It is getting boring, I know... I realise that I do go on about climate change, but it is hard to ignore. Sorry! Whilst in the South of France bushfires are causing mass evacuations for campsites, our grass verges are as dry and yellow as if we have moved our country and dropped it in the South of Europe. And we officially have the third heatwave of the year.
My roses are thriving in that heat, though. They are doing much better than myself, I wilt as soon as the temperature rises above 24°C...
So I cycle to Hunky Dory in the very early morning, often around 07.00 a.m. when I am the only one there. Well, except the birds and other animals that is.
This Red Admiral kept fluttering around my head, I think it was attracted to my hot pink hat. And when I watered my tin planters, a huge bright green grasshopper startled me by hopping almost into my face. I wanted to take a photo for you, but it had other ideas.
I bought the first marginal water plants, Polygonum bistorta. And that bright green grass-like reed in the pond is the Papyrus...it has survived, happy about that.
The Lathyrus is moving along the branch. But I think it is past its prime now, eventhough I deadhead it daily.
Still, it is very pretty, don't you think? I keep throwing the pods in other parts of my garden, next to the fences, in the hope the plant will shoot up there next year. Probably not, though. In my experience my plants only shoot up anywhere if they feel like it...
Like the gorgeous Wild Carrot...The seeds I sowed in my planter...not one carrot flower has shown itself. But in the corner, next to the small mound, they have come up spontaneously, and also on the tiny forecourt where I put my bycicle. Oh well...they are welcome.
In between heatwave 2 and 3, we had a storm...in other parts of the country they had hail, so big, that the stones destroyed greenhouses and dented cars.
In my part there was not a drop of the so much needed rain, just gusts of wind that blew down trees.
I suppose I can be glad not the entire tree blew down. From a distance it looks insignificant, but I assure you that the branch is a meter in width.
Anyway...I'll be glad when it gets a bit cooler! It is nearing 30°C this entire week to come, and that simply is too hot for me, my dog and my garden. The Canna Lily on my balcony is loving it though.
I'll leave you with my newest painting. I have an exhibition coming up in September, so in between watering my plants and writing my book, I paint.
Have a lovely week, do visit my website to read the teaser for Moss at Renée Grashoff Schrijft and try to keep cool!
