Dede Sophie

So, just what is a ‘Stumpery’ garden? Well, similar to a rockery it is a garden which used old tree stumps to create an artistic design within a garden setting. The first stumpery was built in 1856 at Biddulph Grange and they remained popular in Victorian Britain. We visit one of the best modern stumperys in the UK which was built with in the walls of Arundel castle, West Sussex. So why not check out the video of our visit to Arundel castles stumpery, arguably one of the best examples in the country. Of course it is not just the tree stumps that give ornamental effect it is the planting scheme supporting it to show of these magnificent piece of nature architecture that really make this garden shine. If you would like watch more content like this then check out our YouTube channel ‘Walking Talking Gardeners’. It is absolutely free to subscribe to and you can unsubscribe instantly at any time. Click onto the notification ‘bell’ icon to informed as to whenever we publish a new video.

Fiji  Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has moved quickly to ensure exiled University of the South Pacific Vice Chancellor, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, returns to Fiji as soon as possible. He has also acted to assist Dr Padma Lal, widow of the late Professor Brij Lal, to bring the ashes of the famed academic back home to Fiji from Australia. She too had been refused entry to Fiji, along with her late husband. Dr Padma Lal, with late Professor Brij Lal. Photo: ANU/Fiji Times “I am ready to meet Dr Lal and Professor Ahluwalia personally,” said Rabuka. “I will apologise on behalf of the people of Fiji for the way they were treated.” Rabuka said he had promised his government would bring to an end the injustices suffered by Professor Ahluwalia, and Professor Brij Lal. These made headline news. He affirmed today that the Vice Chancellor and Dr Lal are now free to enter the country.” Dr Lal had been prevented from coming to Fiji with her husband’s ashes for them to be taken to his birth-place at T

Late August and early September, I embarked on a 10 day monsoon motorcycle ride through the Western Ghats of India. I had gone on a couple of day rides to lesser known Hoysala temples after the lockdown, but this was my first long trip since 22nd March. And boy was I happy! Monsoons happen to be my favorite season of the year. I love the rains, the freshness in the air, the lush green views, the richness of ecosystem and most important of all, I love getting wet. And what better place to enjoy the monsoons than the Western Ghats. My 2000 kms motorcycle ride took me to the following places in the Western Ghats of Karnataka over 10 days. There was a lot of walking, trekking, getting wet, eating traditional foods and sleeping to petrichor in between all the motorcycle rides. 1) Sirsi – Yellapur region: Unchalli Falls , Magod Falls , Sathodi Falls , Bilihole Falls , Sonda Vadiraj Mutt 2) Kumta region: Devimane Ghat, Mirjan Fort 3) Karavali coast: Maravanthe Beach , Kota, Kallu Ganapati