Whoever tends the garden in front of St Helen’s Church Office deserves an Abingdon in Bloom award for keeping such a variety of flowers blooming from spring until to autumn. Walking past there a few days ago there were what we think are Black Eyed Susan.
Evening Primroses
Michaelmas Daisies
and orange berries.
I told you! I bloomin’ told you! I’ve been telling you for months…all together now…..
…. it’s all because of illegal fishing in the Thames. Even the swans that disappear and reappear. And the fact my hair is thinning.
I think it is great to keep a place looking nice. I live on an ex council estate. in the 70’s council tenants used to keep the back roads clean outside their houses. Now people do not bother. Rubbish blown about stays there. People do not seem to want to keep where they live clean. Litter is accepted. The council do not clear vegetation as they do not have enough funds. Why do people not have any pride in where they live?
Years ago, when tower blocks were thought to be a better way of living than terraces, it was soon discovered that communal spaces (lifts, landings, staircases) belonged to everybody and were therefore nobody’s particular responsibility. So nobody kept them clear and clean, because nobody thought “That’s mine.”
I came across this wisdom forty years or so ago. We don’t seem to have learned. So nobody picks up litter, because it’s not “my” responsiblity. I have just come back from five days in France. Towns and countryside were practically litter-free.
Still, as Daniel wants us to remember, the flowers are lovely….
Now these are nice flowers, and my post is actually relevant. Keep up the good work gardeners of Abingdon, You brighten up the place.
I think the nicer the place looks the more chance there is people will look after it /pick up their litter etc. If the place looks a tip then people don’t care too much. So although Daniel jokes about the flowers, and I do find it amusing, they do serve a purpose, And the bees like them too !
Firstly, Mary, i truely do think the flowers look great!
My older friends of Abingdon remind me that years ago some of the “council estates” of Abingdon had the prettiest and most well kept gardens of the whole town. As well as local “best garden” competitions, also the “rent man” would be round every week collecting. If your house and garden wasnt well presented….you could lose your home!
Of course, now, we have direct debits. A technological breakthrough that has led to a better system for all. Or, so we are fed. What another great step forward. Oh, and the rent man is out of a job. That’s all worked out well then…..
Backstreeter, I think I’m going to leave this blog. While it is very informative, the comments sections need to be reviewed. This is an open forum for silly comments from people who I assume are grown up and should know better.
Daniel, you are an idiot! You really need to get out more.
So long, farewell.
Thanks for the photos, Backstreeter, and thanks of course to the gardener. Just a small point – we think the first photo is of rudbeckia.
And the last one a Pyracantha ?
Ok DM, I will stop posting. (if you know DM, please pass this on, as he won’t get to read this).
I have to agree with DM. I’m not going to leave as I enjoy the original postings and pictures and a lot of comments when they are on topic. It’s spoilt when the same few people just keep going off topic and regurgitating the same old waffle.
I for one enjoy reading Daniel’s, and indeed, all other comments. For goodness sake that is one of the rhings our forebears fought for…..freedom of speech!
DM, if you enjoy reading the blog then why stop reading it?? Surely that is cutting off your nose to spite your face? Just don’t open the comments if you feel that strongly? Or at least skip past those of us that you feel are “idiots”! (I personally feel that insults like that are uncalled for, and unwarranted but again it is your right to say and publish that thought. It also makes you Sir, look more the idiot for stooping so low).
So please Daniel, and others, (even Iain! ;0), do not stop posting your thoughts…it makes this brilliant blog the rich colourful tapestry that it is!
Without Daniel how are we to know how the flowers are looking today? C’mon, post once more, Dan The Man.
Free speech for the Abingdon One!