Category: Summer

We Abandoned the Garden

Published on by Catherine29 Comments

It’s been a better week of weather for us here on the west coast of Scotland, with the best day being Monday and great for gardening – we had a lot to do. We unexpectedly had Littlest Grandson with us on that day (school summer holidays) and he gamely helped in the garden during the morning. At lunchtime, we asked him if he’d like to go to the beach. We knew the answer well before his face lit up with delight. We live only a few minutes from the beach but Monday was the first day where we felt it was warm enough to let him dig in the sand, paddle in the sea and of course, get an ice cream from the van.

So off we went with folding chairs for gran & grandad, a mat that we knew he wouldn’t sit on, a bucket & spade, and other paraphernalia that is needed for a couple of hours on the sand. It was the first beach day, but I hope it won’t be the last. Gardening duties were simply abandoned and it was worth it.

Continue reading “We Abandoned the Garden” →

A Perfect Identity Change

Published on by Catherine29 Comments

First week of the school holidays and the weather’s been dreadful. I haven’t managed to get into the garden to do any work, and it’s been frustrating. But the winds have dropped now, and it all feels a little more hopeful that this cold front might move away before too long and I can pack my winter sweaters away again!

But enough complaining, there’s a new week ahead and it must be better. All I’m asking for is some summer sunshine. That can’t be too big an ask….can it? So here is this week’s Six on Saturday, photographed between bouts of rain, moments when the wind dropped and the clouds thinned a little. Some were even taken with gloves on.

Continue reading “A Perfect Identity Change” →

What a Difference a Week Makes

Published on by Catherine35 Comments

Seven days on and the garden is blooming. It felt like a long wait, but finally, several of the roses and other plants decided it was time to greet 2024. Since last Saturday and until mid-week we were enjoying a calmer period of weather that was a few degrees higher than it has been for many weeks. Our last warm spell was in May so this was welcome, but typically, it didn’t last. I photographed on Wednesday because one glance at the forecast told me it would be the last calm day and strong winds, plus rain, would make photography impossible on Thursday and beyond. So here it is, my selection of photos for this weekend’s Six on Saturday.

Six on Saturday

Continue reading “What a Difference a Week Makes” →

Summer Go-Slow

Published on by Catherine23 Comments

The garden’s growth has been a bit sluggish lately. The recent weather has been cold and lacking sunlight, which is quite different from what I captured in my photos at this time last year. Back then, many plants, including the roses, were in full bloom. At that time, everyone here was basking (melting!) in the heat. This year has been different and I’ve been impatient for the garden to burst into glorious colour.

But I have to ask myself – why am I in such a hurry? The roses have plenty of buds, and perennials and annuals will flower soon. When they do, temperatures will have risen enough to be able to sit out and simply enjoy the garden, its colour, its perfume and the warmth of summer. Perhaps the plants are wiser than me. They’re patiently waiting for the right moment.

My apologies for missing all your blogs last week, I’ve been a bit under the weather for a couple of weeks, but on the mend and back working (gently) in the garden. My other half is the real workhorse in our garden now, and I’m mostly the one who points and says, ‘Dig this out’ or ‘plant this here’. It’s a pity he doesn’t love the garden, but I’m working on that! 😉

However, I’ve been around the garden with the camera and found plenty of prettiness to capture for this week’s Six on Saturday.

Continue reading “Summer Go-Slow” →

Chilly

Published on by Catherine39 Comments

I packed away my winter clothes when I thought summer had arrived. I was too hasty. I should know by now how unpredictable our weather can be and now I’m searching around for warm clothing. Our top temperatures have hovered around a chilly 13℃ (55.4℉), with a ‘feels-like’ 11℃ (51.8℉) thanks to the relentless cold winds – but I hope you’ve been enjoying warmer weather than we are here.

Despite the unseasonably cool weather, the garden is beginning, slowly, to show summer colour, though some plants, such as the oriental poppies are struggling to stay upright, and refusing to open fully.

I was visiting one of my daughters and missed last week’s Six on Saturday, but here is my garden offering for this weekend.

Continue reading “Chilly” →