This is the very best time to see the herbaceous perennials at Cascades Gardens. The long period of rain in June has given us much larger and taller plants, but delayed flowering. The last two weeks of sunshine has at last brought everything into flower and suddenly the visitors have returned.

It is the time for Dahlias, Day Lilies, Phlox and Rudbeckia and our range of different Echinacea’s have at last become established. I particularly like the backward petal variety of the Yellow Echinacea Paradoxa.

We are quite pleased with the reconstruction of the old Tufa stone arch. Everyone has been photographing it. It frames the stream border rather well, and balances the now enormous (by Derbyshire standards!) Gunnera Manicata. I wonder if the Gunnera will ever grow to Cornish standards and allow us to walk underneath?

The pond despite being flooded several times has now an established bog garden. The Filependula and Onoethera (evening primrose) love the damp conditions and sunny location.

Finally we had a great revelation. One of our visitors was able to name the enormous yellow flowers we have at the back of some of our borders. I had thought they were some sort of giant Inula with their fine petals but apparently they are called Telekia and were previously categorised as Bupthalmium. The RHS A-Z Plant guide confirmed it. At least I can tell our visitors the right name now!

Here are some pictures from this years Village Carnival and Well Dressing.

Once again, the day was really enjoyable! Lots of people turned out in the glorious sunshine and everyone had a great time - especially the three Uninvited Returning Queens! Hope they make it back next year!