After the rain, which arrived with explosive energy in early September, dry brown grass has become lush and green again with forget me not seedlings germinating everywhere, large clusters of campion forming and even signs of cow parsley re-emerging. The scattering of seeds is a truly magical thing. Where cranesbill geraniums had been cut back, they are growing again with vigour and gentle pink flowers. They never give up. So much cutting back and regrowth.
There are still traces of Self Heal hidden in the wild flower lawn and the garden is fragrant with fallen apples. Roses bloom, dragonflies and butterflies appear on rare warm windless days, Silver Birch leaves turn to yellow and begin to fall, an abundance of red berries on the Viburnum waits for hungry birds when the cold weather finally comes.
A feeling of sadness creeps in as the most gloriously sunny, hot summer draws to an end and memories of a beautiful spring fade away. Autumn’s arrival is almost here.
There have been many blue sky days this summer and painting them has been a challenge. Unlike Portugal and Italy, blue skies are a rare thing here but this year it has been different and the gentle Dorset landscape, of subtle earthy tones and pale blue cloudy skies was transformed into a Tuscan land of purple hills, orange sunsets and gold.
After the Equinox, what will Autumn bring.
Blue sky in the Purbeck Hills, Dorset
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