It's grey...

London weather is living up to its reputation. Think grey, misty, rainy, blowy... and there you have it.

On the coldest day of the year so far, I had the fortune of communing with the wind with nary a scarf nor coat, due to an impromptu fire drill. Mishaps averted, we returned to the office. However, I do believe I lost my nose somewhere along the way...

A few snaps on the walk home...

To market, to market ...

A little Farmer's market tucked away in Pimlico, London caught my eye... and I had to explore. A universal about Farmer's markets, I'm finding ... they're nearly always well-attended, and jowl-by-jowl jam-packed with stalls upon stalls of delights for all.

First order of business... greens! Wild Country Organics Co., a regular at this market, also sells to select grocery and specialty stores. I was invited into the stall to experience the "full-grazing" policy, heavily-enforced by the lovely and ever-enthusiastic, Nathan, the salesman.

I felt like the luckiest rabbit ever! He passed me rocket (quite a pungent variety); after that, mustard greens (just about soared through the roof); and then, to take the edge off, he shoved a fistful of "red fingers," (tasted like potatoes...yes, really!! see photo) in my hands. The zucchini blossoms, kale, bok choi, fresh water- and land- cress, and all manner of herbs were most impressive. I walked away from his booth cross-eyed, in a legume daze.

Before I knew it, I was faced with... cheese... my next best friend!!! The cheese man explained that all of the cheeses on display were local, artisanal varieties. The "Lancashire Bomb" caught my eye, in its black-encased sphere-iness. Apparently, once you bust through the casing, the cheese is particularly good for melting on potatoes or pairing with eggs. So much choice and what terrific names, especially the goat's cheese variety... "Little Wallop"...

There was the baker, the fishmongers, and plethora of local fare stalls specializing in Mediterranean, French, and Indian food. There was even a hog roasted on a spit, for those who might fancy some..

Keeping Lambeth tidy...

On my way to work this morning, a pair of city workers cut the grass along the banks of the Thames. The smell was amazing!!! If only there were a way to capture it...

I wish I'd been quicker with the camera because the gardeners were quite mindful not to blow grass clippings in pedestrian's way, but alas...

The fragrant clippings were destined for packing into into this little lorry....

Pick a spade... any spade...

Tucked away in a little corner of Lambeth, on the banks of the Thames, is a lovely little church-come-garden museum.

The Garden Museum, boasts an interesting history--formerly the St. Mary-at-Lambeth church fell into disrepair and faced demolition in the 1970s. Enter a host of individuals who realized that among the tombs in the churchyard lay the tomb of leading 17th century plant hunters, gardeners, and collectors--the John Tradescants.

The fledgling garden museum was born, and more recently, has been renovated to reflect a contemporary design. The church facade remains intact, with elaborate stained glass windows and stone archways. Upstairs, the permanent collection is housed, an eclectic gathering of more than 9,000 artifacts which reflects British gardens and gardening.

My favorite artifacts? the cucumber straightener (for those obsessed with perfection in form) and the grape bottle (keep your grapes fresh for months!)...

As you enter the museum, you can enjoy the wild garden, a mindfully-created space to support bio-diversity and the needs of a wide range of our urban wildlife inhabitants.

Downstairs, there's a gallery space for traveling exhibits, a well-stocked gift shop, and a cafe, which leads outside to the museum's piece de resistance--an intricate 17th century style knot garden.

Among notable tombs and burials in the garden--six Archbishops of Canterbury, a host of 16th century aristocrats, and Captain William Bligh (of the HRS Bounty)

After wandering around the lush garden, my appetite was whet, and soon remedied by a delicious bowl of broccoli soup and home-made bread from the cafe.

Then came the dangerous and delightful part... the bulb sale!!!

Too bad I couldn't bring any home.

I'm hopeful to visit the museum before my departure for one of their regularly-scheduled featured events and lectures. This splendid little find was a pleasant way to enjoy the afternoon after a long journey from the other side of the pond.