Last Post 1209 days 1 hour ago
31 January 2010 19:52:10
My father hated January with a vengeance. From the very first day of the month, till the very last day he could tell you at any time, how many days hours and minutes, were left in the month. Even though the days were lengthening, he was never happy, till January was gone.
February and all that comes with it, here we come. 4 hours and 9 minutes, Spring here we come. Yahoo
31 January 2010 08:33:34
Come on wake up.......
How can three bulbs planted at the same time, with the same treatment, be so far apart. I can hear my mother saying " why cant you be like your brother"? And as for the third one, well we won't even begin to talk about his behaviour, I just give, I really do...........
30 January 2010 19:29:39
Looking for a home
I spent a lot of time in the garden today looking at certain plants, do they stay or do they go. I have a limited space at the moment untill I get the wilderness turned around. There are two Hydrangea bushes going a begging, if any one is interested in them.
30 January 2010 18:40:53
Good colour
Spotted this nice colour combination in the garden this morning. The decorative apples won't last much longer. The blackbirds were picking at them. They are there for weeks and weeks, and nothing goes near them. Then they disappear, they must need to ripen for a length of time before the birds are interested.
30 January 2010 18:18:47
Re-arranged... for a while anyway !!
Had great plans for today, did not quite work out as planned. It was a lovely sunny day, but was bitterly cold, lots of teas breaks were needed. First job was the flower bed in the back. Where do all the leaves come from at this time of year. The soil had a frozen crust on top, which broke easily, within minutes, two Robins were popping in and out of the fresh ground, they were there all day. Had marked all the bulbs when planted with small green canes, don't think any damage was done.
Really worried about all my Fuchsias, they do not look good at all. Bed looks great, but took much longer than expected.
The decking got a sweep down, and rearranged some of the pots and planters I love this ability to be able to change and move pots around, it has such a rapid effect on how things look. I finally got to plant up my two Leucothoes I bought in the Arboretum in December.
I also planted some pick and pull lettuce.
Finally the gravel got a good brushing over. A sweep with a stiff yard brush is the quickest way of removing leaves and branches from gravel. It also loosens up the gravel and improves its appearance. Good day done.
30 January 2010 08:55:59
His Spring Face !!
In my job I work what is a 5 over 7 shift, that means every few weeks i work 7 days, Sat through to Sun. I am sitting typing this and cannot believe what has happened in the garden in the last week.
The amount of growth in all the bulbs is great.green growth popping up all over, buds swelling on branches. There is a normal frost out there, not the extremes we had a few weeks ago, complete blue sky, will be cold be buzzing to get things done.
We were meant to have visitors today, be a minor issue weighing 6 lbs 2 oz scuppered those plans, best wishes to all again. So am off into the garden. Loosening up the soil in all the beds, want to try and get some more clearance in the wilderness area. Then hopefully some time on the work area behind the shed. Hope your day is good whatever you may be doing.
29 January 2010 18:48:11
When the seeds start to sprout does the cover on the propagator stay on or come off. I have heard different accounts, what to the expert seed growers here to. Thanks as always.
28 January 2010 21:07:55
I sowed my fist seeds last week. The first sweet pea is up today, Yahoo. I used peat pots for the first time ever, around the edges of the compost there is a tiny fine white mould growing. Is this the norm with peat pots, or was there something in the compost do you think.
24 January 2010 20:52:29
Dave, just a genuine word of thanks to you. I can honestly say, I have learnt more from your recent journals on Toms, than I would have learnt from hours of reading and checking books. Well done you and your mind of endless information. Well done you.
24 January 2010 20:06:02
I forgot to mention one plant I came across the other day, that I was very surprised to see looking so well, and one even trowing out new growth. One was in a planter and the other was slightly sheltered by a Pieris 'Flame of the Forest'. It was mentioned in a journal and that is what reminded me. I have two really good looking Antirrhinums, how did a summer bedding plant make it through a cold spell like that, when so many hardier plants suffered so badly.
23 January 2010 21:44:45
If anyone had said to me a few years ago, that on a Saturday night, at 9.30 I would be planting seeds, and enjoying myself totally, I would have laughed at them. Now I'm laughing at myself, totally happy.
Have just planted some sweet pea, and two chillie, will plant the rest of the chillies at 6 week intervals. Will get going on more seed sowing during the week.
22 January 2010 20:43:37
Spent a few hours in the garden today, the front garden is sorted now for the next while. The bulbs are popping up everywhere. My few snowdrops are ready to burst into flower. Some very strange things were noticed.
