Alderley Edge
October 2020
Alderley Edge, just the sound of it is so enticing. The name itself evokes images of a windswept English landscape out of a Bronte novel. I decided to have a visit a couple years ago and go for a hike with my friend. I have since become quite the hiker and I have to say this journey may have been the spark that lit my mountaineering flame.
The weather was a bit drab, you could say, with a misty rain and a damp cold that I have gotten to know well throughout my years here in England. Luckily, I was prepared for it in a big fisherman sweater, my friend’s borrowed Barbour, a good pair of socks and some comfy wellies. We packed a couple sandwiches to enjoy when we reached the hilltop, with some hot soup in a thermos. Spirits were high, as we headed off like Frodo and Sam on a little adventure.
South of the Yorkshire Dales in the county of Cheshire, the Alderley Edge cliffs are a striking burnt orange coloured sandstone. My friend, the avid hiker, also happened to be a geology enthusiast, and spent a lot of time pointing out the different variations in colour and rock. Most of it went in one ear and out the other, but I do remember him saying that the red colour stems from mica and iron oxide. I may not be able to recite to you all the different stratified Triassic rock forms, but I can tell you that the sight of the cliffs, after a long walk on a dreary day, was astoundingly beautiful. So worth the effort. So naturally, I wanted to find a way to turn the magic and wonder of the cliffs into a beautiful arrangement of flowers.
The Alderley Edge bouquet is structural and layered, just like the ancient sandstone cliffs. The berry Anthuriums mimic the curves and contours of the rocks, while the garden roses offer variations in hues of red and deep oranges. Wild grasses and soft seasonal foliage cushion the bold flowers, creating that wind swept and natural look. It is a bold and unforgettable showcase, assured to draw attention.
