The Equinox

The equinox is now past and the days are getting shorter. However, even in the Pennine garden there is still a bit of colour. Some of the heathers are in bloom, the marbled white fuchsia keeps going and the patio still has some pots with a bit of life left in them. But there is no getting away from the fact that the garden is now past its best and the sweet peas have now well and truly gone over.

I confess to enjoying this time of the year, even all the spiders. As predators they are crucial in maintaining the biodiversity of our gardens, woodlands, field margins, hedges; so they are welcome in our patch (providing Hecate does not feel peckish!). At this time of the year the males are most active seeking out the females. Incidentally, I have noticed that there is still a large number of butterflies around the garden. Is this usual?

So the trees still have their leaves and their is plenty to keep me and the cats out of mischief. An update on the still, as yet unfinished steps will follow.

Garden Steps

The current project is the garden steps, a new handrail will be put up and the entire flight dismantled and rebuilt. But what a surprise the dreadful weather gets in the way again. I must confess to enjoying the hard landscaping but it is frustrating when you are a hostage to the weather. I do not feel confident enough to mix mortar and use concrete when the weather is not just right. Hecate is keeping an eye on proceedings; being somewhat less agile than Mili I am sure she will appreciate it when the steps are usable again.

Late Summer

The tail end of the summer brings a final flourish to all our gardens. With luck there will still be time to enjoy some sunshine and relax with the critters. Mili is an expert at both.

From the top of the garden we can see the farmer getting in the hay. Another sign that summer is all but over.

Meteoroligcally speaking it is now autumn but the pictures were taken in the last few days of August and finally, the grey skies have given over to a little sunshine. The red admiral is enjoying the break in the weather. It is quite hard to imagine a creature so fragile has arrived from across the channel.

Plant of the Month for August

More grey skies but this does not deter us from our outdoor activities. However, it does not allow the garden to be shown off at its best. Even the heather beds are a bit more drab than usual.


Hecate and Mili are obsessing about all and any little, insect, amphibian, bird or mammal. Naturally the pond is a prime observation point.

On the other hand I am enjoying the grasses in their summer glory and my plant of the month is the Bunny Tail grass (right) just ahead of the pony tail grass (left).

It is the tactile nature of these grasses that I find so appealing. My planting allows for them to be easily touched as you ascend the path towards the blackberries and the composting area.

Scents and Smells

I must be a rare exception amongst gardeners in that there are very few garden scents that I find to be particularly interesting. While the animal kingdom and most people who enjoy their gardens find scents really important, I honestly do not. I am probably missing a great deal but it does somewhat simplify my choice of planting scheme.

However, there are some exceptions. The aromas in the conservatory/ green house are often quite intoxicating. The tomatoes are always pleasant and the herbs, especially the basil, something very special. It probably says something about my epicurean delight in eating. I grow the sweet basil, which has a stronger smell than the Thai. Apparently, the Greek name for basil means “king”, which shows how highly it has been regarded throughout the ages. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a sun-loving annual with highly aromatic leaves that has been described as being a pleasant spicy odor and taste somewhat like anise or cloves.




The tomatoes paired with torn basil leaves are the key ingredients to our bruschetta, providing you have a little olive oil, feta and tasty bread as well. Mmmmm!

Grey Pennine Skies

Summer in the Pennines can be a bit hit and miss to say the least. Whilst grey leaden skies can have a certain attraction the heavy rain, or light showers or even light mizzle that they bring, can be challenging.  Neither the garden nor the two cats particularly enjoy the damp and lack of sunshine hours. I am sure the number of proper summer days is diminishing, year after year.

 However, after a downpour if the sun immediately comes out then a whole additional sparkle can be seen in the vegetation. Quite delightful!

August Delights

August starts presenting new delights in the garden. The crocosmia must be the perfect plant for the Pennine garden, in so far as it is unbelievably straight forward to grow. It is also quite easy to lift and divide and can provide a splash of vibrant colour wherever it might be needed. In the picture you can see the complimentary planting of the crimson crocosmia alongside the purple buddleja. This too is a plant that seems to be able to find a happy home virtually anywhere and is also impossibly easy to grow.

The buddleja as seen from higher up now forms a backdrop for the cottage garden bed. This itself is now looking healthily flush with plenty of new flowers and vegetables.

Finally, the ornamental grasses are also looking at their best. I like the splashes of colour that are dotted throughout but in equal part I just revel in the tactile nature of many of the grasses with their delicate soft seed heads. Clearly, a black and white furball feels just the same way.