Monday, June 29

June Was Flaming in More Ways Than One

Last week was one of enforced laziness at least as far as the afternoons were concerned. Any outdoor activity was confined to mornings before the temperature soared to the high 30s or in the evening when things cooled down to a more comfortable temperature.

Ruby wasn’t impressed that some expected walks didn’t materialise or were shorter than usual.


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Monday, June 22

Making the Most of Summery Weather

Last week, summer lingered.

There was plenty of sunshine and the temperature was just how I like it – not so hot that we were searching for shade or staying indoors, but warm enough to be perfectly happy in T-shirts. 

More importantly, it wasn't too hot for Ruby to enjoy her walks.

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Monday, June 15

So Much for Flaming June

"Flaming June" was a common English expression in the early twentieth century, used to describe the hot, bright weather often associated with the month.

Following an exceptionally wet June in 1903, newspapers are said to have begun using the phrase ironically, and the association has lingered ever since.

This year June has certainly struggled to live up to its fiery reputation. After the warm, dry spell in May, many parts of the UK have seen a return to cooler temperatures, strong winds and frequent rain.

Some meteorologists refer to a recurring early-summer weather pattern as a "European monsoon", when moist Atlantic air brings unsettled conditions to parts of Ireland, the UK and north-west Europe. Whether or not that description is entirely accurate, it certainly feels as though summer has temporarily gone into hiding.

For most of last week, gardeners and plants alike took a battering from the wind, something that is not entirely unusual for this time of year.

Every year our cardoon is damaged by strong winds. As it reaches full size each summer it invariably becomes a casualty of the wind.

Sunday was noticeably calmer and a little warmer, which made me wonder whether the first phase of this unsettled spell might be beginning to ease. Time will tell

Ruby certainly wasn't impressed by last week's weather. Any thoughts of longer walks had to be abandoned in favour of shorter outings around the park.

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NB: Sometimes comments made here rather than on my main blog often are overlooked and languish in a moderation list. Sorry if this happens - I'm honestly not ignoring you