A large expanse of rose bay willow herb is culled on there hillside above the lochan and wherever else it can be found, cutting carefully around the tall purple and white spires of foxglove which are left and encouraged to spread in amongst the long grasses.

 

In Julie’s garden summer pruning continues, the space opened up, though still intimate, a sequence of small curved paths which turn back on themselves, a perfect place for lovers trysts.

 

Laurel throughout the various spaces is trimmed back, in particular in the Woodland garden around Our Cat tomb, Cowper’s headstone and the LN memorial. This slate stone stele is then given a quick treatment with linseed oil to clarify the lettering, as are the Epicurean definitions in the adjacent Allotment.

 

The Femmes de la Revolution pots are refreshed, myosotis is replenished in the Wild Flower Within planter, as the last of the annuals from the greenhouses are planted out and perennials potted on.

 

The Allotment paths are cleared of encroaching sweet cicely and geraniums, while the Kailyard produces its first crops. Hardly a bumper harvest but satisfying nonetheless. A few more things are thinned out to allow the light in and the potatoes are earthed up.

 

The Pretty path paver inscriptions are repainted, an invitation to divert. In the woodland a few juvenile filler trees including field maple and rowan are put in amongst various gaps. 

 

Hedge trimming is completed until later in the season, including the Hortus box. Treatment of this continues and all looks fine for the moment. Snowberry and surrounding growth is trimmed back by LINE LIGHT LADE – the water supply to here has dropped and the overflow is dried out.

 

Water levels and watering issues are the main issue as high temperatures dominate, even when we have the occasional thunderous downpour. While it has not quite been the intense heatwave and infinite blue skies of further south, conditions have in the main been generally fine.

 

The Temple pond and Middle ponds are weeded. The Temple pond is causing the most concern in terms of water levels. The prolonged dry spell results in the font slowed to a trickle, and with no other option to top up levels, it starts to look unsightly around its edges. It will take a significant change in conditions and a good while to recover. It is problematic to try and explain to visitors the absence rather than the presence of one of the key elements of the garden in terms of its structure and intent. A long term solution for water supply becomes more and more of a priority.

 

Around Lochan Eck yellow flag iris gives way to creamy white meadowsweet. The narrow grass paths are trimmed to keep their edges from falling in on themselves and marking clear passageway. It is all part of the constant round of keeping everything in check – in particular nettles and stray willow herb which pop up almost as soon as you think they are done away with.

 

The large yew hedge at the top of the English Parkland is clipped into shape again, defining the way to and from this part of the garden and the Kailyard.

 

So summer continues. We should in many ways relish these days, their brightness, but as with everything, it is a balance, the struggle for water, the pleasures of warmth and colour.