The rain we had several days ago that kept us indoors all day for a change, was badly needed and it made quite the difference locally. It has also b rought in a new weather front that has gradually cooled things off, and with it a good, brisk wind that is drying the atmosphere as well as keeping mosquitoes at a low ebb for which we can all be thankful.

The garden has been swift to inform us how much it appreciated that beneficent gesture from nature. Although we've been careful to take note when our garden pots seem too dry, we haven't otherwise watered the gardens and now that copious rain has turned them from too-dry to just-right, the strides it makes into summer lushness have been greatly enhanced.

All of our rose bushes and climbers have put out more than ample buds and they're on the cusp of blooming, a process that has been accelerated by the timely rain. The yellow tree peony has finally opened its first gorgeous flower head, and it is so large and heavy that it bows gracefully to Mother Earth.

Clumps of bearded irises have sent up their proud shafts holding aloft yellow-and-blue flowers presenting beautifully, and colonies of Mountain bluet have done the same. The prettiest of our Columbine is now in full bloom and it's a show-stopper.

The generous leaf-fall mounds of our various plaintain lilies, more popularly known as hostas grace all the garden beds and they truly are our most favourite plant of all in the garden. Our narrow-strip rock garden is now full, its architecture and texture and colour variations a treat to our eyes.

Overall, a general survey of the gardens pleases us immensely; its form and colour more than adequate recompense for the time and energy expended to make it so, with nature's inestimable help.