The seasons change a little later here by the sea but once the summer solstice has passed (22nd June), we shift rapidly into those long sunny days of childhood memories. The winter’s drenching rain and fierce salt blasting from the storms is now in the past. Spring is a short intermission between the gloom of winter and the intense brightness of summer, and it is the tulips which signal that change is on the way.
The poppies, foxgloves and the old roses, all salt-hardy, come next while the wisteria and clematises start their growth spurts. The garden changes from its dull pared back emptiness to its luxurious abundance in a matter of weeks.
There is much in bud that will flower soon – the agapanthuses and fuchsias, and the sweet peas.
Even the veggies sown only a few weeks ago are popping up for the summer sun.
The sea is still cold but the pod of dolphins who swim along the coast have already visited our bay. The birdlife has been active with the goldfinches and chaffinches building their nests in the hedges that border the brook that runs to the side of the garden. And the lobster boat is out and about, and you can see the lobster man throw his baskets over in the evenings.
This is my place of peace and quiet where I’m writing “The Trial” book. Chapter 1 is almost in its final state.
Old Lady by the Sea 