The Last Flowers

This morning I did some dead-heading in our little garden.  I took photos, as they are probably the last flowers of this year.

michelmas daisy

The Michaelmas Daisies are vibrant on this overcast morning.  There is something about the combination of the rain filled clouds and the light that actually magnifies some colours.

Due later today is Storm Agnes and so we also moved most of our pots into safer positions.  The storm is supposed to be at its worst tonight.  Let’s hope it doesn’t do too much damage and that those who need to be outside, will be safe.

No verse this time but an extra photograph showing the Ogham stick I whittled for the Autumn Equinox.  It is of apple wood.  Apple is the tenth tree in the Celtic Tree Ogham.  The tree is regarded nearly everywhere as a symbol of Earth’s abundance.

apple autumn equinox

Ashley

46 thoughts on “The Last Flowers

  1. The changes of season have those circumstances that are not always pleasant, but life goes on and in a few months they will bloom again. I’m Surprised by the Ogham stick 👏👏 Let’s hope Storm Agnes doesn’t cause much damage 🙏 Un abrazo 🍷

    1. Dear Rosaliene, thank you for your lovely comments. The daisies are stunning this time. The storm passed overnight without any damage here. 🙏🌹🙋‍♂️

  2. You have managed to sustain the colour in your garden so much better than me, Ashley. You are an inspiration to significantly “up” my game.

      1. A sound strategy, Ashley. In recent years, I’ve managed to persuade my better half that it’s okay for me to raise the height on the mower, so it spares the clover bobs. The bees have been drunk on our shaggy lawn for a few summers now, but we do need more colour in the borders.

  3. Such lovely flowers! Stay safe and warm tonight. I love seeing what you have whittled. I am inspired. Is apple wood soft or hard? Do you have an apple tree in your garden? Autumn is the most amazing time in Scotland and I best in Ireland too. Being able to forage and gather from the wild safely is also a wonderful autumn pastime. I went gathering elderberries yesterday and made a elderberry tonic for the winter. I hope to make elderberry vinegar on the weekend. Keep well. 🍁🍂🌺🌹🌻🌳💜🙋‍♀️

    1. Dear Morag, it’s always lovely to receive your comments. Thank you. Agnes passed over us whilst we slept and I can find no damage here. I understand apple to be a hard wood. However, for these Ogham sticks I have only ever used wood just cut from the tree (with permission) which to me is “green” wood, sometimes referred as “wet”. Freshly cut all woods are usually very easy to work, carving it sometimes described as “buttery”. Although I’m not an active member these days, I still belong to a green woodworking club where working outdoors with only hand tools is the aim. Green woodworkers are often referred to as “bodgers”. I could write more but there are green woodworking groups all over these islands. Let me know if you or Derek want more information. 🌹🙋‍♂️

      1. You are most welcome. I am glad all is well after Agnes passed over. So interesting to read what you have to say about green wood. It makes sense. I think for now with all our renovations and getting the house ready I will wait till things quieten down but I will ask you at the right time. Thank you so much. 🍂🍁🌹🙋‍♀️

  4. I hope Agnes treats you with kindness! We’re also having something banging above our heads [I mean really banging! These thunders are otherworldly!] and pouring rain!
    Beautiful flowers, Ashley and apple wood Ogham stick. Keep safe, my dear friend. 🍏🍂🌸👌

    1. After all the build up by the Met Office Agnes was kind to us here but I’ve not seen any news reports from around these islands. I’m sure you’d prefer not to have the overhead banging; as children we used to say about storms, that God was moving his furniture! Thank you for visiting and your lovely comments. Always appreciated 🤗🌹🙋‍♂️

      1. A ha haaa… I love that perspective! In this case he must have been pretty furious and careless! As for the Met office… they have become the new scare factor lately!
        Happy weekend ahead! 🙏✨🔆

    1. Hi Sharon! Agnes passed over us whilst we slept and it didn’t even wake me up! 😴 Our flowers also survived but it pays to be ready. Moving all the pots into safer positions will now be their home for the coming months. We’ve even moved the bench into the garage and I will treat it later in readiness for next year. Hopefully, it will be a better summer and we can sit on it and soak up the rays. Enjoy the weekend xx 🌹🙋‍♂️

  5. Glad the storm was of no real consequence. Those are colorful flowers, and I like your latest Ogham stick. The history of the Ogham alphabet is fascinating, Ashleaf!

    1. Many thanks, hokku brother! I enjoy the little bit of whittling I do and will soon have a complete set. Then what? Perhaps some real carving? 🪓💚

  6. Okay I am just adoring these Ogham sticks right now. Which would you recommend as good fortune for removing obstacles in life? is there one for that? Hope you don’t mind me asking 🙂

    1. Dear Sunra, I cannot answer your question but I’m smiling again 😊. The symbols were supposed to represent letters, a way of writing, but no one really knows. 🤗🙋‍♂️

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