Periwinkle's Journal

Just magic!

Just magic!

This gives an idea of what a whole branch looks like!

What a Magician!

Deutsia 'the Magician'!

This is a close-up of the flower on the deutsia The Magician". I have four deutsias now but this is, by far, my favourite. For size of flower, shape, colour and length of time in bloom, this one is hard to beat. Im going to try taking a cutting of it. I'll put up another picture so you can see better what it looks like.

For Greenway!

Bush Lupin.

I was just taking some pictures in the garden this morning and remembered that I had promised to put up a picture of my bush lupin when it was in full bloom! This is a picture of one of the two Bush Lupins that Greenway gave me last year and they have done so well. They seem to be an even deeper yellow than previous bush lupins that I have had. the perfume is delightful.

This is a bright sunny day here and what a difference the sunshine makes to the garden, especially here where it has been drenched in rain for so long!

Im off to cut the grass, but hope to put up some more pictures later.

Leucocoryne Andes

Leucocoryne Andes

At the Johnstown get-together I did a swop with someone (cant remember who now) of our kriskindle gifts and received a bag of mixed Spring bulbs such as tulips, alliums etc and there were these little bulbs named Leucocoryne Andes which I had never heard of before. I planted them in a pot and just one flower stem appeared. But it is so unusual Im delighted!! This one flower is open and another bud still to open on the same fine stem. From pictures it would seem that it should have a cluster of flowers. I will have to mark the spot where it is now planted in the border and hope that it will do better next year.

Does anyone else have this plant or another variety of same? Would be interested to know how it has done with you!

Forlorn!

Empty seats!

There is something about a lot of empty chairs that gives a rather forlorn feeling and a wet day just increases that feeling!

But truth be told, Im rather glad of a wet day with an excuse to take it easy for a while!

We had a wonderful weekend in every respect; no rain until a light shower came on yesterday evening around 4.30pm and lots of visitors with generous hearts! It was lovely to see people from different places and many different backgrounds enjoying the beauty of God's creation and each other's company. there is something about sitting outside drinking cups of tea that gets the banter going!

We had visitors from places as far apart as Belfast and Belleek, Canada and Cavan, Kilmacrennan and Kesk, England and Enniskillen, Derry and Dublin and many places in between!If any are reading this - sincere thanks!

Plant sales went well too, and its nice to know that someone else now has the responsability for looking after them:)

Figures are not available yet for the final amount raised but looking like it will be at least as successful as last year!

Now the sun is shining once more and I must get to those tables and chairs. Ouch!

Deutsia "The Magician"

Deutsia The Magician

This shrub is in good bloom at the moment, even if its shape is not so good due to wind damage. These are easy to grow shrubs and there are a number of different colours.

This will be my last journal until after my Open Garden next weekend, as time will be in short supply! Just hoping the weather improves as everything is very wet at present. For those of you hoping to come bring suitable footwear!

The Open days are Friday 17th, Sarurday 18th and Monday 20th June 2-6pm. Looking forward to meeting new Garden.iers!!!  Do introduce yourselves!

Here is another!

Here is another!

This is an Iris bought at Hillsborough Show. One of 3 different Irises purchased  on the day. All suitable for wet areas and now planted in the Outer Circle which at this present time is quite a swamp. Badly need some dry weather!

Owning up!

Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Rocket'

The men may not understand this but I have a sneeking suspicion that many of you ladies will!!

Did you ever go on a shopping spree that turned out to be a bigger 'spree' than first intended? Then you came home and somehow managed to slip some of the purchases in without being noticed?  Then, some weeks later, you appeared wearing that new outfit and got the comment "Oh, another new dress"! to which you replied "Ah sure I have that for ages"!!!.  (Mmmm)

Well on the trp to Hillsborough I did something like that!

This is a new Berberis called "Orange Rocket" and has a narrow upright habit, and is now safely planted in the Outer Circle - (with one or two other purchases that will be revealed by and by!)

And into Summer!

Rose 'Jens Munk'

Nothing says Summer like roses! And they seem to be competing with each other to see who can put on the best show!

Out of Spring!

R. Mme. Marie Fortie

After reading Accsean's very interesting musings re Rhodos I decided to take a picture of my last one to bloom! on the way back up from the lower garden where this rhododendron is I was noticing the roses all coming into bloom - much earlier than last year. And certainly with the weather over the last few days we seem to have moved into a new season. And each new season brings its own beauty.

Cytitus 'Lena'

Cytitus 'Lena'

Its been a very busy week with work, gardening and visitors. Thanks everyone for the good wishes for yesterday. What a day for visitors to the garden! Almost too hot for some but all the many things that were wrong in the garden seemed to diminish and the flowers smiled at the sun! Everyone seemed to enjoy their time and the Well Drilling Fund got off to a good start!  Had 2 couples visit on Tues. and Wed also.

Today, after and before work, was spent on publicity and when the evening was cooler the grass in the lower garden got a cut.

This is one of the plants purchased at the Derry garden evening from Carndonagh Garden Centre stand. Love the rich colour.