Sunday 28 June 2015

What is summer..............

 A time for planting containers,
 and hanging baskets.
 Carrying watering cans back and forth to make sure they thrive.
Waiting for new plantings to bloom and hoping they are as lovely as you anticipated .
 Watching life return to the pond...........sitting close by with a cup of tea, and just enjoying those moments.
 Feeling of anxiety as the rabbit population increases each month...........but the kittens are very sweet :)
 The scent of Angelica wafting around the garden for many weeks,
 attracting dozens of honey bees, and much more.
But for me, the best thing about summer is waiting for the return of the bumblebee.    This garden was originally planted for them.   It is a garden of all seasons.    A supply of nectar for every month of the year, just in case they come out of hibernation early, in the darkest days.

Happy summer gardening...........

Tuesday 23 June 2015

Chaotic but happy..........

 I have spent more years gardening than I care to remember.
In the first few years of marriage, there was no time to garden.
 Working and children  were top of the list, the garden a very poor second.
 My first garden was manicured to within an inch of it's life.
Everything orderly and neat.    Looking back, was I truly happy with it..............no.
 We moved, another garden...............this time just grass.......children and dogs took centre stage.
 I always had a longing.    To create a garden for wildlife..............a garden like my Grandma's, chaotic but controlled.       
 When Dad was alive we would chat every day about the garden.   A quick call, a simple "How is your garden today."    Oh how I miss those calls.
I now have the garden I dreamed of.    Am I happy, yes, more than I can say.      The beautiful thing about ageing is that you do not worry so much about the detail.   If colours clash because mother nature takes a hand here and there, you just enjoy it :)
Dad never worried about colour schemes.............he just enjoyed the flowers.    I think I may be turning into my Father.     Slowly over the last few years, I am taking a more relaxed attitude to this garden.
It works for me.............I have never felt so happy.

Saturday 20 June 2015

White flowers...........

 I have always loved white flowers.   For me, they bring peace and serenity to  a garden.
Have you ever walked a garden in the moon light.    I have....many times....white flowers glow.
 Crisp, clean and simple.....white flowers.
 I like white planted with pastels...........
 White flowers, with a splash of colour.
 Most of all I love white flowers covered with butterflies.
Then, the beauty of the butterfly can really be appreciated.

I could not be without white flowers...........
Do you have a favourite colour in your garden?

Friday 19 June 2015

A new rose in the garden of life...............

A much wanted baby was born this morning.     It has been a long journey for both parents.............
 A baby girl, six weeks early, delivered by emergency section.
Congratulations darling niece and welcome little Carys...........

Sunday 14 June 2015

Help in the garden ?

 'Would you like some help in the garden Cheryl.     I am sure we could find someone.'
 I hesitate...............
 My back aches from five hours pruning, but surely all gardeners ache at times.   Don't they?
 Can I keep on top of things?      Well, yes I think so.
 'Not at the moment' I say with a smile.    Ask me again next year :)


Thursday 11 June 2015

Lurking in the water...........

 Last evening I sat by the pond watching the bees work the honey lily.
 I sat thinking how wonderful it must be, to spend your life travelling from flower to flower, when I noticed something moving beneath the water. 
 I was thrilled to see a grass snake.


A young snake, looking for food.   I am hoping it will be a regular visitor, as the pond has far too many fish, which is not healthy.    

I love snakes but I ask you not to mention this to my daughter and Poppi, as they both have  a fear of them ..........

Do you like snakes ??

Tuesday 9 June 2015

I'll huff and I'll puff

 Windy..........
 broken.......
 and battered.
 Still standing ........
 Brush strokes.........
 Sweet smelling......
Clipped, at last......

Not a good day for gardening!!

Sunday 7 June 2015

How does your garden grow?

 Still waters...........
 A moment to think..........
 My loyal companion showing signs of age............
 Romantic planting....roses and lavender.
 Perfect blue......
 A shady corner ...........
 It's a jungle out there..............
 Where are my sweet-peas?
Summer shadows..........

Hope your weekend was as peaceful as mine ..........