Although we're expecting a thunderstorm tonight, we've had some glorious evenings this week. This is the time of year when the evenings are at their lightest and longest and there's a magic in the air as the sun gets lower in the sky. The light is softly diffused and it feels as if a spell has been cast over the garden making me feel drowsy and relaxed in its warmth. We are heading towards the longest day, and as the evenings lengthen I'm trying to make the most of them, wandering around the garden dead-heading and smelling the flowers.
All these photos were taken just before nine o'clock yesterday evening and the sun was still strong, shining through the petals and leaves of the plants at a low angle. Our 'Compassion' rose, which grows over an arch, was looking delightfully soft and peachy-pink.
This rose was here before we moved in and I think it's 'Graham Thomas'. The light caught it on one side, throwing the other into shade.
The blue geraniums looked like they're made from translucent tissue paper.
The peony flower is in shade while it's veined leaves are lit from behind.
The same is true of this palest of pink 'New Dawn' rose. The petals remind me of icing sugar but its leaf is a luminous lime green.
I'm so pleased with this pretty little pale pink allium which I picked up for little more than £1 in a supermarket this spring. I've only seen purple ones before, and really like this delicate pink one.
The sun's rays have caught the hint of pink in each floret.
Finally, not to be left out, Clover posed on the top of the fence in the sunlight, with eyes aglow and fur glistening.
In contrast, it's raining now but hopefully there will be more of these magically long evenings to come. It's been a warm and sticky day at work, and a storm may be quite welcome tonight if it comes.
After the first rainfall this morning I sniffed the air as I walked between lessons and noticed with pleasure the unmistakeable smell of petrichor. If you've never heard this word, it means 'the earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil' - yes, that wonderful summery smell when it hasn't rained for a while. I was very excited (yes, I know) to discover this word a couple of years ago and to know that this seasonal phenomenon has a name.
Well, it may be dingy, dark and damp outside but at least the pots and garden are being watered tonight. Hope we get some sunshine this weekend too x
Wonderful, I do so like to learn a new word. The long light evenings are great aren't they. I was at the allotment until just after 10pm the other evening, and I could still see what I was doing. I love your pale pink roses, they absolutely gorgeous. Thankfully that rain arrived here too in the end, and this morning everything is beautifully watered, hurray. I hope you have a good weekend. CJ xx
ReplyDeletePetrichor - what a fabulous word, I'm going to try and drop it casually into the conversation today! Your blooms are looking gorgeous, I especially love the pale pink New Dawn - just beautiful. It's raining here at the moment and I'm supposed to be meeting a friend for a walk around the gardens at Cliveden - better dig out that raincoat! Enjoy your weekend. xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful garden you have and how lovely to enjoy these long Summer evenings in such a place. I am hoping the rain is going to make the air a bit fresher though, I am not a lover of hot sticky humid days. xx
ReplyDeleteLoads of rain here, but no thunder, our garden needed the huge drink.
ReplyDeleteEvening light is gorgeous for taking photos in the garden, and your photos make me want to grow every rose you've shown us. I only have a slightly ailing Albertine, a Mme Hardy, and two whose names I've forgotten!
ReplyDeleteSuch a funny perch for your cat - doesn't look at all comfortable.
A lovely post. The flowers look marvellous in the golden light. Come back again soon sun. :-)
ReplyDeleteThere is something special about the light in the evening, really adds to the glow and ethereal beauty of blossom. Beautiful pictures x
ReplyDeleteAh, my word for the day 'petrichor'. I have never heard this but know the scent so well for its welcome coolness. Such beauty in your garden, especially the roses. They are so beautiful this year. Have a wonderful weekend (in between the showers!). xx
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful roses! We have a few, but with transplanting most of them last year it will be a while before we see too many blooms. I transplanted a rose I don't remember buying and it is doing well in a pot and producing some bright pink blossoms. That was a nice surprise!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your garden,
Jenn
Your photos are beautiful - I think they should be an exhibition called "before the storm". Your roses are incredibly beautiful aren't they!!!! I love the picture of Clover too! xx
ReplyDeleteGorgeous blooms and sweet cat photo. We are heading towards our shortest day over here and are rugging up and enjoying cosy nights while you enjoy your beautiful long summer evenings. May the sun keep shining for you :)
ReplyDeleteThe flowers are so beautiful I love yellow roses especially :) hope the sun is out again now the storms have passed :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pics ! and lovely cat ....
ReplyDeleteYour roses look beautiful, all your photos have got me wishing the weather would pick up here so my plants will flower as it's not been as nice here as it has further south. Enjoy the long summer evenings. Hx
ReplyDeleteThank you for dropping by and leaving a comment - I hope that a little sunshine and warmth come your way soon too :)
DeleteCathy x
Your roses are gorgeous. Shall I trade you some of our sunshine for a little rain? I'm willing to take some clouds as well.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Beautiful flowers and lovely light too, the scent in the evenings is often stronger, I love gardens with scent :)
ReplyDeleteThe "new dawn" rose has such an amazing subtil colour!
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting - yes, it's a beauty and very popular for good reason. That pale pink is gorgeous, isn't it? :)
DeleteCathy x