I've been terribly lax about doing much on the computer lately. I haven't been keeping up with blogs and haven't been blogging myself. The weather has improved consequently I've been outside a lot. Everything is growing so well this year. I look around and am amazed. It must have something to do with all the wet weather we've had. The annuals, ie: pansies in particular, are the best I've ever seen them. Big, bright velvet faces. The rhubarb has had it's best year yet and the black currant tree is loaded down with berries. I counted the number of buds on one of the rose bushes and came up with 60 some odd. I was astounded!
Last weekend we had friends here for dinner in the garden. It was a lovely evening even though there were a few black flies about. Friends brought salads and I made two large German Onion Pies. All was quickly gobbled up. Rhubarb coffee cake for dessert.
If all goes well, my father will be here for his 90th. birthday. He phoned a few days ago saying that he and my mother would be here on the 17th. and he would like a party.
After supper last night I decided to go out and do a little bit of weeding. Getting my kneeling pad and trowel, I headed for an area that needed doing again. When I got there what should I see on the chive flowers, a Hummingbird Hawk Moth. I can hardly remember running back to the house for the camera I was that excited. I took a good many photos and none turned out well at all. I'm only putting this one on, it was the best one, as a first one this year and likely the last one I'll see. They are absolutely beautiful.
Another bit of excitement. I grew Woad one year and it was like a sea of gold in the garden. It's the plant that the Druids used to get their blue dye. Anyway, I lost it all when the whole front was dug up for a new water line and new septic tank. Last year I bought more seeds and I guess a couple must have come up. I had completely forgotten about it all. This plant was growing quite big once things were getting under way and I hadn't a clue what it was. I left it alone rather than pulling it thinking it was a weed. Lo and behold, it bloomed and I recognized it as Woad. It's now going to seed and there will be hundreds of seeds by the look of it. I will be planting them all over.
A few pictures taken recently.
8 comments:
Summer is so short, you don't want to spend it indoors pecking at a keyboard. Beautiful photos as always.
I like the sound of your dad, "he wants a party". Bless him. And happy 90th!
Ali
Such excitement with your dinners, plants, gardens, hummingbird hawk moth and anticipating a party too. Sounds grand to me :D Great to hear your Woad's still there and bursting into life again.
And as for the squirrel...... 'spect he'll be at the party too.
Lovely photos here OC! I still remember the excitement I felt when a Hummingbird Hawk Moth visited my garden years ago, sadly I had no camera then and haven't seen one since.
That cheeky Squirrel is so sweet and I really love your wrought iron gate!
love that squidgy oh and the sign is so you
What a thrill to find that Waod and best of luck with the reseeding--love all the photos, and the garden sign and gate are fantastic!! Here things are winding down after the hot June we had-
WOW a 90th birthday deserves a huge party! Hope to see pix of that.
What a beautiful cat. She looks very regal. Love seeing your moth. Haven't had one in my garden yet this season.
How interesting to think of planting woad. Hope you show us some photos.
Marnie
Lovely gate and sign.
In Denver when you drive up to the airport there is a huge demonic looking horse statue with glowing red eyes- I thought of you for some reason!
So good you are getting and enjoying a taste of summer and getting a few surprises from the wildlife and that woad plant*!*
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