Taken from Lynne’s weekly column ‘Green Scene’ for the Western Mail
5th July 2025
Dog Days
The common saying, ‘Never trust a July sky,’ describes the typically unpredictable weather the month often offers, although June’s weather wasn’t exactly consistent this year, with temperatures fluctuating wildly. July is traditionally the hottest month of the year, but apparently ‘Flaming June’ will have given it a run for its money this year. Last Monday was nicknamed Meltdown Monday as temperatures in parts of the UK put Barbados in the shade and both gardens and gardeners are noticeably wilting.
Thursday marked the beginning of the ‘Dog Days of Summer’, which span from July 3rdrd to August 11th. This is when the Sun aligns with Sirius, the Dog Star, and in ancient times people believed that this celestial coupling resulted in scorchio weather as Sirius and the Sun work together.
I have definitely matured from being a sun lover to a cloud worshipper, and whilst I can make necessary changes to ‘cheat the heat’ – like being in work at 6.00 am and finishing earlier – please remember that dogs, other animals and wildlife will appreciate even more TLC and consideration in the fierce heat. Please don’t leave dogs in cars at this time of year. Ever. The weather changes so quickly, with shade disappearing just as swiftly – it is just never, ever worth the risk. Even if you plan to only be five minutes – you may be delayed – your best friends deserve better than ‘I’m sure it’ll be OK’.
And try to get any necessary walks in early in the morning when the tarmac has cooled overnight. After mid morning it is burny-hot – and if you are in any doubt, then take your shoes and socks off and walk on it. If it’s uncomfortable for you then it’ll be uncomfortable for your four legged friend. We all like to include our furry friends in what we do and where we go but as a friend noted, it is much better to encounter the cold shoulder of a sulky dog who has missed a walk or a trip in the car, than put them at any risk.
Also please make sure wildlife has access to water in your garden and refill various drinking vessels daily. My birdbath dries up in a single day, and as it has become a popular ‘spa’ for lots of birds, I now feel responsible for their wellbeing. Whilst I don’t feel quite so responsible for the wellbeing of delivery drivers, I do ask them if they want a drink or to fill up a water bottle too. And of course there is a fresh bowl of water outside my gate for dogs that are walked that way – hopefully early in the morning.
In a world where you can be anything – be kind.
Cool Dog
Yogi’s latest ‘add to basket’ has been a cooling blanket.
Initially very dubious of its claims – and Yogi’s approval as she hates her gel-filled cooling mats – I have been thrilled with how effective it’s been, and it really is cool to the touch.
I have no idea how.
We got the ‘Marchpower Cooling Blanket, Arc-Chill 3.0 Cool Fiber’ – unfortunately a friend wasn’t so pleased with a different make.
Love Lavender
July is the main month for ‘picking your own’ fruit, either out of your garden or a PYO farm, for jam and jelly making. I actually beat the blackbirds to the cherries in my own garden this year – and enjoyed every single one. Although I did (kindly) leave a few on the tree for them.
I have cut back lavender from a few paths for clients recently. I am a big fan of lavender borders alongside paths to the house, for obvious reasons, but occasionally have planted them too close to the path so they ‘block’ or hamper access about this time of year.
It’s easily remedied though, as cutting back the lavender from the path now results in numerous tied bundles of lavender flower-stalks for the house. Its great at repelling flies and moths and just smells lovely.
I had a wonderful armful for one client this week, which is filling her conservatory with the most delicious smell – but I forgot to take a photo.
Pink Jumper
As kids during the school holidays, we often used to spend the day catching grasshoppers and putting them in a big old discarded twin tub washing machine drum in the shade of a big oak tree. We counted who caught the most and they were all let go at the end of every day. It was common to have well over a hundred on a good day. I often smile at the simplicity of such a ‘project’ and how clever our grandparents were to keep us occupied so effectively – and cost effectively. And no grasshoppers were harmed in the process.
Now it is quite unusual to see a grasshopper at all – although it was even more unusual to see the one that I saw in work a few years ago. A pink one.
A bit of research revealed that they are not a separate species, but a colour variation of common grasshoppers caused by a genetic mutation. Called ‘erythrism’, its caused by too much red pigment and too little dark pigment, resulting in a Barbie pink insect. I think another reason they are rare is that the pink coloration makes them stand out in the grass and therefore more vulnerable to predators.
They also don’t spook easily – this one stayed still whilst I got my phone out of my pocket and faffed about to take its photo. I don’t recall the old fashioned grasshoppers being that laid back, otherwise it wouldn’t have been such a challenge to catch them.
Stihl Brilliant
You all know I love a gadget. My very first column for The Western Mail was called Gadget Girl. Well, my latest ‘must have’ isn’t technically a gadget but more of a grown up tool.
I often struggle to move the monstrous foundation stones needed for the dry stone walls I have been building, and even an iron bar often needs two people to be effective.
So I asked my brother – my equivalent of Google – for a solution, and he let me borrow his Stihl Cant Hook Log Roller.
It’s no secret how much I love Stihl products (and clothing) either, so it was all very promising from the get go. Thankfully it’s easier to use than to remember what it’s called, and for that reason is now fondly referred to as ‘the hooky stone thing’. Although I can see why it’s not marketed as that.
Basically it’s a tool for turning a large tree trunk over on the ground to be able to chainsaw it up safely. So Ian thought it might work to roll chunky stones into their foundation setting – and it did. It’s just brilliant finding something that works – or a solution – that allows you to be more self sufficient. My brother calls it ‘joined up thinking’.
Love it . Very topical.