It just seems to be so sad – 2021/46
Winter is upon us. Some trees are now completely bare, whilst others have just a few which are still clinging on.
Winter is upon us. Some trees are now completely bare, whilst others have just a few which are still clinging on.
The Red Admiral butterfly is one of our endemic species, but here it flies all year round. On sunny days in January they can be found flying and feeding on Ivy, just as they are at the moment.
This week I have been trying to identify an unknown shrubby tree and came across these beautiful Sternbergia.
I have planted a large number of plants which attract butterflies and other insects. Here a Large Brown Fritillary is feeding on a Lantana camara.
Passion flowers catch the first sunbeams of the day. They will only stay open for 6 to 8 hours though.
Autumn is fast approaching. Leaves are changing colour and dropping, accelerated by the abnormally high temperatures. Even the vibrant Bougainvillaea is starting to look a little faded.;
While almost everything else wilts with the heat, just one or two local plants seem to thrive in the parched orchards.
The Golden Oriole, one of our brightly coloured summer migrants have left for their winter home. It is always a sign of the advancing seasons when our summer visitors start to depart.
My fruit harvest is in full swing. This week it has been plums. Next on the list will be Passionfruit.
An early morning saunter along the lanes and tracks around my home is, at this time of year, one of the best experiences you can have. It is cool, there is usually a light breeze and the sun is warm, but not yet hot.