventured there.

Margaret and I had recommended Dr Neil's Garden and Marion was keen to see it, but this time Marion had shown us something we hadn't seen before. Looking down an alley is a worthwhile habit.

We continued to the path that goes around Arthur's Seat. We got cracking views looking up or down.

We went sideways across a much improved path that joined steps to Duddingston village. At the bottom we took another cute little lane as a more attractive route. 

Margaret and I had been talking about Duddingston Kirk, dating from the 1100s and how it wasn't often open. We had a tour around the churchyard and I again checked out the monument with a shipwreck. Unfortunately the writing on it is too worn to read, but I have since found that Captain John Haldane was on a ship, Nancy, returning from India when it was wrecked in a storm, on rocks off the Scilly isles, with the loss of all on board.

We rounded the corner and saw a sign saying the church was open. We had a peep. It is a small building but with a long history and a warm welcome.

Some food had been left by the altar. The next Sunday would be a harvest festival and the food would be collected and given to a local "fair share". One of the former ministers was also a talented painter.

On the way out we saw an advertisement for a touring tapestry. We couldn't see it this visit but I might catch it later in the year. We also saw a calendar for arranging the church flowers.

We were off to the gardens to see flowers ourselves. On advice from Margaret we went to Jock Tamson's garden. 

It is a long time since I have been, but it must have been a bare time of year, as it was transformed and full of flowers and produce. We saw people wheeling wheelbarrows full of large pear and trees laden with enormous apples. 

I recognised hops, tough surprised to see them here as I associate them more as an English crop but they seemed healthy here.

Just as healthy were many tall sunflowers, standing proud, way over our heads.

And just as proud and colourful was a cock pheasant, striding around the gardens.

We moved on to the cafe by the Dr Neil's Garden (there were in fact two Dr Neils, a husband and wife who were both doctors) which was another place we were delighted to see open. Great cakes and lovely teasets as well as a light lunch (leaving space for the cakes) and very friendly service.

The garden had its usual attractions of winding paths, surprises in different areas and many different spots to sit but in fact the other garden we had just visited had more flowers.

However it did have an exhibition of crafts and jewellery in Thompson's Tower. A few artists were involved using different styles. Some used natural products and some more traditional precious metals and polished stones.

They had some of the ring makers' tools on display, perhaps one could order a bespoke piece and they would measure you there.

We were listening out for birds but the breeze meant our apps didn't find too many. We did get a close look at two hen pheasants. They seemed very used to people and not very shy.

There were lots of cyclamen and some flowers made of wood that were models of actual flowers we found later.

The next day we were still in the mood for trees and flowers and headed on foot  to the Botanics. There we found carpets of autumn crocuses and also a fungi trail. One looked like a flower.

We found a gardening section behind the giant hedge with herbal plants, lots of nasturtium, vegetables, fruit trees and more giant sunflowers.

There was a feminine scarecrow in this area, who took my place in the line up of happy quines. She had long straight hair and coordinated better with their outfits than I did.

We covered the ground pretty comprehensively, taking in the cafe, the Chinese area, a knot garden and most things in between. The recently opened glass house was fully booked but we were enjoying the sun.

We headed towards the exit and found almost square berries which surprised me. Berries and fruits can be cubed by pressure around them, but this seemed a natural shape. 

We finished with the Alpine, rockery section from where we made our way out, bumping into my old colleague John Riley on the way. He may yet meet me at the canal some day. We had to hurry away today though as we had a date with the museum as it was clouding over and the weather promised late afternoon rain, so we were done with the trees and flowers outdoors and catching a bus back into town.