Here in Bishop’s Castle, as in many parts of Great Britain, much of July was cool and overcast – more autumn than summer. The garden, however, carried on oblivious, although there was an obvious shortage of bees, hover flies, butterflies and other insects.
But then just on the last lap, summer happened. And not heat waves either; simply days of pleasing warmth which certainly brought out the bees. And then whole flocks of cabbage white butterflies flew in, wafting round the garden, dozens at a time, homing in on cabbages and nasturtiums to lay their eggs. I’ve given up chasing them away.
They also like to feed on the agastache (Vietnamese Mint), a perennial I’ve grown from seed this spring. The bees love it too. So I’m glad I planted out all the many seedlings that germinated, as well as giving some away. It’s a stately plant with purple-mauve plumes and leaves that smell of aniseed.
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The switch to warm days has made all the lettuce bolt, but we’re still eating some of them. As ever, I have failed to organise a seasonal flow, so there will be a gap in salad content for a time. Instead, I’m picking the young leaves of Swiss Chard, a second crop which I’ve managed this time to protect from nibbling pigeons. There are also herbs – dill, basil, and lots of coriander and chives, and wild rocket (about to bolt) and masses of developing leeks which are good in salads.
But best of all, the runner beans are beginning to set, so I must keep an eye on them. They often fool me by producing the first crop near the ground inside the canes, where they can’t be seen.
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And then this lovely mallow has started to flower…
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And there’s been a second flush of foxgloves…
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And then I noticed a happy partnership (growing out of the concrete on the front path) campanula and lavender perfectly arranged…
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And finally, in amongst the ongoing building work and general domestic confusion…
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…we take note that it is was a year last July when we exchanged contracts on The Gables and began planning our move to Bishop’s Castle…
And in case you’re wondering about the big beer barrel, the town is famous for its historic pub and brewery The Three Tuns Inn, serving folk since 1642. Just one of many good reasons to settle here. The beer is delicious. Cheers!
The Changing Seasons: July 2024 Hosted by Ju Lyn and by Brian at Bushboys World
That pub! Makes me even more dissapointed we didn’t manage to stop on the way to France.
https://www.thethreetunsinn.co.uk/page3
Sorry about that, Ark. You might have liked a drop of Cleric’s Cure 🙂
Indeed!
Love the photos. ‘Specially the bees, with the possible exception of “Domestic Confusion” that reminds me too much of my garage.
Thanks, Thom. At this minute I would quite welcome your garage to add to its confusion with all our excess. Total chaos here today, inside as well as out.
keep going, it’ll be worth it
So beautiful! ❤️
Thank you.
My pleasure.
Just loved this look at your gorgeous garden Tish. Must be so good to finally have some summer weather
It certainly is good to finally shed one’s winter layers, Pauline 🙂
What a productive month! Just think how much more so it’ll be when you don’t have renovations to contend with.
Ah, now that is a wonderful thought. Today, we have full chaos in the house. Furniture and possessions all over the place.
Aaaagh! Fingers crossed ….
🙂
I’ve said it before, but your garden definitely repays all the work you put into it, both crops and flowers are looking fabulous! That first image sums up this summer to date with the raindrops on the petals. But it finally feels summery in London the last week or so – I hope you’re enjoying it up there too 😀
Much appreciate those encouraging words, Sarah. And yes, we still have summer, though a bit gloomy today.
I wish you could see me smiling at your beautiful photos, Tish. I always love drop shots and all the others, except that one of the clutter, are lovely too. The clutter reminds me of what we have yet to do before our move, so I’ll ignore it for now. 😉
Many thanks, Janet. And so you’re clutter bound too. All very best wishes with moving plans, Janet.
Thanks!
Beautiful flowers Tish. Your veges sound delicious. I hope you’re enjoying a cool summer. We’ve been in triple digits more days than not. And, of course, it’s fire season. One idiot started a large fire by setting his car on fire and pushing it over a hill. It takes all kinds. I hope your cool summer continues.
Ooh, heavens, that all sounds alarming, Anne. People seem to have no sense of how quickly fire spreads. So yes, we should be grateful for our coolish summer.
Triple digits again today. And they are still fighting the fire. Yes, we do need to be grateful for the small wonderful things in life.
Look what you have done in just a year! Beautiful photos!
Many thanks for the encouragement, Jennie.
You’re welcome!
Wow! Happy anniversary to The House. I did hear there wasn’t much of a summer … but then there was. What a fabulous series of blooms!
Thank you, Ju-Lyn. A whole year and we’re still not quite ‘moved in’, but we’re getting there. And yes, not much of a summer at all (more like autumn), but the garden flowers have been doing their stuff anyway. Bless them!
Nature will do what nature wills. I hear you on the leisurely move – I think that is what I will do too!