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The sight of now tall corn transforming the landscape reminds me of Cambodia, which could scarcely be more different.
In my father’s old photograph, the rice was at an early stage.
How I loved to see the paddy fields when they were ready to harvest, a sea of green waving in the wind.
Perhaps those long ago cars trip cultivated the enjoyment I always get from being on the road.
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Cambodia had wet and dry.
While no fan of summer, I love the variety of changing seasons. There is always something new to see.
Yesterday I finally remembered to take a picture of the bright orange berries on the honeysuckle down the road. It always catches my eye as we pass.
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Another gladiola bloomed this morning.
Unconvinced I’d get them to grow, I shoved the bulbs in here and there carelessly. Next year I’ll put more thought into it.
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I love how raindrops decorate them.
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It is so nice to watch buds develop.
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There was a small handful of more modest successes.
As a rule, I don’t like the combination of yellow and red, but when it’s natural, that’s different.
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A couple of cornflowers pushed their heads up.
So delicate. I love blue flowers.
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At the end of the road there is a small pond which catches nice reflections.
Day lilies and bee balm.
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Grant’s butternuts have been devoured this year, first by caterpillars and once they were seen off, by another larger but anonymous creature that has been snacking on the developing squashes.
It is annoying because we enjoyed having fresh butternuts, but the acorn squashes have made a comeback.
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It’s interesting to see how they develop.
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And it’s nice that others benefit.
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The lower field that is completely wild is quite lush now. See the tassels on the corn in the further field.
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Last but not least, bird’s foot trefoil.
Another of my invasive friends, though this one apparently makes good forage.
When macerated, it releases small amounts of hydrogen cyanide which is apparently not dangerous.
In some parts of the world it is used for anxiety, insomnia and exhaustion.
I could use some energy…
Thank you, Carolyn, for your delightful post and the wonderful photos! Your ability to grow everything is amazing, the plants love you! You are a natural gardener with very green fingers!
Joanna x
This comments business is driving me up the wall. I have found this work-around but, like everything else it seems, it all takes twice as long. All I wanted to say was how much I look forward to your posts, to the beauty and the peace they bring. Thank you.
Thank you Colin. We shall overcome the wretched thing!
😊😊😊
The gladioli are really lovely. It’s a pity they don’t last very long.
Yes indeed!
Absolutely gorgeous flowers and the garden….. And photos.
Enjoy the summer 🌞🙋
Lovely examples of your local flora, Carolyn. I also enjoy seeing the large fields of crops around here before harvest time, which for me signals the beginning of the end of a year.
Best wishes, Pete.
Your gladiolas are so beautiful and I like blue flowers too (maybe because as a child I always thought it wasn’t ‘normal’ for a flower to be blue). I hope you will still be able to eat some of your vegetables in your own garden (homegrown veggies are the best). And it is always fun to read what plants can be used as a natural medicine … not that I would recognise them in their natural environment!