fran m's Journal

Pennisetum

Pennisetum

This is,in my opinion, one of the best grasses you will ever come across. A great deep red colour, fantastic drooping fonds tinged with red, are out of this world when the sun catches them.

These little seedlings have a while to go yet, before they are at that stage.

How long do I leave them before potting them on? Will I put some of the seedlings in one pot, to help produce bigger clumps of grass at the end of the day?

Canna lily seeds

I planted 5 Canna lily seeds 18 days ago, they have been on the heated propagator ever since. No sign of anything. I chipped the seeds to reveal the white inner seed, not fully, but did expose more than half the inner seed. The seeds were then soaked overnight and swelled up nicely.

Should I have exposed the entire inner seed? Do they just take a long time to germinate, even on the heat?

Their waking up........

Despite the weather today, I found something to be happy about. One plant that I was very concerned about was my Fuchsias, I have a big soft spot for this plants. With the winter we had they were looking very sad for themselves, but taking a walk around the garden this evening, there is new buds on a lot of them, really please about that.

Brightened up a very bad day.

Johnny Appleseed the 2nd.........

Johnny Appleseed the 2nd.........

This is the apple seed I found already gerinated last week. Seems to be doing ok so far. Fresh apples here we come........

Today's get together

View from the house steps

I think I can speak for everyone, a good day was had by all. John Smith the head gardener was a joy to listen to, his love and enjoyment of his job flowed from him.

The plant swap was great, thank you for every one who passed plants on to me. I think we may need to try and put a little system in on this in some way. Any ides would be most welcome. Great to meet you and put faces to more members.

I have a problem uploading photos, so will add them bit by bit. Thanks again to all of you for a day well spent.

Amaryllis still messing with me.

Amaryllis still messing with me.

My last Amaryllis is just flowering.

Yesterday evening, the white one committed suicide, it broke at the stem where a piece of twine was stopping it from falling over, so much for that idea ;-(

The one in the picture is the one that stopped growing, then started again. I now have a Bonsai Amaryllis, it is about 9'' tall, the four flowers will be not much bigger than a large daffodil bloom. 3 bulbs all planted, treated , water etc the same, end up with tree totally different stories. Boring if they were all the same I suppose.

New Growth......yeah

New Growth......yeah

Despite the weather forecast for next week, that, lets hope wont be as bad as expected. There is so much new growth and spring colour in the garden, it does you good to just really stop and look at it.

There is all kinds of interesting colours in new plant growth. Trying to remember what that is, as often the new growth is so different from the main plant. The speed some things are growing at, is nearly showing us that the plants know things are a late this year, and time needs to be made up.

Did not have much time in the garden yesterday, other than getting things sorted for the trip to Belvedere. But did take time out for a coffee and a sit down, and enjoy another pet spring day.

Thanks Clara

Geranium Maderense

Yesterday evening shortly after I got home after a seven day stint in work, there was a flying visit from Clara, with a lovely plant, Geranium 'maderense'.

The funny part of this story is that I could remember nothing about asking for this plant. I checked entries and messages to no avail. So I sent Clara a message, and yes of course, I had asked for some of it. This was not a 'senior moment' I my part, but just a slight lapse due to the seven day shift.

Clara I googled this plant today, it is going to be a great bonus to the garden, I love the leaf on this plant, thank you again.

Hedge in trouble....Help

Hedge in trouble....Help

The other evening I noticed as I parked the car that the Griselinia hedge looked a little bare in one section. I had a closer look at it this afternoon, it does not look good at all.

The leaves are going a very yellowish colour, and there is a brown marking that seems to me in the leaf. Has anyone come across this before. There is no sign of new buds in this area.

Mangetout

Mangetout

Went to look at the plants in the cold frame, Whoo the Mangetout are doing great. May have to put these in a pot as bed is not ready. I might use a large pot and put tumbling toms in with them. Chuffed with those.

Seeds doing ok....ish

Only have eight tomato plants, but they are looking great. Will be potting them on in the morning.  Chillies are a little slower but getting there.

Parsley is showing it's true leaves, surprised at how fast these grew, as I knew they were even slow to germinate.

