{"id":43930,"date":"2026-05-31T19:54:03","date_gmt":"2026-05-31T18:54:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/?p=43930"},"modified":"2026-06-01T09:35:21","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T08:35:21","slug":"summer-starts-with-a-bang","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/susan\/summer-starts-with-a-bang\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer Starts with a Bang"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"43930\" class=\"elementor elementor-43930\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-ed3bb6a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"ed3bb6a\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b3151cb\" data-id=\"b3151cb\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-21cea5a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"21cea5a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Summer arrived last week and made quite a dramatic entrance as temperatures soared into the 30s and thunder rumbled overhead. <\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">It was a little early, as meteorological summer does not begin until 1 June, and astronomical summer this year starts at exactly 9:24 am BST on 21 June if we want to be precise.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Ruby had to miss a couple of walks because it was simply too hot. Fortunately, she had a visit from the groomer on Thursday and is now sporting her summer cut. She could really have done with a haircut a few days earlier, but appointments need to be booked well in advance.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The temperature eventually cooled enough for some walks, much to Ruby\u2019s delight.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bdeccc9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bdeccc9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">At Home and in the Garden<\/span><\/h3><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s2\">Colour is spreading throughout the garden.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e038066 elementor-arrows-position-inside elementor-pagination-position-outside elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-carousel\" data-id=\"e038066\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;slides_to_show&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;navigation&quot;:&quot;both&quot;,&quot;autoplay&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;pause_on_interaction&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;autoplay_speed&quot;:5000,&quot;infinite&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;effect&quot;:&quot;slide&quot;,&quot;speed&quot;:500}\" data-widget_type=\"image-carousel.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-carousel-wrapper swiper\" role=\"region\" aria-roledescription=\"carousel\" aria-label=\"Image Carousel\" dir=\"ltr\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-carousel swiper-wrapper\" aria-live=\"off\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"1 of 12\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1583.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"IMG_1583\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"2 of 12\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1581.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"IMG_1581\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"3 of 12\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1575.jpeg?fit=1000%2C562&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"IMG_1575\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"4 of 12\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1573.jpeg?fit=1000%2C562&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"IMG_1573\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"5 of 12\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1569.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"IMG_1569\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"6 of 12\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1568.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"IMG_1568\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"7 of 12\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1567.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"IMG_1567\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"8 of 12\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1566.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"IMG_1566\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"9 of 12\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1563.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"IMG_1563\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"10 of 12\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1562.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"IMG_1562\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"11 of 12\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1561.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"IMG_1561\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"12 of 12\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1557.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"IMG_1557\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper-button elementor-swiper-button-prev\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"eicon-chevron-left\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper-button elementor-swiper-button-next\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"eicon-chevron-right\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bcc7655 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bcc7655\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The roses at the front of the house are particularly spectacular this year.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ab87d3c elementor-widget elementor-widget-gallery\" data-id=\"ab87d3c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;columns&quot;:2,&quot;lazyload&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;gallery_layout&quot;:&quot;grid&quot;,&quot;columns_tablet&quot;:2,&quot;columns_mobile&quot;:1,&quot;gap&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;gap_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;gap_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;link_to&quot;:&quot;file&quot;,&quot;aspect_ratio&quot;:&quot;3:2&quot;,&quot;overlay_background&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;content_hover_animation&quot;:&quot;fade-in&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"gallery.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery__container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1532.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"ab87d3c\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"IMG_1532\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM4OTMsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9vc3NldHR3ZWF0aGVyLmNvbVwvZ2FyZGVuaW5nMjAyMlwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNlwvMDVcL0lNR18xNTMyLmpwZWciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiJhYjg3ZDNjIn0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1532.jpeg?fit=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1\" data-width=\"300\" data-height=\"169\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1533.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"ab87d3c\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"IMG_1533\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM4OTQsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9vc3NldHR3ZWF0aGVyLmNvbVwvZ2FyZGVuaW5nMjAyMlwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNlwvMDVcL0lNR18xNTMzLmpwZWciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiJhYjg3ZDNjIn0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1533.jpeg?fit=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1\" data-width=\"300\" data-height=\"169\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1534.