Pattern Play

It's hard to believe this spring here in the Scottish Borders. The weather has been so dry and there has been much more sunshine than normal. The forecast for this week is for more of the same. I was shocked by the contrast between what is happening in the world and the enduring beauty of nature. Today is a very sad day and yet, at the same time, we can let this earth itself heal us.

The prompt today on Artful Adventures Stroll through the Hood is: pattern. I already knew what I wanted to feature and it was such a help that it was a clear and bright day. The Chinese Gate is a special feature of the Penicuik Estate and it has been restored very much in the spirit of the original gates.

The gate is in line with Penicuik House as you can see below, but if you are on the other side of the gate and you look off into the distance like on the picture at the top of this post you can just discern the monument to the Scottish poet Allen Ramsay, framed by the pattern of the gate. It is my most favourite architectural feature of the Estate. Needless to say that gate says quilt block to me too.

 There are also other patterns that nature herself provides such as the ferns.

 The patterns of the leaves in the shadows on the path.

And the patterns made by the many varieties of wildflowers along the Silverburn stream. It won't be long now before they will all begin to flower.