Smoke Tree

A week of irritating scenarios - firstly the boiler decided to lock out leaving us slightly chilly in this cold snap but which is now mended and numerous light bulbs in hard to reach sockets gave up the ghost. No idea where the house phone is - that is the trouble with people walking round the house with a mobile. The oven light blew so I had to use a torch and now my car, having lost it's umph yesterday, is now showing the yellow engine warning light having only just had the most expensive service ever! There is no justice!

Off to Yorkshire for a family gathering so went on a quick garden safari. No bugs but loads of leaves!

The Cotinus coggygria or more commonly known as the 'smoke tree' is a joy in the summer and autumn months. A bush of high impact - it is an eight foot high dome of purply round leaves and now turning into exquisit oranges, yellows, reds and smokey grey. It gets it's name from the frothy pink bloom clusters which from a distance resemble smoke.