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"ab87d3c\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"IMG_1534\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM4OTUsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9vc3NldHR3ZWF0aGVyLmNvbVwvZ2FyZGVuaW5nMjAyMlwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNlwvMDVcL0lNR18xNTM0LmpwZWciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiJhYjg3ZDNjIn0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1534.jpeg?fit=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1\" data-width=\"300\" data-height=\"169\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1535.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"ab87d3c\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"IMG_1535\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM4OTYsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9vc3NldHR3ZWF0aGVyLmNvbVwvZ2FyZGVuaW5nMjAyMlwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNlwvMDVcL0lNR18xNTM1LmpwZWciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiJhYjg3ZDNjIn0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1535.jpeg?fit=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1\" data-width=\"300\" data-height=\"169\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1536.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"ab87d3c\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"IMG_1536\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM4OTcsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9vc3NldHR3ZWF0aGVyLmNvbVwvZ2FyZGVuaW5nMjAyMlwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNlwvMDVcL0lNR18xNTM2LmpwZWciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiJhYjg3ZDNjIn0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1536.jpeg?fit=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1\" data-width=\"300\" data-height=\"169\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1538.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"ab87d3c\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"IMG_1538\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM4OTgsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9vc3NldHR3ZWF0aGVyLmNvbVwvZ2FyZGVuaW5nMjAyMlwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNlwvMDVcL0lNR18xNTM4LmpwZWciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiJhYjg3ZDNjIn0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1538.jpeg?fit=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1\" data-width=\"300\" data-height=\"169\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-669a075 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"669a075\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The newly planted perennials are growing well.<\/span><\/p><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-43923\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1582.jpeg?resize=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1582.jpeg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1582.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1582.jpeg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1582.jpeg?resize=800%2C450&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-43920\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1578.jpeg?resize=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1578.jpeg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1578.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1578.jpeg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1578.jpeg?resize=800%2C450&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>I have planted some annuals between the two new beds until I decide on a more permanent planting scheme.<\/span><\/p><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-43921\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1579.jpeg?resize=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1579.jpeg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1579.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1579.jpeg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1579.jpeg?resize=800%2C450&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d895464 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d895464\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">One self-sown plant has surprised me. <\/span><span class=\"s2\">Allium christophii<\/span><span class=\"s1\"> has been popping up around the garden and I assumed I must have inadvertently moved some bulbs when gardening. This year, however, that theory was disproved when I spotted one growing in a place where I could not possibly have planted it.<\/span><\/p><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-43909\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1559.jpeg?resize=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1559.jpeg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1559.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1559.jpeg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1559.jpeg?resize=800%2C450&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">I know alliums are prolific self-seeders, but what really surprised me was that the flowers remained true to the parent variety.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-347c05e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"347c05e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Martyn planted some tomatoes in the greenhouse. Encouraged by the warmer temperatures, they had finally started to put on some growth.<\/span><\/p><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-43906\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1553.jpeg?resize=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1553.jpeg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1553.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1553.jpeg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1553.jpeg?resize=800%2C450&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-94cfd48 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"94cfd48\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">We had intended to spend Saturday afternoon at the allotment but instead found ourselves waiting for a plumber. He arrived around lunchtime, spent a few minutes investigating, and then announced that a camera would be needed to locate the blockage. Unfortunately, he did not have one with him, so another visit had to be arranged for Monday morning. To be honest, I suspect he rather fancied an early start to his weekend.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">With our plans changed, we spent the afternoon sorting out the patio tubs instead.<\/span><\/p><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-43919\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1577.jpeg?resize=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1577.jpeg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1577.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1577.jpeg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1577.jpeg?resize=800%2C450&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a90f29e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a90f29e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">At the Allotment<\/span><\/h3><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s2\">Due to<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>other commitments, the weather and the plumbing problems, we did not have much time to spare for the allotment last week, although on Monday we planted two more varieties of squash: Marina di Chioggia and Hunter.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-811c300 elementor-widget elementor-widget-gallery\" data-id=\"811c300\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;columns&quot;:2,&quot;aspect_ratio&quot;:&quot;16:9&quot;,&quot;lazyload&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;gallery_layout&quot;:&quot;grid&quot;,&quot;columns_tablet&quot;:2,&quot;columns_mobile&quot;:1,&quot;gap&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;gap_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;gap_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;link_to&quot;:&quot;file&quot;,&quot;overlay_background&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;content_hover_animation&quot;:&quot;fade-in&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"gallery.