The garden feels calm and quiet at the moment… it’s as if the plants know they’re at their best, and rather than shouting about it, they’ve decided to take a bow. If this was the Gardening Olympics my plants wouldn’t have a chance at a medal… but I’m sure they’d have the best fun taking part and partying with the big guys!
The applause would be coming from the bees – deafening at times but certainly most encouraging. My biggest joy is seeing the huge variety, as well as large numbers, of bees and other wildlife in the garden.
In the quietness I think about how my home has continually had cut flowers since February when the Hellebores were abundant and how I’ve been eating, and enjoying, broad beans! My garden is my meditation and it’s whilst I’m in this chilled out mood that something hisses and spits at me – I nearly jump out of my skin….
It’s a Farm Kitten. He’s adorable, so fluffy with the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen but when you get too close he’s a little firework! This is a bit of a problem as he’s taken to hiding behind plant pots and under the hedges. He’s definitely feral and not to be trifled with… he’s also a ninja in training. His mum must have jumped over the fence with him and she keeps popping back to make sure he’s alright – we’re hoping that he’ll jump back out when he’s old enough!
I’ve named him Womble 
There are scarier things to worry about though – the thistles were left to flower as the birds (especially Goldfinches, Linnets, Bullfinches and Siskins) love them so much.
Look at all the thistle down! If Womble is as hard as he looks I’m sure that he will eat thistles for breakfast Otherwise my weeding regime may have to triple next year.
Your beautiful garden always charms me. And the view is so peaceful (beyond the scary thistles). Do you just love the light of late summer?
Summer light is so pretty, especially at dusk and dawn. Thanks for your lovely comments x
Your garden is purrrrfection! If I was a kitten I would hang out there too. I love what you said: “My garden is my meditation”. So true, so true.
It’s entertaining watching the kitten play from a distance… I just don’t want him to bring his school friends over and tear the place up!
Your garden really is beautiful and serene. I’d hide there too, if I were a kitten.
Thanks Heidi – you’re welcome to come and hide anytime!
I adore thistles. It seems you’ve cornered the market on them.
I’ve packed them in a box and they’re on their way over to you
You make me smile!
Immaculate as ever. I knew you would have a real trug and I’ve a sneaking suspicion that you wear designer silk pyjamas. I have a collection of old sheep feed buckets and I’ll not begin to describe either my gardening attire or pjs.
Really funny
Unfortunately, I’ve never owned silk pyjamas as they would only get ruined – and I wouldn’t be able to shove them in the washing machine on a hot cycle either! I’m a cheap and cheerful “tuck ‘em in your wellies” kind of girl. I bet you have a great collection of hats up there!
Alas, hats confined to hat boxes, apart from the woolly one you can pull on over your ears and down to the nose!
Silk pjs – must have a pair in the bottom draw just in case you get whisked off to Paris for a romantic tryst.
It is a good year for thistles! Your sweet peas would certainly beat ours to a gold medal.
Very kind of you Malc but I still wouldn’t qualify in the heats
Fantastic post, as always. We had a ferrel cat leave one of her kittens under a car in the garage. My son found it and gave it to a friend and both are doing just fine. I am late getting to the thistles as well. Not one of my favorite plants.
Thanks Mary! The thistles are dreadful but the wildlife is at least benefiting x
Such a lovely garden! I can imagine myself sitting beside those beautiful flowers to read a good book. Thanks for sharing it! I really enjoy your posts. That kitten is so adorable! If you pick it up by the scruff of the neck a few times, like the mother would, it will start to trust you.
Ha ha x I’m way too scared to go near him at the moment as he really does hiss! Maybe if I grab some oven gloves….
Your garden is so beautiful and neat – the kind of garden I would love to have!
This part of the garden is neat and tidy (until the thistles take hold…) but the rest of the garden is scruffy! Thanks for your lovely comments x
The perfect garden…sigh
… I’m blushing now….
Delightful! I love the kitty, the brambles and your enormous, peaceful garden. No wonder you head out in your PJ’s.
I like a little potter in my PJs at weekends… at least we’re not overlooked here. The kitten has found a new home under the courgette plant. The large leaves are acting as an umbrella for him!
Your garden is stunning and little Womble is adorable. I have an affinity for black cats. I think he’s picked an excellent spot to grow up.
I love black cats too. They’re seen as lucky charms over here but I believe that they’re bad luck elsewhere.
When newly married we had a pair of black cats who were gorgeous. They have since died but little Womble brings back very happy memories x
Your garden is so beautiful! The sweet peas are just stunning.
Thanks Kate x The sweetpeas are so easy that I’ll definitely be growing them again next year!
Just qualifying for the Olympics is an honor!
As always, I love seeing your garden. I agree with the comments above that the sweet peas are especially beautiful. Well done.
You’re so right – it’s the taking part that counts!
Too bad Farm Kitten is so unfriendly. He is adorable and it looks like your beautiful gardens are the ideal place for a kitten to explore!
He seems a little less aggressive now – I certainly admire his spirit!
Love the little blue-eyed kitty!