Last Post 993 days 1 hour ago
30 September 2010 19:38:04
Michaelmas Daisy!
Have just put up some pictures that I took yesterday morning when the mist was still lingering! Never saw so many cobwebs on the hedges!!
Between yesterday evening and this evening I planted 68 tulip bulbs of different colours in the herbacous borders, with those already in the borders there should be a great show in spring! also planted 30 new narcissi in the lower garden and Snake's head Fritillary. Still have not received my order from Heritage Bulbs, so they will add to the number!! There is something very exciting about seeing new bulbs bloom for the first time!
Took this picture of Michaelmas Daisy this evening. I have several clumps of this one and it always does well. Not too tall so stands up to the wind.
28 September 2010 19:19:28
Colours of Autumn
No time to garden these days but managed the walk around as the sun was setting and couldnt help noticing how the colder nights are bringing out the autumn tints in foliage of many plants. This is one of my diciduous Azaleas, in the Hot Spot of the Outer Circle. (new area)
27 September 2010 09:49:34
Frost on the lupin leaves.
First frost of the season but what a morning! Bright sunshine with that stimulating nip in the air! Perfect for a morning walk! On my way I met 5 young neighbours off for a swim! I intend getting some cutting back done in the garden later this morning, but with 6 guests coming in the afternoon and a meal to prepare, I will have to disipline myself not to spend too much time outside!
Hope you all get a chance to get out there and enjoy this wonderful day.
25 September 2010 20:19:04
My Twin Girls!
.....and I have three!
I received a gift of a heather called Twin Girls and decided to plant it in the shrub border near the gate to give a cheery welcome. But one plant looked rather lonely so......... yes, off to the Garden Centre I went and bought two more. (Well, 'they' say you should plant in 3s or 5s!) . Planted them in and feel quite pleased with the display. Oops! Just remembered I didn't water them in. Will do it as soon as I finish this journal.
Also planted in some new Narsissi in the corner by the gate. It seemed an appropriate spot to plant them as they are called Winston Churchill ! Felt I needed to increase security around here!
23 September 2010 21:25:39
A fresh start!
....I was on a roll so had to do the cordaline tubs!
Removed some old compost and cut down the diascia that had bloomed all season (and would literally bloom itself to death if allowed) and then put in some fresh compost and planted some pansies that had self-sown in the gravel. There are some crocus bulbs in there since last year so they will peep through to herald Spring.
By the way I have just spent a most enjoyable hour watching a program with Alan Titchmarsh at the Garden at Highgrove, home of Prince Charles. Wonder if any of you saw it?
Never thought I'd say it, but when it comes to gardening he (HRH) is a man after my own heart!!! What a garden and all created with a passion to keep in tune with the ways of nature. Dont know when I've watched such an inspiring gardening programme!
23 September 2010 19:43:21
The 2nd Pot.
Forgot to say that some purple crocuses should eventually peep up in these two pots!
One does'nt need to spend a lot of money to have a welcoming pot by the door. And by planting on the seedlings they will be growing on in relative safety, ready to plant out in the borders in early summer. When summer-flowering plants will replace them in the pots.
23 September 2010 19:34:12
Cheap and cheerful!
Although skies were grey we had a dry afternoon here so when i got home this evening I got out and re-planted 2 pots that had petunias in for the summer but they were now a sad sight.
Removed the old plants and some of the compost and then put an ornamental cabbage in and some viola seedlings and sweet william plants that I sowed earlier in the summer some fine gravel around them all and 'Bobs your uncle'! In the second one went: cabbage, lobellia cardinalis Queen Victoria seedlings that had self-sown in the gravel and varigated periwinkle that had been sitting about in a pot.
Well what do you think?
23 September 2010 10:16:29
Autumn colours
After my walk this morning I did the usual 'tour of the estate!' What a soggy mess everthing is in after the downpours we had yesterday. Doubt if I will get the ground dry enough for that last cut of grass that is so badly needed.
Never mind! There are lots of jobs to be done- like planting bulbs when the soil dries out a bit, cutting back etc.
There is still some colour left and the leaves on many shrubs come into their own at this time of year. In this picture you can see Mahonia 'Charity' in good bloom.
Off to work now, perhaps this evening will be drier and I will get some gardening done!
22 September 2010 09:24:25
Rudbeckia
This is the Rudbeckia that I have, Fran, and you are welcome to have a piece. I pot up pieces every year for Open Garden. It is a very easy plant.
21 September 2010 21:06:14
Lovely tree at Cloncaw's
Cant believe it is so long since I put up a journal entry! It doesnt mean that I have stopped gardening but life has been busy with other things!
Anyway, I got some work done yesterday when the weather was lovely. Moved some Red Hot Pokers that I had planted in spring near the fence in the Lower Garden (previously refered to as The Wilderness). I have now decided to plant a hedge of Rosa Rugosa there. So the Pokers joined some already planted in my Hot Spot on the Outer Circle, which is the new area that I'm working on.
Also, I moved a Kolwitzia so as to leave a path around my Purple Plum. A lot of digging involved but pleased with the result.
The only gardening done today was some grass seed sown on a few bare patches.
09 September 2010 08:46:31
At last!
Yesterday evening was lovely here and I made the most of it and dug the last piece of my new area- going to refer to it as the Outer Circle as it surrounds my Weeping Pear. Took out lots of weeds and roots and dug it over roughly. will add grit for drainage later when adding compost and manure but will wait for a bit of drying before doing that. The thought of planting will keep me going!
Also cut the grass in the Lower Garden (previously refered to as Willderness) of which this new area is part, so it is all coming together nicely.
Im on the lookout for a white Bergenia, that is tough, to plant along the edge of the path in this area. Any suggestions welcome.
08 September 2010 12:31:55
Rudbeckia 'Cherry Brandy'.
Great to see the sun shining this morning! there were a few heavy showers earlier but gone those heavy grey skies! Just did a walk around and took this picture of my Rudbeckia 'Cherry Brandy' which has done so well since I received it as a small seedling from Hilary36 in June - many thanks Hilary.
I noticed on my 'tour' that there are a lot of dandilions coming up again - cant remember them being a problem before at this time of year. Anyone have the same problem? Mine are in grass so would apreciate any suggestions. Thanks.
07 September 2010 13:54:18
Have not been on this site lately and looking back at the last couple of entries makes me realise what a change in weather in the week! Autumn has arrived and I just hope we hav'nt seen the last of the sunny days! Strange how a couple of wet days changes our outlook and makes one think of winter activities. Bought a good lot of bulbs in Lidl and have now ordered some more from Heritage Bulbs. Every season has its joys!
01 September 2010 15:18:07
Hare junior at Breakfast!
I usually eat breakfast in my small front porch where I can enjoy the view over the garden and the Bay. For some time now I have been entertained by the antics of the young hares. They come quite close to the porch and I think they are just too young and inexperienced to be afraid! (like all young , I suppose!).
Unfortunately, by the time I get the camera ready and open the door they have 'taken off'! Anyway I spent some time trying to get a shot (not to worry-just with the camera!) this morning and finally got this one as he was eating windfall apple in the orchard!