When I wrote the title of this post, it was because of the colours of the flowers, and the overcast conditions. I got about this many words in, and tried to add images, and that is when my woes began. I couldn’t upload any images. I switched between laptop and phone, I used up my month’s data allowance and I’m only on Day 2, I resized all my images and tried again on my laptop…blah blah blah, you don’t need to know all these trials and tribulations, but by the end it was me with the Moody Blues.
This slightly monstrous bud is Hemerocallis ‘Zagora’. It is a little bit warty. It is rubbing its hands together and hatching a wicked plan.
Then in opens its mouth. It has half a dozen eyes and a proboscis.
The theme is most definitely storm clouds and rain.
But around the back of the border, the sun is breaking through.
This is Eryngium alpinum. It looks spiky, but really it’s a softie. It will turn blue soon. As might the air around me if I don’t sort my images out.
If you look in the bottom of this photo you see a very serene rose.
This is ‘Jubilee Celebration’. I am trying to channel its zen calm.
I got a bee!
Twice! And the colours are just right!
I’m starting to feeling better now. Bee-watching is very therapeutic.
I’ll just leave you with a view over the rose garden looking onto the Bright Border. Can you see the Floriferous rose ‘Royal Jubilee’ in the distance?
Before I go, I just need to tell you about Ziggy. Normal functioning is restored. Well, not in every area, but the bits that make him Ziggy.
I took a photo of Ruby basking in the sun.
I tried to do the same for Ziggy, but I think he heard a squirrel, and had to investigate.
I took him back to the Vet’s for his check-up this morning. Everyone in the surgery came out to see him and tell me how lovely he is. They complimented me on his plume, and the shape of his nose. I preened. He preened. Then he picked up his lead and led himself into the consultation room. I love that dog. He is the best cure for the Moody Blues.
My aim on this site is to share the sense of wonder I get from gardening and being outdoors.
If you would like to join the joy, click on the ‘Follow’ button at the end of this post. You will receive an email each time I post a little pop of wonder.
The Mindful Gardener 
The photos you take are beyond words stunning!!
The light helped last night!
🙂 🙂
I love your colour combinations. Glad to hear Ziggy is on the mend. Pets and gardening are the best therapies, at times I think my cat and my garden keep me sane.
They do remind us of what’s important (food, fun, frolicking…)
Oh, there’s nothing to feel blue about, your photos are quite stunning. I just love those soft drifts of colour, such a quintessential cottage garden beauty and the light is perfect. I’m definitely with you on bee-watching, too, and it’s always a happy moment to catch one with the camera!
It is! I need some butterflies now!
Very delightful.
Thank you Rupali.
Amazing photos! And I really like your personification of the flowers/plants. Really fun and made me feel relaxed for some reason
That’s so nice to hear, Hayley. X
Beautiful…againa nd the pets just add to the wonder.
You have a golden touch when it comes to plant combinations. Such a gorgeous English cottage garden.
Thanks Jude!
Your photos Ali are stunning! You have captured the flowers and bees to perfection and your English garden is what my dreams are made of.
Ah, thank you Cindy!
No images today..but stay calm and enjoy your garden. ✨👍🌾
Were they slow to load, Susan?
I’m loving that Salvia Caradonna. They grow well in my garden but are not so showy, probably because it’s so much drier here. Your garden is such a feast for the eyes, Ali, and no doubt the senses as well. Glad to see Ziggy is fully recovered.
Thanks Jane. Yes, he’s back to chasing butterflies!
Such lovely pictures 🙂 The dogs sure look like they’re enjoying the summer weather!
And not the only ones! 🤸🏽♀️
Ah summertime in England when the weather is fine. Makes me feel like Ziggyfrolicking. But in reality I would be like ruby and just soak up the sun
Now that’s a good new word!