September began with another extended run of dry weather, at least the third we have enjoyed in 2021, which saw us battling on with major external redecoration and property repair works, alongside preparing for another pop up garden open weekend to coincide with the NGS promoted Great British Garden Party idea.

Two days of garden titivation were rewarded with a fabulous weekend when sunshine broke through the clouds, and we welcomed many delightful guests who were able to  enjoy Gelli Uchaf in the best possible light – warm, sunny and full of insect life.

Several of the Hydrangeas were looking better than ever, and even the wasps which I’d discovered nesting below ground just to the side of one section of path, behaved themselves.

We really enjoy these events and it’s so lovely when visitors go away relaxed and inspired by time spent in this special place.

The last uncut section of upper hay meadow bank, rich in many seed heads was cut was cut and spread as green hay around the field on September 8th, just before the first rain for over 2 weeks, fell. Beneath this tall drying herbage, many waxcap mushrooms had already appeared, in spite of the extremely dry conditions. At last after a day of 28 degrees C on the 7th, some cloud returned, and sunrises more typical of the beginning of autumn.

The unusually dry, and generally warm and still conditions ran through most of the month, so external property works continued, along with beginning to bulb plant and fruit harvest. We both have to admit that the shortening days after such a dry and busy year are a bit of a blessing, as it curtails physical activity.

The last few days of the month eventually saw a decline in temperatures, the wind picked up, and spells of rain, sometimes heavy, brought an end to the summery feel we’d enjoyed for much of the month, even if sunshine levels hadn’t been exceptional.

The first hints of autumn leaf colour, berries colouring up and Cyclamen and the Lilium speciosum flowering quite well after last year’s big lift and divide session, all pointed to autumn finally arriving.

The monthly rainfall of 143.8 mm was boosted by 90 mm falling in just the last 5 days of the month, to end a previously largely dry month. Light levels of 293 KWH recorded by our PV inverter (one of the lowest readings ever for this month), were probably a big factor, along with generally warm temperatures at night, in the lack of much autumnal colour having developed by the end of the month.