Samhain means 'summers end' and is followed by the start of Winter. This year the festival of Samhain is on 7th November.
The ancients knew a three season year, spring, summer and winter.
I have no idea who is to blame for introducing the idea of an autumn to Ireland.
The grass is still growing and this will continue until the daylight temperature drops to below 10 degrees Centigrade.
Today the temperature is slightly over 14 degrees which means that Heron will have get the mower out of the shed and tidy up the garden. He might also cut a few newly grown nettles for Mrs H’s promised veggie stew.
So it being bright and sunny I took a few photos for you to view.
Our road still green
Ripe Blackberries
The Fuchsia still in bloom
Dancing ladies :)
Yellow Rose
The old Red Rose
Small yellow bloom ?
Just like the plant above the label fell off
and I have no idea what they are called :)
I always feel sad for roses this time of the year, although they give me such pleasure, because I know that one night there will be a sharp frost and the next morning they will be gone. I have one bush in a tub by the front door. I cut it right back six weeks ago because it tends to get leggy. Now it has grown again and is covered in buds, so I just hope the frost hangs off for a few weeks longer. It is by the front door, sheltered by the house and facing due South, so I have high hopes.
ReplyDeleteYes, I know how you feel about the roses Pat. All plants need to be rested though and I think that they are better for that too.
DeleteI have mied feelings about autumn. I love the colours and the bright days, but it is a bit of a melancholy time too. How lovely that your growing season goes on so long. Your photos are really lovely, Mel.
ReplyDeleteThank you Val. Might I be impertinent and say if you feel melancholy at this time of the year then take extra Vitamin D which is like ray of sunshine.
DeleteHow interesting about only having three seasons. Lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of three seasons is an agricultural one I believe. Spring sowing and birth of young animals. Summer is growing time and then harvesting of the turf and preserving of the fruits. Winter: early winter is the slaughter and preserving of carcasses. Then comes February the 1st which is the first day of Spring.
DeleteI think that last shrub might be a Berberis thunbergii (check if it's got a lot of thorns) this colours beautifully. The small yellow bloom I think is a rock-rose. Lovely images of Autumn from Ireland, we too still have plenty of flowers, but it was a chilly night last night so it wont be long before everything stops growing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Suzie, I have just checked the Berberis is thorn free and thank you for the name of the Rock Rose which I will try to remember.
DeleteToday is warm and sunny again, such that I could comfortably wear shorts if I had any :)
Birgit in Germany said: beautiful pictures of your garden.
ReplyDeleteHere it is raining and for tonight we have a forecast with minus something and snow.
Have to tidy up my potgarden and make sure my primadonna herbs get a nice cosy blanket to stay warm in the night and snow.
Your stew sounded delicious!
Danke Birgit!
DeleteIt was a wonderful filling meal Mrs H makes a rare old veggie stew with loads of garlic and ginger to spice up the veg and warm the eater.
We are looking forward to experiencing our first Ireland "autumn" camera is ready to capture those colours!
ReplyDeleteIts been a particularly lovely autumn over here, bright, dry & lots of fallen crunchy keaves to kick & throw in a colourful shower! :) x
Ha'h expectations are wonderful and you can also be let down with BUMP ! too
Deleteso wait and see...
Please Note
ReplyDeleteAutumn as a separate season only came into vogue in the 1600's