Swallow fledglings

Well I *think* they are swallows - I get confused between the swift/swallow/house martin family.... However swallows have been in evidence around the house and outbuildings most of the summer so I'm assuming these are swallow fledglings.  They are rather late and I fear they may not make the migration South. The parents have already fledged one brood, so this is their second and have been nesting in an old outbuilding - right above my ride-on mower!  So I've had to ensure I cover the mower otherwise they cover it for me - sigh.  But I love seeing them swooping around the field and garden so I shall forgive them anyway!

The border at the rear of the house has come on really well this year.  Below are a couple of "before and after" shots.  I planted the border up in May 2008 with willows, fuschia, rosa-rugosa, and there's a pampas grass and some perennials in there too.  I'm really pleased with the way it has all "knitted" together - not that much space for weeds now!  That's my kind of gardening :-)

"Before" in May 2008

"After" in September 2010

Today has been one of those lovely late summer days with blue skies, and quite warm out of the breeze.  The island kids have been down on the beach with their dogs playing in the shallows and having fun!