I sowed 4 extra sunflowers for fun. One is about 4/5 cm, down to one just peeping through this morning. Disappointed with the sweet pea for the hanging baskets. going to sow some more as I may have used the wrong compost, time will tell.

The Lobelia is doing fine, I crushed up some Vermiculite really fine and mixed the Lobelia seed/dust into it, seems to have worked as I have an even spread of seed in the container. But it is tiny.

Eat your hart out Johnny Apple Seed, the apple seedling is above the compost and leaves about to open.

Can't get over this........

Can't get over this........

I have no problem setting up the meeting in Belvedere, enjoyed it, a few entries a couple of phone calls to ensure we have some space in the Cafe, for some lunch or coffees what ever people want, someone to give a talk to us all sorted in one phone call. A short look on the web site in connection with parking etc. Done. 

What I just can't get over is the way folks are agreeing to exchange and swap plants etc. I am going to have plants in my garden this year that I never knew of, could not afford, and would never have found out about, but for this site. Thank you garden.ie and the people on it.

Roll on Sunday, and many other days and meetings like it.

I am bringing on Sunday.......

Sunday's get together in Belvedere.

Hope the sun shines.......

OK folks,

Your last chance. I am not posting all the names again, if your going you know by now. There are 22 names on the list. We need to be there at 1.00 pm, as there is one of the gardeners, John (possibly the head gardener) who is giving a talk at 1.30. Weather permitting this will be in the gardens themselves, so dress sensibly.

There is no car parking fee, €4 charge for the gardens once the group is big enough. Myrtle raised a very good point on the plant swap, and people being parked all over the place. As you enter the grounds if we use the first car park on the right, it is built in round about fashion, so if we try and park near the exit so to speak, is the best I can come up with. It will all depend on how busy the place is. If anyone else wants to come along just let me know and join us on the day, all welcome.

Finally if you are late getting there and we are in the gardens, ask the staff in the Cafe, where the group booked under the name Fran Maddock are, and follow us on in.

See you all on Sunday.

What do you think

What do you think

This a view from the end of my garden, looking towards the house. Even when I was putting the decking in, I had an idea of putting an arch in at the straight section of decking, at the slabs.

I am still thinking about it. A lot of you folks have arches in your gardens. What do you think. Would it close the area in, am I better leaving it open.

If I am going to put it in, it will be made of wood, a straight arch, something like the design of the arch in the side gravel area. Opinions will be most welcome.

Just thinking

Goldfinch

I was coming home from work this evening, and I was stopped at lights. Looked at the temperature, it was reading 12.5. I just thought 6/7 weeks ago we had nights with temps of -12.5, that is some combined difference.

It was 6.30 pm, and I though 6/7 weeks ago, it had been dark for 2 hours.

Next week, the hour changes....... and away we go........Yahoo

I caught this Goldfinch this morning before work.

What are these, please.

What are these, please.

I have forgotten what these are. I have them marked (numbered) on my shetch of where I planted bulbs last year. But I never put the name in. I think I bought them loose in Mr. Middleton's as I have all the other lables.

I think they are Alliums, but I never had them so not sure.

A seed in the hand.........

Apple seed

I was having lunch in work today, enjoying a lovely Gala apple. When a small piece fell onto the table, when I went to pick it up, I was very surprised to seed this apple seed already germinated.

So when mother nature gives you a gift like this, you just have to accept. I know it won't come true, but sure it will be a novelty if nothing else.

Time will tell, Liga, there are two of us growing trees from seeds now :-))

A little advice please......

I sowed Pennisetum (fountain grass) on Thursday evening in the heated propagator, 48 hours later is has germinated. That is great.

Do I take the tray off the heat, leave it on the heat with the cover off, what do I do?

Thanks in advance as always.

Another thing done

Another thing done

In another life I was self employed, I needed a shed and installed one not considering the impact on the garden at all. So I am now trying to blend it in with the overall plan of something different, in each area of my garden.

Last Autumn I bought a Virginia creeper, after our winter, I thought it was a goner, but in the last week or more, buds started to show signs of life. So I planted it in a new bed at the side of the shed. I used a tape to hold it in place till it suckers take hold. I love the the colour of this creeper, it will take a little care as I don't want it over running the shed in time.

