Warm evening sun in the garden

There are few occasions that I can recall the scent of wisteria and summer blossom being so overpoweringly irresistible; a true force of nature.  Today in the 25 degree warmth of a truly perfect day, we were enveloped by floral scents wafting right through the house, into the tearoom, throughout the garden and valley.

Half an hour ago, to take advantage of such a rare evening, I went out to hear the evening concert from the songbirds and to take some photographs to share with the world (some a bit 'contrasty', I'm afraid - haven't much time to sort that out today).  I hope you had a lovely day wherever you are, and if you didn't perhaps you can borrow a piece of our lovely day.

Roasting wisteria

Glorious weather at 25C has brought the wisteria into full bloom, finally. Now's the moment to see it - and the lucky recipients of this spectacle are a delightful Russian group who enjoyed the garden in the evening light with a cream tea. Mmmm.

Muck

Always important to churn the compost - helps aeration to allow the ideal breakdown. The sweet earthy smell is glorious - sadly I can't share that over a blog!

Scum.

A friend of mine just sent me an email.  I couldn't resist sharing it - do yourself a favour and pop along to Iford Manor Teas to be saved from such oblivion.

Caroline refuses most of the time to have "all that fancy tea". This is a recent example of what she prefers....moments before the milk was sloshed in, the teabag squished against the side and it was all given a little stir just to make sure the scum on top was evenly spread. 

 Mmmmm....

Magnolia flourishes

One of my personal favourites (mainly because I see it in the morning from my bedroom window), is currently giving us a glorious display.  So sad that magnolias are so susceptible to cold weather and browning off in a frost - and with High pressure approaching, we might have seen it at its best already this year.

Wisteria Watch - May 13 2012

A mixed bag on the wisteria front.  Those plants which were in exposed locations suffered a significant set-back from the frost in early April.  In most cases they are having a go, and we will see some rare 'intermediary' blooms this year I suspect in late May, when the flowers are out with the smallest of the leaves.

In other, more sheltered areas, we have a good show - especially on the Casita (above) which is ready this weekend, and by the Loggia (below).  

The ring of wisteria around the lily pond in the centre of the garden will need more sun to mature yet:  

Free-standing forms in the upper terraces are coming on and are about a week away, given some warmth.

 The weather has proved this year just how unpredictable things can be, with spring having arrived three weeks early on the average at Iford, and yet we are now looking at a late flowering of the wisteria!  It is as though the late frosts and the drought sent everything into suspended animation for a month.

Hydro Electric Open Day

What a lovely morning to be setting up for the public open day for our Hydro Plant this afternoon.

All are welcome, although it isn't really suitable for children. Entrance is free to the hydro, and the tearoom and gardens are open too.

Hydro open day: 2 - 4.30pm. Meet the design and build teams, and learn about sustainable energy production in the Iford valley.