Monday 1 September 2008

Monday morning wanderings.

It's September.......the air is fresh and the garden is dry.....while it has been much cooler than usual we have had little rain........the borders are still full and some plants are flowering for a second time.........this has been very much a bonus, it will keep the bees and butterflies going.......unless there is a really cold snap........
I have waited all summer for the cape daisy to come out.....and at last it has.....these plants should have flowered all summer but have refused to bloom with the cooler weather......
The lovely Hypericum is putting on another show.......
and the cerinthe has decided to join her.......
The sedums have given some brightness to the beds and are attracting butterflies and bees......
I know many of you dislike grasses but I think they add softness to an area............they are useful to wildlife.....the birds often use the plumes to line their nests........

A lone sweet pea flowers.........the rabbits took all plants except this one........at the moment it is climbing a conifer and is looking really pretty.....it smells divine.......
Many of the buddleja have been late to bloom........again because of the cool weather I would think.....
I like this white one.......there's a surprise........but it really does stand out in the border.......
The Berberis is flowering again................beautiful colour for the autumn, another bonus.......
I can't remember the name of this helenium but it is one of my favourites.....it speaks of autumn........can't wait for the whole plant to bloom.........it really is a stunning colour and I love the brown centre.......


The garden is full of dozens of whites.......I have so many this year, it is amazing......
I love the simplicity of this pose....................
This little blut tit seems to have taken a liking to me.........he allows me to get quite close to him.........................there are many birds in the garden at the moment.....most of them are well hidden amongst the foliage.
There is a lot to do in the garden.........I am trying to keep on top of things, so that it doesn't get out of hand............I spent a good few hours today cutting back shrubs and taking some of the lower branches from the pines and conifers.............I love working in the garden.........not only does it keep me fit, it also gives me time to think......I love to be at one with nature and turn my problems over in my mind as I work.........I find the answers come eventually.....................



17 comments:

Shirley said...

Hi again Cheryl, your plants are looking great at the moment. I think there is so much interest at this time of year.

I have noticed some whites passing by but it is the bees that are visiting my plants just now – very few butterfly sightings. Oh… as for the ornamental grasses I couldn’t garden without them. Great photos :-D

Wendy said...

I enjoyed walking around the garden with you this morning. Sorry I didn't help with your shrub trimming, but I couldn't quite reach overseas from Canada. LOL!

Your flowers glow with colour and look so pretty. The cool weather seems to agree with them. I find sometimes the colours become more vivid with cooler temps, although when it's really warm, plant growth speeds up and I usually get a profusion of blooms.

Gardening is soothing, isn't it? A good way to start the week.
Hugs,

Lisa at Greenbow said...

What vibrant colors you have here Cheryl. Just beautiful. The tit is darling too. They are colorful versions of our Carolina Chickadees.

Rose said...

Beautiful photos, Cheryl. The close-up of the sedum is such an interesting perspective; you have become such an excellent photographer!

Love the little blue tit; I don't know how you manage to get such great bird photos. I tried to take some video of the hummingbirds today--they were doing acrobatics and dive-bombing right in front of me today. I think they knew when I had my camera ready and when I didn't and were teasing me:)

Cheryl said...

Hi Shirl.....I have been surprised by the garden this year, it has bloomed and bloomed....as for grasses they are an all time favourite of mine......

Cheryl said...

I could have done with a hand Wendy....it was hard work and not finished yet......

Cheryl said...

Hi Rose.....the birds do tease, I find that.....they seem to know when you have a camera in your hand....

The garden has been good this year, the colours are lovely and everything looks so healthy.....

Dawny P said...

ooh you do work hard Cheryl. All of these blooms are stunning and a credit to your efforts. I have to say though that the picture of the lone sweet pea is my favourite. Apart from it being the most delicate gorgeous colour, it reminds me of when we were little and we used to plant them round cane wigwams with my grandad (he was an awesome gardner)They look stunning and don't ask much of you do they!!! We didnt put any in this year - not sure why - but we will for sure next year, no doubt with Kyla's assistance, cos I just love their pretty colours. Have a wonderful day xxx

Q said...

Dear Cheryl,
My naturalpath doctor says gardening is the healthiest activity we can do. Not only is it good for the soul it is good for the heart and the lungs! The natural vitamin d is also very important. Your gardens are incredible. So many fantastic blooms and wildlife habitat. I too love grasses. Not only good seed and nesting material for the birds but nice perching spots for the bugs.
Your Blue Tit friend is charming.
It looks as if you are enjoying your photography as well as your bees and birds and blooms! I am enjoying seeing your artistic eye.
I so hope rain comes to you soon.
I do very little watering and am so pleased we had a cooler and wetter than normal summer.
Happy September. The Autumn garden is so beautiful.
Sherry

Ruth said...

"I love working in the garden...not only does it keep me fit, it also gives me time to think...I love to be at one with nature and turn my problems over in my mind as I work...I find the answers come eventually."
How true! Our minds do settle on a different level working with nature. Lovely pictures. I have lots of sedum that is at the same stage of bloom as yours. And the Cabbage Whites are plentiful in our garden this year.

naturewitch said...

Oh Cheryl, the sedum is breathtakingly beautiful. I have heard sedum can be used to filter water and now having seen your photo, I'm itching to try it out. But all in good time, I'm somewhat overwhelmed with assignments just now. This was just a little glimpse of paradise before I turn off the computer and head for bed. xx

Cheryl said...

Hi Dawny tku.....I love your story of sweet peas and Grandad...it is heart warming......
To teach the young to garden is so important now.....with climate change being so apparent, it is important for the next generation to understand how to keep the garden alive.....Kyla I know will have a very good teacher......

Cheryl said...

Tku for the lovely comments Sherry.....I am enjoying the garden at the moment......I really do believe that gardening keeps the body and mind healthy....I always have done.....

The heavens have opened today much to my delight......

Hope you are rested from your exciting weekend......

Cheryl said...

Tku Ruth....it is good to share with you......

marmee said...

gorgeous blooms. enjoyed see the blue tit.

Libbys Blog said...

Does the cerinthe flower a second time? I hope so, cos, I so loved this plant!

ChrisND said...

Very nice September images...we've also got a few things to keep the bees going a bit longer...but they are starting to notice those very cold mornings.