Looking Autumnal

The tulip tree leaves are turning yellow already.  It's a very Autumnal thing but it could also be lack of any decent showers of rain lately.  Leaves are also falling on the top lawn.  August is fast fading.

The garden is looking uncared for, although work has been done.

Especially on clearing the gravel path of weeds.

Heleniums and Echinaceas are doing well.

There is a small apple on the small apple tree.

Out and about on our walks there have been plenty of berries and fungi too.

There is now a slight chill in the morning air and jackets, admittedly lightweight ones, have been worn again first thing.

Can you bear another Wallaby?  I hope so.  This one is Nibbles.

He's at Rudyard Lake, near the café.  He was illustrated by Hannah Walton and Beki Kremer in collaboration with Leek and District foodbank.

The last two next time.

A few more and a Lazy Fox

Mr Fox has been visiting the garden in the early mornings and evenings.  A few days ago I spotted him relaxing on the top lawn.  I'm glad he feels safe here.

In my last post I promised a few more photos of The Ragged Victorians at the Gladstone Pottery Museum.

I can't remember what character the man above was meant to be.  I love his hat.

The Rat Catcher.  I expect that today he would be called a Rodent Control Operative.

Fallen on hard times

The two girls were really involved in their conversation.

Below the Shepherd in sepia tone

and the girls in black and white

All for now.

In the Garden

This Summer three Great Mullein plants have taken over one of the raised beds at the top of the garden.  

 Two plants appeared in the same bed a couple of years ago, last year they disappeared but this year there are three of the them.  

According to the RHS website Verbascum thrapsus or Great Mullein is a tall grey or white woolly biennial and grows up to 2 metres in height.  Well it being a biennial explains why we didn't see one last year.  It is also known as Aaron's Rod but has many other names including Beggar's blanket, Common Mullein, Adams's flannel, and Woollens.  

Also in the garden both Philadelphus shrubs are flowering.  One at the top of the garden.

The other in a pot until we decide where to place it.  It's my favourite mock orange - Belle Etoile.

Two different poppies have appeared

 both self-seeded.

Below 

Blue Borage

Common Chamomile

Yellow Loosestrife has returned in a different part of the garden. When we first came here the garden was full of it but we have gradually thinned it out.

Sweet Peas

Hardy Geranium

I've been picking both Sweet peas and Pinks for the house.  The scent of both is lovely.  It's been cooler today and the garden has benefitted from overnight rain.

Including the pond.  The newts are happy as well.

Monday in the Garden

I went out into the garden about 8pm. yesterday evening.  It was delightful.  Quiet and peaceful, the light was wonderful, making the garden look quite different from earlier in the day.  We had taken a walk, first thing across the local nature reserve and the May or Hawthorn  blossom was certainly out although there was a really cold wind and I was glad I'd added an extra layer under my jacket.

Later that morning I went out and took photos of the plants and flowers that have made an appearance over the last few days.

The Tamarisk tree is moving towards its fluffy pink phase.  The Peony in the back garden has two flowers open already. 

 The one in the front garden is still in bud.  Geums, Aquilegia, Bistort and Astilbe are doing well.  Also the Clematis Montana and Mountain Cornflowers.  Sweet peas are beginning to climb and twist around their supports and Rhubarb, Gooseberries and Strawberries are also doing well.

The Rhubarb is ready to eat and we've already had stewed Rhubarb with a Rhubarb Yoghurt and a Rhubarb crumble with custard.  The Strawberries will be next and then the Gooseberries.

Sweet peas and strawberries

Gooseberries

The shrub above (not sure what it is) was buzzing with bees, we counted at least a dozen on there.

No rain forecast for the next few days so some watering will have to be done.  The water butts will need replenishing soon as we've used some of the water to top up the pond.