The problem with aging....

...is that the mind and body often clash.  The mind suggests that this needs an overhaul or that needs attention.  The body stands, hands on hips, with an attitude and says hell no!

I do love a bit of a clash in the garden however. 

The two gardens that for me have really surpassed my expectations this year are the Yen (above) and Mugwart's Retreat (below).  The plants have really settled in since they both had an overhaul and I'm really enjoying the firm shapes with pops of colour in the Yen.  The serenity continues in Mugwart's Retreat but with a more relaxed vibe. 

Since this photo was taken of the Retreat however, our neighbour has removed the high hedge so the light has changed a little.  We shall soon find out the impact on the plants on this once shaded area.

Sadly the impact has already been felt with the loss of habitat for the sparrows that had called this large expanse of evergreen hedging home.  There has been a marked decline in feathered visitors to our bird feeders, as they have flown further afield in search of shelter. 

A little solace was discovered today in our tiny pond.  The miniature water lily has produced a single bloom!

June's blooms

Unless you've been living under a rock for the last 4 months, Covid-19 has had an impact on everyone. Everyone. Every person on this planet.  Just the concept of that is mind blowing.

For a period of time, the whole of humanity came together while being apart.  If you take away the misery and pain that this devastating disease has brought on, and focus on the fact that the country you come from, the language you speak, the colour of your skin, the leader you follow, your religious beliefs, your salary, the car you drive, your musical tastes and even the size of your garden...we are all the same.

We are human.



Gardening has been affected by the coronavirus.  In fact we're lucky to even have any plants to buy!  There were reports of nurseries having to consider throwing away hundreds and thousands of plants.

At the last moment, the government stepped in and many gardening businesses were given a reprieve.  

Usually my baskets and containers are burgeoning under blousy summer bedding by now. This year is a little different.  My pots all have a mixture of annuals and perennials...

Osteospermum jostle with dianthus and Petunias.  Not my usual colour coordinating displays but at least there are blooms and I am so very grateful to those humans who despite lockdown, grew each plant for me.

Every

Single

Plant

And bloom

No human is more important than the next human.  Not whether they are the president of a country, the monarch of another...or the human who cleans toilets for a living.

Each cog is vital.

Each human is important. 

Each person matters.

Be kind.