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery__container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1502.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"811c300\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"IMG_1502\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM4ODMsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9vc3NldHR3ZWF0aGVyLmNvbVwvZ2FyZGVuaW5nMjAyMlwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNlwvMDVcL0lNR18xNTAyLmpwZWciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiI4MTFjMzAwIn0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1502.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" data-width=\"1000\" data-height=\"563\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1503.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"811c300\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"IMG_1503\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM4ODQsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9vc3NldHR3ZWF0aGVyLmNvbVwvZ2FyZGVuaW5nMjAyMlwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNlwvMDVcL0lNR18xNTAzLmpwZWciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiI4MTFjMzAwIn0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1503.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" data-width=\"1000\" data-height=\"563\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f9d0839 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f9d0839\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">We made a couple of short visits to water the crops, particularly the areas where we had recently sown carrots.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">On Sunday, we decided to make up for some of the lost time and put in a double shift.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">In the morning, Martyn finished erecting the supports for the climbing beans while I planted the final batch of sweetcorn along with one lot each of runner beans and climbing French beans.<\/span><\/p><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-43928\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1599.jpeg?resize=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1599.jpeg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1599.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1599.jpeg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1599.jpeg?resize=800%2C450&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d64ad7d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d64ad7d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">We returned home for lunch before heading back to complete the bean planting. A second variety of runner bean and climbing French bean was added, with courgettes planted between the bean supports.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">We also sowed our first two rows of peas. As always, we sow generously. Once the seeds had been watered in, the bed was loosely covered with Enviromesh. This helps prevent birds and other creatures from disturbing the soil or using the bed as a dust bath, while also protecting newly emerging shoots from the ever-present wood pigeons.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1c4da96 elementor-widget elementor-widget-gallery\" data-id=\"1c4da96\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;columns&quot;:2,&quot;aspect_ratio&quot;:&quot;16:9&quot;,&quot;lazyload&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;gallery_layout&quot;:&quot;grid&quot;,&quot;columns_tablet&quot;:2,&quot;columns_mobile&quot;:1,&quot;gap&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;gap_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;gap_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;link_to&quot;:&quot;file&quot;,&quot;overlay_background&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;content_hover_animation&quot;:&quot;fade-in&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"gallery.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery__container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1590.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"1c4da96\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"IMG_1590\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM5MjUsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9vc3NldHR3ZWF0aGVyLmNvbVwvZ2FyZGVuaW5nMjAyMlwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNlwvMDVcL0lNR18xNTkwLmpwZWciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiIxYzRkYTk2In0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1590.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" data-width=\"1000\" data-height=\"563\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1595.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"1c4da96\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"IMG_1595\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM5MjYsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9vc3NldHR3ZWF0aGVyLmNvbVwvZ2FyZGVuaW5nMjAyMlwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNlwvMDVcL0lNR18xNTk1LmpwZWciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiIxYzRkYTk2In0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1595.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" data-width=\"1000\" data-height=\"563\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b93f62f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b93f62f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Martyn then strimmed the grass paths and edged the beds, leaving the plot looking much tidier.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Strawberry season has finally arrived and we picked our first punnets of the year last week. Harvesting has to be done carefully, as any fruit nibbled by slugs soon attracts an army of ants.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-61b0e22 elementor-widget elementor-widget-gallery\" data-id=\"61b0e22\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;columns&quot;:2,&quot;aspect_ratio&quot;:&quot;16:9&quot;,&quot;lazyload&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;gallery_layout&quot;:&quot;grid&quot;,&quot;columns_tablet&quot;:2,&quot;columns_mobile&quot;:1,&quot;gap&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;gap_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;gap_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;link_to&quot;:&quot;file&quot;,&quot;overlay_background&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;content_hover_animation&quot;:&quot;fade-in&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"gallery.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery__container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1530.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"61b0e22\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"IMG_1530\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM4OTIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9vc3NldHR3ZWF0aGVyLmNvbVwvZ2FyZGVuaW5nMjAyMlwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNlwvMDVcL0lNR18xNTMwLmpwZWciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiI2MWIwZTIyIn0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1530.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" data-width=\"1000\" data-height=\"563\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1542.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"61b0e22\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"IMG_1542\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM4OTksInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9vc3NldHR3ZWF0aGVyLmNvbVwvZ2FyZGVuaW5nMjAyMlwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNlwvMDVcL0lNR18xNTQyLmpwZWciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiI2MWIwZTIyIn0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1542.