Thursday 31 July 2014

… Not Everything In The Garden Is Rosy …

Ever had a week where nothing seems to go right … is a little out of sync … a bit jarring … this has been my week.

I don’t mean to sound negative but July is not my favourite month.  Especially not this July.  We haven’t had any rain for weeks and the garden is suffering.  If it wasn’t for my evening watering and deadheading sessions I am sure there wouldn’t be any colour at all.  I haven’t been able to get out in the garden during the day because of the heat – and it shows – it desperately needs some attention.

front garden flower border

On top of which we are giving the spare bedroom a makeover which has meant removing everything, not an easy task – so now the contents of the room are spread over the whole house – boxes of books, paperwork, all my art gubbins etc.  I am not a happy bunny – but needs must – and hopefully in another couple of weeks we will be all straight again – everything de-cluttered and ship-shape.

phlox

But that isn’t the last of it – on Tuesday evening my computer crashed – everything disappeared (sigh) if it’s not one thing it’s another.  Never fear though – I called my trusty computer doctor and he has put it back to rights – ‘a blip’ he called it – I was calling it plenty of other things and ‘blip’ wasn’t amongst them!

annual lavatera

So, at the moment, I am working on a garden trestle table as my desk has been dismantled and demolished and tomorrow the computer will be taken out of harms way whilst the room is decorated – so I thought I’d do a post today rather than at the weekend – just in case I am out of action.

front garden flower border

On the bright side the runner beans, tomatoes and courgettes are in full swing – not quite enough to call a ‘glut’ but not far off – my friend who has just returned from a visit to Monets’ garden at Giverny brought me back a mug with a print of his garden on it – which echoes the colours of my sweet peas beautifully.  And, whilst I was sorting through all my artwork and wondering where to put it all I found this painting which I had forgotten about.

glasshouse tomatoes

On the dark side a badger has been in the garden and uprooted all my carrots, half-eaten a few, scattered leaves everywhere and basically ruined the whole crop.  See what I mean – just one of those weeks.

container blueberries

runner beans

monet's garden

lost and found painting

I know one thing, before anything goes back into the spare room it will be scrutinised, and if it is found wanting, it will not gain admittance – in the end all I want is a simple uncluttered life with just the bare necessities to keep life running smoothly – it’s not too much to ask, is it?

hanging garden

container garden

window box trailing pelargoniums

We didn’t get the rain and storms that other parts of the country had – so it remains hot and muggy and, frankly, pretty unbearable – so if there is anyone out there listening – a few nights of soft, refreshing rain would go down a treat – if it doesn’t happen I may have to resort to a ‘rain dance’.

‘Til next time …

p.s. You’re not going to believe this, but after I had published this post I went out to put the sprinkler on the veg beds – and in the distance, what did I hear, but the rumble of thunder – come on rain – give me all that you’ve got.  Hopefully, no need for the ‘rain dance’ after all – fingers crossed!

45 comments:

  1. I might have to join you in the rain dance. But you've achieved a lot in spite of it all, there's plenty of colour to behold. Good luck with the decorating, it's not my favourite task I have to admit.

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    1. It is the upheaval I can't be doing with - I now remember why we don't decorate as often as we should.

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  2. Gosh, I could have written this post. My computer is seriously playing up which I find scary, we're doing up part of the house which means it's a mess, and my garden is parched. Shared humanity I guess we could call it haha. I must say, despite the lack of rain, I think your garden looks lovely, what with those gorgeous flowers and all those splashes of colour. And just think of how pleased you'll be when the decorating is done - at least that's what I keep telling myself.

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    1. I'm glad I'm not the only one having problems - a problem shared is a problem halved, so they say.

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  3. Oh Elaine, I know just how you feel.
    My garden equals your garden....
    We have just had a new farmhouse gate delivered. Hubby is fitting it, because no one else is capable (apparently) Who will be helping, me of course :( Can you imagine in this heat.
    I have just had the Grand - children for three days.
    I am preparing for a garden party for youngest grand childs birthday and all in all I am just so tired.

