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.
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.
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
Summer must have taken to heart my comment last week that it had arrived early. It swiftly retreated, the temperature dropped and the sun paid us only a fleeting visit.
It has been just wet enough for any plans involving the outdoors to be constantly under review.
We had planned a day out at Dunham Massey but ended up staying local, which meant several visits to Nostell. We are avoiding Temple Newsam until it recovers from the damage caused by the recent music festival.
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