Foraging for pine cones

This week has been busy, but in a good way, with all sorts of things that make life interesting.  Interviews with the glossy magazines that are going to write articles on us, gathering and drying lots of hydrangea heads, and, best of all, an excuse to go foraging for pine cones.

The Pine tree at the top of our Street

We are really pleased that the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project will be hosting our swag making workshop (Creating Christmas Garlands) on Saturday 15th December, and in preparation for that, I went to the big house at the top of our street where the mother of all pine trees grows, in the garden of Mandy and Andy. This tree is some 30 metres from here which is a real bonus,  I am so not sure of what type of pine tree it is but nevertheless it is a real whopper which was probably planted around about the time the house was built in the 1930s.

I had a lovely morning amongst the badger diggings and fox holes in their garden, grubbing around in the undergrowth with that wonderful October whiff of decay  about the place.

Pine Cones

The shape and size of this cone really lends itself to loooonggg swags, rather than wreaths, so I am very pleased to have found such a large cache so close to home.  They will be stored in greengrocers trays once they have dried (and shed all their seeds around my kitchen) ready for taking to the workshop on the 15th December at Bristol Zoo Gardens.  These garlands are great for decorating fireplaces and staircases, but they also make the most wonderful scarves, only for the brave, matched with tweed coats and lots of panache.  You should try it.

Garland ~(swag)

Booking for this course is through Mandy at the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project.  Its a great day.  Come join us.