    So I am definitely in your team.....fancy a weekend away ? :)

    Hope all goes well with your decorating. I love clearing a room and disposing of all the rubbish I have collected. I de-cluttered when we moved here, and absolutely love it.
    Can't seem to do the same with the garden though :)

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    1. Hope all goes well with the new gate - make sure you have your Weetabix for breakfast! Yes, good idea we'll sneak away somewhere nice and leave them all to it!
      We have had some rain at last, not a lot, but better than nothing - I understand that the weather is going to turn wetter and cooler next week, which will be a relief, as long as it doesn't last too long.

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  4. The heat is a bit much isn't it, but I bet we will remember it fondly once the cold weather strikes! It's so hard trying to keep things watered isn't it, it takes ages running around with a hose-pipe each evening.
    I must say that it's all looking gorgeous though, and I love your painting, how atmospheric! You are very talented!
    Good luck with the decorating, it's awful enduring the upheaval but SO good once it's done. I have more rooms to tackle but can't even find time to clean the windows!!! Hope this week is better for you.xxx

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    1. I'm useless in the heat - it is so nice to be out in the garden in the evening when it has cooled down a bit. I'll be glad when we've finished the room the chaos gets me down - I do like things tidy if nothing else.

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  5. Dearest Elaine - it does sound like you are having quite a few trials. I too know what it is like to wait for rain. Your flowers though look gorgeous though in spite of the lack. So glad you got your computer working. Had to laugh when you said about renovating the spare room - this past spring I did three rooms at one time (Never - Ever - Again)!! LOL - Hope your week-end gets better and that you did get some raine.

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    1. Hi Debbie
      I can understand you statement about the decorating - not my favourite way to pass the time - ha! Luckily we don't do it very often. We did get the rain hallelujah the garden is very thankful.

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  6. I totally sympathise. It has been lovely to have some sunshine but when it goes on and on and effects my sleep I get a bit over tired and let's be honest a bit tetchy. And if things start to go wrong, oh boy.

    Hope you managed to get some rain. I never thought I would look forward to rain but i do at the moment.

    Jean x

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    1. I got my first good nights sleep for ages last night - it was so much cooler after the weather had broken - whew!

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  7. Oh dear, what a foul time you're having. Despite the lack of rain our garden is looking lovely - hope that rain arrives soon.

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    1. Hopefully the bad spell is over we all get times like that don't we. The rain came and came again - at last.

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  8. I hope you get the rain but I must say your garden looks pretty good to me anyway.

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  9. I've been relying on Mother Nature too, but everything is getting very dry. We are promised some rain soon, otherwise I'll have to assemble the sprinkler again (I've only used it once this year). Your garden looks fabulous.

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    1. Nothing waters the garden like Mother Nature does it - we did get rain at last - I just hope it doesn't last too long however

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  10. We must have your rain on this side of the pond. I never really thought that England had hot, dry weather. Your garden, non the less, is beautiful. Naughty old badger. No badgers here, but plenty of cotton tales that have discovered the sweet, young green shoots. No green beans for us, I guess. Just think how lovely your room will be when the work is done.

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    1. I am so looking forward to it being finished so that I can put the house back to rights - that is the worst bit.

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  11. Murphy's Law: get the garden hose out, finish watering and rain will come. Crazy July weather or not, your flowers are beautiful to behold. Hope you have a better week!

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    1. Thanks Diane - your words about the watering are oh so true in this instance - the watering takes so long every evening. But a job that has to be done especially when I grow so much in containers and pots.

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  12. Hello Elaine,
    I must tell you, that your garden is simply stunning. Such a variety of color. To me it looks beautiful.
    I think we all have those kind of weeks, when nothing seems to go right.
    Think of how it will all look after you have your new spare room.
    Hope you had some rain.! We dont get rain during these months. My garden is looking pretty sad. Two hours watering in the morning and an hour at night.
    Wishing you a happy August.
    val xxx

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    1. Thanks for your kind words Val - I will just have to put up with the chaos for a little while and I am sure it will all be worth it in the end. A happy August to you to.

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  13. I am always surprised by the fact that when decorating just one room the entire house is turned upside down,

    That blueberry bush looks to be loaded with fruit!

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    1. Yes, how does that happen. The blueberry has been wonderful this year and I am managing to pick some everyday for breakfast - delish.

