Another week without rain. It has been quite windy again, though, which makes it not always comfortable sitting outside in the sunshine. Daytime temperatures have been high for the time of year. The roses are really beginning to shine, now, like these on the south facing wall on the northern boundary at the front of the house.

Below is one of two pyracanthra’s. I originally purchased one, but a piece broke off when I was planting it. I stuck it in the ground in the greenhouse, to see if it would root, and it did. They are both popular with the bees. As the year comes to an end their orange berries will provide a feast for thrushes and blackbirds.

But the real focus of attention for the bees has moved to the ceanothus (aka California Lilac), whilst, below right, another rose reaches for the sky.

I’ll finish up this week with a view of the peonies and red hot pokers on the northern boundary at the back of the house, and the eastern boundary embankment, with cistus (rock rose) and the other pyracanthra. Oughaval Wood is on the hill in the background.