Friday, 2 September 2016

High Summer Breathes her Final, Burning Breath ...

September - my favourite month of the year.  Sitting outside in the warmth of the afternoon sun just watching, observing what is going on around me, with only the gentle thud of apples falling to the ground, and quarrelsome sparrows for company.

 
  A dragonfly with whirring wings settles at the edge of the pond;
 




  bumble bees frantically gathering pollen from the last of the lavender flowers;
 
 
a butterfly drinking nectar from the Michaelmas daisies;
 

or another landing on a rotten plum probing for sugar- even the underside of its wings are a rainbow of colour


or becoming an adornment on the statues hat
 

 
 a frog's head appearing from out of the pondweed;
 
 
a wasp landing on a lily pad 
 
 All these creatures going about the business of being alive taking not a jot of notice of me, the silent watcher with a camera.  Capturing a perfect shot requires patience and perseverance - flowers are easier, they don't  get startled and fly away!


cyclamen

 
nicotiana
 

nasturtium
 

dahlia
 

heuchera 'caramel'
 
 
toadstool
 
September is also the time when we take a few days away - it can be quite lovely at the coast at this time of year.  Taking time to stroll in the sunshine; visit favourite haunts; sitting in the dunes for picnics beneath a vast blue sky; walking through woodland and heath and  foraging in my favourite hedgerow - yes, I have a favourite hedgerow!  Can't wait to breathe in the salty sea air and enjoy the panoramic vistas over the marshes; watching the tides slowly ebb and flow into the creeks; and see the sailing boats bobbing in the water.  Fancy coming too?- see you there, don't be late!


Elaine
at

52 comments:

  1. Flighty2 September 2016 at 15:53

    A really enjoyable post and lovely pictures. It's my favourite month as well.
    Enjoy your few days away. Flighty xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. elaine 2 September 2016 at 20:05

      Thanks Flighty - I am really looking forward to the break.

      Delete
  2. Rosemary2 September 2016 at 16:04

    Some lovely images from your garden Elaine - yes, I fancy coming with you, it sounds idyllic - have a wonderful relaxing time and enjoy your foraging in your favourite hedgerow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. elaine 2 September 2016 at 20:07

      Thanks Rosemary. I intend to relax thoroughly :). I just hope the blackberries are ripe, they're still green in our neck of the woods. See you on the beach.

      Delete
  3. donna baker2 September 2016 at 16:12

    Yes, I fancy seeing your beautiful photos from your trip. I bet it is wonderful at the beach in fall. I can hear the breezes and waves and smell the smells, but oh the scenery must be spectacular there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. elaine 2 September 2016 at 20:08

      Fingers crossed that the weather continues to be good while we are there. I always take loads of pictures I will bore you to death with the. When I return :)

      Delete
    2. elaine 2 September 2016 at 20:09

      That should read I will bore you to death with them when I return.

      Delete
  4. Anna2 September 2016 at 16:31

    I hope that you have a fabulous break Elaine - enjoy the sun,sands and seashells!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mark Willis2 September 2016 at 16:35

    Lovely atmospheric photos, Elaine. Hope you have a good time at the seaside. I shall expect to see photos of foraged produce from your favourite hedgerow!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. elaine 2 September 2016 at 20:11

      Thanks Mark. I will take foraging photos especially for you :)

      Delete
  6. Sandra2 September 2016 at 17:31

    I agree that September is a wonderful month and will be so welcome after our torrid month of August! My favourite photo is the one of the butterfly adorning the statue's hat!
    Have a lovely holiday by the sea!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. elaine 2 September 2016 at 20:12

      I have always loved it Sandra even when September meant going back to school! That butterfly was a good spot wasn't it - it always pays to have your camera handy :)

      Delete
  7. Deborah Nolan2 September 2016 at 18:48

    Dear Elaine what a beautiful post to welcome the lovely month of Sept. Your pictures are so lovely. Enjoy your trip to the coast. Have a blessed day. Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. elaine 2 September 2016 at 20:13

      Thank you Debbie - see you when I get back, all tanned and lovely :) feeling refreshed and relaxed.

