I think watering the garden every evening in the “ golden hour”, slowly, thoughtfully and mindfully is just about my most July thing at the moment. Enjoying every thriving plant in the borders, all the veg in the raised beds, the pots all blooming their socks off - I talk to them encouragingly and appreciatively! It’s such a gorgeous time of day after the heat.
Walking home and turning my head to see a huge, low full moon, perfectly aligned with the leafy street, between the trees just for a moment. Everyone else noticed and took pictures. It was so wholesome and life affirming, to see people getting excited by the moon!
Oh that sounds amazing Lia! It was my 60th birthday yesterday and I had a lovely relaxing day doing not a lot because we’d been out for cocktails and a meal the night before… Today we’re cooking and doing final prep for a party at our house tomorrow night.
Yes I have been enjoying the butterflies, there do seem to be lots.
Also enjoying checking the dahlias which are beginning to bud and flower. My daughter ordered them in and got them going and I have helped tend to them especially when she was away for 6 weeks. A few people looked doubtful saying " dahlias are tricky " and about slugs, we are both novice gardeners so its another lesson in don't ever be put off doing what you set out to do ! 😄
I find the heat very difficult, but the long warm evenings are the reward for perseverance. The swifts made the most of flying ant day this year. (I think we have nine this year - a record! Swifts, not flying ants obviously!)
Having some welcome rain, feeling it in my skin, the scent in the air and how refreshed we felt afterwards. This summer seems to be going on and on, not something us Brits are used to. And seeing the full harvest moon rise over the horizon last night, at the end of another scorching day. Just beautiful.
We saw our first (live) urban badger at 2am while walking up steep Marlborough Hill in Bristol after an extraordinary day in Cardiff to see Oasis.
The badger was in the shadows and we all seemed startled to see each other. She ran in place for a brief moment, like Scooby Doo: nails scratching the cobbles trying to get purchase and then she took off like tarnation across our path and further up the hill!
So many butterflies! It’s been a bumper year I think, and for bees too, very glad to see that. Not looking forward to working at a desk next to a sunny window today, although I have made sure I am within feet of a cornetto at all times.
There is fruit, early and very ripe. I picked a handful of blackberries in my wild patch and the trees on the marsh are weighed down with red and yellow Essex plums. Plenty for jam and freezing. And many butterflies and moths, a tiger moth flew smack into my face.
Summer in the City a great song sums up being at outdoor events . we ate cacao Affogatos in Stroud at the Cacao house and listened to artists talking about ancestral dreaming then listened to a saxophone player improvisation . A rather wonderful exhibition finissage.Still in sweet pea heaven with reluctant Cupani sweetness now scenting our kitchen . Butterflies in the garden are spectacular maybe the sacrifice of the nasturtiums is a price to pay 🌿🌱🌞🙏
I ate my first blackberries of the season, they were warm and absolutely scrummy, but it's only July... when my berry loving son was little I used to tell him the blackberries would be ripe for his birthday and 30 years ago that was the reality (his birthday is August 31st)
and the first flower of that portent of late summer, the Japanese anemone, has just popped open...
I think watering the garden every evening in the “ golden hour”, slowly, thoughtfully and mindfully is just about my most July thing at the moment. Enjoying every thriving plant in the borders, all the veg in the raised beds, the pots all blooming their socks off - I talk to them encouragingly and appreciatively! It’s such a gorgeous time of day after the heat.
Walking home and turning my head to see a huge, low full moon, perfectly aligned with the leafy street, between the trees just for a moment. Everyone else noticed and took pictures. It was so wholesome and life affirming, to see people getting excited by the moon!
Oh that sounds amazing Lia! It was my 60th birthday yesterday and I had a lovely relaxing day doing not a lot because we’d been out for cocktails and a meal the night before… Today we’re cooking and doing final prep for a party at our house tomorrow night.
Happy birthday! Have a fabulous party x
Happiest of birthdays Anne! 🎉
Oh happy happy Birthday Anne - have a wonderful party. It all sounds lovely so far! Xx
happy happy birthday Anne
Happy birthday Anne!
Yes I have been enjoying the butterflies, there do seem to be lots.
Also enjoying checking the dahlias which are beginning to bud and flower. My daughter ordered them in and got them going and I have helped tend to them especially when she was away for 6 weeks. A few people looked doubtful saying " dahlias are tricky " and about slugs, we are both novice gardeners so its another lesson in don't ever be put off doing what you set out to do ! 😄
I find the heat very difficult, but the long warm evenings are the reward for perseverance. The swifts made the most of flying ant day this year. (I think we have nine this year - a record! Swifts, not flying ants obviously!)
totally agree about the heat (i am really not a fan) and the evenings being a reward. sitting outside after tea under the stars is my reward
Having some welcome rain, feeling it in my skin, the scent in the air and how refreshed we felt afterwards. This summer seems to be going on and on, not something us Brits are used to. And seeing the full harvest moon rise over the horizon last night, at the end of another scorching day. Just beautiful.
We saw our first (live) urban badger at 2am while walking up steep Marlborough Hill in Bristol after an extraordinary day in Cardiff to see Oasis.
The badger was in the shadows and we all seemed startled to see each other. She ran in place for a brief moment, like Scooby Doo: nails scratching the cobbles trying to get purchase and then she took off like tarnation across our path and further up the hill!
A perfect end to a perfect July day!
So many butterflies! It’s been a bumper year I think, and for bees too, very glad to see that. Not looking forward to working at a desk next to a sunny window today, although I have made sure I am within feet of a cornetto at all times.
Yes I’m seeing more of both this year too. So good to see. And yes, definitely not a day for “just one Cornetto”!
There is fruit, early and very ripe. I picked a handful of blackberries in my wild patch and the trees on the marsh are weighed down with red and yellow Essex plums. Plenty for jam and freezing. And many butterflies and moths, a tiger moth flew smack into my face.
Swimming in the sea, it’s about 18 degrees at the moment & you’re never far from a beach in Guernsey so my friends and I go at least once a day
Cardoons in flower, butterflies enjoying them, shiny green discs bulging with seeds on the honesty plants.
I found a grasshopper in my garden yesterday! I’ve lived here 4 years and never seen one till now- must be doing something right with my garden 🧡✨
Summer in the City a great song sums up being at outdoor events . we ate cacao Affogatos in Stroud at the Cacao house and listened to artists talking about ancestral dreaming then listened to a saxophone player improvisation . A rather wonderful exhibition finissage.Still in sweet pea heaven with reluctant Cupani sweetness now scenting our kitchen . Butterflies in the garden are spectacular maybe the sacrifice of the nasturtiums is a price to pay 🌿🌱🌞🙏
Warm evening walks are more of a saunter..stopping to watch the little owl or the hare by the dry stone walls
I ate my first blackberries of the season, they were warm and absolutely scrummy, but it's only July... when my berry loving son was little I used to tell him the blackberries would be ripe for his birthday and 30 years ago that was the reality (his birthday is August 31st)
and the first flower of that portent of late summer, the Japanese anemone, has just popped open...
changing times...
I'm finding it all rather bitter sweet Mo. My anemones have started to flower too...
I know...
How lovely to see Stevie Wonder ! That was an amazing album and I am so happy for you 🤗
Ah thanks bee! A crazy magical night. Stevie Wonder before my very eyes!