Deck delights

When I decided 10 years ago to have a small deck built at the back of the house, all I was interested in was having somewhere I could sit outside with a cup of coffee in the morning – somewhere that didn’t involve going down to the garden which faces the road. You know, a bit of privacy. All I needed was something big enough for a table and a couple of chairs. (It wasn’t as if I planned to host al fresco dinner parties.)

Turned out in summer afternoons it was just too hot to sit there, so I invested in an umbrella. Still fine.

Then a couple of years ago I decided it would be nice to have some plants on the deck. Started off with a California lilac, because the bees love them, and a rhododendron from Rhodo Dave. (The latter did flower that first year, but hasn’t since, so I can’t remember what colour the flowers would be if they ever appeared.) Then, to be kind to butterflies, I added a buddleia.

By then my little deck was getting more than a little crowded. Thanks heavens for Mr Fixit fixing it a couple of months ago.

I love sitting out there now.

This is my favourite time of year and this is my favourite bit.

I sit out there with my coffee in the morning (or with my lunch or with an afternoon cuppa) while the bees buzz around the blue flowers of the California lilac and the hummingbirds come to feed. (Despite the multiple outlets for nectar, they don’t seem to like sharing the space and there is often a bit of dive bombing.)

They say nature abhors a vacuum and apparently I do, too. Clearly the extra deck space means there is room for more flora.

So, en route with a friend to check out the island’s newest eatery…

… we stopped off at the garden shop.

I’d already been there once in search of a camellia, but the only one they had was massive (and $125). Maybe a wisteria. (I could attach a trellis to the wall, couldn’t I?) Or…? I don’t know. I just wanted a nice flowering plant to add to my deck collection. Various options were suggested by the manager and rejected by me. Then my friend made an excellent suggestion.

Off we went to the new outdoor eatery to enjoy fish tacos and this view.

(I believe I’ve already mentioned something about living in paradise.)

And now let me introduce you to the newly re-potted, latest member of the deck family – Harry the hydrangea.

No, I haven’t actually called it Harry. (If I was going to name a hydrangea, obviously it would be Hydra, wouldn’t it?)

Clearly there will be lots of lovely blue flowers in the not too distant future. Can’t wait.