I planted a few other things there as well, to add a little interest. Pat some of you lilies are there also.

Belvedere get together

Belvedere get together

I was in touch with Belvedere House today, they will set aside an area in the Cafe area for us, no problems at all.

I asked about some one to give a short talk or such like, again yes, but slight problem, he could do it at 1.30pm, so would people be ok with meeting at 1.00pm The cafe closes at 5.00 pm but ground are open till 7.00 pm. What do people want to do?

Definite names are; Self + 1, Jacinta + 1, Myrtle  + 1, Drumanagh, Greta, Krista, Clara, Rachel, Liga, Unagrant + 1 + 2 children, Ladybird + 1, Yellowrose.

Possibles are; Gismo, Spider, Linda, Johnplotman.

Needless to say all are wellcome, so just add your name.

Terracotta Corner

Terracotta Corner

OK so this is by new section of the garden, my Terracotta Corner. Only thought of the name after I lifted the new pots into place and stood back. I am not into formal in any way. The three wall planters were annoying me, lined up nice and straight, just not me.

So off they came, blank canvas. I spotted a beautiful old stone wall in Kilquade yesterday, with a couple a large pots buried into it. So out came the jigsaw and away we went. Planning to put Sedums in the two round pots, a few stones will act as a retaining wall for the angle the pots are at.

Not sure what will go into the biggest pot, thinking of an Acer, would look great in time and is well sheltered there.

A few decorative terracotta faces etc, will finish the area off. Now there is the question of putting a rambling rose up the tree or not. Decisions Decisions.

Ideas come through already

Watch this space

I saw lots lots of great ideas in the National Garden Centre yesterday. Most of them were pieces of garden Art or Sculptures, all way beyond my budget.

I did notice one thing that caught my eye. Was thinking if only I had a wall to build, I could work this idea into it. Ah well, not for here, as no walls are planned or needed.

Then, six o'clock this morning, wide awake, yahoo, yes that could work. It is amazing how the brain continues to work as we sleep. Some people would say we are sad, but it's great when it comes to pass the something so simple, can finish off a protect. Wait and see folks, is all I will say, photos later today :-))

Canna Seed......or....... Indian Shot

Safe Fingers come first.

Today I sowed seed of Canna "Tropical White". I had read on other journals about chipping, nicking or filing the seed, as it is covered by a very hard shell.

I was very surprised by just how hard this shell turned out to be. In the end, and because I am fond of my fingertips, I ended up with the seed held safely in the mouth of a pliers as I nicked and chipped away the outer shell.

 How does this seed manage to germinate in the wild?

A word of warning with this seed, It should come with a Health ans Safety warning.

A morning well spent.......

OK for €30

Had a crazy day in work yesterday in connection with the Parade in Dublin. So, this morning decided to take a trip to the National Garden Centre in Kilquade Co. Wicklow. I was well impressed, to say the least. Photo album has been added.

It was the best €5 anyone could spend. I was there years ago shortly after it opened. But it has matured so much, even this early in the year the amount of colour was great. The colours of the different barks, dried grasses and dead stems from last year, spring flowers and bulbs new growth. The one down was the slight lack of plant names, this I was informed down to the process of new name tags been put in place.

The gardens were great from start to finish, so I liked more than others, but such is life. I had the place to myself. Then in for a coffee and on to the garden center. Very well kept, prices seem average enough. Came away with more pots, this set of 3 on a special at €30 seemed very good to me.

This is definitely a spot for a get together some time.

For Rachel

For Rachel

Rachel, I was at the National Garden Exhibition Centre this morning, spotted this section of edging, looks the part with some ageing.

More Thoughts for Gardeners

More Thoughts for Gardeners

Gardeners I think, dream bigger dreams than emperors.

Gardening's such an optimistic activity. By sowing a seed you're  investing in the future. And gardening unlike life, gives us all endless second chances.

Flowers are the hieroglyphics of nature, with which she indicates how much she loves us.

