Venturing out into the garden is a challenge these days. Sometimes difficult as the effect of the drought continue to take its toll and sometimes joyful as something fights back. We had a few minutes of drizzle, gone before it hit the ground. The temperatures have dropped at least and I did manage to spend some time in the garden cutting back the alchemilla mollis. A moment of joy because I found the long lost hand fork buried under their leaves. This completed the well known gardening rule – as soon as you buy the replacement the lost item will be found. Here’s six other things that I found in the garden this week.

One

I cut back geranium ‘Brookside’ about a month ago. It’s great for sprawling amongst the roses in June but quickly becomes an untidy bully by July. It gets cut to the ground and this year I didn’t expect anything more from it. But here it is putting out a few flowers again. No watering here at all.

Two

The aforementioned ‘Brookside’ sprawls through the rose ‘Gertrude Jekyll’. Here it is putting out a perfectly formed new rose bud. I couldn’t resist featuring Gertie again.

Three

This is another repeat I’m sure, but Pennisetum villosum looks just lovely with its sandy coloured frothy pannicles. No wonder it is also known as feathertop

Four

This is a variety unknown kniphofia. Again entirely neglected but putting out another flower spike.

Five

The grapes are ripening well this year. There are those higher up that are shrivelling but these on newer stems are doing well. So well that the magpies have discovered them and come for a bite to eat every now and then. The grapevine is grown to shade the pergola so I don’t take offense.

Six

At the beginning of the summer when I was full of optimism I took cuttings from the osteospermum. So easy to do and a number took. By the time they were ready to plant out it had become clear that this was going to be a dry summer so I decided to keep several things in pots near the house so that they could be watered easily. This sturdy specimen has decided to be brave and flower. Well done.

Don’t be fooled, most of the garden is looking awful. I’ll be out watering those that are suffering the most and hoping that rain comes along soon. I’m on the last of the tomatoes so that is one less part of the garden to water. Hydrangeas and hellebores are looking very sad. Let’s stop there, I could get downhearted again! Take a look at Jim’s garden and enjoy, the SOS crowd continue to post and find something to share. For that I give you all a loud cheer! Happy gardening.