OneGuyFromBarlick

The front garden this morning. The mint recovered well after being beaten down by the rain and because it is so deep rooted isn't suffering at all as yet from the dry weather.

You're going to be eating a lot of lamb!

Mutton Tiz..... My next half sheep is due this week......

This has just started to flower. I think it's an Acanthus. I'd only previously heard of acanthus scrolls on Victorian furniture - now I realise I've got one.

I have mentioned the corner of our front garden needing attention after being trampled in next door's construction work...
Blow me down! The most magnificent purple/blue Iris has sprung into bloom among the mayhem. Such a delight to see as I didn't think anything had survived.

Bit like the Poppies on Flanders Fields Maz.

A big surprise for us today our Yucca gloriosa Variegata– (Spanish Dagger, Candle Yucca) started to flower. Its been in the garden 14 years and never done a thing. Mind you the weeping willow next to it got blown over twice onto it completely flattening it.

Must have enjoyed the dry weather?

Pretty!

The front garden this morning. We are past peak mint and it is starting to go backwards but all in all it has survived well.

The front garden today. Getting a bit bedraggled now as the season progresses.....

I'm jealous - all the mint that I cunningly blagged from neighbours and Gumtree sellers and potted up so it wouldn't spread - has died. Perhaps it's nature's way of anticipating the high price of lamb these days.

Not as appetising as it looks David. The worst tasting of the various mints I planted originally have proved to be the most vigorous and have almost completely ousted the good ones. But very popular with the wild life and doesn't need any maintenance!

My muck heap is in excellent well rotted condition at the moment if anyone wants any. I'm going to bag some up over the weekend.

Sally says yes please Wendy, early next week OK? Will bring Cols de-solder pump back as well.

That will be fine Ian. No plans for next week except for Wednesday morning.

Smashing Wendy, I'll see how my chauffeur is fixed.

A couple of years ago I would have asked for half a bag for the mint but I think from the way it grows the large injection by David Whipp about three years ago is still working fine!

If you've got mostly mint then it doesn't need manure, that will just send it berserk! Those herbs grow well in the wild without any extra help.

Yes, but that's exactly what I wanted, weed smothering is it's main job! Zero maintenance...... but green and attractive to the insects.

The front garden this morning. I have Wendy's clippers for TLC and took advantage by cutting the dead mint stalks back. I have to finish the job and tidy up yet but a good blow! Thanks Wendy!

I'll have to bring them to you for sharpening every Autumn!

My shears constantly undo themselves - anyone know how to cure that? I've tightened them back up of course, and tried a different washer, but eventually gave up like a gentleman, and bought a new cheap pair on ebay.

Should have put them in the boot when I visited Stanley.

I've polished Her Majesty's shears and sharpened them.
The loosening of the pivot nut can be a problem David. A strong spring washer under the head helps and if it keeps coming undone a drop of super-glue can help. If all else fails, mark the thread with a punch.
I've cut the remaining few stalks and swept the paths..... That'll do for the time being!

The backs of my legs are giving me hell! There is a price to pay for tidiness!