Keego's Journal

And this

Iris Deep Blue

One in the entrance bed - this was bought at the RPS in 2011 and was just named Deep Blue I love this one

Found

Iris Yedo Yoman

This beauty in the bog garden today

Mary Waldron Garden in Mullingar

Hi all wondering if anyone can help - Does anyone know if Mary Waldron opens her garden to the public it is near Mullingar - if not has anyone been to any good gardens in the Westmeath area?

Walk around the garden

Native foxgloves in Woodland

Had a walk around the garden still not able to garden proper but was able to do a bit of dead heading and some light weeding. Took a few photos and added them to May June Cordevlis Album if anyone wants to have a look

Plantsperson Course June

Ladies mantel and Geranium from my garden

Having missed 3 months of the Plantsperson Course I was really looking forward to getting back to Huntingbrook for the June course and I was not disappointed. The garden looks brillant and did not seem to be suffering the same battering from the wind and rain that many other gardens have endured. As many of you know Jimi is constantly reinventing his borders and they are all looking fresh and exciting.

The morning was spent going around the garden looking at the plants that are doing well at the moment. I think this is my favourite part of the course as you get the see the garden evolve through the Seasons and ID the plants that look well. As always there is a host of new plants to learn some with totally unpronouncable names but I tend to focus in on those plants that I think would suit my garden and I usually end up with a long list. There are always plenty of deviations from the notes as people ask questions or Jimi gives a demo on dead heading,seed collecting, seed planting etc.

In the afternoon we had a talk given by Carl Wright of Clarin Bridge garden in Fanore in the Burren.It was truly Brillant. I will not spoil it for anyone who might get to see him in the future but suffice to say that Carl is an excellent speaker who is passionate about his garden and his plants. His photos were magical and if any of us thought we had difficult conditions to deal with in our gardens I can assure you all we have it easy in comparison to what he has had to deal with. You get the impression however that he would not have it any other way!

I had a really lovely day and as always came away with head buzzing with ideas.

Just a reminder that the course starts again in September and if you love plants then I think this course is definitley for you. 

Come on the boys in green

Stock "Starlight Sensation"

Stock 'Starlight Sensation'

Grew this from seed this year gives off a glorious scent in the evening time

Knautia All mixed up

Knautia Macedonica and Macedonica Melton pastels

I got this idea at Bloom a few years ago they had these two knautia's growing together in the walled garden and I thought it looked really good so I replicated it. Word of warning knautia needs to be staked. This is another perennial that is long flowering and the seed heads look good when flowers gone over.

Looks ok from afar but

Front Beds

up close you see all the gaps, the weeds, the clash of colours, the plants you should have staked but did'nt. Oh to have perfect borders we can but dream

Centaurea "John Coutts"

Centaurea 'John Coutts'

Following on from Elizabeth's journal last week about long flowering Perennials this is one I would recommend as it flowers for the whole Summer.It is much better behaved then it;s relative Centaurea Montana which flops over this one stays very upright.

Rose ID

Rose

This rose was one of the few plants that was in the garden here when we moved in 16 years ago - It is a beauty and has a beautiful scent - I am wondering if anyone might be able to suggest a name

Suggestions please

Rodgersia

I am looking for a specimen shrub or tree,it must be able to take wind as it is a very exposed site. It can grow to about 6ft or 8ft. Ideally I would love something that has two seasons of interest Acer;s are out. I got money for my birthday and am itching to spend :) All suggestions appreciated   

I've Been to ....

Ligularia

Chelsea, Tatten Park, Bloom, June Blake's garden, and garden.iers gardens from the top of the country in Donegal to the South in Cork,and I have not left the comfort of my sitting room.For those of us termporarily incapicated a big THANK YOU to all those IE'R who have taken the time to post up pictures of their gardens and the gardens they have visited over the Bank Holiday weekend.It has been a real treat. 

Uploading Photos

Geranium Johnstons Blue

Thanks to all for tips on earlier Journals - have sussed it now and added up photos to the Cordevlis May June Album - It is actually quite quick when you know how.

Question on Philadelphus

Philadelphus Snowball

I got a gift of this beautiful Philadelphus recently it is called "Philadelphus Snowball" and then Mockorange is the common name for all Philadelphus Mockorange?

Thalictrum

Thalictrum

Really like this new addition to the garden I planted this last year. I am posting lots of journals this way as I am finding posting photographs a real pain.

Astrantia and Pieries

Astrantia and Pieries

Like these two plants together

Hydrangea Petiolaris

Hydrangea Petiolaris

I have had this for a good few years but this is the first year I have had any significant flowers