Very stormy and wet day so we passed much of it watching the garden and between rainy blatter periods mother raccoon and four youngsters paraded from one patch of vegetation across the pond and into the trees. Always takes time to grab the camera so this is kid number four.
In England four summers ago we visited, with friends, a small garden that was open one evening to raise money for a good cause – this is quite a thing in England. In an otherwise empty “garden room” we chanced upon this delightful seat for the weary gardener. “A large gin and tonic if you please”.
We have been joined this week by a new under-gardener by name of Bernie. His duties include keeping an eye on the front garden and inviting very small people to join him on his bench to take selfies.
The closest most birds in the garden come to thistle seed is finding it in a feeder but now our twice-lifesize bull thistle flowers are starting to form seed this American Goldfinch female has found them to be an excellent source of lunch-time nourishment.
A bit of squabbling here as to who has first dibs on the bath this afternoon.
Wandering the garden in search of various species of bees my eye was caught by this back lit wild carrot umbel
A new venture this summer in the mead. Has a reputation for spreading, both by root extension and seed so we shall have to watch it behaves itself. Qualifies as a pioneer plant in its natural range. Attractive.
Another view of the unmown garden early in the morning with the sun rising from the left.
This is a specimen of the common or bull thistle – Scottish emblem etc. According to the books it should reach a heigh of around three feet tall and certainly no more than five on a good day. This specimen which has established itself in the garden has, as you can , see not read the books and has exceeded all expectations. We are allowing it to flower but not to set and distribute seeds – 500 seeds per flower with an in-soil viability of ten years!
Just going about its business at ground level as I passed by. Life continues.