Tuesday, August 15, 2006

AN AUTUMNAL FEEL IN THE AIR

In these quiet days of late summer there is a distinct autumnal feel in the air as wayside fruits of blackberry, sloe and elderberry ripen in the hedgerow. Farmers are busy, particularly on good weather days working well until dusk, when the heady scent of their freshly cut hay fills the air. Mornings have a fresher feel about them, mists linger and grass is soaked with morning dew.

My garden called out for a tidy up at the weekend, It hasn’t really recovered from the untimely neglect it suffered during the summer. Nevertheless, I try to look for beauty that is still there and enjoy!

The tree fern produced nicely proportioned fronds this year and the cordoon grew to an unprecedented height of about 8 ft. sporting beautiful thistle heads which the bees adore.

As you’ll see, I have to keep an eye on the bird bath to ensure its topped up with water, George has taken a liking to curling up in it for a nap.

The most impressive display of lilies bloomed whilst I was in hospital, but I always keep a couple of pots back in a cooler shadier part of the garden, this enables me to bring them out for a later display of colour. Their perfume has been exquisite.

I am eager to increase my stock of roses for next year, so, thanks to John, who cleared out a bed beside the driveway, I have managed to reclaim enough ground to add just a few more. The difficult job is going to be choosing which ones to buy.

Click on pictures to enlarge.






15 comments:

Alice said...

Marion, I'm so thrilled to see photos of your garden again, and it's still looking beautiful.

Those dark pink lilies are an incredible colour, and George in the birdbath is priceless.

Keep enjoying your lovely garden, Marion. Loved your description of the seasons around your village.

Have a lovely day, Marion.

Dawn said...

Lovely flowers...and I would agree that it is feeling autmnal here as well...before we know it, there will be the snow to move aside to walk outside.

Ramblins of a middle-aged goddess said...

No Autumn feel here and there will not be for quite some time. Here in the South East part of the States there will not be for some time. It is just PLAIN HOT!! We have had a VERY hot summer and it continues that way. It has taken water and more water just to keep what little flowers I can have to keep them going this year. Marion, yours are beautiful!! Thanks, for sharing them. I am just so happy to have you back blogging again. I sure did miss getting to read your posts.

TJ said...

Your garden is still as beautiful as ever!! George looks like he likes being on a pedistal!!!
Hope you regain all of your health and vigor!!!
(((hugs)))

Susie said...

I love fall, but we're not close to that yet. George does look so much like my Vincent. He is claiming his rightful throne, I'd say!!!
This was a lovely post and your gardens are so gorgeous.
Take good care of yourself...
((hugs))

Anonymous said...

I would like to thank all the kind people who have been so supportive to my mother throughout the past few weeks following her op. I know your kind support, phone calls and emails have really boosted her morale in her recovery from a difficult time. It has been thouroughly refreshing to know you are all there for her, even tho you are far away....
Kind Regards, her Daughter Julia

Val said...

It all looks quite exotic. Lovely.

Carole Burant said...

You have such beautiful flowers in your garden and I was quite impressed with the tree that's in the big pot...what is it?? I love the picture of George in the birdbath...they do tend to find the funniest places to rest! lol Hope you are feeling better each day:-) HUGS

Boxwood Cottage said...

Yes I agree, I have this autumnal feeling as well and I so love this time of the year. I've just finished mowing the lawn and cleaning up my garden as well. Your lilies are so gorgeous, I especially love the pink ones! And I had a good laugh about George cuddling up in the bird bath ha ha ha! :D So good to have you back!

Everydaythings said...

marion - it cant be autumny just yet???? its still middle of august and that is still summer! how come its gotten so cool? I hope youre in for an indian summer then!

Sigruns German Garden said...

Hi Marion, you Lilies looks great. And the cat without flowerpot also.

Yes, i fell also the autumn, the garden looks wonderful, but the colours are covered, so tired.

Sigrun

patsy said...

oh boy you are back! missed you so much.

Kerri said...

How lovely to know you're feeling well enough to post again Marion! I know you can see all the work that needs to be done, but it all looks beautiful to us, your blog friends. I love the way you've mixed the lilies together. They're looking glorious! How lucky you are to be able to visit David Austin's Roses in person...to choose just a few. Oh my, that'll be difficult!
How sweet of Julia to post that message :)
Loved what you wrote about the changing season. Our weather seems very similar to yours. It's been lovely gardening weather here lately and we had a little rain during the night.
George is such a character...what a picture! He's a lovely kitty cat!
I do hope you're feeling better every day.
Sending hugs xox

Lis vom Lindenhof said...

It's always a pleasure to "visit" your garden. I am always amazed!

Ramblins of a middle-aged goddess said...

Marion, ARe you feeling okay? I have not seen you back blogging for awhile so was just wondering...just checking in on you..Sandy