Bee-Song

This morning flower heads are vibrating to the tune of our industrious little honey bees.  Humble, committed and delightful they were out and about early drawing nectar and collecting pollen to feed the bulging nursery in the brood chamber.  This year is proving particularly challenging for our bees;  roller-coaster temperatures and heavy showers have really disturbed the bees' flight patterns and plans for succession.

A hive check last night gave a surprising insight to their inner life, the top supas are laden with early summer honey, the brood chamber brimming with young bees and brood waiting to emerge!  The woodland paths are sparkling with early blackberry flower, always a firm favourite with the bees, as well as us, producing delicious honey for us all.  We have so much to learn from a gentle winged friends, it is a privilege to live and work alongside them!

Butterflies

As the season progresses, bare patches appear in the soil where perennials have struggled to survive the wet winter.  Although sad, it presents an opportunity to re-think and add new cultivars to the planting.

Last week's unexpected 'magical moment' was in a local garden centre.  Lurking by the exit in a turquoise, ceramic pot, I spied a delightful, black buddlea; it was love at first sight!  With a delicate arching form and blackcurrant flower spears, the 'Black Knight' will provide a striking silhouette and backdrop for the blue-red roses 'Celebration' and 'The Times'. Being a source of precious nectar for the butterflies and bees adds to its attraction, the multiple flower heads fill the early morning air with a soft, scent of honey.

Meet William Lobb.

The moss rose is a charming addition to any garden.  Vigorous and heavily scented, it is a showstopper with a foppish, charming habit.  Our moss of choice is the delicious, aubergine William Lobb.  In late spring, as we battle to cut back his winter-brittle, spiteful stems, I question our love affair with this expressive rose.  However, come June,with the sun at its zenith, all is forgiven as new shoots run down the stone wall and skip along the terrace, laden with musk scented blooms

The downy heads of  new blooms exude rose oil from the moss covered buds, as well as the petals.  With youth, the velvet moss-spikes are tactile and soothing; time spent in quiet contemplation with William Lobb is soothing and uplifting, a wonderful metaphor for life's journey and our innate capacity to allow space for forgiveness and transformation in our lives...

I'm just popping out now to spend some time with William; allow him to work his magic. I will ask permission to take his photo, then we can all share a little of his magic.

Love is all Around...

This summer the garden is certainly a demanding mistress.  Luscious, rich and heavy with scent, our intermittent sunshine and showers are proving perfect for the growing season.  Early July, post solstice, is boasting borders more usual in early June.

Our roses are flourishing, cascading over the geranium underplanting, a joy to behold.  Below, the notably fussy, Compte du Chambord, is unfurling his paper-pink leaves with abandon.  Bordered by the exquisite Apothecary Rose, a fuscia pink single flowering variety, and the repeat flowering Magic Carpet, the perfume swirling around the flagstone path is intoxicating, a particularly favourite with our inquisitive little honey bees!