I am really worried about the Fuchsias, they don't look well at all. One surprising thing was the Salvia ' Hot Lips' despite the delicate leaves, it looks really great and is covered with new growth. Amazing how the more delicate plants seem to be doing so well.
I meant to take a photo, my Red Robin, the leaves , mainly last years growth are covered in brown spots. I don't think this is due to the cold spell, I would expect frost/cold damage to be at the edges of the leaves. These spots are all over the leaves. Has anyone any ideas, please, love this plant, don't want anything to happen it.
Still buzzing from a great day, great what even a small garden fix can do for us simple ' gardeners' :-)
22 January 2010 09:22:39
Photo from the web
One visitor missing from the bird feeders this year was the Long Tailed Tit, no sign at all of them. Then, Yahoo, this morning a flock of about 10/12 of them, and Murphy's law, batteries gone out of camera, most likely in controls for PS2. Teenagers. They are great birds to watch, come and go in the flock, if you see one there will be more, will try and get photos again. These birds are so acrobatic, they leave the rest in the limelight.
21 January 2010 19:06:17
Despite what the weather is doing at the moment, the forecast for the weekend is good. A high pressure is starting to build, there will be frost at night, days will be cold but bright and sunny. Sadly I'm working, but if you can make the most of it.
21 January 2010 13:55:48
Aldi bargins
Could not get myself in the mood to do much yesterday, had better plans for today. The weather put pay to those plans, wont let that happen again. Got to town early this morning, picked up some of the seed trays in the €2 shop, thanks Dave. 48 peat seed pots €2 some how fell into basket also :-))
Then on to Aldi where I picked up, 1 Azalea pink, 1 Pieris Forest Flame, 1 Pieris Flaming Silver, 1 Camellia red, all for under €10. They look good and healthy, am planning to put all into one pot, it will make a nice display till they get to big.
When I got home, I potted 8 of the seed pots with seed compost. Sitting in the seed trays to heat up over night, will plant my fist chillies and trailing toms. The trailing toms are a real experiment. They are going to be grown in the kitchen. We have a free standing unit in the center of the kitchen. I am planning to have the plants on top of this, trailing down the side. Two Velux lights should give plenty of light, they are also south facing, should work ok. Will plant more later for outside use.
What could be better, fresh home grown cherry toms, and not even leaving the house.
20 January 2010 19:12:44
Rhodochiton in flower
As you most of you know, it seems as if my Rhodochiton has made it through the winter, really glad I moved it into the shed before the cold spell struck. I am convinced that it would not have survived outside.
My question is this, the plant is showing signs of new growth. There are still flowers hanging on, just about. Some leaves look ok, others are dying back. Do I cut back the leaves and flowers or do I just let them fall off when ready?
Thanks in advance as always.
20 January 2010 18:50:39
Better late than never
If like myself, any of you are waiting for your Amaryllis to show signs of life, let alone Flower. Hang in there. I had very nearly given up on two of mine, the flower bud on the one in the picture was not there on Monday night, and there are two green leaf shoots on the other two. Never say die.....
20 January 2010 16:19:19
Better day tomorrow
Had the best of intentions for today, got up early, but could not get going at all. Walked around the garden, looked at some journals, could not get motivated at all. A lot of crap going on in work, think it just got to me, don't like when that happens. By 2 pm was really annoyed with myself, for wasting a good day. So out to the front garden, and tidied up one of the beds, loosen up soil, did a few other bits. Hope for a more productive day tomorrow.
20 January 2010 10:37:33
New growth
Just had a good look around the garden at what is moving. All the bulbs are pushing up, flower bud on some of the primulas, surprised to see tulips peeking through, thought they would be a little later. Think there are a few losses, some of the Fuchsia are looking really bad and sad, time will tell. Golden Rod, lots of new growth, Hydrangea has buds forming well One surprise was the amount of new growth on my Fennel. The Lonicera is breaking bud and leaves starting to form. Winter cyclamen are starting to come back after the effects of the cold spell. Red Robin is showing fresh red leaves already. The Garlic is looking good, a little yellowing at the tips from the frost, but showing plenty of new growth. The Grevillea is back out in the garden, still flowering well. Rhodochiton is enjoying another hour or two in the sun, last years growth looking sad, but new growth coming through, really happy about that one coming through
Really great to see all this growth.
20 January 2010 09:31:33
I just opened another envelope of seeds. Thanks again Jacinta. I was just thinking what our postman is starting to think about all this strange post that has been arriving in the last few weeks. There may be a call to the door from the Drug Squad soon. HAHA :-D
19 January 2010 21:56:24
Am off work for the next few days. Weather is not looking as if it will be on my side. Either way, need to sort out my seeds, get seed trays, compost and soil for my planters. A wooden garden seat, that is in the shed since September, is nice and dry and ready for a few coats of wood stain.
