It’s frightening watching the world’s weather of late; seeing so many areas burning or flooding is sobering. Here, after a six week drought we’ve now had several weeks of heavy rain, thunderstorms and high winds. The poor plants don’t know what to make of it all. Still, at least the lawns have greened up, and the water butts are now full.
Rowan berries seem early this year,
and the glut of courgettes has begun! The overflow area is also producing, mainly dwarf beans, courgettes, carrots, spring onions and herbs. It always surprises me how much can be grown in small spaces.
The weather has wreaked havoc with the flowers. So many are only lasting days instead of weeks.
Drought and excess rain never seem to bother the weeds funnily enough, even bitter winters don’t see them off!
The poor roses have been ruined with all the heavy rain so I’ve given them a good prune hoping for a later flush.
I’m loving the daisies this year, they are so scruffy and tatty.
All this rain has filled the ponds thankfully, they really were getting low. The tadpoles have become mini frogs now and have dispersed throughout the garden, I’m always stumbling across them hidden in the undergrowth.
Daughter found a sickly hedgehog in her garden a few months ago and took it to the rescue. I then released it in a wild area away from the roads, here’s to it’s second chance.
The collared dove chicks are still around and are looking more grown up by the day. I’ve been putting seed on the ground for them but will to have to use a bird feeder from now on as ratty showed up today to feast on the seed. I knew it was only a matter of time.
I came across this spider in the garden recently, I’ve never seen one of these before and have no idea what it is. Googling hasn’t helped either.
Now the schools have broken up means I’ll be seeing a lot more of Littl’urchin. Already the house is sparkling, never has a child adored glitter as much as her!
And Finally…
Daughter adopted a couple of kittens from the rescue, Luna and Leo. Littl’urchin is in seventh heaven, despite all the scratches. Daughter is completely up the wall!
Until next time, stay safe guys.xxx
All this rain is a pain for us but the gardens are lapping it up and I am enjoying the freedom from watering. Your garden looks lush with plenty of lovely flowers and produce. I wonder how your potted orchard is coming on. I wish I had frogs and tadpoles. Your adorable little one looks as if she has inherited your artistic gene; I love her art work.
Thanks Chloris, Littl’urchin really does love messing around with creative projects. The accidental orchard is now planted in sherry barrels, all the apple trees have apples, the pears, not one between them.xxx
Hello YOU ! LOL
Even though I can’t manage a post on my own blog , I manage to sneak a peek at others .
I am in total love with daughter’s kittens .. especially the beautiful Calico … I have had two and will never forget them .. or any of our past furry souls .. but my first Calico was something very special , she travelled from Nova Scotia to Holland for 4 years and then back to Canada again .. Calico cats are amazing .. ginger cats are too .. I completely understand little one’s excitement scratches and all .. and your daughter’s off the wall feelings too ! LOL
The Alstromeria are gorgeous ! ..I have always meant to grow them in my garden. I love the thought of tadpoles and frogs in my garden … but no such luck now.
My garden is becoming WILD .. or at least in my mind ? .. Soon it will be time to get the boys involved, to beat back the weeds and over growth foliage … I really miss a tidy garden but life could be a lot worse and I have to remember THAT !
Marvelous post !
Thanks Joy. Those kittens are growing fast and are utterly adorable. Leo is very affectionate while Luna is a little deeper and more the thinker. They really are good company for each other. I’m sure your garden is as beautiful as always, here’s to you getting better and gardening again. xxx
I love your pond. Is the spider a harvestman as in the photo it’s body appears to be just one section whereas spider bodies are divided into two parts. Lovely cute kittens.
Thanks Sue. Yes, it must be a harvestman! The kittens seem to be an endless source of amusement.xxx
Your brilliantly colored alstromeria and hollyhock blooms caught my eye. So much going on and blooming well despite the heavy rains. Sorry about the roses, though!
There are a few moms in my neighborhood groups who have adamantly forbidden glitter since it gets absolutely everywhere. But I’m sure the sparkles at your home are good memories made by Lil Urchin. Look at that dexterity in her hands!
Thanks Anne. Everyone I know has banned glitter, I don’t have the heart too as the child adores the stuff! All the roses have decided to bloom again only to have the rain beat them down.xxx
The various Eryngo species are among my favorites, and yours is looking splendid! The kitties are beyond cute; I never can see sweet creatures like that without thinking, “Well, maybe….no!” I thought I recognized your ‘spider’ as a harvestman. We have them, although the species is different. Their genus — Opiliones — is of a different order from those of spiders; they’re not related, and they won’t harm you. If yours is O. canestrinii, which my ID app suggests, this one may be a female; it seems to have the striped legs sported by the girls. Sources say it’s most often found on house walls, and behold: yours may not be on the house, but it may have confused your raised bed with a wall!
Google lens says it might be Phalangium opilio, or daddy longlegs.
And like Linda, adorable kittens make me want to consider adding to the herd, but standing firm! …for now.
Yes, I too am a fan of eryngo, the bees adore them too. I can easily see you with a cat again, especially if one turns up…Yes, thanks for that a harvestlady it is! Thanks Linda.xxx
Lovely post and pictures. The garden is looking and sounding good despite the topsy-turvey weather, and short-lived flowers. Delightful kittens.
Thanks, and you too. xx
Thanks Flighty, yes those kittens are beyond cute!xxx
Come rain or shine, the weeds shall grow! Love the kitties!!
Indeedy! The wee critters sure are cute! Thanks Anne-Marie.xxx
It looks like your garden is enjoying the rain, so many lovely blooms. It’s quite scary seeing all the extreme weather around the world and the devastation it’s causing, you have to wonder what the future holds. Awww, the kittens are so cute.
Thnks Jo. I know, watching the weather worldwide is terrifying! Yes, cute as buttons for sure!xxx
Your garden is looking wonderful despite, or maybe because of, all the rain. You have so many gorgeous blooms and veggies. Our rowan is in full berry mode too, but that’s not unusual for us – autumn always seems to arrive early for that particular tree. Have fun with Littl’urchin and good luck with the glitter – the herpes of the craft world! :O) xx
Thanks Veggiemummy. It’s weird how the same species of tree have different fruit and berry seasons across the UK. Haha loving the glitter comment!xxx
The weather worldwide is most strange and concerning …
However, I for one was thankful to get some rain recently, but doesn’t it always seem to rain when the (children) grandchildren break up for the six week summer break!!!
Your garden is still looking colourful and so too is Littl’urchin’s artwork …
You can never have too much glitter … can you ? 🙂
The cats/kittens look adorable.
Whatever the weather may be, enjoy your summer days.
All the best Jan
Oh yes, you can guarantee rain the minute the kids break up! I think Littl’urchin would second your glitter comment! Thank Jan.xxx
Oh, those kittens are too precious. I can imagine Li’l Urchin’s joy. And how wonderful that you two Creatives can spend such grand time together!
The garden looks gorgeous to me. Really glad you received rain after weeks of drought; hope it won’t go overboard! Our drought and fire-smoked air continue, with this week’s added bliss of a heat dome. My goodness!
Glad the sweet hedgie could be safely released. Hooray for Daughter and you! Those doves are so mellow, two. Your garden is bursting with life and joy.
Thank you for a rich, happy post, and love to all!
XO
Thanks Kitty. Those kittens are super cute and are growing real fast. Thay have really taken a shine to Littl’urchin and scratches now seem to be a thing of the past. Oh no, your weather sounds horrendous, I’ll pray for rain for you. All went well with the dove chicks, they’re all gown now. Love and hugs to you all.xxxx