July 30th

Before the row of flats (exclusive sea views) that line the upper edge of the West Cliff Green was a row of hotels, some grand, some grander ( sea bathing nearby) and before them in the mid nineteenth century a dignified row of Gentleman’s Residences. (Healthful sea breezes and pine walks). That was when the pines were first planted on the unpromising scrubland and Durley Gardens actually contained gardens. And that was why there are so many garden escape plants which pop up in unexpected places. Today there is a large vine with its big flat palmate leaves twining through a hedge by the low wall. No grapes, though. The rhododendrons (more escapes) are heavy with green fruit capsules. The blackberries (those with white flowers native; pink flowered Himalayan, probably escapees) are weighed down with fruit. Strangely they carry flowers, green berries, pink fruit, red berries and blackberries all at the same time. The sky continues broken grey with a strong breeze stirring up the waves. The air is hot and humid and still no sign of rain. The dogs from the Waggy Tails Club are too exhausted to explore and lie, flattened, in the shade, tongues hanging out. #Bournemouth #WestCliffGreen #July #Summer

From July 30th 2021

The wind is beginning to drop by the afternoon but the big layers of cloud are still scudding across the sky and the sea has a distinct frothy edge to it. By the path the magnificent mugwort plant is chest high. There are all sorts of folk myths about healing properties and about the derivation of the name. Meanwhile, its raggedy leaves show their brilliant silver undersides as it dances in the breeze. It's covered with thousands of minute red brown flowers that the casual observer might miss.