After an early wave of heat, we went back to more ‘normal’ early summer temperatures for a while before bouncing back to a proper heatwave later in the month. As I write this at the very end of June, we’re currently languishing in the late 20s with tomorrow due to be in the 30s!
So what has all this meant for our local flora and fauna?
IN THE GARDEN
What a fabulous years for so many garden flowers. Roses have been notably stunning this year, but peonies, foxgloves and so many other blooms have thrived and put on a wonderful show for most of us. I’ve seen some gorgeous gardens in and around the village, including two houses in my street which just astound me every times I pass: Leaseland and Weavers. Just wow!
IN THE HEDGEROWS, VERGES AND WILD BITS
A walk down our rural roads and our many footpaths are such a joy at this time of year. How can the colour, profusion, diversity and the attendant buzz of insects not raise anyone’s spirits? Leaving verges to bloom with wild flowers is not something that is done everywhere, but the benefit of doing so is huge and I hope we can all do more of this.
WILDLIFE
This year, we’ve already had a clutch of 9 ducklings and 2 moorhens on our ponds. Sadly none of them seem to have survived (though I’m hoping the ducklings have just moved to another pond), but the moorhens lasted quite a few weeks before succumbing to whatever saw them meet their end. Here is a show clip of the tiny, rather ugly (bless!) babies in their early days.
Muntjacs seem to be everywhere at the moment, and it now seems more common to hear their barking in the evening and overnight. Mostly found alone, we’ve recently have a (presumably mating) pair in our garden for a couple of weeks.
And hares, too, seem to be more numerous than I’ve noticed before. Such a delight.
Have you heard the skylarks over the fields? You can’t always spot them as they rise so high, but they sing their little hearts out. The sound of summer!
TREES AND BUSHES
Did you manage to pick some elderflowers? I missed them this year so I’ll have to wait for elderberries instead. Other trees are getting themselves ready for autumn, with fruits and seeds ripening fast in the sun. Looks like it’s going to be a bountiful Autumn!
Oh, and in case you’re interested, the ‘ghost’ tree that was attacked by ermine moth caterpillars (on the way to Grundisburgh) is recovering apace 🙂
IN THE FIELDS
My favourite field this month is the Ling’s field of blue linseed! Spring barley turned to gold this month, and while the wheat is not as far on, it seems to be well ahead, though I guess all the crops could really do with a good downpour (as could our gardens).
Love this, and interested!