WET, WILD AND HUMID SUMMERTIME

In the last week of so the number of bees and butterflies has increased in the garden, as the wet and mild(ish) weather has made for excellent growing conditions.

The birds have started to come back, with the odd appearance from a young and adult great and blue tits.

All in all it’s been a strange spring and summer, with plenty of ups, but more downs. I’d be interested to know how other people have viewed wildlife in their gardens, but know a couple who have experienced similar to me.

The swallow family are now testing their wings as the youngsters gorge on the huge numbers of flying insects. I expect another brood from the new brood in the horse stable, particularly if the favourable weather conditions continue.

At the moment the evening air is filled with the beautiful songs of blackbirds, swallows and a lonesome chiffchaff, while tree and house sparrows chirp away with youngsters in the rose hedge before diving to feed at one of the seed feeders.

The potatoes and carrots are progressing well and I’m hopeful of a sweetcorn crop this year. The runner bean and tomato plants are showing signs of bearing fruit, but they seem to be slower than previous years.

My sunflowers are growing rapidly and I think a few will reach over 10ft, with potential for even higher if the weather warms up a little more.

My daughter loves the garden, well in particular watering the plants, and herself, with her pink elephant watering can. If that isn’t there she’ll try and lift my big green one, which if less than a quarter full she can do.

Now is the time to watch the insects make best use of the garden, before the birds return from moulting and once again bask in the bounty of food that the area provides, along with some handouts from me.