A slightly random collection of thoughts from the week.
The bees in the garden have been enjoying the marjoram which has done well this year, flowering beautifully. Also the verbena bonariensis. All of those little flowers are perfect for bees to hunt around in.
Last year my neighbour had beautiful drifts of white cosmos in his garden. It looked bewitching at dusk. I shamelessly stole his idea and ordered a packet of cosmos "Purity" seeds (white) which I grew on and popped in in various places, pots, a raised bed, down at the allotment. Turned out they weren't quite as pure as I was expecting.
Not a white one among them.
The littlest boy has been perfecting his camouflage.
The geese are giving it away slightly by looking up at the tree warily. They know there's something up there.
This frog operates on a different principle. Bright yellow. Don't eat me.
Every evening I like to look out over the river and breathe deeply for a few minutes. I'm not always that good at stopping and just being, but I'm drawn to this view every single day. Today there was an amazing sunset. I failed dismally at photographing it. A couple of minutes earlier there were rays going upwards from the light, it was beautiful. Here's what I got when I finally decided to get the camera.
Thank you for all of your encouraging words about camping. They ranged from those of you who feel a little panic at the thought of the festival toilet to those of you who love nothing more than a night under the stars. It remains to see which I am. I did once spend about six months living in a tent many years ago while cycling down through France, Spain and Morocco. Seems a long time ago now. I suspect it will be a whole other ball game camping with children. But I'm doing it, I am.
Wishing you a good summer weekend with some relaxing outside time.
I love the colour of your 'surprise cosmos', so zingy, and littlest boy is indeed a master of disguise up that tree. Your view of the river is lovely, and the sunset is stunning. Even if the camping has its challenging moments, you will create some very special memories for your family (I speak from experience both as daughter and parent in camping families). Cathy x
ReplyDeleteImpure here too. Mine are pink.
ReplyDeleteI guess you got hornswoggled on the white cosmos! But those dark red ones have their own allure. I think it's neat that you take some moments every day to enjoy your view.. everyone needs to do that. You did all that camping and traveling, you've got this my friend! The kids are going to love it and so will you. Hope you share photos. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time for years I haven't sown C. Purity and I'm rather regretting it now even though the white sweet peas, zinnias and anemones are lovely in a jug they don't sway and dance like a chorus of cosmos. But wait, yesterday I noticed some self-seeders down at the plot - I wonder what colour they will be. (IMHO Sarah Raven's seeds always appear on time and according to the packet description.) What a spectacular view, I love rivers.
ReplyDeleteI think a photograph and email of that cosmos to the supplier is in offered.
ReplyDeleteIf your son hadn't been showing his arm he would have been perfectly camouflaged climbing into that tree.
I do hope that yellow frog wasn't in your garden!
Your cosmos may not be white but they're beautiful all the same! I've had a similar experience with a peony - I thought I was planting a beautiful white one (Duchesse de Nemours), but when it flowered it turns out she was a scarlet woman! Have a lovely weekend xx
ReplyDeleteNice post and pictures. Obviously the cosmos seeds were mixed up or wrongly labelled.
ReplyDeleteThanks, and you too. Flighty xx
What a spectacular view, the evening sky really was beautiful. Such a shame about the comos seeds, although not white they are certainly pretty.
ReplyDeleteIt's very difficult to capture sunsets exactly as you see them but good photos all the same. It's always a shame when you wait months for something to grow and then find it's not what you ordered. Needs enjoying all the same as they are still nice :)
ReplyDeleteI sowed pale yellow dwarf cosmos and it came out perfect (for once). Worth a try next year? Loving the camo ;-) xx
ReplyDeleteAh! Shame about the Cosmos, but pink is pretty too though not quite what you imagined! I planted white cosmos on the allotment too, hoping for drifts of flowers and imagining vases full of cut flowers in the house. I think I got about 6 flowers!
ReplyDeleteI love cosmos. Yours look like they're going to be lush. Camping with children isn't bad at all. My best tip is to make sure you bring a basin and a bar of soap in a case that you can close. They wash hands, face and necks in the basin, brush teeth over it, etc. You can keep it right at the campsite and add some hot water from your kettle to warm it up. Bonus: it catches flies. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't do camping at all so wish you all the best camping with children I imagine they will love it as my boys always did. Have a great holiday x
ReplyDeleteI loved camping, my body however doesn't, but being outdoors, getting up early whilst the campsite still sleeps and drinking your first cup of coffee is magical. One day I hope to go glamping, I really need a decent bed and they're not easy to put on a roof rack! ;) xxx
ReplyDeleteMy cosmos were mixed colours including white and they have come true. Your son was perfectly camouflaged! Those precious seconds taking in the view of the river are wonderful especially with such a beautiful sunset. Hope the sun shines when you go camping! Sarah x
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