      Delete
  8. Jacqueline @ HOME2 September 2016 at 19:18

    AGAIN ...... Fantastic photographs Elaine ...... the dragonfly and butterfly are wonderful {..... as are the others but they are my favourites !! }
    Have a lovely time away ...... is all the decorating finished now ? XXXX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. elaine 2 September 2016 at 20:16

      Thanks Jackie there haven't been as many butterflies about this year so feel lucky that they turned up while I had my camera at the ready. Yes, the decorating was finished by the beginning of July it all looks just the job now - my fried is going to come I. To check all the radiators while we are away, just in case. Would hate to come home to another disaster :(

      Delete
    2. elaine 2 September 2016 at 20:22

      That should read - my friend is going to come in

      Delete
  9. Sue2 September 2016 at 20:10

    Beautiful photos. I am envious of your trip to the coast - seems ages since I've been near sand and sea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. elaine 2 September 2016 at 20:17

      Oh I do like to be beside the seaside lalala. I am really looking forward to it - pop over and join us :)

      Delete
  10. Carrie2 September 2016 at 20:36

    What delightful photographs and enjoy your days away - the beach is always good for clearing the head x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. elaine 2 September 2016 at 22:12

      Thank you Carrie - I intend to do just that - looking forward to the bracing sea breezes :)

      Delete
  11. artistfriend2 September 2016 at 20:51

    What wonderful photographs Elaine! Enjoy your holiday.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Susan Heather3 September 2016 at 02:42

    Once more wonderful photos of your garden - enjoy your break away - I look forward to seeing your photos on your return.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Cro Magnon3 September 2016 at 04:56

    We were just saying yesterday that so far this year we've had no Dragonflies, no Wasps, and no Hornets. I expect they'll turn-up soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. elaine 3 September 2016 at 17:47

      Strange that - you'll wish they stayed away once they do arrive.

      Delete
  14. alphabet soup3 September 2016 at 06:24

    Photographing butterflies and insects requires a good deal of patience. Could I come with you as you forage in your favourite hedgerow? I am so curious to know what you will be looking for.

    Ms Soup

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. elaine 3 September 2016 at 17:49

      Oh you would love my favourite hedgerow - full of blackberries, rose hips and elderberries to name but a few all sorts of wild flowers surround it and rabbits abound - I love it.

      Delete
  15. rusty duck3 September 2016 at 08:10

    In the South West September is one of the better weather months. I am looking forward to it. With much gardening too I hope. Have a lovely break Elaine.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. elaine 3 September 2016 at 17:50

      Thank you Jessica I hope the weather is good for you and your gardening exploits.

      Delete
  16. Rambler3 September 2016 at 12:42

    Beautiful photos, Elaine; your garden looks to be a very peaceful place. Mine is in turmoil at present, having had a line of conifers removed from one boundary and another hedge drastically reduced in width which has given me a good 4 feet of extra garden plus a previously undiscovered border edging, long hidden by that hedge! Lots of work needed now to reinstate some good soil/manure before I can plant there. Next Spring should see the hedge greened up again, but even now the hedge sparrows are remaining in there, chirruping away and feeding their second brood of babies. Are you going to Norfolk? Love that coast with its big skies and many birds to see on the flats and tidal creeks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. elaine 3 September 2016 at 17:52

      Thanks Rosie. Oh I know all about turmoil in the garden :). Hope you get yours sorted soon. Yes, Norfolk is our destination - I love it there.

      Delete
  17. Rosie3 September 2016 at 14:29

    Oh, how lovely to sit in your garden and see all those wonderful creatures buzzing around enjoying it with you. I could do with a stroll along a beach, by the sea before the end of September. I hope you have a wonderful time walking and picnicking by the coast and visiting your gavourite hedgerow:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. elaine 3 September 2016 at 17:54

      It was very peaceful Rosie I love just sitting and taking everything in. I am really looking forward to the break - see you when we get back.