Need to take up more leaves, someone else commented that more leaves had appeared, don't know where this lot came from. If weather allows will do some work on the work area at the back of the shed.
Have also had an inkling of an idea for my piece of driftwood, will have a closer look at it to see is it will work. Brain cells are working overtime with all that needs to be done.
18 January 2010 21:00:30
This has been a great experience, getting to know you all on this site. Swapping plants, cuttings, seeds, advise, ideas etc etc. I did a simple thing for picking two plants up for Rachel, Rachel collected those plants last night. Collected the plants alright, but on leaving Rachel had left, planted tulips, planted hyacinths, two small house plants, seeds, and even a supply of compost for my own orchid.
Today another envelope arrived with seeds from Jacinta. I hope the seeds I sent to Ladybird arrived today. Where else would you get it. With all the doom and gloom in the country, it is great to find such generosity and friendliness.
Thank you all. A pat on the back for us all. Long may it last.
16 January 2010 20:18:41
Bizzybee, Jacinta and myself are going to the Chelsea Flower Show. But the great thing about this trip is there are a few extras, we will be seeing Wisley, Merriments, Great Dixter, Chelsea, Pashley Manor gardens, Sissinghurst and then with all the great ideas we return to our own gardens, with lots of great ideas planted in our own brains :-)) Roll on May......
If anyone wants to join us, the more the merrier and all that...
15 January 2010 18:33:06
Waiting for a good home
Hope these are OK. B & B cost are being charged as of tonight :-))
PS this is after dead and dying flower spikes were removed.
15 January 2010 14:20:20
The biggest mistake that gardeners can make is to"
think that they, are in control " Happy Gardening :-D
15 January 2010 12:48:09
Worth €2
Out and about this morning, called into Woodies, Spotted a bargain trolley of plants, what a waste I was thinking, dead or as near as no matter, then on the bottom shelf some splashes of green. Had a closer look, 5/6 Cymbidiums not looking great at all, one at the back caught my eye. It had some flowers, some brown and dead, and some good flowers. Then I noticed that there were two flower spikes one fine, one all brown. €16.99 down to €2.00 I'll have that. Cut the dead spike off, looks great, compost is even damp. Now all I need do is wonder where it came from when Maria sees it, and find out how to look after it. Happy with that.
15 January 2010 10:27:17
Just had another walk around the garden, was hoping to get something done today, just can't get myself in the right frame of mind. Was surprised to see new shoots of about 2cm on my Goldenrod (
Solidago ). I do not remember this ever been above the ground this early before. It has lovely fresh growth, no sign of frost damage at all, maybe it has just come up in the last day or two. Things are moving alright.
14 January 2010 20:27:34
This may seem silly to most of you on the site, but there are a few of us trying to grow seeds for the first time. Apart from the basics, which we know, are there any tips on seed compost, mixtures etc. that you have learnt from experience, that might be of use to us L plate owners :-))
14 January 2010 18:32:03
Had a real lazy day today. Started with a good check around the garden. The birds hardly flew away while I was walking around. Black Caps are Nealy as cheeky as robins, and boy do they like apples. There is one last piece of snow / ice hanging on in the shade.
Then had a long walk along the seafront in Bray, cold, but sunny and bright. On the way home I called into a garden centre in Cabinteely, they have the areas in the middle of the centre, planted up to let you see the plants in a proper situation, this is a great way to see how things will look as they great bigger. I was surprised at the amount of plants that were in flower. I intend to go back with pen and paper and take a few notes of names.
14 January 2010 17:14:03
Good enough to eat
This is another idea from my book on container planting I though some might be interested. You need, 6 parsley plants, 3 trailing tomatoes, 3 nasturtiums.
Line a hanging basket with sphagnum moss, add compost, and position all plants as desired. Water well, feed and wait for delicious results.
14 January 2010 13:47:09
Trying to make it
I AM MORE THAN HAPPY. I moved my Rhodochiton into the shed at the start of the cold spell some weeks ago. It has been in a state of limbo since then. Every time I checked it, it was no worse or no better than before. I was still trilled that it was still holding it's flowers. On checking it today, yahoo, there are a couple of new leaves breaking out.
So if the plant is trying that hard, I rewarded it with an hour out of the shed in the sunshine. Hope to do the same any day I am off, it deserves it. I am so glad it was moved to the shed, I do not think it would have made it outside in the last few weeks. As we often say, live and learn.
