Hello friends!

Greetings to you from Vanha Talo Suomi!

We are presently enjoying what looks to be the final warm weather of the season. Hovering just shy of 20 Celsius and with glorious rays of sunshine, it’s the first enduring dose of sunshine to greet us in some time. Rain showers arrived at the start of the month, and brought a decline of temperatures as well as the overdue rain we’ve needed most of the summer. Morning dew points have descended to make it that most soggy time of year when nothing outside dries out and a gentle stroll results in wet boots and sodden pant cuffs. It’s time to stow away the summer items such as patio chairs and benches until next year.

This Saturday is the Lohja apple festival (Omenakarnivaalit) which looks to be a much greater time considering the sun will be shining! But last Friday we were visited by a small group from the Lohja Regional Garden Society, who were undeterred by the effects of rain which had been falling for two days straight. The rain sprinkles only slightly let up while they were walking through the garden. Luckily, everyone dressed for the weather and had umbrellas at the ready. So much going on for a time when the garden itself has slowed to a near standstill….or so you’d think! Several rose varieties are in full bloom, and the flowers of a rose called, ‘Champagne Wishes’ look especially luscious. There are a couple patches of Cosmos growing in both white and dark carmine pink. Also still going strong are the ‘Magnus’ Echinacea purpurea.

I included the picture of the lichen because, why not! These happen to be thriving on top of a large boulder, in an area which doesn’t get much sun exposure this time of year. With conditions damp and cool, lichen are in full glory.

For us, it’s time to enjoy the final fleeting moments of late summer and welcome in early autumn conditions. Leaves have been falling for a couple of weeks already, but true autumn foliage changes are only just beginning to emerge among our garden plants. How are conditions where you are located?

There’s not as much time to be a couch potato now that I’ve signed up for some dances classes and joined the gym. Pekka’s return back to work put the kibosh on any further endeavors gardenwise for the remainder of the year, so those dance classes will likely keep me out of trouble for a while! Dropping a kilo or two wouldn’t be such a bad thing either! :DDD

Thanks for stopping by today. Until next time, ❤ Champagne Wishes!