Life and death

I left home at about 0800 to drive to Hartlepool and Spion Kop cemetery.
I was alerted to the pyramidal orchids growing there by Caroline Jay.

The cemetery is now a nature reserve and known for both the pyramidal orchids and the bloody cranesbill that grow freely here. There is a snail known as the chrysalis snail, but I did not find any.  Skylarks love it here too (see second extra)

I was in seventh heaven. There was so much to see and to photograph.

It was not deserted because local dog walkers like to come through and down to the beach. I wanted to issue poo bags...........

I had some pleasant chats. One man was there looking for the orchids and I was able to show him. Later, he told me where to look for some unusual plants.

I was home by 1330 and in time for a quick shower before going to Diane's garden on the Stanegate. It was open for the National Gardens scheme. The heavens opened, but the rain was short-lived.

There were lots of walkers there. Kay was on the plant stall. Eric is still waiting for his pacemaker (but it will be inserted tomorrow).

Home to watch the tense game between Emma Radecanu and Lulu Sun. The latter was much the better player on the day and deserved to win.

Phew. It's been quite a day as part of my non-holiday. I have more plans for the week.