Belvedere get together

Belvedere get together

Hi guys, Just to keep you all up to date. There are 14 names on the list, 3 or 4 are down as possibles. I was thinking of meeting at 2 o'clock, I will contact them tomorrow and see if they will put an area aside for us.

The way this year has gone, seeds wont be ready to swap, but maybe if people have things to swap or give away they could bring them. I was also thinking if you had seeds not wanted, they could be brought along as well.

Will be great to meet some of you again, and to meet others for the first time, roll on the 28th of March. If you are seeing this for the first time, and can make it, you are more than welcome to join us.

Roots galore

Roots

Seven days ago I received a package from Drumanagh with some slips of Willow. This is one of them, all this root in a week. The others are much futher behind but doing well. I never saw such growth on anything from just water alone.

I am planning on potting this one up soon, what do people think.

Two down, one to go........

White as snow

The white Amaryllis has flowered, so that's two. The third one that was vertically I challenged, is still messing with me. I thought it would flower before this one, no, it looks as if it has finally started to add some growth to the stem.

How can three bulbs, bought the same night, planted that night, all three watered at the same time, placed on the same window sill, all act so different?

More seed sowing

More seed sowing

Working tomorrow, but I am off on Thursday, weather is a little dodgy looking so we will wait and see. So am planning to sow some more seeds, Pennisetum "Ruepelii" Fountain Grass, Dimorphotheca, Canna " Tropical White", Lobelia "White Fountains" and some Tomato "Alicante".

Really looking foreword to sowing again, it is such a relaxing way of spending time.

If weather allows I will finish the digging of the veg patch, and if the weather is against me am planning on starting work on my piece of drift wood, finally think I have an idea for it

Enjoy your day tomorrow, whatever you planning, have a good one.

The silence of the.......

The weather must be great across the country. Every one is out in the garden, cutting, pruning, tidying, planting, sowing, weeding, and planning, it is totally deafening.

The silence of the site tells it all................enjoy.

What a difference

Heading off to work shortly. Just had a quick look around the garden. The plants that I over wintered in the shed are in the cold frame just over a week. I cannot get over the difference in them, the new growth is great.

Some of the pots of Daffs are about to open fully, never saw them as late as this.

Can't wait for this one.

Can't wait for this one.

I bought two lovely pear shaped pot a few years ago in B&Q, as I was walking out of the centre, I noticed a grass, with lovely reddish leaves. This colour was also in the top rim of the pots. Of had to have it.

This match turned out to be fantastic, The grass sends out the most beautiful copper/rose heads that are out of this world when the sun catches them. Then with the same colour in the rim of the pots, finishes the whole thing completely.

The grass is Pennisetum setaceum '' Rueppelii'', I got seeds of it from Seedaholic the other day, this is one I am really looking forward to getting set up again.

Today......

Fence Finished

Had a great time in Johnstown, was there early. Spent two full hours there, really good look at things. Got some names of things that would add colour to the garden at this time. Need to do some homework on this as quite a few things were in flower there away ahead of time.

Still cannot believe I left the wallet at home.  Just as well we can laugh at ourselves, no point in crying. Mind you nearly did when I realised it. Muppet. Anyway account is still intact. Saw a cold frame the same size and shape and structure of what some of us got in Lidl, wow €125. It was made of Oak but still crazy money.

When I got home had a cuppa out in the garden. Decided to finish the fence around the Ash tree, another job finished. Clara's Agapanthus looks well there, not sure if there is enough sun there for it, will keep an eye on it.

Was trilled to see buds on the Virginia creeper that is going on the side of the shed, will look great in time. Ah well, back to work tomorrow, but well pleased with my two days. Enjoy your weekend folks.

These bones are talking......

Enjoy

The heavy work of the last few weeks are tell on the old back problem I had years ago. So today is going to be an easy day, it is grand and mild out, no sign of frost at all. Will do some more seed sowing later on. Am going to get some more glazed pots in Dunnes for the 'tumbling pots' effect, thanks Gizmo for reminding me about it. Then a trip to Johnstown, this is purely for research ;-)) I want to extend the length of time I have colour in the garden. Will have a really good look around. I tried to do this trip several times recently, so here I go.

