So autumn begins, and yet summer lingers. We’ve just returned from a last minute trip – a week by the sea in Pembrokeshire. It was surprisingly summery and warm there too, despite strong winds, but it must have been warmer still in Bishop’s Castle. We came home to a garden full of flowers: Asters, Cosmos, Rudbeckia, Japanese Anemones, Roses, Morning Glories, Sedums, Bee Balm, and Sunflowers. And a fine welcome it was too, though I must confess to a pang of gardener’s disgruntlement: see what the garden gets up to when left to its own devices, when I’m not here to interfere tend it.
Copyright 2026 Tish Farrell
Well, that’s glorious. And it does seem a fitting portrait for ths year. Summer AND autumn, all at once.
This end of summer sun has been such a treat. Cooler tomorrow though (altho’ more seasonally appropriate) and then warmer again, which is very wonderful of the weather gods.
We’re all over the place at the moment. Getting dressed in the morning requires careful thought and window watching.
And then when you’ve decided, it’s all change an hour or so later 🙂
*sigh*. Yup.
Beautiful flowers.
Thank you, Rupali.
Oh, goodness, what a fabulous sight to come home to. You have created a stunning garden Tish in such a short time. And yes, sunset describes it well.
To be honest, Jude, the garden is a bit bonkers. I have lots of young perennials – waiting to see what will do and what won’t. The sunflowers of course, entirely brought themselves . I’m amazed they’re still going. Must be 3 months now, though I am dead-heading them, the tallest requiring the tree loppers to reach them!
What a beautiful sight to come home to Tish! And a tribute to all your hard work.
It certainly was a big surprise, Thanks, Anne.
your garden has had a ball while away
It certainly did, Sue 🙂
😄
The plants knew to behave in your absence or better still wanted to surprise you! Its all this rain and sunshine we’re having – I can’t decide what to wear from one day to the next – lovely holiday idea whenever it’s by the sea
Yes, one moment t-shirt only, next a woolly is needed. And yes, 3 cheers for rain and sun, though I don’t think we’ve had too much of the former. The soil seems v. dry. It’s weird how even in a week one loses track with what’s been happening in the garden. Indeed the seaside was good. Pix in due course.
Your garden truly is a dreamy work of art. You must be very proud of your hard work! xx
Thank you, Pam. Of course I only show the best views 🙂
It’s still very much a work in progress. In fact this afternoon I’ve been moving plants all over the place. I’m hoping they won’t mind.
I hope you talked sweetly to them whilst they were moving! xx
I think I was actually holding my breath! We’ve had some steady rain since, so am hoping that will make up for gardener deficiencies.
Cute, but I suspect there are very few (read: none) gardener deficiencies at your residence!!! xx
V. kind, Pam 🙂
I get why you’re a little disgruntled that your garden managed so well without you for a few days, but I’m betting that’s only because you look after it the rest of the time!
That’s a nicely positive way to look at it, Sarah. Thank you.
Those sunflowers are gorgeous and I’m very tempted to plant a couple in our small shared garden. Lovely photos of your garden.
Many thanks, Suzanne. It’s definitely worth planting some. They work in pots and of course come in all manner of sizes to fit available space.
So beautiful and sublime these flowers Tish, it must bring you a lot of joy, just looking at these pics I can feel the power of this garden ✨️💖
A whole new meaning for Flower Power, Athena. Cheers, my dear!
Sending more flower power and may your garden continue to be spectacular, big hugs
Many thanks, Athena.
Heh, heh, heh … gardens, a bit like cats, really. 😀
I think you’ve put your finger on it 🙂
😀
Spectacular, Tish.
Thanks, Flavia. It always amazes me how some flowering plants seem to glow, even when the natural light is v. low
Absolutely beautiful!
Thank you, Jennie.
You’re welcome.