29 May 2010 08:24:35
Billbergia nutans - another generous gift
News that poor Rita passed away last Thursday was posted on Sue's Journal. May she Rest in Peace. Early last year Rita gave me this plant that belongs to the Bromeliads family. I had never seen it before. Now this week it has come into bloom. It's really unusual and the colour of the flowering tassels are so striking.
I look at it now and think of how I used to call in every week 'for my daily fix' to stand and gaze at Rita's wonderful conservatory containing such a mixture of flowers and especially her beloved orchids. Last August a few days before Rita got taken ill we had such a wonderful day in Castlebar visiting a couple of garden centres, one of which she had never been to before, and the other one where she was well known. We chuckled together over our purchase of bargain plants in the 'sale corner' and finished the afternoon with a cup of tea and cake in the gdn centre coffee shop. Rita's exceptionally caring and wonderful sisters will miss her dreadfully, as will all her family and friends. We on Garden.ie will miss her great humour and gardening advice. She was one of the most generous and kindest person I have ever met. She has gone to a garden in Heaven - we will miss her.
26 May 2010 08:11:55
dodecatheon
Since taking this photo (better pic on my 'photos') I've been clearing the white 'snow in summer' - I think that's the name - from around the dodecatheon. I was so interested in all the info about it on Myrtle's journal entry. Have been finishing putting in my cosmos into cottage gdn area and Verbascum which I grew from seed very successfully! Overcast today and rain forecast for tomorrow. Like everyone else watering takes up so much time in the evening. Isn't it strange not seeing Jacinta's early morning journal entry - you'd miss all the banter..............
14 May 2010 07:44:35
Azalea
I bought this azalea about two years ago. This morning it looks a picture. Today is much better - sunny and bright morning. Yesterday was miserable cold with cold wind! I have loads of plants to put out in cott gdn and veggie plot, but it's just too cold. My begonias has gone out in cold frame - they have done so well from seed sown in January. Last week I went with a friend to see Irish Plants Direct's new garden centre - 'Midfield' situated not too far from Kilkelly coming out of Castlebar for anyone who lives in the West. Well worth a visit. Their plants are looking healthy and the prices are so reasonable. I bought some Violas 2 euros each or 3 for 5 euros. They have a nice selection of alpines. You can see what they sell if you go onto their site. They have a stall in Wesport every Saturday morning which I can't resist!!
12 May 2010 08:11:12
epiphyllum
This is one of my favourite house plants. I have a white one as well, which Rita gave me - no sign of flowering yet. I have taken cuttings of both. Lovely morning here - sunny with blue sky. Here in the west, we are supposed to get a good day.
06 May 2010 07:51:02
Cosmos sown from seed waiting in cold frame
Just took this photo of cosmos in cold frame Rosburke. Sowed these from seed in February. Overcast but not cold here today.
06 May 2010 07:23:43
Doronicum perennial
I love this perennial Dorinicum - flowers its socks off for ages. Gave a plant to you Krista so hope it's blooming for you. Bigger picture in photos just posted. My Prunus Everest is just wonderful this year - picture doesn't do it justice. I can't believe that all my hardy fuschias are re-shooting from the bottom. It turns out that I lost 1 Hebe. Gardening on a slope might have its advantages. I read an article the other day and I quote 'be thankful for gardening on a slope - the temperature might fall as low as twelve below, but the soil does not remain sodden, so it does not freeze hard to break tiny roots'. They might have a point there. Our soil is sandy/stony - when I say stony I mean large large stones so there would be good drainage.