If you can make the best of these days, after all the delays with frost / snow etc. Mother Nature is doing her best for us at the moment. Enjoy.

Veg Bed

Veg Bed

Spent some time digging over the veg bed. Was hoping to get it all done, but roots put pay to that idea. I thought the rotavator had broken most of them, sadly I was very wrong. Hope to finish it tomorrow.

Mammoth red cabbage has been sown, First of the Mangetout are peeping through, these were in the cold frame, pleased that the sprouted despite the cold nights.

What a surprise

Agapanthus

Clara, recently said in a journal that she like Red Hot Poker. I offered her some as I discovered a few in the wilderness as I was clearing it.

I in turn was offered some Agapanthus, which I duly accepted. Clara called in briefly today, boy what a shock. I was presented with an enormous pot, see photo. It left my exchange in a plastic bag, looking very poor all together.

I have the right spot for it, and will be seen from the kitchen, when in flower. It seems so little, but all I can say is thank you so much, Clara.

Seeds rule ok !

Seeds rule ok !

 Trilled with the way these seeds are going, two types of Toms, and some Squirrel grass. There really is something about growing things from seed. Great seeing them come on. Good that so many of us are starting seed growing at the same time, will all learn from each others comments.

Good luck all.

Distraction to plans..........

Goldfinch

Great day to be out there doing things. Cold earlier, but took up quickly. Was going well till I started watching the birds, and when I spotted the Goldfinches I had to get a photo, 1 hour later got two great shots. Will post others later.

Spring is here for sure, Robins and Blackbirds who up two a few days ago, were fine together, are now fighting and trying to mark out their territories.

PS  Added some photos to Birds album.

Onion mishap

Postman Pat

Looking good

In from work this evening, yet another padded envelope, a little like having a birthday every week at the moment. Opened it up, beautiful slips of Willow and a Aster 'rosa sieger', I looked the Aster up. it is a beauty, and flowers late in the year which my garden needs more of.

Drumanagh, thank you so much, you are very good to do this with your moving house etc.

The Willow is very special, as this was a favorite of my dads. He used to love seeing when we were out for Sunday trips at this time of the year, have just the place for it now that the front corner is coming into some kind of shape.

When I joined the site I never even thought this kind of swapping and exchanging of plants would be part of the system. Long may it last, and I hope in time to be able to return all these gifts. Thanks again Alison.

28th March get together

Belvedere House

In case some of you missed the journal entry I made on a get together I am trying to arrange for the above date in Belvedere House and gardens in Mullingar.

It is just to meet up, put faces to names and get to know each other in person. The Christmas meeting was great fun and a great time was had by all. It was also strange in many ways, you know the people in one way, and not at all in so many other ways. That just vanished into thin air in no time at all.  So come on, make the effort.

Vertically Challenged

Beat this......

Several times I have said that my three Amaryllis plants are messing with be. Now, this one takes the biscuit. The flower bulb is four times the length of the of the stem.

Can any one beat this for the smallest Amaryllis on the site?

Dust

I was reading with interest the entries on Begonia seed been like dust. I got Lobelia seed the other from Seedaholic. I got a bag of dust, how you live and learn. How do you sow seed that size.

Bingo. Mix some of the dust with really fine sand and sprinkle over the compost.

Would this work, has anyone, any other way of doing it, please.

Cold Frame idea

Propagator

March 28th....Get Together.... Interested ?

OK, lets go for it. Another get together.

I work two weekends in four, so am suggesting a date to suit myself  :- ))

Sunday the 28th March, Belvedere House and Gardens in Mullingar. The main reason for picking this spot is to try and accommodate people from around the Country and hopefully have more people than the last time.

It will be a simple meeting of people, walk around the gardens, and some lunch. Most likely some swapping of green things in plastic pots, can't remember what you call them !!!!!!!!!

Well Impressed

After all the talk on the site recently about the seedaholic seed website. I was very impressed with the setup and the information given on the seeds. Was I strong enough to leave without buying something? Well I was really proud of myself, I left the site..............and only order 3 lots of seeds.

Lobelia 'white fountain', Cornfield Meadow 'wildflower mix' and Canna ' tropical white'. They arrived with a page of information on each one, really well done. Really well impressed.

