Hip, Hip, Hooray!

In October I'm attending a wreath making workshop. We've been encouraged to start foraging and gathering materials. On my walk down to the village centre, I regularly pass the most beautiful garden. And on the corner is a huge shrub covered in red hips.

Yesterday as I cycled past on my way home from the Macmillan Coffee Morning, I decided to call at the house. I cycled down the long drive and parked my bike. A woman (about my age, perhaps a little younger) answered the door. "This Is a bit cheeky, but please could I have some of those hips for a wreath?" She said it was her parents' garden, but she was sure they would not mind. 

I said I'd be back later with secateurs. I returned in the afternoon and snipped off three sprigs, then went to the house to say thank you. The woman had gone home, but her parents, the home owners, were utterly delightful. "It's the lady with the pretty bicycle basket!" said her Mum as she answered the door. I chatted for a while with them both, and they said I could go anytime and collect any further foliage I might need. 

I explained about the Wreath Workshop. We talked about crafts - she and I share a love of knitting, and sewing and patchwork - and his career was working as a Master Saddler [wow! ] I gave them a jar of chutney and thanked them again.

And I pedalled happily home. I'm really glad I called - not just for the foliage, but because I've made two new acquaintances and learned about another plant. It is called a Rosa Geranium. I found a picture of it in flower. Isn't it stunning?