A Year at Buxlow|
I was staying with my daughter in Kent when I came across a book called “A Year in the Life of Faversham” in which a number of photographers had taken one picture a day for a year illustrating features of life in their ancient town. The idea captivated me and I resolved to do the same thing and record a year of life in my lovely house, Buxlow Manor in Suffolk. I would take all the pictures myself (in the event a few were taken by others). Every photo would have to be taken either in the house or in the grounds or from outside looking in. I would record visits by family and friends, visits from groups in the Invitation to View scheme, the changing seasons in the garden with photographs of roses, other flowers and trees, and weather features. On days when nothing particular happens - no new flowers to be seen and nobody visits - I have photographed various features in the house or in the grounds.
When I returned home on 15th February 2009 it seemed ridiculous to wait eleven and half months for a full calendar year to begin before starting the project, so the first photograph was taken on 16th February 2009. The 365th photo was taken on 14th February 2010.
It has been a fascinating year. I have entertained many visitors and enjoyed the company of all the members of my family. The garden has given great pleasure. The cherries and ornamental peaches were splendid in the spring and the roses were particularly good last summer and look beautiful in photographs. The weather sprang some surprises; whilst many parts of the British Isles had a surfeit of rain, we here in East Suffolk suffered from a severe drought from August to November. As you will see I became almost obsessed with the drought. One of the most attractive features of this house is the reflections of the house in the main pond and for nearly three months there was not a drop of water in the pond and no reflections. Sadly the drought also damaged many plants. Many hydrangeas will have to be replaced and, saddest of all, it is clear that the lovely Prunus Aurora, which features in this slide show , has died and will never flower again. The other spectacular weather feature has been the heavy snow in January 2010 - again very photogenic.
This year has almost exactly covered the 85th year of my life. I feel immensely privileged to have had this opportunity to enjoy Buxlow, its beauties and the company of so many lovely people. I hope this slide show will give others the chance to share my pleasures. I hope too that it may encourage owners of other lovely houses to make a similar record.
Click here to visit the slideshow.