It's amazing how influential the sun can be on ones mood. For most of July and the early part of August here it has been bright, sunny, warm as you'd expect summer to be. However there was a big shift away from this here from last weekend onwards.
The rains were welcome but grey clouds do come with them and unlike last month these clouds stayed on. And temperatures dipped down too and a little chill in the air can be felt since the weather shifted. I had to dig out a thick sweatshirt to keep me warm while out in the garden. And on my way to work it was a bit odd to see a lot of people wearing knitted jumpers (sweaters) like it was mid autumn already rather than middle of August.
Grey days coupled with chilly, damp air make for an autumnal feeling. Although I suspect this is temporary and warm weather will come back again the sudden change has made an impact on my mood about the garden. One moment I was inspired and perky with the exuberance of summer and all the fast growth in the garden, the next moment I have gone on an indoor mood and found myself thinking of plans for the winter.
But it's only August and it's not like nippy summer days are unusual here but the very sudden shift derailed me a bit from my summer state of thinking. Odd feeling but I'll get used to these grey days and cooler temperatures if it persists. It would be nice though if sun and warmth comes back again for the rest of the season. There's plenty of room for the grey and cool/cold in the autumn and winter.
Again, it's fascinating how influential the sun is one's mood and behaviour isn't it? What about the stars? I was supposed to take photos of the star masks while there was still daylight but alas it was dark already when I remembered to do so. So it'll have to be a photo of it with flash instead. I'll take better photos of it in the next few days.
Mark :-)
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.
There has been a shift. The garden is showing its autumn face too, some leaves are on the turn already. Maybe because Spring was so early the season has burnt out before its time? I'm still hoping for an Indian summer..
ReplyDeleteSame here Jessica, fingers crossed for an Indian Summer. I'm optimistic though that despite the early spring the growing season will still pan out as usual rather than end early too.
DeleteHi Mark, I couldn't agree more how influential the sun is on my mood. That is one reason why we moved to California :-)! I am mentally not ready to say goodbye to the summer, but I am ready for a little bit cooler temperatures, since we have been around 30 degrees Celsius since a couple of weeks now.
ReplyDeleteGlad that you got some shots of your lovely garden with sun rays in them ;-)! It never fails so amaze me how tropical your garden looks. If I didn't know it was in the UK I had no problem assuming that you actually garden in the tropics. I guess that is your goal :-)! Wishing you a nice rest of the week!
Christina
Thanks Christina! The garden has certainly benefited from the warm July we just had. With you guys having stretches of very and sultry summer days slightly cooler temps would be welcome I can imagine. If only moving to California would be so easy it would be a very good prospect! :)
DeleteThis is the time of year when we begin hoping for a warm autumn and mild winter. Although summer doesn't end until September 21st, there are signs of change and soon the air will feel different. Thank goodness for the tropicals in our gardens that just keep growing/blooming like summer will never end! While I dream of being able to live in California, in reality, the change of seasons gives a certain rhythm to the year and each season has it's charms. Remind me that I said that in January when it's cold and wet, won't you?
ReplyDeleteI will Peter, and will say it to myself too :) Like you we appreciate what each season brings and most of the time geared for them. The sudden shift in temperatures here though, from warm to chilly was a tad disorientating, temperatures we expect in early spring or late autumn.
DeleteI love that you explained jumpers are sweaters -- I suspected as much, but glad to have it confirmed. We get so much sun here that I love the occasional overcast morning/day -- and I know for you it's the reverse equation, too much overcast. I hope you get your warm autumn...and I get a cool one! ;)
ReplyDeleteWouldn't that be nice Denise :) I am very optimistic still for the both of us!
DeleteAh yes, we're a fickle bunch. I get glowered at if I happen to mention "the nip of fall". Some of us are in total denial.
ReplyDeleteYep you got that right Ricki, we are all a fickle bunch!
DeletePerhaps you need to move to California?! Although Peter is right: California lacks the change of seasons you're used to and even those of us who grew up with 2 seasons (warm and cool) get frustrated by the sameness sometimes. The changes here are subtle. I can already feel the shift in the light conditions and the nights are growing cooler again but our days are still warm and, generally, sunny. The down-side of our climate, of course, is that, when we get gray skies, they don't usually come with rain. You have foliage color changes to look forward to as well!
ReplyDeleteIf only moving to California was that easy Kris :) having four seasons has its benefits and beauty too which we appreciate. Saying that, in the depths of winter I will be reading your posts and wondering why on earth did we not move to California...
DeleteCloudy, gray days, a chill in the air? Not for another 90 days or so. It does affect the mood if it goes on too long though we celebrate the occasional rain.
