Humming Bees

We were very fortunate to escape one of today’s heavy showers when we transported another car load of garden refuse to the Efford Recycling Centre. Rain hammered on the car as we drove home’

I use the cut glass pattern on a small wine container to measure my intake at each evening meal in order not to overdo the consumption and regret it. If she can help it the next morning, Jackie never leaves the renamed local council dump without making a purchase from the Reuse Shop. Today she bought a larger glass

which she placed on the kitchen table between yesterday’s bottle of Malbec and the measuring glass so that I could use the smaller glass as such to gauge a point on the larger for a change. I sampled it while drafting this post. Definitely more pleasing.

Although the sun produced warmth between fierce showers, Martin had to move on from weeding paths which became too wet, and carry

out more general tidying.

I took advantage of the sunny periods to photograph

bees entering a white foxglove, alighting on a geranium palmatum,

and those whose massed hum emanated from the Chilean Lantern tree to which they are inevitably drawn. Accessing the gallery should help spot one in each of these pictures.

This pink budding rose in the Patio Bed will be the colour of Peach Abundance in the Oval Bed when it fills out.

Other roses include the white rambler Félicité Perpétue; pale pink New Dawn; white climbing The Generous Gardener; pink Festive Jewel; white Winchester Cathedral: and a red climber.

The first of these clematises is on the front garden trellis; the next two pictures on the patio fence include Doctor Ruppel, another example of which decorates the Brick Path.

Fuchsia Delta’s Sarah, of which we have a number, is hardy enough to survive our winters; this allium is now in full bloom, as are the heucheras.

Here are two more shots of the Rose Garden.

and one from alongside the Cryptomeria Bed.

This evening we dined on spicy marinaded chicken; boiled baby new potatoes; and al dente carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli stems, with which I drank more of the Malbec.

49 comments

  1. The Peach Abundance so far is my favorite. During the summer it’s apt to change.
    Martin sure is worth his salt, isn’t he?!

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  2. Was the more pleasing, the wine in the new glass, the writing experience, or the wine itself now that it may have been decanted? If Martin moves to the US or has family in that profession here, please let me know. He’s a treasure.

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    1. Indeed, Liz. The cordyline Australis scents the whole garden. Thanks very much

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  8. Your flower photos are exceptionally beautiful. I am intrigued by your use of the soft backgrounds behind the flowers.

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  12. Absolutely gorgeous flower photos! The bees sure have a lot of lovely “restaurant” choices! Ha! 🙂
    YAY for Martin and a high-five!
    I always love seeing the Fuchsias!
    (((HUGS)))

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  16. I thought at first that she was trying to get you to drink a larger amount with the big glass. Your peach rosebud is my favorite. Beautiful flowers growing in you garden.

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  17. Your photos are glorious, Derrick. I love the new wine glasses and good idea to keep track of how much you imbibe.

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  18. Your flowers are stunning. I especially love the peach roses. The scent of your roses (and other flowers) must be wonderful.
    I couldn’t tell from the photo if the new glass holds more, of it’s simply taller, but both glasses are lovely.

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    1. Thank you very much, Merril. The new glass doesn’t hold much more – it is deceptive. The roses are scenting the garden well but the cordyline Australis will soon overpower them for a while

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  19. The gardens are looking very beautiful, Derrick and Jackie. I am glad you have Martin there to help keep your piece of paradise in order!

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