Popped out this afternoon to our local country park - in the hope of spotting a bumble bee or a butterfly or maybe even a kingfisher. Instead, I came upon a large family carefully inspecting the grass in the meadows and picking specific blades. I had to ask what they were picking and was directed to the youngest girl who had perfect command of the English language. "We used to live in Afganistan," she told me, "and my mum spotted these plants growing here that we used to gather in the fields. They are like chives but not exactly chives, and smell absolutely delicious when cooking". She was delightfully enthusiastic, as was the whole family from toddler to grandma.
I'm quite bemused by this experience and mindful of it being 1 April, but nevertheless, I have no reason to doubt. Makes a change from the army of dog walkers and occasional birdspotters that I meet in the country park.
Amazing what you see in Bedford even though it is a well established multi cultural place !!
I wonder if it was wild garlic ? Hope they wash it well too especially with all the dogs you get over there !!!
I took my dog over there one Sunday which was a mistake, it was like the M25 for dog walking haha.
Interesting candid shot though.
@dizzyd I don't think it was wild garlic, but possibly wild green onions. M25 for dog walking is a good description - only I find that you don't have to wonder far off the main track to get away from the crowds. People generally walk round the lake and explore no further. Yes, we are very multicultural Helen, but it still seemed like a most unusual encounter. Hope you have a good weekend.
Very interesting! I think it is wonderful that the whole family was involved in this gathering activity. Your shot is nicely composed . . . a variety of family members busy gathering their treasures and beautiful park landscape. Wonderful photo and story! :-)
I love the composition and country feeling in this shot, and the story which goes with it. I'm glad they can find something like this which they had in Afghanistan--their lives are probably not too easy, and perhaps something like this helps them feel more at home. Fav for me.
@tristansmum Stephanie you are so right and they were having such a fun time that it was a delight to come across them. Thanks for your comment and fav.
An interesting story! The young girls look preoccupied searching for something! Photographically speaking the two adults are not in the best position, that if it was my photo I might have cropped them out. The image is a little dull and needs the contrast boosting a tad! Well done for spotting it and asking them what they were doing! Many of us shy away from talking to our subjects!
@marshwader Madeleine thank you for your input. I agree that the composition is not as it should be - sometimes I just want to post something that highlights a point of interest in the day, and as I took the photos as an afterthought, I didn't stop to compose properly. Interestingly, I tried boosting the contrast but the volume of white dried grasses makes it look quite unnatural. Anyway, thank you for your comments - always welcome.
I had to 'fav' this, I think it's a lovely photo (the girls are just so intent and beautiful), but your story accompanying the shot just makes it all the more special. I see what Madeleine is saying about the cropping, perhaps that would be nice - but a fantastic shot nonetheless for me!
I wonder if it was wild garlic ? Hope they wash it well too especially with all the dogs you get over there !!!
I took my dog over there one Sunday which was a mistake, it was like the M25 for dog walking haha.
Interesting candid shot though.