28 March 2011 18:00:13
I followed the instructions to a T or so I thought - A few weeks back we put our first aquatic plants in to the pond - We bought the correct baskets - were sold a bag of compost from a reputable garden centre that we were told was suitable ( it was not marked aquatic compost) put the pebbles in the bottom of the basket and on the top - all great plants have really taken off but our water can only be described as "murky". I left this for a few weeks as I thought it might settle but still no improvement - would really like some advice - did i need to line the baskets as well ??
27 March 2011 00:14:52
Auricula p 'mark'
I think this is name of this plant - Have had it for years - treat as alpine - thrives on neglect - very pretty flowers - bad picture slightly out of focus
25 March 2011 15:23:10
Sambucus new growth
Hello all have not had a chance to do a journal lately but keeping an eye on all the activities on the site and envying all you lucky people who have had time to enjoy the wonderful weather we are having.
I am looking forward to the weekend and let's hope the good weather lasts as I have a long list of jobs to do.
I have just updated a few pictures from the garden for March and thought it was worth pointing out the lovely new growth on one of the Sambucus (I have three but can not recall this variety name have it written down somewhere) the new growth is really unusual - shrub worth having lovely foliage and hardy can grow very quickly but can be pruned back hard and will resprout from the bottom.
Enjoy the glorious weather in your gardens this weekend
13 March 2011 22:41:36
Primula
After the snow of yesterday it was great to get out and about in the garden today I had a long list of jobs to do and started in the Polytunnel to acclimatise as it was very cold outside- I planted beetroot, spring onion, leek and radish. I planted on some lettuce seeds that had germinated.
The next job was to pot up the Varigated Iris's and Marsh Marigold that Hosta very kindly gave me for the new ponds - this was very exciting as these are the very first plants that have gone into the ponds (photos to follow). I then planted up green iris's and a couple of Hosta ( Sum and substance) into the bog garden.
We then tackled a very old contrary Apple tree that was here when we came and has never been pruned - what a job but we got there in the end - We will certainly be pruning this anually from now on.
We then planted up six ferns that we had temporarily planted in the veg patch into their permanent home - moved some more Hellebores seedlings to this same bed and put in a few grasses including the one I got from Kirsta last week
I then did some mulching and tidying and enjoyed all the new growth that is occuring daily
Only the cold and Dark drove me indoors
07 March 2011 00:16:48
Dick and Fintan fellow Garden.ier's
After all the journals that have already been posted I only want to add
My thanks to Rachel for organising such a great get together at such a brillant Venue
I really love the plants exchange as the associaton with the person and the day lives on in my garden - to all the people who gave me plants Paddy and Mary , Margaret (Hosta) , Myrtle , Geraldine (Cloncaw),Drumvaragh (Alison ), Eilish (Orchid), Linda B, Kirsta and Headgardener and also to the Garden .ier who gave me cow slip can not remember name apologies. Not fair to call it a garden exchange as in most cases the above did not receive anything in return but hopefully next time!!
To the doner ( and I know who it is )of my Kris Kindle present which is a lovely "Bird Bath" really unusual and will find a nice spot in my garden Thank you very much delighted with it.
To all the other garden.ie's Thanks for making the day so easy going I was a bit apprehensive going on my own but settled in as soon as I got there and felt very comfortable and relaxed with a group of friends who all enjoy with a passion this wonderful hobby called gardening.
Till the next time !!
04 March 2011 23:32:39
I was sorting out the bits and pieces for tomorrow and noticed that some of the cuttings I took of my "Lismore" geranium did not take ( those of you who know the history of this plant will not wonder at that) - I have just taken a few more cuttings now and will bring them tomorrow anyway but no guarantees with these I am afraid.
I am also bringing Geraldines (AKA Cloncaw) plants so those of you who are expecting plants from Monaghan please make sure and you get them off me.
See you all tomorrow
04 March 2011 14:39:41
Arum with Berries
Just remembered for all those that have expressed an interest in the ARUM that I had this picture which will show you what the plant looks like later in the year
02 March 2011 22:52:35
Arum italicum 'marmoratum'
See picture of Arum great all year round interest - I have it in the Woodland bed where it has self seeded