This charming farmhouse scene illustrates various elements of rural life in Edwardian England. Brian could easily have walked here from his home in Broomy Hill. Setting up to paint in the morning he had to cope with the breeze, but the sunlight on the grass and foliage promised a good day in which to finish his work and dry the washing. The farmhouse dates back to the 17th century and has changed little since Brian worked here. The apples at the base of the tree indicate that it is late summer, and the barrel is evidence of the cottage industry of cider making. It was common for farmer's wives to keep ducks and chickens in the orchard, as a source of eggs and fresh meat. Brian uses the white ducks to balance the white in the sky and the washing to form an arc in the composition which carries the eye around the picture.