Trees and flowers

This week's decluttering was easy: Son's cricket bat from school, palmed off on him when he came for a couple of days with the children, and...

the reins that we used to put on our grandchildren when we took them for a walk. I don't think our 15, 13, 10, 9 or 7-year-olds would really fit them now, but my newish-granny friend wants them. Done!

Saturday was a perfect autumn day and we went with our chums to Dalkeith, to walk round the Palace grounds. We got the bus past the oldest house in Portobello, dating from the 17th century

and enjoyed the beach views. 

The grounds of Dalkeith Palace are extensive and are now a public park. The Palace was the seat of the Dukes of Buccleugh (pronounced Buck-loo) from 1642 till 1916. The original castle was demolished, and replaced by the current building on the same site between 1701 and 1711. 

There are many very old trees, planted by the dukes, or rather by their gardeners. 

These come from all over the world. Money no object. 

There's the palace. 

It was all very pretty. 

Here's George, our television gardener friend, beside a tree that's believed to be 1000 years old. It still looks pretty healthy. We had a lovely day. 

In London, Smallest Granddaughter makes Saxon brooches for homework. I think her architect mum may have had a hand in the designs. 

And, though we've had a few light frosts, the garden blooms on. For now.