The bee-loud glade

Spent the day getting kit together and packing for our holiday as well as getting house and garden ready. This did at east give a few moments for contemplation.

The lavender is at its peak, and full of bees. I saw at least 4 different species in the 5 minutes it took me to get this picture..

It always seems a bit of a shame to go on holiday in July, which is often the finest month in the garden. Anyway, the fliers and the insect activity brought the Yeats classic Lake Isle of Innisfree to mind. It's been a hectic year and I need some time off:

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean rows will I have there, a hive for the honey bee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet's wings.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart's core.