events on the land and in the sky

Sunday, 22nd July, was pirate day in Hastings again following on from 2010 when the world record for The Largest Gathering of Pirates was recorded by the Guinness Book of Records at 6,000 participants. This year the record was easily beaten and so stands at 14,000.

Not such a great and joyous event for me was my first visit to the allotment for 5 weeks. I didn’t expect much – except a lot of weeds –  and that is exactly what I found  . . . the leeks had bolted and flowered but looked attractive and consequently may retain their place for insects to visit . . .

. . . . .  much growth and rather messy in appearance after weeks of rain.

The paths have lost their definition – surfaces covered with weeds . . . .

. . but good to see the Hebe parviflora hedge flowering . . . .

. . splendid flowering on the agastache, above, and the many hundreds of Allium sphaerocephalon, below,  . . .

. . . and great wafty growth on the Stipa tenuissimas – moving like bows on the violins in an orchestra,  in the breeze.

To contribute to Pirate Day, the Red Arrows turned up and put on a wonderful display of dancing in the skies above the sea . . . show stopping . . .

. . . .  every little boys or  girls dream to do acrobatics in the sky.

Wild nights – Wild nights!

Were I with thee

Wild nights should be

Our luxury!

Futile – the winds –

To a Heart in port –

Done with the Compass –

Done with the Chart!

Rowing in Eden –

Ah – the Sea!

Might I but moor – tonight –

In thee! Emily Dickinson  Wild Nights – Wild Nights