Am going to try something really strange with the wildflower mix. A tiny amount of seed will be planted in a large pot, don't know how it will go, but might look interesting, and different, which suits me fine. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

Glazed Pots

Glazed Pots

Dunnes Stores are selling glazed pots at the moment. The two pots in the photo are 17'' and 12'' diamater there are also two smaller sizes and about 5 different colours. Seem very good to me. €25 and €15 each.

Favorite Plant, in trouble........

Cuphea Cyanea

My favorite plant in the garden is Cuphea Cyanea, a tender plant from Mexico. Despite this I have had it in the garden for years, no problem. Am beginning to think that plants can adapt to dirrerent climate conditions of time.

But I must admit that this winter I was worried about this little plant. A couple of weeks ago I was chuffed to see new buds breaking out. I then made the promise to myself to play it safe and take some cuttings to be sure.

As I was looking around yesterday, I was hoping to see the leaves well opening. Sadly all I have are tiny frost burnt leaves, and no sign of life. I am hoping it is only set back for a few weeks, time will tell.

Long time since the Arboretum......

Can I Come with you?

Hi guys,

Just spent some time time flicking throug peoples albums, saw a few photos of the day we got together, and just thought, why not again. So what about meeting again maye just after Easter?

Lazy Day

Cold frame

Took today nice and easy. Sowed some sweetpea for hanging baskets. The wood planter I cleared out yesterday, was sanded and a coat of wood stain applied. A wood bench that was in the shed all winter, and nice and dry got the same treatment.

The cold frame was assembled and some of the plants that I over wintered in the shed were moved into it. Sorry now I sis not get a second one. One of the pots for summer colour was planted up with summer bulbs etc. bedding plants will be added in time.

Pottered around for the day, lots of teas and coffees, thinking and enjoying the garden and the day that was in it.

4 out of 50

One of the four

Don't know where they are, what I said or did to upset them, but at this stage I am convinced they are gone. Four have shown their colours, they looked great in the sun today. Hope I  never loose anything at that rate again.

But come on how do you loose that amount of bulbs, surely not all to the birds?

Plans for today.

After yesterdays efforts, today is going to be nice and easy. Was over to B&Q first thing, needed compost as am planning to pot up some of the stuff from aldi and lidi acquired recently.

Went to check the piece of driftwood I spotted from the Dart the other day. Gone. Rachel, I want it back hehe. Ah well, did find a smaller piece, that I might do some thing with.

Sun is coming through the cloud, think it will be a good day, enjoy.

Seed Trills

Nature at its best, enjoy.

Long and many a day ago I planted seeds, salad, spring onions, radish etc. and sold them to neighbors for pocket money. If I say a head of lettuce was 2d each some of you will know how long ago it was.

I really just cannot get over this issue of seed sowing. The therapy of sowing seeds is so calming, Then the trill of seeing the germination of those seeds. Looking and watching in anticipation of what has happened in the last hours since you last looked.

God only knows who I will feel when I pick and eat, whatever is first to be ready.

Does this feeling ever ease when you get used to seeds and the effect they have on us, or am I a complete loner on this?

What's wrong with grass..............

Never again

As I was planning all the work on the Front Corner ‘wilderness' Maria said several times ‘why not leave it all grass and a few plants in a boarder. Boy, did those words come back to me this morning.

Early start, straight to the Hire Shop, collected the rotovator to set up the veg bed. Mark it out, and got going, was not expected to take to long. Mistake. Hit roots and roots and more roots. What a job. Was thinking to myself ‘what's wrong with grass'

Got it done in the end, a lot of easy digging, and cleaning out of roots and crap etc.

Had enough of slogging, so went on a re-potted my sunflowers. Potted up some onion sets in peat pots to get them going.

Assembled the cold frame from Lidl, very happy with it. Will be well used.

Wanted to clear out a planter in the front garden, that turned into a major job, (don't they all) am planning a lot of colour in pots and planter for the front, watch this space.

Some nice spring colour starting to show in the garden, new buds and tips pushing through everywhere, not sure what some of them are, makes it interesting though.

