There is a  well equipped  Children’s Play Area.  It has been re-opened for their use for about 3 weeks now.  But this old tree trunk has proved to be much more fun both before and since the dedicated play area was opened.  The trunk itself was a gift from the river when it was in flood in December.

It has been a strange old year for weather.  The weather which has had its ups and downs hasn’t helped matters much.  The National Hydrangea Collection should have been bursting with colour at least a month ago.  Thankfully they is some colour and some healthy looking plants, I say thankfully as they plan an open day with guided tours this weekend.  Nothing like the usual bountiful blooms… but still some to give an impression of what it is striving to look like….

Seasonal progress is indeed strange.  Not yet the end of July…. but this Rufus Oak is already starting to show signs of it autumn colours, far too early for autumn to my mind.

Despite the heavy rains of this last week and weekend, the River Derwent is rather placid.  Maybe this yo-yo weather of one day sun, one day rain and the next sunny again has enabled the Derwent to ship its waters down stream …..

I guess that this weather has also helped our garden.  Lush greens and an abundant flush of summer flowers, warmth and wet with a sprinkling of sunshine seems to be the right tonic..  and in the current climate that discourages  travel very far from home,  both the garden and the park have been a god send in keeping one sane..

Now the question is…what will the weather do tomorrow ?? Just a little different today from the established yo-yo scheme…. it has bee hot and sunny and cold and wet… all in one day.  🙂

Please Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

28th July

(C) David Oakes 2020