I can’t quite believe it’s approaching mid-August and I’m hearing and reading the term late summer. And, of course, here in England one day it’s raining and the next sunshine or a mixture of both. Apparently George II in the 1730s described the British summer as “three fine days and a thunderstorm.” The same cliche can be used nearly three centuries later!
On my usual wanders with camera I’ve been capturing August flowers and wildlife in my garden, in the meadows and fields and in gorgeous gardens nearby in Sussex – such as Gravetye Manor or Sheffield Park. After waiting so long for hydrangea to bloom, I’ve noticed they’re beginning to fade.
I love gardens with Buddleia – otherwise known as the butterfly bush. Butterflies are now in their adult stage and enjoying the days of August sunshine.
On walks in the woods I keep spotting damselflies and dragonflies. According to my brilliant Small Woodlands Creature book a way to tell the difference is that “damselflies have a very slender abdomen and hold their two pairs of wings together over the abdomen when at rest” whereas “the forewings and hind wings of dragonflies are clearly separated, and held at right angles to the body when at rest.” So I’m concluding that this one was a dragonfly! 
I must start cutting and collecting some of my lavendar before it’s too late. 
I’ll be sad when all the swallows leave in the Autumn as I’ve become used to waking up to the sound of their chorus outside our window. Today they were quiet while they sat through a thunderstorm. 
Also saw this little bird crying amongst the flowers this week. 
In the fields, meadows and farmyard surrounding us the wildflowers are still flourishing – although the thistles now are covered in seed clouds.
We saw some sunflowers this week at Sheffield Park Gardens but the sun itself has stayed hidden most of this week.
Oh, I want to hold onto the colours of late summer flowers and not let them fade! Here’s an array of August blooms including Agapanthus, Dahlias, Helenium and Crocosmia.
Even if it doesn’t stop raining I also must start picking the blackberries in our garden and wild raspberries near the lake in the woods. But I’ll save that for another post with more August nature notes.. ..
the photo of the dragonfly is gorgeous, such a great capture, I haven’t seen much buddleia in peoples gardens and parks this year
incredible images, as usual! that dragonfly is exquisite xx
Thank you so much Katie xx
Oh my goodness, that is the most perfect dragonfly, such a wonderful shot.
Summer is such a funny one this year, the past few days have been full of flooding, blue skies and thunder storms, but at least the gardens are still colourful!
You’ve really captured Summer at it’s best.
I’m just not ready for summer to end!and thank youk
So many beautiful pictures, I love them all especially the dragon fly!!
Oh thank you Claire – the dragonfly was a very good model by staying quite still for me!
I noticed the swifts starting to collect on the wires last night. I guess it won’t be long till they’re gone. Sigh. Plenty of flowers to enjoy still. Love the definition of a British summer. Horribly true. #hdygg
I’ll be so sad when our swallows migrate south in the Autumn as I’m so used to now listening and watching them outside our window.
Great pictures – loving all the insects. On the weather let’s hope the nice weather returns for a little bit more, I’m not ready to give up on summer just yet 🙂 #hdygg
My twins still have three weeks of summer holiday left so I definitely want lots more sunshine for them to enjoy…and me!
Oh my Kriss I am loving these photos to bits – that dragonfly, the swallow in the rain – WOW! And hydrangeas are always a good thing. So very beautiful – you my lady are amazing at that photo taking lark.
So sorry that we missed you earlier this week, I need to email and sort something out properly. Life has been too fast this week – I’ll be glad to go away next week.
A holiday to get over a holiday is totally acceptable yes? In the meantime blackberry picking takes presidence!
Lovely to have you join in again and share these stunning photos x
Thank you so much Annie. Yes would be wonderful to reorganise meeting up – love wandering around and taking pictures with you.
Beautiful pictures with a definite air of late summer. I too love the dahlias with dark leaves as they show off the flower so well. And blackberries – you have reminded me that I saw some good ones to pick on my dog walk 2 days ago and I must go back and get them. I can hear Saari’s groaning at the mere thought of it though – she cannot understand why I spend so long picking them in the middle of her walk although she does enjoy picking the lower ones to eat herself! #HDYGG
We have so many on the hedges in our garden that we’re going to be picking for the next few weeks while they ripen!
I went out and got some and they are now bubbling away in a hedgerow jelly I am making. Saari, in contrast, got huffy and came home alone before me!
Yes,the weather has certainly been mixed this week. Infuriating for anyone who wants to make the most of the summer and spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors. I’m amazed that you managed to take so many brilliant photos. I love the pic of Luce surrounded by sunflowers x
If only the clouds would go away! And thank you Izzie.