Bartimaeus

The canals were built for transport and industry but the proximity to nature and the countryside makes for an attractive view much of the time. In this area the red sandstone has made the cuttings even more attractive. Some of the lock keepers keep their gardens particularly well, whitewashed walls with roses climbing is not unusual. We came across one just the other day with amazing sunflowers.

The houses often stick to the black and white colours of the locks, even though they are no longer inhabited by lock keepers. One we saw at Hyde Lock, near Kinver, had gone one better and made the gates to the cottage look like lock gates. They weren't just painted in the colour scheme but shaped and in a pair. We  managed to see them in both open and closed position without going up their garden path. The lock gates are considerably larger, but seen from the cottage they look about the same size. The paddle winding mechianism beside the cottage gate is actual size. 

Some of the old boats painted and restored lovingly, look lovely. Even the barge pole is brightly painted. All in their company colours, even if the name isn't all that pretty.

Such beauties are the exception rather than the rule, but when some make such efforts with traditional artistry or beautiful displays of flowers, I feel Bartimaeus is quite plain by comparison, but we have had a few people recently say "Your boat is beautiful", as they pass. I suppose it is down to the repaint that we are getting an increase in positive attention, and when you are aboard you can't see the fancy paintwork.

A man just the other day asked if he could photograph the dragon. Then he cycled over and showed us his dragon, on his phone - a black metal silhouette, which he explained was a fire pit, which he had made himself. We could claim no such credit, but we liked the idea of smoke and flames emitting from a dragon.

As we passed along the canal this week, walking and driving we saw a beautiful garden. One of the signs had a notice telling people "John's Garden" was open on Saturdays.

We decided we could moor near enough to visit. It was much more extensive than it looked and had many different styles. John was particularly fond of conifers and he had some in interesting shapes.

The flowers had been well watered and the grass near the planted areas benefitted and was greener than any we have seen for weeks. None of the displays were regimented but all very neat and labelled. There were some beds of chrysanthemums near the entrance with the varieties well displayed. They will look magnificent when they open, only a couple had flowers now but the gardener spoke to us and said they should be out in October.

The gardener greeted people as he walked through thanking visitors for coming. It made the work worthwhile to see people appreciate it. He also said he could hear people passing on the canal admiring it, as we had. 

Sculptures were scattered around too., metal and stone but were surrounded by the plants rather than being the centerpiece.

Even the statues looked like they were appreciating the space. The bespectacled swan is looking extra carefully. It looked like he was admiring his beautiful mate rather than the garden.

It was very sunny and we found that the damselflies by the water were in loving mood. There were several paired up, darting around and dipping into the water, conjoined.

More conventionally beautiful insects were out in force. There were many butterflies but they don't like posing either. Even the painted lady wouldn't show herself off.

The garden centre, which John owns, has a tearoom with an extensive menu and an attractive area to walk around, or sit, not just shopping, it isn't as beautiful as John's garden. They are advertising for a trainee gardener now. What a beautiful place to work.