Raindrops and Things that Fly in the Night

The garden badly needed rain. When it came I was happy for the plants and less watering for my husband to do but I’m missing those hazy, lazy warm afternoons. I do love raindrops on flowers though so I took the opportunity to take some photos. Here are some of them.

As much as I love the rain I hope we have many more warm summer days to come. We’ve passed the solstice now so we’ve had the longest day. It all goes far too quickly. I’m daydreaming about those sultry afternoons. Here’s a little poem I wrote about it.

Summer Days

Longer summer days.
Sunlit gardens, cool sips, floral notes,
The sky a blue-lit haze
When barely a cloud floats.

Humming of the bees,
Busy gathering, pollen-dusted as they fly.
Barely a whisper of breeze
Stirs up a passing sigh.

The garden blazes.
Orange poppies, pink peonies, scarlet roses.
The beauty of it all completely dazes
And delights our noses.

Too hot in the sun,
Beating down, a sizzle, brightly lit.
Yet when the day is done
In the cool of evening we can sit.

Time for reflection.
Happy thoughts, relaxing, simple leisure.
No need for too much introspection.
Enjoy the fleeting pleasure.

The peonies are ending their fabulous display but other pretty things take over to soften the blow. Our tiny wildflower “meadow” is a delight right now. A riot of colour and yet so dainty at the same time.

The roses are lovely. A red one called “Paul’s Scarlet” has grown up into the apple tree and looks good against the green apple leaves and growing fruit. One called “Veilschenblau” scrambled up into one of the pear trees. It’s a very temperamental, fussy rose. The leaves turn yellow and it looks a mess but the purpley flowers look pretty in the tree. The opium poppies look good alongside the blue campanulas and pansies are still putting on a show.

Another summer bonus is the abundance of good things to eat. Lots of strawberries, broad beans, peas and salad treats. I grow radishes called “French Breakfast”. I love the name, the taste and the way they look. Crisp, tender and beautiful.

I remember seeing them one morning on a street market in Paris. They were arranged in huge bunches in perfect order. A work of art and a wonderful sight. I wish I had a photo.

I think I’ve probably pulled the last of the rhubarb. I’ve frozen some for later. I had over a kilo to wash and chop but I have a little trick to speed up the cutting. I line up several sticks and cut across all of them together. Saves work. I’m all for that.

If you like rhubarb but don’t enjoy the “bite” on your teeth then try my method. I cut it into pieces, cover it with water then bring it rapidly to the boil. When it’s boiled for a few seconds I tip it into a colander and rinse it with cold water. Then it’s ready to continue stewing or for adding to a pie or other recipe. Doesn’t spoil the flavour or colour but it removes some of the acid.

On these summer nights there are lots of beautiful moths about but because they fly during the darkest hours most people don’t know of their existence. I wanted to know more so last year my husband made me a moth trap. It has a light to attract them and we put eggboxes in the base for them to shelter in until morning.

This doesn’t harm them but attracts them so we can observe and then release them. I was amazed. Such beauties.

Some people have a fear of moths but they perhaps have only seen the fluttery brown ones which come into the house at night and make a nuisance of themselves. Just have a look at some of these lovely ones which we have found to have visited the trap in the night.

There seems to be less about this year and the same for butterflies. It’s a sad state of affairs. We need to grow whatever we can and preserve the wild bits around our towns and coutryside to nurture them.

I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing the moths. It’s not easy to take photos because some fly as soon as they’re disturbed but usually we manage to catch a few glimpses. I will share the photos if we’re lucky enough to have a few more visitors.

Bye for now. With you again soon. Enjoy whatever summer treats come your way in the meantime.