Greetings everyone and a warm welcome to my new subscribers this month, our first month of Autumn.
The Autumnal weather made itself known within the first week of the month, perfectly described below by Charles Dickens in Great Expectations in 1860.
'It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and wind blows cold: when it is Summer in the Light, and Winter in the shade.'
Charles Dickens never visited Australia, let alone Melbourne in March, but he had a strong interest in our early penal system and convict reform, and he encouraged two of his ten sons to emigrate here.
Autumn is the harvest season and in my garden it was exciting to see the rugosa roses set hips for the first time (pictured above).
The word ‘harvest’ comes from the Old English word hærfest meaning ‘autumn’, aptly the season for gathering the food of the land.
'Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.' – Albert Einstein
My beautiful climbing rose, Compassion, has been flowering this month. Still getting established and learning how to climb, I have great expectations for this rose as I am told it is one of the best climbing roses in all climates.
Compassion was bred in the UK by Jack L. Harkness before 1972 and is also known as Belle de Londres ( beauty of London). It has strongly fragrant perfectly formed hybrid tea blooms of salmon pink shaded apricot orange.
I wait with bated breath for it to take off.
The Rose Society of Victoria is delighted to announce that they will be holding a one day Autumn Rose Show on Saturday 9th April, 2022 at the new venue of the Mount Waverley Bowling Club, Corner Alvie Road and Wadham Parade, Mount Waverley.
The show will be open to the public from 11am - 4.30pm.
There will be a rose championship, displays of roses from our three Rose Gardens of Excellence, exciting raffles, roses for sale courtesy Wild Rose Nursery, rose experts on hand to answer all your rose related questions and of course, Elisabeth's ever popular refreshments.
It is sure to be a pleasant day out!
Billilla Historic Mansion and Gardens
It feels just like old times having a garden visit to report on. I have recently discovered the Art Nouveau Billilla Mansion in Brighton and its formal garden.
Billilla Mansion and Gardens at 26 Halifax Street, Brighton is a special piece of history preserved for future generations.
The mansion is a single story rendered brick building dominated by a three storey tower. It was originally constructed in 1878, but was comprehensively altered in 1907 with the addition of stunning Art Nouveau detailing and a ring of new rooms.
The mansion is currently not open to the public, but the gardens are.
The garden has retained much of its original layout, with two entrance points lined by a gravel driveway.
The garden is an example of a late nineteenth century style garden and retains several mature trees including a Canary Island Pine, recorded on the National Trust (Victoria) Register of Significant Trees.
There is a rose display garden (pictured below) and quite a few were in bloom on the day I visited.
Also a delightful surprise in the garden is a metal dome covered in an intricately woven climbing rose.
This month the writing and publishing world was shocked and saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of Blaise van Hecke, beloved mentor to emerging writers, author, and co-founder of Busybird Publishing. Blaise inspired and enriched the lives of so many people, and she was my friend, the most positive person I have ever met. I owe
becoming a writer, and so much more, to Blaise’s encouragement, support, and belief in me.
Deepest condolences to all her family and friends. Blaise will be sorely missed. This beautiful video filmed by Blaise's husband, Kev Howlett, shows the very essence of Blaise, and her love of writing
and helping people.
As you can see, Blaise loved being out in Nature, and she loved trees.
I dedicate these paintings of trees by famous Australian artists to Blaise’s memory. We are all better people for having known her.
The Western MacDonnell Ranges, Central Australia - Albert Namatjira 1957
On the Edge of the Bush - Hans Heysen
A Queen of Gums - Tom Roberts 1926
Above Us The Great Grave Sky - Arthur Streeton 1890
The Letter - Frederick McCubbin 1884
A Cool Corner - Clara Southern 1918
Obstruction, Box Hill - Jane Sutherland 1887
Until next time,
Love and roses,
Michelle
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My Novel: Rose Garden Reverie
A story of transformation set in a rose garden with rose care tips throughout the seasons.
The soft cover book is 110 pages long and costs $20 (Australian Dollars) per copy via the button below with free shipping worldwide.
Also available from online book sellers.
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May the beauty of nature inspire you everyday
Michelle Endersby Art
www.michelleendersbyart.com
phone: 0400 473 173
[email protected]
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