ReplyDeleteAt least most of your winters are mild enough for your wonderful collection of plants.
It would be great Shirley if those cloudy, grey days and chilly air would disappear soon and not appear for 90 days here as well :) alas unlikely to have such a treat for that long...
DeleteOh yes, it's amazing what a powerful effect sunshine has. I take my work outside whenever possible to sit in the warm sun so as not to waste a moment of it! Today has been a jumper (sweater) plus 2 layers of fleece day up here in the North East!!
ReplyDeleteFunny isn't it Ingrid how we all, on sunny days would do as much as we could outside knowing how fickle the weather is here. Two layers of fleece sounds like a great idea as I felt under dressed today and so many were wearing parka and thick trench coats today, crazy...
DeleteI feel so weak sometimes that I let the sun (or lack of) have such a strong sway with my mood. I should be stronger, but I am not. I feel almost cheated when the forecast is for sun and I wake up to clouds.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos of the garden!
Thanks Loree! And isn't it annoying when that's the case, when the weatherman says it'll be a sunny day only to realise it won't be...
DeleteIt definitely does have an effect. The gloomy weather is welcomed and cherished after summer, but after a while you're wishing for those warm (even really hot) days again.
ReplyDeleteIndeed Amy. Although we're geared for the gloomy days of autumn and winter abrupt changes in what is supposed to be still summer is a bit disorientating. And yes, especially in the depths of winter you start daydreaming and missing those sunny and sultry days again!
DeleteI'm a bit different: the cooler temps always get me motivated to do projects (both in the garden and in the house) -- but our summers are hotter than yours. I got so much done during our recent cool snap, now that the heat is back I just don't care about weeding or anything out there. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't mind cooler temps myself Alan, it was the abrupt change that got through me. I'm getting used to it now so business as usual :) Althougha return of the warm and sunny weather would certainly be welcome!
DeleteYour optimistic forecast for a warmer session has cheered me up. Perhaps I am being premature in looking at an imminent end of season clear up and a few days of fleecing. It is nearly Sept and that means everything is rapidly going down hill into winter. I will go away now as I am depressing myself and probably everyone else :-)
ReplyDeleteHaha, that's fine Don :) Well one can live in hope, we've had glorious Septembers and Octobers before so it's very possible. Although I am getting used to this cool temps now...
DeleteStill hoping for an Indian summer- but I feel like we've been plunged straight into Autumn.
ReplyDeleteSome signs of autumn already in the garden Karen but one can still hope for an Indian summer :)
DeleteWe have been discussing the exact same thing tonight .Although there is loads to do out there, suddenly, I have that feeling that it doesn't really matter so much, that we are just running down now, and like you, starting to think about winter and plan for next season. It has happened so quickly, which somehow makes it feel more depressing. `Fingers and toes crossed for an Indian summer.
ReplyDeleteSame sentiments here Jane, with the arrival of the cooler temps suddenly it feels like it doesn't matter that much anymore, planning for the summer and keeping the garden extra tidy. Fingers crossed indeed for an Indian summer!
DeleteI would have to agree with you about the effect of the sun, and lack of sun. We had a rainy day today, and even though it was quite warm (82F/28C), I wasn't drawn to the garden like I am on a sunny day--even when the temps are cooler. All the chatter here in the Midwest U.S. is about back to school and end of summer. Meanwhile, we're having a stretch of the hottest weather we've had all year. I wish I had a pool so I could go for a swim! ;-)
ReplyDeleteIndeed! When it's sunny even if the the temps are on the cool side it draws you out in the garden :)
DeleteWe've had some very cool evening here of late as well. Today is grey, chilly and cloudy. Just my kind of day for planting in the gardens. I have to agree that too much of this cloudy weather can dampen one's spirits. You really can tell that the seasons are shifting toward fall though.
ReplyDeleteIndeed Deanne, autumn is looming and a few signs are showing already...
DeleteLast week I returned to work after 2 weeks holiday and was amazed to see so many roses flowering in the rose garden. Despite the cool weather it seems that they are all having a late surge and they look lovely. This cheered me up immensely and made me hopeful that summer is not over after all. Helen
ReplyDeleteThat's great to hear Helen, it must look amazing! I'm optimistic warm weather will return again :)
DeleteChill air? Sweatshirt? Send some my way! Autumn is our second spring, and I become invigorated with it. Summer is in my garden is about survival. You are definitely right in that the seasons affect my temperament!
ReplyDeleteWe nearly had frost last night here Debs, crazy! Hope that cooler weather arrives your way soon :)
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