Talk on Tuesday.

A few photos from around the garden yesterday.

Cheeky frog - never tire of checking on these guys.  After not having any in the pond last year, it is a delight to see them this year.  The pond is looking more 'natural' as well now and seems to be fulfilling its role as a nature/wildlife pond exactly how I had hoped.  Just wish a few things would grow round it, but so far, pretty much everything I have tried planting has died.  I am considering putting things in pots as well, and perhaps digging them into the ground and seeing if that makes a difference.

Some of the cornflower seeds I planted a while back are now flowering and ever so pretty.

I didn't realise I had caught a fly when I took this photo!

Close up - I don't like flies in any shape or form, but can't help admiring the 'engineering' of them.

Our buddleia in the back has started to flower, so hopefully we will see some butterflies soon.

It was very hot yesterday in the shade!

It has been a little cooler today - still over 24 degrees, but not as hot as 30 degrees.  It has clouded over a little as well.  We have trimmed the hedge today.  I use the 'Royal We' in that hubby trimmed the hedge and I did a bit of sweeping up.  Looks much tidier now.  While we were out there working, Mrs Blackbird was keeping close in case we turned up anything tasty for her.    Guinea Pigs have also been cleaned out which they are very pleased about.  They love fresh hay.

As I am typing this I can hear the parakeets in the tree down the end of the garden talking to each other.  I haven't determined yet how many there are that stop off each day, but at least two.  I have never known them to hang around for so long.

Some more garden photos...

The clematis on the side fence round our back.  It is looking lovely.

Absolutely thrilled to discover new growth on my bottlebrush that I thought had died after the snow earlier this year.  

It is wonderful to see.  Glad I didn't just dispose of it like we were originally going to.  Pays to procrastinate sometimes.

Some more of my roses.

Some blackberries growing beside the Cavy Shed.

Flowers on my other beans.  Can't think of the name of these right at this moment.

A bit of colour by the pond.

Victoria plums.  Good to see a nice crop on this tree.  They make the most amazing jam, and taste great as well.

Finishing up with the stunning Stanley.

Sunday Summary

We are having a REAL summer this year - it has been years since we have had a proper summer...I know, I record the temperatures and weather patterns every day and have done for years - a bit strange maybe, but a good record.    But even I have to admit that 35 degrees, which is what it was on the 8th July (in the shade!) is rather extreme.

Today it reached just over 30 degrees in the shade.  I am making the most of it, because knowing our English weather I doubt it will last.  I get out and do things in the garden early morning, and water in the evening.  I have been reading lots of books - and have been rather overdosing on Tess Gerritsen, who whilst at times gruesome is a very good writer.  So much better than some authors and publications that seem to be out there today.  So far I can't remember seeing a mistake in any of the books I have read of hers, and yet others I have read there are numerous spelling and grammatical errors.  Thanks to my Dad for recommending her to me.

I am currently reading a rather hilarious account of a country doctor, by Dr Michael Sparrow. 

The parakeets still visit the tree at the end of our garden every early evening and stay a few minutes before heading off.

A lovely Goldfinch has been visiting the feeder quite a bit as well.

I haven't heard them croaking yet, but our resident frogs are still there and can often be seen in the pond with their heads just sticking above the water line.

This amazing self seeded lily is just outside my bedroom window and smells amazing. 

The Dalmation beans are coming along nicely and we have been having some with dinner most evenings.

The clematis is looking lovely and climbs over my Cavy Shed.

A self seeded Snap Dragon.

I thought this fuchsia had died during our harsh winter, but it has come back beautifully and has just started flowering. 

The roses are looking as spectacular as ever.

A poor crop of gooseberries this year, in part due to where the pot they are grown in is now positioned, and in part to the hot weather we have been having.  I won't be able to make jam with these as there isn't enough, so perhaps a gooseberry pie or crumble.

Our sweet Percy snoozing on his Dad's shoe.

I am still going to physiotherapy sessions fortnightly and think it may be starting to work a bit.  I still have a lot of pain, but perhaps not quite as much, either that, or I am tolerating it better.  The hot weather, brilliant sunshine and blue skies, always helps me to feel more positive anyway. 

The last of the damaged book boxes were sorted during the week, and some more books had to be thrown, some given to charity, a load of magazines have gone in the recycling box, and the others packed up in plastic 'very useful boxes'  and are currently stacked in my lounge.  Not ideal, but even in plastic boxes they are NOT going back in that shed!

Have a good week everyone, I hope it treats you well.

Enjoy the weather, and don't worry if you can't do much in it.  Just take it easy and relax!

Welcoming in July

What a very hot day to welcome July - gorgeous blue sky temperatures soaring and have been for the last couple of weeks...in fact most of June has been pretty jolly good really.

Wandering round my garden today....

The raspberries suffered a bit from our week away as they dried up in the heat just as they were forming, but there are still a few - at least enough for a taster anyway - as long as Stanley doesn't eat them all.  I caught him nipping raspberries off the plant the other day!

Gooseberries will be ready for some jam making - not so many this year.  We moved the pot they are in, and they are obviously not so keen on this new spot.

Apples.

A few foxglove are left.

A bee on the Hebe.

Flowers on my bean plants.

We have FOUR frogs in the pond now.

Blackbird cooling down in the bird bath

A parakeet up in the tree at the end of the garden - you could almost be fooled into thinking you weren't in England by these two photos!

Goldfinch on the feeder.

Not sure how much I will post this following month - lots of plans a foot, more physio treatment and also the sailor's birthday!

I'm starting to clear out my clutter precious belongings.  Well actually I am continuing to do so, but hoping to get a lot more done this month.  Today I photographed a load of Dolls House people, furniture and a lovely dolls house that I have listed on my other blog, and if they don't go on there, I will have to resort to Evilbay.  A lot of stuff, books etc...will be going to the charity shop.  I've actually managed to do quite a bit of reading this month, and all the books I have read will be returned to the charity shop for them to sell on again.  

Have a lovely July if anyone is reading this!