27 August 2010 16:59:04
UFO - Unidentified Flowering Object
This is a shrub in the new garden and I've been trying to identify it for months. It has small lilac-purple flowers about 2 cms across. It is about 6 foot tall and is growing against a wall and there are little thorns along the stem at the base of the leaves. I'm a bit stumped on this one.
27 August 2010 16:51:02
Bunny Tail grass
The kids are mad to get a pet and the fact that there is a pet shop across the road means I'm not going to be able to put it off for much longer. Large dogs are not allowed so I am wondering if anyone has experience of bunnies and how much looking after they need. I'm afraid the kids will want to let them loose in the garden and they will munch my favourite plants or munch on something poisonous like monkshood? That would be disastrous. Any tips/advice greatly appreciated.
23 August 2010 09:04:55
'Natures Blues Buster'
There are two plants I want to mention today. One is 'Baby's tears', the other is St John's wort.
The tulips were very late bloomers yesterday - they waited until the 69th minute in fact, and the Agapanthus, who put in a strong performance, were robbed of their rightful place in the grand scheme of things. Maybe they were too tender afterall.
Anyone grow St John's wort?
20 August 2010 15:20:34
Butterfly gardening - Gardener's world tonight
Just saw in the paper that tonight's Gardeners world will have a feature on plants to encourage butterflies into the garden - BBC2 8.30
20 August 2010 10:59:30
A little inspiration from June's garden
This is a plaque in June Blake's garden. May we all have the courage to live the lives we would love. And to pospone our dream gardens no longer!!
15 August 2010 14:40:04
A Red Admiral on Echinacea
This garden is so stunning it would almost put you off gardening. Last night I came home to the tiny plot that I am struggling to get a handle on and just thought, why bother? Maybe I'll forget about gardening myself and just stick to garden visiting instead! But then of course I came to my senses and started thinking about where to put my newest plant acquisitions.
Thank you Rachel for the Physostegia virginiana you gave me yesterday - otherwise known as the obedient plant. I could do with more plants that are obedient and do what they are supposed to!
15 August 2010 09:28:15
Romance in the woods
Must be the romantic in me but I loved this area leading into the woods in Jimi's garden - the two seats and the candelabra overhead with the avenue of tree ferns. I'm glad we visited this garden first as it had a very different feel to June's garden but I think it is equally impressive in its own way. There are lots of stunning plant combinations and interesting plants including lots of very spiny Aralias, Paulownias and lots of other things we weren't sure about! For two gardens that are less than 10 years old, they are a great inspiration and show what can be achieved if you let your imagination go. Thanks Fran for organising this great afternoon.
13 August 2010 13:04:43
New Swing Seat
I've been busy clearing a huge hebe and an evergreen in the garden to make space for this new addition. It is proving popular with all members of the family and I have to say it was a great buy. I could have bought lots of plants instead but I'm very happy with this. Now I have to lay some patio slabs under it and pick a suitable rose to climb up it, nothing too vigorous as I don't want anyone to get caught on thorns as they swing. Something old, with good scent and repeat flowering - all suggestions welcome!
10 August 2010 13:03:03
Unkown seedling from Terra Nova?
I just noticed this seedling coming up in a pot of lillies I got from Terra Nova. I'm wondering what it might be..........
03 August 2010 11:46:50
Herbaceous Borders at the Botanic Gardens
I hadn't visited the Botanic Gardens in a while, and we didn't pick the best day to go as it was raining for most of the time but it is a very pleasant place to go for a stroll and there are plenty of glasshouses full of interesting plants where you can hide out the rain showers. Theres a lovely little sunflower maze the kids enjoyed running through and a nice cafe too. All in all a great place to visit and its free!