14 January 2010 09:12:32
Am off work for two days, very cold but bright out there, looking foreword to a good look around. This the first time I have seen the gravel in the back since the snow cleared. Am totally amazed at how clean it is. We put in granite chippings and I think it is the only thing I would regret having done. It must be down to the roughness of the chippings, this in turn helping to hold dirt and dust, it surprised me how quickly it seem to get dirty.
But it looks brand new this morning, must be the effect of snow/frost sitting on it for a period of time. Don't know, but whatever it is it worked great, every cloud has a silver lining.
13 January 2010 21:28:45
Can anyone recommend a good trailing cherry tom, that you have had sucess with. I want to try and grow some indoors, in the extension there are two Velux lights in the roof and plenty of other light also. So want to try growing a few plants indoors. What better not even having to go outside for a few toms :-)
13 January 2010 20:56:57
Can see it planted.......
We got a present of this glass bowl at Christmas, Maria not sure if she likes it or not. I think it would suit an indoor water garden or planted up in some other way. Am waiting for the decision to be made, then I move into Hijack mode, and once planted, I know it will be safe, hehe :-))
12 January 2010 18:31:52
I am one of those people who does not give out to much about the weather to much, as there is nothing can be done about what Mother Nature trows at us, we must just get on with it.
But this is starting to ............ me off completely. What really lousy day today. Don't think any of us will get much done over the next few days. My plans for the work area behind the shed, are now 3 weeks behind the plans I had set.
COME ON WE NEED A BREAK................ PLEASE
10 January 2010 14:19:16
Collarded at last
I have been trying to get a picture of my two Collard Doves for ages, At last suceeded, this pair have been around for the last few years, or at least i think it is the same pair, as there are only the two of them. Like these ones.
10 January 2010 07:56:28
I know this weather is to last another week or so, at least. But have just had a look at the Met Eireann web site, there several stations recording temps of 2/3 degrees and it also rained in some. Just heard the forecast, more snow for today and tonight, have noticed that there is more wind today, so there may be some drifting if the wind keeps up.
09 January 2010 19:35:06
For me been the eternal opimist, I must admit that we can take it for granted that there will be losses in all our gardens with this current weather. This in turn makes a Spring get together for us, more important than ever. This should be based on a complete plant, seed and cutting swap. While I know I will never match some of the serious plants that are at serious risk out there, I do have plants that might fill some vacant areas in the short term for some people.
So lets look foreword to a good Spring and an even bigger, and better event than the Carlow meeting.
09 January 2010 10:19:05
Cold... who me....
2 inches of snow fell between 7.30 and 9.30 this morning, plenty more in the sky. Birds are busy at the feeders, lots of Black Caps, had one or two of them on and off over the years but numbers are way up, 5/6 Red Wings never had these before, I wonder if it is the weather that is bring them into the gardens.
Aoife spotted a beautiful young fox, but was gone by time I got the camera, it had a lovely clean coat, would say it was this years young by the slim shape, he may be back.
Sky looks as if there is some more snow there, forecast says plenty more for tomorrow. If travelling take care.
08 January 2010 21:16:10
Despite our current Meteorological Connditions we need to keep thinking ahead. One plant that I am interested in is Everlasting Sweetpea (
Lathyrus Latifoliva ), does anyone have this plant, does it flower well, etc.etc. Any information would be great. Thanks.
08 January 2010 20:13:30
Just reading Rachel's journal about her greenhouse rescue. I started thinking, and at times when I think I often come up with strange thoughts, this time maybe not.
The snow sitting on a glass house roof, will act as a layer of insulation. So as the temperature inside drops, that temperature is held with the insulation on the roof. The snow on the roof will also reduce the amount of heat from the little sunshine that we do have, hence preventing extra heat building up in the house.
I don't have a green house, so maybe I am wrong, but might be worth clearing snow off, and seeing what happens the temperature.
06 January 2010 18:04:38
Got home early from work due to weather, snow, hail, thunder, lighting in Dublin city centre today, but and I will say it again, sod the weather, did anyone notice what was happening at 4.40 pm this evening, ........... go on did you notice .......... it was still bright...... no matter what the weather is doing .... nature is going the gardeners way.
05 January 2010 21:14:52
Belated but special present.
I had a visit from my sister this evening, she had a present for me. This is strange as we gave up giving presents years ago. I was trilled when I saw what it was, two books, Reader's Digest Encyclopedia of Garden Plants and Flowers and The RHS Encyclopedia of Gardening. But what is most special of all is that they were my Dad's. She had borrowed them years ago before Dad died, and has been meaning to give them to me for years.
