Mellow fruitfulness

We often go to Edinburgh Botanic Gardens but for some reason had never been to Dawyck (Daw-ick) Botanics, even though they're only an hour away. So on Tuesday, we did. I thought it would be a bit late for the autumn colours, but in fact, though they might have been better a couple of weeks ago, they were still pretty spectacular. It was a lovely drive down. 

And the gardens were very lovely too. 

I know we all have autumn colours, and they happen every year,

but I couldn't help taking too many pictures. Look at the lichen growing on this rowan tree! Such beauty! 

More lichen. It grows so well only where the air is very pure. 

I don't like orange -  but even I have to make an exception for autumn. Trees are so soothing, don't you find? These big chaps were there long before we were and will remain there, unperturbed, long after we're gone. 

Delicious!

We had such a lovely day and then we drove home, 

stopping for a wander round Peebles

and a brief commune with the River Tweed. 

I felt so much better for a day away, drenched in those colours. 

In other news, we've finally got all the pictures, plates, embroideries, painted tiles etc back on the walls. I counted: there were 37 separate items to hang in the four spaces - hall/stairway/upper landing, our bedroom, the bathroom and the kitchen. Yes, I know: too many. But I do like my things. Fortunately I have a tolerant husband. When we move to the retirement flat (who knows when?) a lot is going to have to go. But till then... .