Summer's End - August 2019

Summer's End

As July proved to be a month of contrasts, so the unpredictable weather continued throughout August. Rain aplenty and a couple of miniature heatwaves!
The end of summer always seems to roll around quite unexpectedly as we're left to slowly mourn the loss of the warmer weather and vibrant colours of the garden.

On the south side of the stableyard, there is a passage which leads towards the fields beyond. In years gone by, people could walk through the gate and into this land. However, escaping livestock rendered the need for a wire fence to be erected around the perimeter - blocking the gateway in the process. A new gate was installed last year to replace the existing perished one, but the entrance was still blocked by the wire.

Only now has there been a suitable opportunity to remedy this. Giles set me to work digging four (deep!) holes in which to install huge wooden poles. Two of these would be installed next to the wall, and the others adjacent to provide a passage between the wire fence and the gate. The holes were dug and the following week, the poles installed - ready for the fencing to be altered.

Before...

After

The earth was tough to break through and I was glad of the offer of help from Alan who helped me to finish off the holes to Giles' satisfaction.

Elsewhere, the grass was being cut - in and around the garden - and the meadow in front of the house was having its annual trim - a big job! Whereas last year, the dry weather had made this job much easier, this years' wetter weather made the grass harder to cut and more effort was required to rake it too.

I joined the effort in the afternoon, raking the damp grass into piles and taking it away to the woods in the dumper truck.

Although they are fading now, many of the garden's most vibrant summer hues were seen in August, with Antirrhinums and Agapanthus adding colour and form. 

Agapanthus

Antirrhinum

The main border overflowed with plant life - more subtle tones now on display. 'Bears Breeches' (Acanthus) are a particular favourite of mine at this time of year - with its towering structure in purples and greens - its leaves smooth and spiky.

Acanthus can be seen in the middle of each border

Fruit and vegetables continued to be harvested throughout August, with a particularly varied basket of goods being put together to take to the house.

But as the summer raspberries and loganberries bore their last fruit, it was time to cut back dying plants before tying in new growth. It is a satisfying (but prickly) job!

And as August progressed, the focus shifted towards cutting back, with bushes being pruned and annuals being uplifted.

As the cooler months progress, so there will be more opportunities to develop the garden further for next season. In September, we all look forward to Apple picking and juicing!