As we approach the end of August the late Summer garden is still vibrant with foliage and blooms.  We are very fortunate this year that we have not had smoky skies.   There has been a seasonal shift this past week.  The mornings are bright and clear while there is a coolness as evening approaches.  Always at this time of year there is a spurt of growth in the hanging baskets and second blooms appearing throughout the garden beds. 

Every day I potter in the garden deadheading the baskets and containers as well as trimming off faded blooms in the garden beds.  My vegetable patch did not do so well this year I think mainly because of its location and perhaps too much watering.  Despite these set backs I still have an abundance of tomatoes, cucumbers and a third crop of lettuce.  The herbs also continue to do well at the front of the house with more sunlight.  My neighbour has an abundance of blackberries right now so with only picking a few I was still able to make four small jars of jam.  It is so tasty on newly baked scones.

August is always a busy month living here in Fintry.   A combination of family visits, sneaking in a camping trip and my husband’s MG car runs.  The good thing though when we do get visitors it allows us to explore the Okanagan.   We enjoyed visiting Naramata, Summerland, Peachland as well as local vineyards in West Kelowna.

This is also a time when I can sit with my coffee in the morning, listen to the fountain in the pond and be thankful for being able to have this garden retreat.  My cousin reminded me of this just a few days ago.  

Enjoy these warm late summer days.