There be monsters

Over to the north-east the sky was as black as night, and the beginnings of a rainbow appearing as we set off down to the plot, late yesterday afternoon. And, sure enough, lurking under those large, spiney leaves were yet more green monsters, some round and others long, with the makings of more to come (but not if we catch them first, before they have a chance to grow much larger). I noticed a particularly giant brute on Jane and Peter's plot. (I haven't seen J & P for a while and am hoping there is good news) Back on our plot, I am pleased that I've found the answer to keeping those 'Hooligans' under control. What hooligans need are a few restrictions and boundaries, so training my particular variety up and over an arch, and others around and up small wigwams seems to be the trick. I can't say this would work with the human variety though.

Back home the grapes are ripening slowly, and becoming quite sweet. A couple of weeks ago they were extremely bitter. From experience I know that they are usually OK around my birthday in mid-October. Along the fence and scrambling through the bushes and trees, the Virginia Creeper has turned ruby red, and in the mixed bed orange and red heleniums, yellow helianthemums ('Lemon Queen'), sedum 'Autumn Glory', and the first of the michaelmas daisies are a reminder that we are leaving the remains of a rather disappointing summer behind. Apart from a good start, when we did enjoy one or two meals outside, my little Greek taverna, outside the back door, looks very forlorn and neglected. Not once have we sat out under the grapevine, on a warm summer evening. The candle holder on the wall has remained empty, and the wet bench looks uninviting. Still, I live in hope that before long we will enjoy an Indian summer, that a jug of autumn flowers and berries will grace the little table, the cushions will be back on the bench, the candles lit, and food and wine shared with friends. My batteries are running low and need recharging.