White Blossom

Just to remind myself of the glorious Spring weather the weekend before last lol

And tomorrow is Bealtine, and the start of Summer. Baal's fires lit, and the climb towards the shortest day is begun in earnest. It's hard not to get excited even in the teeth of the last two summers' disappointing weather; I'd love to be able to predict a long hot summer (although apparently the UK weather office has!) but at least the evenings will be long, the nights short and flowers will bloom....

More flowers from last weekend

Buzz Off

Spray of Gold

Haven't a clue what the name is (if anyone does let me know lol) but I love this plant, it has such perfectly hued sprays, and it grows so easily (at elast in my experience and as I can kill plants without trying....) My mother has green fingers, my Grandmother was a fabulous gardener and I inherited their love of it but not their talent. It's taken me years of dedicated perseverance to grow herbs and tomatoes - god help this year's strawberries!

Fallen Angels

Spring Magic # 1: Cameo Rose and White Columbine

Aquilegia CAMEO ROSE AND WHITE COLUMBINE Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds

Growing your own

Last weekend I finally made it to the garden centre; and the small garden is now the better for lettuce, new thyme and chives (so I can "rest" the established herb beds) and a new herb pot with rosemary, sage, parsley. We also put down tomato and strawberry plants. I've grown tomatos every year for a long time, except for last year so it's great to have some again. Organically home-grown tomatos are incredible; they are 90% tomato and only a littly watery centre, and they make the most wonderful sauces.

Greens

Slow Progress

Wheels...

A bizarre coincidence: a vintage car rally at Kildare on the same day as we stumbled over the vintage Porche rally last year on honeymoon in Tuscany (bagna di Lucca)Not quite as cool as that rally but a sight nonetheless; including the very cool Camero above and a NYPD police car from the 70s. I only had the iphone with me but i couldn't resist taking a few shots.

Cityscape

Mountain Road

Part of our trek through the mountains and forests took us down a rocky track which, the sign informed us, should not be attempted in Winter or in heavy rain. Halfway down it became apparent why not, as it was less a track and more a river bed.

I can see forever....

In the Forest Darkly