I hadn’t realised that the sky was ominously dark over to the east and south because I had my head down weeding in the garden. We packed things up at 4.30 and got home just before a heavy downpour happened. If we’re very lucky it should mean that we won’t need to do any watering tomorrow.

The plants continue to grow with gusto, the verbena are taller than they’ve ever been, the day lilies are flowering extremely well in spite of the gall mite on some of the buds (which I picked off and burned) and some of the bamboos have sent up very tall canes. This is the time of year when many plants need trimming so I’ve filled many wheelbarrows of clippings from various shrubs, also spent flowers of foxgloves and poppies. There are still many plants which have yet to flower including asters, helianthus and heleniums not to mention the ornamental grasses which should start to put up the seed heads next month. Lots to look forward to.

I did a total of the donations we’ve had so far this year for the National Garden Scheme and it comes to approximately £500 which is pretty good. It would be brilliant if we could double that before the end of the year. We do appreciate those of you who have put their £2.50 in the box.