Midsummer, that magical point in late June where the days are as long as they can be and the second half of the year begins. It’s a turning point for gardeners too, biennials like Foxgloves and Wallflowers can be sown now and won’t bolt, Fennel and Pak Choi too. Weed germination noticeably slows down, thankfully. Flowering kicks off apace and the early predominance of genteel pinks and blues makes way for the hotter reds and oranges of late summer. The first buds of Crocosmia Lucifer are just emerging above its spear-like foliage and there is a definite hint of orange as the tips of the Helenium petals begin to unfurl.
And tonight is a perfect June night. Absolutely still and clear, silent except for the piercing trill of a song thrush poised at the tip of the tall conifer. The tree’s dark bulk is sharply outlined against the smudge of turquiose sky to the north which also makes a perfect backdrop for watching bats cavorting high above the lawn. Dave’s outside now with the bat detector, matching frequencies to swooping shapes against the pale sky. We’ve picked up three types so far.
Isabelle and I went on a plant hunting spree for Tatton Show which proved productive and reassuring. It all starts in three weeks – which is a bit nerve wracking given how much else I need to fit in beforehand.
Gnman – thanks for the reassurance. June marks the end of a frenetic 5 month marathon for nurseries of propagating, potting, labelling, feeding, labelling, advising and selling plants. Tatton Show slots onto the end of this, demanding a sprint finish to the season which all but does me in. But then, like bears, we get to slow down in winter, think, dream and have the place to ourselves. Overall, it’s a wonderful way to live.
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