Very early this morning I watched recorded highlights of the first two days of the current Test cricket match between England and India.
One rose I tend to delay dead-heading is Félicite Perpetue, of which we have two abundant examples. Today I could find not even the slightest reason for procrastination.
Here is the splendid spreading plant in the front garden, before I set about it.
I didn’t manage to complete the task today. The corner in the second picture in this gallery was not visible behind the Modus in my before picture, but I did clear it all.
The lace cap hydrangea now has a little more room to breathe.
I have previously dead headed the pink roses sharing the opposite trellis with Clematis Mrs N. Thompson – those that I can reach.
Jackie spent much of the day on similar work, for example
pruning the Red Bottle Brush tree;
tidying the Brick Path;
cleaning and tidying the decking, including repairing the parasol.
She is particularly pleased with the half dead clematis Venosa Violacea, which she brought back to life having rescued it from Otter’s pity bench.
This afternoon I watched Wimbledon tennis fourth round matches between Jule Niemeier and Heather Watson; and between Cameron Norrie and Tommy Paul.
Then came the highlights of this, the third day’s play in the Test match; before dinner, which consisted of cheese-centred fish cakes, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and new boiled potatoes; with which Jackie drank Hoegaarden, Flo drank water, and I drank The Guv’nor, a very smooth and tasty Spanish red wine given to me by Shelly and Ron.
Satisfying results after a lot of hard work.
That’s a lot of work guys, but so worth it! Very beautiful. And “cheese-centred fish cakes”? This sounds so delicious!
Thanks very much, John. The process must be like Chicken Kiev
That’s good chicken!
A thoroughly satisfying day of labor, enjoyment, good food and great sport.
Thank you very much, Pat
Fabulous hydrangea!
Thanks very much, Sheree
I wonder how many different species of plants you have in total?
So do I, John. Thanks very much
Your gardens are beautiful, and beautifully maintained. It is a lot of work, but it is a work of love.
Thank you so much, Lavinia
A judicious mixture of hard work and watching others sweat.
Yep. Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal
You are so good at tidying Derrick, without taking away anything from the overall beauty. Cricket is your (anchor.. balm .. stimulus .. habit .. relief .. hobby .. passion … )
What wordplay or truth comes to mind?
Passion perhaps, Val. Thank you very much
I am quite taken with the Red Bottle Brush tree.
Despite Bairstow’s fine century it looks like India are going to set England a sizeable run chase Derrick ..
Certainly. India are a different proposition, Ivor. Thanks very much
Lace cap hydrangea is a new one on me. The deck looks like a cozy nook.
Thank you very much, JoAnna
Flowers and sports…the perfect combination!
Thanks very much, Jill
Looks like a busy but good day.
Thanks very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
Sounds like a very productive day Derrick. Now sit back and enjoy the cricket!
Thank you very much, Miriam
Hard work but the results are gorgeous!
Thank you very much, Ribana
Your garden rewards you for the love and hard work you put into it.
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thank you so much, Carolyn X
Beautiful garden Derrick, I’ve just bought some geraniums for George for the balcony pots, I love your tall daisies too.
Thank you very much, Charlotte
It’s a lot of work to keep your lovely garden looking good.
Thank you very much, Sherry
A day of chores!
🙂 Thanks a lot, Andrew
The photos of your garden are always a treat. Cheese-centred fish cakes sound delicious.
Thanks very much, Eugi
You’re welcome!
Such beautiful flowers. This is why your garden is so lovely–all the dedication and hard work. I would find more reasons to procrastinate. ?
Thanks very much, Merril
You’ve been very busy Derrick!
Yes. Thanks very much, Aletta
Do you grow vegetables? amongst your beautiful flowers
No, we sometimes have runner beans or tomatoes, but not this year. Thanks very much seavale
It can be hard work dead-heading the vigorous ones. I know the flowers look a bit messy for a while, so can see why you might want to tidy it up, but would Félicite Perpetue produce hips if not dead-headed?
Maybe. I’m not sure, Susan. Thanks very much
I would rather be outside pruning roses than watching cricket 😉
Thank you very much, Suzanne 🙂
You have produced very pleasant photographs in between the hard work in the garden and intermittent watching of cricket and tennis. You must be happy with the outcome of the terrific run chase by the English batsmen in the recently concluded match. Kudos to Root and Bairstow!
Absolutely, Uma. Especially against such a good side. Thank you very much