Sunday safari

There is a chill in the air....I am wearing a jumper. Many little frogs sit on top of the floating lettuce......but some are still at the in between stage. I always think they look a little strange.......

Wasps gather on the Cosmos stems.....they are stripping the bark......

Bumbles are few but there are many Carder bees.......

There are many whites in the garden....too numerous for those who grow cabbages.....I do not........

Brightly coloured butterflies are scarce......

but this Red Admiral stayed for quite a while.....

It liked Poppi's patch....she will be pleased.......

A few dragonflies arounds........this one looks a little sad, don't you think?
I wonder if the chilly breeze has taken them by surprise.......

It felt good to work in the garden today......the cooler air has allowed me to achieve much. I had a good day.......

Mr P is helping out at daughter's tonight (bless him). I am going to put my feet up, pour myself a glass of chilled wine.......and watch the first episode of a new two-part adaptation of Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. I am so excited, this is one of my favourite novels......I have seen some clips and boy does it look good.

Have a good evening ...........

She will always have the last word........

Last week I started to feel very anxious about the garden. The very wet summer last year, cold winter and spring and the dry summer we are experiencing, has sent my plants and trees into chaos. The rowan trees are now devoid of leaves.

Many shrubs are struggling...........

The wisteria which normally covers three arches has started to die back and now covers just one arch and is not looking well. I spent the afternoon cutting out the deadwood.......

I have lost much of the Gunnera, just a few leaves remain........two crowns have died......

Early this morning I decided I needed to walk with Nella and have some quiet thinking time.........

It will not do me any good worrying about my garden.....I cannot fight Mother Nature....she will always have the last word.........

I must learn from this experience........and make changes once again.....

Climate change is here......whatever the causes......and I must learn to adapt accordingly.......

I will work with Mother Nature.........there will always be a bright future for this garden as long as I have the strength and time to continue with it........
When I moved here I made a commitment........to help the struggling wildlife in Kent. I intend to do that..........now I shall be patient.....I shall stand back......and just wait and see what happens......

Sunday safari.....for Susie......

I saw her fly to the patio.......my most favourite moth. I await her visit each year.....she never lets me down. Her visit is fleeting and until now I have never been able to capture her with my camera. The patio tubs are full of nectar rich plants, in the hope, she may stop and share a little time with me......

A summer visitor which migrates each year from the South of France.

Like a hummingbird, she hovers in front of the flower and inserts her long tongue.

While hovering, she beats her wings at such high speed that they are barely visible.

The accompanying high-pitched sound is said to be more audible to women than men.....and yes I could hear it.

About 50 humming-bird hawk-moths are reported in Britain each year. She stayed for just a few moments......I doubt I will see her again this year.

For me, she is the most beautiful moth.....I am captivated by her tiny form.....her hummingbird qualities.....and her illusive behaviour...

Still too hot for me....but every cloud has a silver lining....she likes it hot, and if she stays with me for a little longer, I think I can tolerate this spell of drought that we are having.....

Happy Sunday........

NOTE: Why not pop over to Gwirrels garden......Liz often posts a Sunday safari....

Too hot for me........

It is hot, very hot.......

Did I really want a south facing garden, I ask myself........

Well I don't like it..........

Neither do I, it is giving me a headache.........

I do....come on its fun, whatever the weather.......

Sunday safari

It has been a long dry summer.......little rain has left the lawn parched.....

and many plants are struggling......

some trees are taking on their autumnal hues........

'The old girl' has few fruits and is not looking her best. Perhaps this year is a time to rest.

Plums are plentiful....family helped me pick them last week......we have left some for the birds and bugs......

Elderberries, I do love them. Many are ripe and juicy........and again plentiful. The birds will love these in the autumn....and I shall have a few myself......

I was delighted to see this pretty pink foxglove........very late but very welcome.

This pretty butterfly bush is a self seeder.......this is a keeper.....all buddleja's are keepers here.......

I have to say I have been delighted with the pond. Although in it's infancy it has attracted a lot of wildlife. I have spent much time watching the comings and goings. The water has stayed beautifully clear, thanks to barley straw.

The tadpoles are large and growing legs. Some are fully formed and getting ready to leave. Good luck little frog......it's a jungle out there........

Butterflies are becoming more difficult to find. I noticed this one way up in the branches.......the sun had caught the meadow browns wings......so pretty.

A fluffy blue tit makes me smile......it has been such a good year for birds in the garden.......

"Don't forget me, it's not only Blue Tits that are cute."

As the day draws to a close I catch sight of Woody. I am very fond of this chap. He takes a dip in the pond each day.......and coo's gently down the chimney.....I find it soothing and calming listening to him. I have had a lovely week. I have been counting my blessings.....I have many and I am thankful. Happy Sunday

Sunday Safari.

I have a wasps nest in my garden......

I showed Poppi and Riley yesterday......they are learning to respect the insects that live here. Wasps can be dangerous....

Poor bee.....so tattered and torn......it has been a long summer......

Lots of ladybirds....they have flown in from the continent. They are looking for aphids......

so are the lacewings.......

Asters are popular with insects. Even flies have their uses.

I do love hoverflies......the gardeners friend....I have many and I am happy......

The bush cricket would not come out to play. He had his mind on other things. I am glad he joined me for Sunday safari........

I will not be around much this week. I am having a week with family.......trips to the seaside......we have kites to fly......rock pools to explore...........cliff tops to walk. Riley and Poppi will have fun....their Uncle is joining us. I love it when we all get together. A rare event.....but more special for the waiting.

Have a happy week.......