This the last time ever the garden will be allowed to get out of control, cannot keep up with this heavy slogging any more. Photos posted in new albums.

What is this plant

Name please

I this plant out of a planter in the front garden today. The planter is a square 18x18x18 made of wood. Would you believe it took about half an hour to get it  out. I ended up with my hands in the compost, under the plant pulling one root up at a time.

I do like this plant, but have decided to redo this planter and get more flowering colour into it. This plant  does not flower or at least not so far, but I do like it. Would like to know what it is. With those types of roots it will never go in a planter again.Thanks.

For Rachel

Spring

Morning

Last month there was a discussion on when Spring starts, Feb or March, nothing was resolved on the issue, dont think it ever will be. But I have just been standing out side listening to the birds, and by God, it's offical, in ever note they are singing, Spring is here.

Now I will get back into my box and stay quite after that rant and rave ;-))

chirp chirp !!!!!!!!

Unexpected Day

While in work today, I was reminded that I was not due in tomorrow. I had swapped the day with my assistant months ago, and had forgotten all about it. Yahoo, Maria away, kids in school, GARDEN here I come, what was planned for next week can be done tomorrow.

Those Sunflowers will be re-potted first, still cannot believe how fast they grow. Then to the Hire shop. collect a rotavator, and get going on the veg bed. Will not get it raised this year, that will hold for now.

Then need to sit down with all that has been bought in the last few weeks, go through the seeds and make a plan on what is to go where. There will be good colour this year. (hopefully)

While going into work on the Dart this morning, I spotted a piece of Driftwood along the coast.......... will have a closer look on Saturday morning. The lord giveth, Fran shall that it away............ hehe. 

Newsflash 'Cordyline'

Maria headed off to Madrid for a few days at 3.30, they met the Aircoach in the Village at 4.00 am, she left the car down there, I just walked down to collect it.

Around the corner from me, a guy cut down two lovely Cordyline at each side of his driveway. These were about 25' high, he left two trunks at about 5' and planted ivy at the base of each one.

Just noticed as I walked by now, each trunk has 5/6 new shoot coming out near the the top of the trunk. Thought any any one who may have thought they lost them with the frosts, not to give up hope. Maybe leave them alone or cut them down a little, certainly worth giving them a decent chance. Good luck.

Black Bamboo

Learning

Growing

With all the seed sowing and journals, a lot of us first time sowers are learning a lot. Many comments are been made on not potting on until there are sets of main leaves. These sunflowers will be hitting the roof of the propagator by tomorrow. Can these be potted on sooner?

How long should squirrel grass take to germinate?

Noticing things

This is my first time growing seeds in about ( shhh 40 odd years ) don't think those have trilled me as much as what has happened in the last 24 hours.

Cannot get over the speed the sunflowers are growing at.

The poppy seedlings are tiny, tiny, tiny. Great thinking what they will grow into.

Some of the toms are pushing up as well.

My crocuses, I am now convinced have disappeared completely. Vanished.

Lastly, the Amaryllis are still messing with me. The second one will flower next week. The third one popped a shoot up about three weeks ago, 2 inches or so, and has totally stopped. All three were potted at the same time, treated the same way, and in the same position. Doing my head in, at this stage.

Rambling Rose

Rambling Rose

I posted a entry the other day, about growing a rambler up the ash tree at the side gravel area. Thanks for all the advise very one. The one worry I had was about trying to grow such a plant at the base of such a tree. I did some checking on the web yesterday.

There should be no problem with it and apparently, the base of the trees is a very fertile area. Pity I did not think of this before the pebble went in, but think I will do it, and it will look great in time.

I also came up with the idea of, clearing an area on the far side of the tree and fence. I will take some time for the rose to be seen, but think it would look interesting appearing from the tree and fence.

Problems problems.............

Sorry don't know what happened the photo, cant delete it.

Cat's got the cream

Got home from work, and went to move the seeds off the table for dinner. Put them there this morning, to get the best light available. There was nothing showing at all, this evening some sunflowers are up, about 1/4 inch since 8 this morning. Tiny spots of green showing in the poppy cells. Take it there is a grin from ear to ear, hope the toms show soon, then I will be really happy.