A place to think, a bit of a stink and a wonderful excuse for a drink!

I think I might have jinxed our weather! When the sun shines in the summer (I know, a rare occurrence so far this year), it gets unbearably hot in the seating areas at the bottom of our garden. Consequently I’ve had a project in mind for some time, and I’m pleased to announce I’ve finally completed it. I’ve converted a shadier corner of our garden into my own relaxing space, where I can read, write or simply sit and think (oh, and store the lawn mower). Don’t look too closely – there are some design flaws, but I’m rather chuffed to be able to say it’s all my own work.

Last year I sowed some oxeye daisy seeds, and though I say so myself, they have been an outstanding success. The plants have grown to gargantuan proportions – I’ve never been the proud owner of so many daisies.

How wonderful for cut flowers I thought. I decorated my parents’ grave with them on Fathers’ Day and I proudly presented bunches to my lovely creative writing group tutor Jackie and to Victoria. In hindsight, I had noticed an unpleasant smell emanating from my bottom border, but I thought perhaps the neighbourhood cats had been making use of it. As I carried a posy round to Victoria’s, I did notice a similar smell coming from the daisies. She smelt it too but it didn’t seem too pongy. Anyway, when I next popped round, she gently advised me that they had been banished to the patio table as the smell had become overpowering. They do look very pretty out there!

This set me wondering about the smell they were giving off, so I sought a view from the excellent RHS My Advice service. I received a speedy reply from Adrian who offered the following thoughts:

Smell is often subjective and it does seem that some people find the smell unpleasant. I must admit that having just gone out and smelt the plants in my own garden I can’t pick that up, but then perhaps my nose isn’t as good as others! It’s interesting to see that flies are attracted to the plants, and this may be due to something in the scent. Your question has started a little discussion within the department, and there is a view that the plant has the common name ‘dog daisy’ because it has the unpleasant smell of dog urine! I haven’t been able to verify that yet, but the scent certainly does seem to divide opinion.

Well I can absolutely confirm that mine do not smell like dog wee, but they do smell like dog poo to Victoria and me. I hope that to my mum & dad and Jackie they are sweet smelling – I suspect not – so please accept my apologies!

And now to the most important happening of 2024! In the early hours of 4 July, Rosie and Daisy’s baby was born! We are all besotted with baby Bud and I feel sure he is already a genius. He FaceTimed us when he was only a couple of hours old and watched a Wimbledon match with me and GR, while Rosie and Daisy caught up on some sleep (his eyes were closed, but I expect he was focussing on the commentary). What better way to welcome little Bud into world than with a fizzy drink!