Water, water everywhere.

At last we've had some rain, enough to wash much of the yellow pollen, dust and debris off the roof. But I'm hoping for more to come as after many weeks of drought the soil is still very dry.

In the afternoon we went to to see an exhibition and aural history in neigbouring Poole. The towns of Bournemouth and Poole are now merged into one large conurbation but were once separate and distinctly different places. Poole is surrounded by water, a fisherman's town, with lake and bays and harbour.We found a spot by the lake to leave the car and walked by the water to the exhibition venue.

/s320/IMG_3637.jpg"/>

Full leaf.

Our garden and those surrounding it are in full leaf and the large trees throw us into a mixture of deep shade and dappled shadow. At the allotment, once the sun clears the hedge, it is hot!

The palm tree is heavy with seed.

Jabblog had a lovely post about bees and it sent me to take a look at our bee hotel to see if anyone had taken up residence. It had been cleaned up and repositioned in early spring. I've sprayed it with beeswax to encourage occupation. It is placed where there is a better flightpath and some sunshine but no takers yet.

Summer colour is coming now as the spring flowers die. Favourites appearing, roses and alliums catching the light with deep shadows behind them.

It's a lovely time of year.

Summer weather!

We have had strong shunshine and no rain for weeks now. The rain tubs are empty and I'm syphoning my bathwater into the garden. On Saturday morning we had an early morning walk on the beach before the crowds came and the water looked so inviting that I regretted not wearing my swimming costume. Two yoga groups were being put through there paces on the sand and another group was doing something with flags, I've no idea precisely what!

We walked back to the car through the tropical garden.

Then it was over to the allotment to net the fruit bushes and strawberry patch. The soil here is like dust, but the rhubarb seems to like it!

Back at home the garden is full of growth, all very green but not yet much colour as the spring flowers and tulips have faded and other flowers are not yet in bloom. It's a bit of a jungle.

For Sunday tea I made a strawberry and cream cake. It didn't last long! Lady Grey tea in my Brown Betty (the name for a traditional brown teapot.)

Today was glorious, no cold wind and blue sky. At the end of the day we went to the beach. Still water, low tide, all quiet. I had my first swim of the year. Yes, it was cold, but it was good!

VE Day

We decorated a conifer bush near to the front door with Union Jack bunting and went to join a local group today to mark the end of the Second World War in Europe. We were, as you would expect, a group of oldies, people in their 80's and 90's with many memories to share. There were stories of family exploits, of fathers coming, or not coming home after the war. There were games to play such as guessing the acronyms written on the envelopes sent home to wives and sweethearts by servicemen overseas. The organisers of the event said that some of the acronyms were too rude for them to use! NORWICH was on the list. (k)Nickers Off Ready When I Get Home. SWALK and HOLLAND were still in use when I was a schoolgirl. It was a gentle, good-humoured event, some great sorrows quietly expressed. The unspoken pity was for all that continues today.

The trifle was VERY good!

Back in Bournemouth

After two weeks away from home we returned to a garden full of fresh leaf and colour. The narrow gravel paths had become even more narrow and a certain amount of cutting back was needed. There are also bushes to trim. I am very mindful of this after seeing the precise topiary at Hidcote and how well it looks as a contrast to exuberant planting. Unfortunately our electric trimmer is on the blink so it's hand shears only for now. The dry, sunny days continue and it is pleasant to be out. When the wind isn't chilling we have eaten a few meals outside and have also had a lol in the dechchairs!

543.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; ">