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" data-width=\"1000\" data-height=\"563\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-defc714 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"defc714\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Not everything has been a success, however. I also lifted a very disappointing garlic crop. It has not performed well this year and most of the bulbs are disappointingly small. Hopefully, there will at least be enough usable cloves to mean growing it wasn\u2019t a complete waste of time<\/span><\/p><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-43927\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1598.jpeg?resize=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1598.jpeg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1598.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1598.jpeg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1598.jpeg?resize=800%2C450&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3294679 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3294679\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Out and About<\/span><\/h3><h4 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Temple Newsam<\/span><\/h4><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s2\">The Slam Dunk Festival is over, but it has certainly left its mark. Large areas of grass have been damaged and will take some time to recover. It must be soul-destroying for the grounds staff, as just when one area begins to recover another event is often scheduled.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s2\">At least the ground was dry, so heavy vehicles have not churned the grass up too badly.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c62d405 elementor-widget elementor-widget-gallery\" data-id=\"c62d405\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;columns&quot;:2,&quot;aspect_ratio&quot;:&quot;16:9&quot;,&quot;lazyload&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;gallery_layout&quot;:&quot;grid&quot;,&quot;columns_tablet&quot;:2,&quot;columns_mobile&quot;:1,&quot;gap&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;gap_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;gap_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;link_to&quot;:&quot;file&quot;,&quot;overlay_background&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;content_hover_animation&quot;:&quot;fade-in&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"gallery.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery__container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1543.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"c62d405\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"IMG_1543\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM5MDAsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9vc3NldHR3ZWF0aGVyLmNvbVwvZ2FyZGVuaW5nMjAyMlwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNlwvMDVcL0lNR18xNTQzLmpwZWciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiJjNjJkNDA1In0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1543.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" data-width=\"1000\" data-height=\"563\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1544.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"c62d405\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"IMG_1544\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM5MDEsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9vc3NldHR3ZWF0aGVyLmNvbVwvZ2FyZGVuaW5nMjAyMlwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNlwvMDVcL0lNR18xNTQ0LmpwZWciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiJjNjJkNDA1In0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1544.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" data-width=\"1000\" data-height=\"563\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9adcc5f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9adcc5f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">It is a shame to witness the damage, although I suppose the events generate a substantial income for Leeds City Council.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">As we headed back to the car we saw that the Golden Guernsey billy goat had company and had been joined by his family.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0a5c5f9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-gallery\" data-id=\"0a5c5f9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;columns&quot;:2,&quot;aspect_ratio&quot;:&quot;16:9&quot;,&quot;lazyload&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;gallery_layout&quot;:&quot;grid&quot;,&quot;columns_tablet&quot;:2,&quot;columns_mobile&quot;:1,&quot;gap&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;gap_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;gap_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;link_to&quot;:&quot;file&quot;,&quot;overlay_background&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;content_hover_animation&quot;:&quot;fade-in&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"gallery.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery__container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1551.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"0a5c5f9\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"IMG_1551\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM5MDUsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9vc3NldHR3ZWF0aGVyLmNvbVwvZ2FyZGVuaW5nMjAyMlwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNlwvMDVcL0lNR18xNTUxLmpwZWciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiIwYTVjNWY5In0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1551.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" data-width=\"1000\" data-height=\"563\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1549.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"0a5c5f9\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"IMG_1549\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM5MDQsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9vc3NldHR3ZWF0aGVyLmNvbVwvZ2FyZGVuaW5nMjAyMlwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNlwvMDVcL0lNR18xNTQ5LmpwZWciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiIwYTVjNWY5In0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1549.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" data-width=\"1000\" data-height=\"563\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1548.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"0a5c5f9\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"IMG_1548\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM5MDMsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9vc3NldHR3ZWF0aGVyLmNvbVwvZ2FyZGVuaW5nMjAyMlwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNlwvMDVcL0lNR18xNTQ4LmpwZWciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiIwYTVjNWY5In0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1548.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" data-width=\"1000\" data-height=\"563\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1547.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"0a5c5f9\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"IMG_1547\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM5MDIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9vc3NldHR3ZWF0aGVyLmNvbVwvZ2FyZGVuaW5nMjAyMlwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNlwvMDVcL0lNR18xNTQ3LmpwZWciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiIwYTVjNWY5In0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1547.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" data-width=\"1000\" data-height=\"563\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8d9dd06 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8d9dd06\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Nostell<\/span><\/h4><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s2\">To avoid the hottest part of the day, we visited Nostell in the morning. It was already busy when we arrived and by the time we left even larger crowds were pouring in. Perhaps they were planning a picnic lunch or heading for the caf\u00e9.