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  14. I found myself nodding and smiling in sympathy with this post as it's not my favourite time of the year either.
    The flowers and vegetables do compensate however.
    Lovely pictures. Flighty xx

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    1. I agree - I don't get on very well in the heat I'm afraid but it does make up for the long winters we endure.

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  15. I totally understand the rain dance, June is the time when my garden shines...the rest of the year, it sulks. LOL.

    If this is your garden in July I'm super impressed, nothing much to worry about there, trust me. Hope that you get your rain...

    And the crashing thing must be contagious...mine did the same for no good reason, very frustrating.

    Jen

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    1. I agree - June is definitely the best month in the garden - luckily I sow lots of annual flower seeds that see me through to autumn- I do love a colourful garden. The rain came thank goodness - much needed.

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  16. Oh I do hope you all got that rain!!! We have not had the heat here but have been without rain for several weeks until this morning. Not much but at least it was something! Your garden is rock star beautiful! Every turn there is a pop of color! Just amazing friend...hence why I love blogging! I can just sit down and see your garden across the ocean! And I am glad you got your computer sorted out...goodness knows I am not techy and trying to resolve issues would be a challenge for me! Glad that you have all of those veggies coming in as well! We are in the middle of sorting and purging here too. Our space is not that large but the beans seem to accumulate so much stuff! I want it all ship shape too before the school year starts! Wishing you a wonderful weekend friend! Good luck with everything! Nicole xoxo

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    1. Thanks Nicole. Our house is very small so when you do have to move stuff there is really nowhere to move it to - hence the chaos. Thanks for your kind comments about my garden - I only show the good bits of course.

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  17. I can relate to your post. We've had hot dry weather (more than usual) and its been tough on the plants. I've also been doing some painting and decorating and have stuff sitting all over the house (what a mess). On the plus side your plants are looking colorful & very pretty!

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    1. Sounds like we are going through the same dilemmas Kelli - I am sure the gardens will survive and after a little rain will revive.

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  18. It looks good, no GREAT from what you've shown us here! Lots of summer color. July in the Northeast of US was a challenge. I had to rely on my daylilies and phlox and annuals and...the dahlias!!!! Ive been having computer issues - I back up everything on an external hard drive in case all goes kaput! Dear husband went out and bought me a new Mac today and now comes the fun of transferring files - will depend on computer lady for that! This computer education is an ongoing thing!

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    1. It is quite scary when the computer goes down and panic sets in - if only I was a little more technologically minded - oh well I suppose we can't be good at everything. Enjoy your new Mac.

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  19. Here it is very dry and hot too. In other parts of the country they have lots of rain, but here it passes. Despite the drought your garden still looks so colourful, a real cottagegarden with vegetables, fruit and flowers, it is just what I love very much.
    I wish you a lot of success with clearing and decorating of the spare bedroom, it will give a lot of satisfaction when it's done and nice again.

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    1. Thanks Janneke - hopefully whilst husband is decorating I will be outside putting the garden to rights.

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  20. A lot going on at once, and with no refreshing rain, must be frustrating...plus a badger in the carrot patch and garden. Did the thunder bring the rain? We are suffering from dry conditions, also, with a ban on campfires and restrictions on watering. Will you share your new room with us? Good luck with all the reorganizing :)n Your sweet peas look gorgeous in that Monet mug.

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    1. Yes it did rain Glo, thanks goodness, but it is hot with a drying wind again today - so the watering by hand will carry on - their is no rest for the wicked so they say!

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  21. Rearranging the house is enough to dive anyone nuts. I love how colorful your garden is. We finally got some desperately needed rain, too after a few weeks with none. My water bill will be huge!

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    1. It is driving me nuts. I don't even want to think about the water bill!

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  22. Oh I do hope that you got that much needed rain Elaine, that you have broken the back of that decorating and sorting out and that your computer is back to normal. I'm never quite sure about July myself and this year the humidity hasn't helped. I think we have all been a bit out of sorts without enough good quality sleep.

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    1. Yes we did get that rain and have one or two showers since then, the garden was pretty desperate for it. Computer back to normal and decorating finished - now we just have to put the room back together and bring all the contents back in - an onerous task.

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