      Delete
  18. Cheryl3 September 2016 at 16:25

    One of life's pleasures is sitting in the garden watching the wildlife come and go. You are lucky to have butterflies Elaine. I have seen so few this summer. It is unusual and worrying.

    I do hope you enjoy your mini break by the sea. I can envisage all the beautiful places you will visit. Have fun with your hedgerow :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. elaine 3 September 2016 at 17:56

      Absolutely Cheryl, one of my favourite occupations. Yes, the butterflies were late this year, not as many as usual though. I do love the coast at this time of year, just hope the weather stays fine, not a lot to do when it rains. See you when I return.

      Delete
  19. Sue Garrett3 September 2016 at 17:52

    I love taking wildlife photos - dragonflies and damselflies make fascinating subjects. I devoted s whole blog post to them recently. You are right flowers are easier. PS I managed to photograph the fox I mentioned in an earlier comment. One wildlife subject that I'd been hankering after.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. elaine 3 September 2016 at 17:58

      Well done you for capturing the fox on camera, have you posted the pictures. Wildlife does make an fascinating subject to photograph.

      Delete
    2. Sue Garrett3 September 2016 at 19:47

      Yes, last Wednesday's post 'Foxy lady'

      Delete
  20. Down by the sea3 September 2016 at 21:03

    Beautiful if feels like life has become so much calmer for you now. Hope you have a wonderful holiday. I'd love to pack my bags and join you! Sarah x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. elaine 3 September 2016 at 21:41

      Yes, now life has returned back to normal I can enjoy the little things once more. Thank you Sarah I'm sure we will enjoy our break, just hope the good weather continues :)

      Delete
  21. lilac and old roses3 September 2016 at 21:29

    Beautiful photographs. I've come to appreciate the month of September more and more as I've got older. Enjoy your holiday, we've just had two weeks in North Wales, just perfect x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. elaine 3 September 2016 at 21:42

      Thank you. It's a lovely time of year. I am sure we will - glad you enjoyed your holiday too.

      Delete
  22. Share my Garden4 September 2016 at 16:12

    A beautiful set of photos, Elaine, to capture the end of summer, which seems have been rather a short affair this year. What a racket dragonflies make when they come into the greenhouse! Have a lovely time at the coast - you are tempting me to pack a picnic and have a day at the seaside!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. elaine 4 September 2016 at 16:25

      Thanks Rosemary. That is the only dragonfly I have seen this year thankfully it was kind enough to settle for me to take a pic. Summer here has been pretty good all round with not too much rain and some nice cooling breezes - but I always look forward to Autumn. Where would the nearest bit of coast be from where you live?

      Delete
  23. Wendy4 September 2016 at 20:26

    I like September, too. The weather can be sunny without the fierce heat of summer, and the hedgerows are full of berries ready to pick! It's one of the best times to visit the coast, too - it's so much more peaceful than in high season. Have a lovely holiday!

    ReplyDelete
  24. sustainablemum5 September 2016 at 11:09

    I love September it is one of my favourite months, I can't believe it has come around so quickly! I would love to join you, I hope I am not too late!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Lowcarb team member5 September 2016 at 21:35

    Your patience and perseverance paid off - all wonderful photo's.

    Enjoy your time at the seaside

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  26. ann8 September 2016 at 04:32

    While Browning yearned for Spring in England, you make Autumn pleasant in England, too. There is a lot of activity in your garden, isn't there?

    ReplyDelete
  27. Snowbird9 September 2016 at 21:17

    Your post was like a painting, you set the scene so beautifully with all the wildlife serenely going about their business, I felt like I was there, I could almost smell that nicotiana! Some beautiful pictures, I especially enjoyed the butterfly on the statues hat!Have a marvelous break, Don't forget to pack that picnic for me too!xxx

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)