<\/span><\/p><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-43889\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1525.jpeg?resize=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1525.jpeg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1525.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1525.jpeg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1525.jpeg?resize=800%2C450&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The buttercups are now dominating the meadows, while in the wooded areas the pinks of campion and herb-robert provide splashes of colour.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-149ff8c elementor-widget elementor-widget-gallery\" data-id=\"149ff8c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;columns&quot;:2,&quot;aspect_ratio&quot;:&quot;16:9&quot;,&quot;lazyload&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;gallery_layout&quot;:&quot;grid&quot;,&quot;columns_tablet&quot;:2,&quot;columns_mobile&quot;:1,&quot;gap&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;gap_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;gap_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:10,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;link_to&quot;:&quot;file&quot;,&quot;overlay_background&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;content_hover_animation&quot;:&quot;fade-in&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"gallery.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery__container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/P1000174.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"149ff8c\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"P1000174\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM4OTAsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9vc3NldHR3ZWF0aGVyLmNvbVwvZ2FyZGVuaW5nMjAyMlwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNlwvMDVcL1AxMDAwMTc0LmpwZWciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiIxNDlmZjhjIn0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/P1000174.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" data-width=\"1000\" data-height=\"563\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-gallery-item elementor-gallery-item elementor-animated-content\" href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1518.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"149ff8c\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"IMG_1518\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6NDM4ODgsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9vc3NldHR3ZWF0aGVyLmNvbVwvZ2FyZGVuaW5nMjAyMlwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNlwvMDVcL0lNR18xNTE4LmpwZWciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiIxNDlmZjhjIn0%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-gallery-image elementor-gallery-item__image\" data-thumbnail=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1518.jpeg?fit=1000%2C563&amp;ssl=1\" data-width=\"1000\" data-height=\"563\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"img\" ><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-gallery-item__overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b1eec18 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b1eec18\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A wild rose combined the colours beautifully.<\/p><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-43891\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1527.jpeg?resize=1000%2C562&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1527.jpeg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1527.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1527.jpeg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1527.jpeg?resize=800%2C450&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6e27080 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6e27080\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">As it had been a fortnight since our last visit, we were keen to see how the cygnets were getting on. Sadly, the eight youngsters had been reduced to five. It is normal for a swan family to lose some of the brood, but losing three is more than usual for the<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Nostell pair.<\/span><\/p><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-43886\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1513.jpeg?resize=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1513.jpeg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1513.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1513.jpeg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1513.jpeg?resize=800%2C450&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The cygnets have experienced some challenging conditions since hatching, including hailstorms, which may have contributed to the losses. However, with only one pair of swans on the lake, their offspring are also the focus of several predators.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Pike patrol beneath the surface, while mink, which are excellent swimmers and capable divers, can stealthily approach unsuspecting birds. Mink are fearsome predators and have also caused problems for allotment holders who keep chickens.<\/span><\/p><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-43885\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/P1000165.jpeg?resize=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/P1000165.jpeg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/P1000165.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/P1000165.jpeg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/P1000165.jpeg?resize=800%2C450&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">We often see a heron on the lake, and there are also foxes on the estate. Although foxes can swim, they are more likely to hunt in the shallows, using the reeds as cover.<\/span><\/p><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-43970\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1516.jpeg?resize=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1516.jpeg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1516.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1516.jpeg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ossettweather.com\/gardening2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1516.jpeg?resize=800%2C450&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The remaining cygnets are growing quickly and have already begun to develop their characteristic long necks. I estimate they are now around three to four weeks old. Apparently, the most vulnerable period lasts until they are six to eight weeks old, so the remaining youngsters are not out of the woods just yet.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a6df7a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7a6df7a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Finally<\/span><\/h3><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">After a week that seemed to be dictated by the weather, plumbing problems and a long list of gardening jobs, it was satisfying to see signs of progress wherever we looked. The garden is filling with colour, the allotment is beginning to provide its first harvests, and hopefully the surviving cygnets continue to thrive despite the challenges they face. With summer now officially on the doorstep, there is plenty to look forward to in the weeks ahead.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-495cd5a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"495cd5a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>As always until next time stay safe and stay well.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Summer arrived last week and made quite a dramatic entrance as temperatures soared into the 30s and thunder rumbled overhead. It was a little early, as meteorological summer does not begin until 1 June, and astronomical summer this year starts at exactly 9:24 am BST on 21 June if we want to be precise. 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