There is something of a suggestion from the met office that we may be about to get a longer warm spell, the BBC weather forecast for the next couple of weeks looks promising, with sunshine and warm temperatures predicted. There's no guarantee of course and we have had false hope before, I remember a couple of years back when the met office promised a BBQ summer and then we got a wash out. Although to be fair I think much of that was media hype rather than the Met office itself.
Last year there was no such promise, and the weather lived up to the lack of hype.... we had a wet cool summer that never really got going. This year we have seized the opportunity when the weather has presented itself with better opportunity for actually lighting up the BBQ and enjoying the garden.
We had bought a new barbecue in the autumn sales last year - our old gas barbecue was really no longer up to the job. It would seem we are not the only ones who had been shopping as our next door neighbour has bought a new barbecue too, and we had a slight feeling of envy over the garden fence.
Whatever we are doing in the garden, we always have a shadow (or two) as one of the cats is always close by, and the smell of food was enough to bring Twinkles over. Despite her looking like she is after some food in the picture, she generally doesn't like to eat "people" food, and even if we give her a small titbit she often ignores it and walks off. I think she does it on purpose just so she doesn't feel left out.
The bottom patio area is at the end of the garden - about 80 feet from the house - partly to enjoy the privacy but also so the cooking smells and smoke does not go into our home or the neighbours houses.
This year seems to have been a very good year for this end of the garden with everything looking lush. This was our view across the pond...
This whole area had been given something of a makeover earlier this year, see Marks post here, adding bright pots to give it a fresh and vibrant feel.
The goldfish could almost sense we were there and even through we were not looking at them they all congregated to have a look what was going on and beg for their own food! Maybe I'm a soft touch but I went back to the house to get them their food!
Gaz
Last year there was no such promise, and the weather lived up to the lack of hype.... we had a wet cool summer that never really got going. This year we have seized the opportunity when the weather has presented itself with better opportunity for actually lighting up the BBQ and enjoying the garden.
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| Why use the kitchen when you can smoke out the neighbours? :) |
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| Twinkles |
The bottom patio area is at the end of the garden - about 80 feet from the house - partly to enjoy the privacy but also so the cooking smells and smoke does not go into our home or the neighbours houses.
This year seems to have been a very good year for this end of the garden with everything looking lush. This was our view across the pond...
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| Hard to believe our house is about 80 feet away in that direction. |
This whole area had been given something of a makeover earlier this year, see Marks post here, adding bright pots to give it a fresh and vibrant feel.
The goldfish could almost sense we were there and even through we were not looking at them they all congregated to have a look what was going on and beg for their own food! Maybe I'm a soft touch but I went back to the house to get them their food!
Gaz
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
In your neck of the woods it's often too cool to BBQ, here it's often too hot, LOL. We grilled some veggies, chicken and fish for Canada Day on Monday, and I tell you, it was NOT fun manning the grill when it's 105°F.
ReplyDeleteYour pond looks so inviting, I'd jump in it right now if I were there. That gunnera is freaking amazing!
With the degree of heat there I can imagine it would be tempting to jump into the pond indeed. And yes more often it's actually too cool to BBQ outside here. I remember last year the summer was such a washout that we didn't have a single day of BBQ.
DeleteBut the joys of alfresco dining! Embracing the good weather here while it lasts :)
How fun! nothing like firing up the BBQ and al fresco dining. Your garden space is so inviting. Love the lush tropical look. Perfect. Your pond is so beautifully maintained. Crystal clear water and happy fish. Nice!
ReplyDeleteEnjoying the lovely weather at the moment Deanne! And a grill at the end of the day is something to look forward to especially after work :)
DeleteWhat fun to eat outside and enjoy your garden even more! Everything there looks beautiful as always!
ReplyDeleteBBQ always a good fun Peter, loving it :)
DeleteI love those bright pots!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tatyana!
DeleteWe've been shopping for a new grill too, but only shopping...no purchases yet. I could almost smell the delicious smoky results of your new set-up. Perhaps we'll get on with it and purchase a new one this weekend.
ReplyDeleteP.S. hope you get a little summer heat!
DeleteDefinitely Loree, both of you would love and enjoy it! I heard it's really warm there at the moment, perfect time for lots of al fresco dining and BBQ :)
DeleteHopefully indeed, just for a change. July is so far sounding so promising!
You know your yard is way bigger than I realized. 80 feet is a pretty long way, bigger than my yard is. Looks like a great day to be grilling out.
ReplyDeleteCher Sunray Gardens
Hi Cher, the garden is 125 feet from the house to the back boundary.
DeleteYour garden is so lush! A new barbecue is on our list, too. We had planned to grill today to celebrate our Independence Day from a certain former oppressor, but the weather isn't cooperating. I am not complaining too much. Rain today and for the next several days is bringing much appreciated cooler temperatures. Meanwhile, we are going out to eat with my son at a local barbecue restaurant.
ReplyDeleteThose pesky Brits :) hope you had a great day!
DeleteHoping to be joining you with the BBQ party this weekend. About time we had some sunbathing weather in the UK! Cute cat.
ReplyDeleteLets hope it stays nice!
DeleteHi Mark and Gaz, I remember the "Year of the Barbecue Summer" that was forecasted by the Met Office and was instead, remembered for the cooles, wettest, cloudiest appalling weather in years. It's up there with the "Don't panic, there isn't a hurricane".
ReplyDeleteHopefully this year will turn out better :)
DeleteI hope the weather forecasts are correct this time - a lovely heatwave is most welcome! It's been glorious here today. Enjoy your barbeque! Your garden looks so amazing and full of interest.
ReplyDeleteHere's to many many perfect summer days for firing up the BBQ. We do it even when the conditions are less than ideal. Why is it that food tastes better when eaten outdoors?
ReplyDeleteI was awwing over your cat and then I saw the aeonium to her right and started oohing. Everything looks wonderful--fingers are crossed for a summer of warm weather and lots of al fresco dining!
ReplyDeleteMark and Gaz, even up here the weather has been amazing for the past five weeks with temperatures much warmer than the forecasts given, what a treat compared to last year. Twinkles attitude to tasty treats is just the way Purdee behaves. Enjoy your barbecue and the rest of the Summer season.
ReplyDelete