A quick dispatch from a very hot garden today; temperatures continue to hover in the very high 20's - though today we were at least blessed with a light breeze for a few hours, during which I was able to get out early onto the 'Mediterranean terrace' to water the pots and sit in between at the little mosaic table which is hidden deep amongst the shrubbery, bamboos and fig tree.
Plenty of shade there - and the breeze wafting the gloriously heady scent of the white lilies towards me, which are now fully open. They are the scent of high summer for me and I cannot drink in enough of them to sustain me through the dark days of winter. I am storing the memory of that scent as fast as I can - but somehow it never quite seems to last!
This afternoon, as the heat rose, there was little to do but retreat to the summerhouse; all the fledgelings have departed now, so no entertainments from them by the side of the pond. A visit from a beautiful Thrush, though - dipping its beak into the water and then throwing its head back to swallow. Over and over again - dip. swallow, look...dip, swallow...look - checking to see if all was safe. i think it knew that I was watching - but as long as I did not threaten by movement, I was tolerated in the greater necessity to top up on water.
Up on the eaves, more visitors - we now have a flock of white doves visiting (from a dovecote further up the road) - these two are the 'scouts' - after which twenty or so others arrive to first sit on the wires, then dive down in the late afternoon, to glean what the pheasants have left from their breakfast.
As for residents - this large, green, gold, brown and yellow frog is often to be seen hopping about in the bog garden - isn't it just beautiful - and what a privilege to live alongside these creatures.
And of course, the most permanent resident of all - feeling the heat in his fur coat so snoozing all afternoon on the chair outside the summerhouse - while I followed suite - briefly - inside!
Great rundown on your garden, Good luck with the heat i cannot imagine how you and the animals cope!!! Wayne
Posted by: wayne webster | Thursday, July 26, 2018 at 02:27
Loved strolling through your garden with you, Roz. All creatures great and small... You've had a very hot summer this year from what I hear. We are having a week of it and as another friend who was born and raised in the Pacific NW said "I'm a Washington gal and I don't like this in the least. Bring on the rain." The sun lovers are gloating - but we can't begrudge them this one week or two as they must tolerate our rainy season. Sun tea and a good book are the best way to combat the heat IMHO. Love and hugs
Posted by: Ardi Butler | Thursday, July 26, 2018 at 14:38
What a gorgeous post.
Posted by: Mad Englishwoman | Monday, July 30, 2018 at 16:37
Always love a visit to your garden. There is so much to enjoy! My white lilies are blooming now too. Hope you get relief from the heat soon.
Posted by: avis | Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at 00:27