This is one pet present :-)
04 January 2010 21:19:01
What is it?
I found this plant growing in one of the beds late in the Summer, potted it up out of interest, and forgot about it. I spotted it mixed in with other pots yesterday, it is growing really well. Does anyone know what it is please?
04 January 2010 20:47:36
I planted some red and white cyclamen for some Christmas colour. They looked great, then the frost came and as we all know is still with us. What i did notice was that the white plants suffered first, with flower showing frost burn and then flowers and leaves drooping completely. The red plants followed a few days later.
I had a quick look at the plants this evening, there are signs of new flower buds coming through, the leaves are looking a bit livelier also. It is great to see a plant that can deal with this weather so well. One last time I noticed was that the plants that are planted in the ground seemed to suffer less than the plants that are in the pots at the door.
03 January 2010 17:11:04
A good thaw has set in here, big difference over night, not even any frost on the car this morning, first time in about 3 weeks.
Went to Woodies this morning and spent a voucher on some large pots, for the plans I have for using pots and containers for a mixture of fruit, veg and herbs.
When I got back, I spent a few hours in the shed, fixing in two fluorescent light fittings, next week will try and get a couple of sockets fitted. Will then have to talk nicely to a brother in law to fit a small fuse board for me. There is a limit to how far I will go while working with electricity.
All the spring bulbs that had pushed their shoots up some weeks ago, have all stopped growing, who can blame them. They will move again shortly, we were all saying a few weeks ago how early they were, popping up. This cold snap has put that to in check.
The decorative apples on my Red Sentinel have suffered badly with the frosts. A lot of them are badly split and bust open, due to freezing. They were on the tree till the end of February last year.
Temp reached a nice + 3 today, was nearly getting the shorts out, but only nearly.
03 January 2010 08:25:21
Flame red planter
Flame red flowers in terracotta.
You need, 20 inch terracotta window box, crocks for drainage, compost, slow release food granules.
Your plants, 2 red pelargoniums, 2 nasturtiums one red one yellow, 1 red verbena, 2 variegated ivies.
Place the crocks and compost in the window box.
Plant the Pelargoniums either side of the centre of the box.
Plant the Nasturtiums at the corner of each end of the box.
Plant the verbena in the centre of the box.
Plant the ivies in the front end corners of the box.
Water well and position in full sun.
Tip; Nasturtiums are prone to blackfly attack. At the very first sign of attack, treat with an insecticide and the plant should be ok for the season, but needs watching.
02 January 2010 20:40:17
I have spent a good bit of time over the holiday, going through the book " success with containers" by Stephanie Donaldson and Peter McHoy.
There are some great ideas for all kinds of plants, shrubs, fruit, veg and herbs, there are also house plant ideas. Over the next few weeks I will pick some out and pass them on to you, one problem is that the pictures are on the small side, so this may be a problem in showing you the final product.
Watch this space.
02 January 2010 15:06:26
Cold don't bother me
I was just out in the garden, topping up the bird feeders, had quick walk around to see what I could see.
Could not belive it, a Clemitis that was planted late last summer is covered in new shoots. They were not there before Christmas, so despite the frost, ice and snow, things are moving. Was really glad to see this growth, but still very surprised, can not find lable for this plant, but it is not one of the early flowering types.
01 January 2010 20:35:49
By the fire most of the day, looking through my gardening books, one eye on the laptop now and again. As I was the one at the fire, Colin could not be coaxed into getting more coal in. So while I was out the back had a quick look at the temperature, it is showing - 7, don't think I have ever seen that temp here in 25 years.
01 January 2010 11:06:27
A snow show display
While seeing what was in bloom in the garden this morning, for Bramley's plant count, I took this photo, mother nature can show off the simplest of things in a stunning way.
01 January 2010 10:42:13
Rhodochiton 1/01/10
My count is as follows,
Geranium, Primrose, Cyclamen, Jasmine, Maulas Red sentenial, Grivella, Primula Auricula, Heather, Skimmia japonica, Kaffr Lily, and my Rhodochiton is still in flower in my shed if that can be counted.
01 January 2010 08:43:54
Was sitting having a cuppa, watching the birds at the feeders when i noticed the ground feeders getting nearer and nearer the door all the time. I got the message, "oi what about us" so a square of wood, seeds, nuts, bread, apple and banana and de-iced water later and it's party time. Beats the tv for sure.
Just checked temp outside, reading -6
PS The doves, blackbirds, and wood pidgon were not happy with the piece of wood the food was on. So I took wood away and they were straight in at the food. Learning all the time.