Sunday safari

A lovely warm day brought out the bugs. Soldier beetles were climbing grasses in the meadow........

A jewel wasp joined him.......they do not sting.......note the large eyes.......

Painted ladies are flying in from south-west Europe and North Africa.

They are coming in great numbers. Dozens flew across the garden today....
Some were seeking nectar and stayed a while. It is a long time since I have seen so many........it was a wonderful sight, to see so many butterflies in such a short space of time. I hope that some will stay .........

Dull wet and cold.......

Walking the garden today it felt more like early autumn, than late spring.

Another litter of rabbits have entered the garden and there has been much damage.

They have eaten many patio roses.......dahlias (they are supposed not to like them, they obviously havn't been told by their parents!). Nella is spending her day chasing them out of the garden. As soon as she comes into the house....they come back into the garden ......

Despite the rabbit damage there is still plenty of pretty blooms.......

I love this ornamental nettle.......the flowers are unusual and very pretty......

I love this phlox that just appeared in the garden......if you know it's name please let me know......

Two dahlias have not been touched by the rabbits....this one is 'surprise Lucy'...

and this one 'surprise Becky'......both delightful little blooms......

Allium Cristophii is just beginning to open....this is an all time favourite of mine.....

This beautiful clematis is 'Mrs Cholmondeley'......a cheap buy last year, it did not do particularly well.......this year it is wonderful, with blooms as large as saucers........

and finally oriental poppies......a bright bold bloom......dotted around the garden........and on a miserable day like to day they really do cheer the heart......

Sunday safari....dragonfly.......

I sat in the copse this morning enjoying the warmth of a late spring day. She caught my eye as she flew in to join me. At first I thought it was a hornet because of the striking colour.

But no......it was my first dragonfly of 2009....Libellula depressa. So beautiful, she stayed with me for a while.

My mind drifted........and thoughts went to a friend across the pond......

This post is just for you dear Beckie........

Bees and butterflies

I love white flowers in the garden......

I love to see the bees on white blooms........

they become so clear, much more detailed........

I love white butterflies to...............

Have a lovely weekend and enjoy your garden

Art.......

You do not have to be an artist to paint or draw.......

just as you do not need to be a writer to write.

Within all of us is a deep sense of creativity,

a desire to express what we see......

and feel in ways other than words......
I think of gardening as an art form.......

a way to show my personality......

With each season the landscapes changes.....

and beautiful people add another dimension.......

How do you view your garden? AND please tell me Gail is this PPPP

Sunday safari.......

It is dull today....not bug weather........the birds are hiding in the trees. In this garden though you will always find the bees working when the weather is dry.

Sure enough they were easy to find......

and very pretty they looked to. Hope you are all having a sunny Sunday.......

Magic moments........

Monday and Tuesday the garden was hit by strong North Easterly winds, gusting at 50mph they have done a lot of damage to trees and shrubs. Leaves decorate the grass and branches hang......there is much to be done here. I was pleasantly surprised to see the plants had survived..........I always plant closely so that each plant supports the other.....it seems to have worked......

This delicate and pretty wildflower was my Gt. grandmothers favourite bloom. Ragged Robin is dotted all around the garden and is very dear to me.......

Poppi spent the day with me yesterday.........we talked about the wildflowers

and how important they are to the bees......

butterflies and moths........

We talked of colour.....

We both loved this Aquilegia.....I love white and Poppi loves lilac....this little bloom had a touch of both and is very pretty.......

Walking around the garden with her, showing her the flowers.......

watching, as her tiny hands touch the leaves. I gave her a little job to do. Plant some strawberry plants for Mummy.......with soil, tubs and plant on the patio she started to work. I gardened nearby, and listened to the song of the skylark. The swallows were in flight..........then suddenly drifting on the light breeze her voice came to me. Little Poppi was singing.........quietly.......softly.........I watched her working, her sweet voice music to my ears.....and a tear fell, I was so moved by the moment. Her head turned to me, and without words she came running towards me, her little arms open........I bent down and opened my arms......she hugged me tight, so tight and said "I love you Nanna."

This morning I looked out of the kitchen window.......I saw the kitten on the lawn.....Poppi would smile and say how sweet she was........

I went into the garden and picked some lemon balm to make my tea. My son bought this lovely glass teapot on one of his trips abroad......it is perfect for one.
I sat in the silence and sipped my tea.....Poppi had left her magic with me......I was looking forward to working in the garden.......I may even sing .........