fran m's Journal

Happy with this

Happy with this

Boarder in back looking good, really pleased  the way it is looking, need to move a few things later in the year. And add some late spring or early summer colour.

Huntingbrook Garden Visit

Huntingbrook Garden Visit

I spoke to Jimi Blake today, sadly he is not available for the Saturday 14th of August, and is busy with courses and visit for the next while. So if people are interested, we can go ahead and visit the garden anyway. There will be no talk or guided tour but we can still have a great time, and maybe if people want to bring a picnic and make a decent day out.

What does 1.00 pm sound like to meet there at?

Eircom.....were on to me.....

Narly there............

Due to the number of private emails I was receiving, asking me to please let people have a sneak preview of the pond, Eircom asked me, to please let people see something as they were sure it would take a lot of the pressure off the system.

Not one to cause others any problems, I have decided to let people people have a look. even though the the surround is not finished, here goes.........

What hapened .......

Serenade

my white Anemone 'Honorine Jobert' I divided a a large plant last year, no sign of anything this year. I did the same with this Anemone ' Serenade' this was a smaller plant, that I divide in two, these two are doing fine.

There is some hope, both plants self seeded last year, so there may be a white there somewhere.

Thumbling pots for Matin...............

Thumbling pots for Matin...............

Just for you Marin, my, Thumbling Pots, it's not everyone I would show these to..........

Like this one......

Like this one......

this Dianthus is growing in the Thumbling Pots, really like the colour.

New Canna

New Canna

Picked this up today, really striking leaf, will look well in any position. Called 'tropicanna gold' has peach/orange flowers.

Just to keep Rachel wondering, the two pieces of wood are for each side of the raised pond.................wait and see.

For you interest.....

Copied from Jacinta's Journal, thankyou.

......... in connection with the flower of 'Passiflora caerulea' common Passionflower.

When Spainish priests first saw this flower in the forests of Brazil, they regarded it as a sign from God to be used in the conversion of the Indians to Christianity. They took it as a symbol of Christ's Passion.

Each flower opens flat to reveal ten petals, the ten apostles, less Peter and Judas. Within these a ring of fine purple-blue filaments, the crown of thorns and in the centre, conspicuous anthers and stimas, the nails. While the wounds are represented by five yellowish stains.

See I'm not only good looking..................

Let the games begin.....

Let the games begin.....

Due to my changing shifts in work, this is going to be my first bank holiday weekend off in over 18 months, prior to been moved I decided to take the Friday off. So now my weekend starts here, hoping to get the pond sorted out and finished, along with other things. Weather is not going to stop me, but I think overall weekend won't be to bad.

Really pleased with the back garden and the colour, will be making notes to change a few things for next year. There will be the front corner to be dealing with next year as well.

Hunting Brook Gardens Visit

Hunting Brook Gardens Visit

I have sent an email to Jimi @ Huntingbrook Gardens, to see about a private visit in August.

The cost is €10 which will include an hour long tour with Jimi of his garden, tea and coffee afterwards, and a talk and visit to June Blakes Nursery afterwards.

The garden is in Blessington, Co. Wicklow.

Can I get a rough idea of the numbers of people interested, sadly I can not confirm date as yet, but a number would be helpful.

Worth a Drumroll

Worth a Drumroll

The Drumstick Alliums are about to flower, these are a first for me. I think I might put them in a pot for next year and place them in a oarder when they are about to flower. The stem is half the size of a straw.

Might not look it......

Might not look it......

.....but I have now sussed out what Way I am finishing the surround of the pond. Because the raised bed surround was put in so well, there was a lot of work in sorting out a hidden overflow.

Sometimes I regret doing things right, but it was done with the idea that it was never going to change, Should have known better.

For Sallykinos

For Sallykinos

Am posting an Album for your interest, others might might strange comments, don't mind them, hope the photos give you some idea of what the plant is like. This is in flower now for nearly 6 weeks.

If this flowers

If this flowers

I will be more than happy. These are Rodochiton seedings. They germinated about eight weeks ago, and this is all they have done since. If these flower, it will be the best ever result.

Do seedlings often stop growing like this?

Cocktail of smells

Cocktail of smells

That is what what greeted me this evening when I got home. As normal, home, and straight out onto the deck. It must have been the humid weather, but the cocktail of smells from the garden was great. I could not pinpoint one single scent, but it was great.

And no, I did not have a quick few before I got home.

Back to normality..............

Back to normality..............

............for a while anyway. I have been working weekends, two on two off, for the last eighteen months. Today I am starting back to a standard 5 day week, have a gut feeling it won't last two long, will wait and see.

Looking foreword to a normal bank holiday weekend........ hope in get the pond finished, all going well. Some nice colour in the gardens, some great photos been posted, well done all.

Will get more of these

Will get more of these

Liatris Spicata also known as blazing star, is puttin on a great show of colour. I have them in a clump and on their own. This is definetly one for planting in a clump, gives a great impact / wow factor.

Like this......

Like this......

Sweetpea, great strong colour.

Good memory needed.........

Months and months ago, someone here posted a journal, after receiving weird looking bulbs in the post. Someone commented that they looked like a sea creature of some kind. Long tentacle like roots coming out of the bulb. I bought three in Mr. Middleton's, can not remember what they were.

I dug them up yesterday, the produced some growth, no flowers at all. Will plant them again, later and give them one more chance.

Know this is a long shot, but will see. Looked for the bulb catalogue but they only show the flowers, not the bulbs!!!!!!!!!

Dead calm

Dead calm

Sat out last night for a while, it was a lovely quite evening, 12 hours later just the same. I love this quite time on Sunday mornings, me and my garden, (normally is anyway)

There are two wood pigeons calling two each other.

The sound of water, bubbling.

Coffee

and not in the mood to do an awful lot, some Sun would finish everything off, perfectly. Have a good one

Aoife spotted this.........

Aoife spotted this.........

.......and said 'you should take a photo of that, Dad'

Well spotted Aoife.

Glad this one made it.

Glad this one made it.

Don't have a name on this Fuschia, but am so glad it made it through the winter. I really like this one, it has perfect straight growing habit, and seem like so many other plants this year, has come back better than ever.

Whats the flower?

Whats the flower?

Don't mind the Bee, what is the flower he is working so hard on collecting necter?

Grevillea

Grevillea

This Grevillea 'red salento' also know as the flowering Christmas Tree was not looking to good after the winter, some branches were dying back. In the last few weeks there is new growth showing all over. Will have a look later and see if it needs potting on.

What do people think

What do people think

Have just come off the Hunting Brook site. Seems to be a very interesting place.

Wold people be interested in visiting there for a get together some time. He does visits for groups on non open weekends, and he also does talks on different topics that we could decide on.

One to visit for sure.

Huntingbrook

Huntingbrook Lodge, Blessington, Co. Wicklow. Rachel is there tomorrow, lucky you. It was featured on Countrywide this evening. Really very impressed. Anyone wanting to see it, can watch it on RTE i player. It is open one weekend a month.

New Clematis

New Clematis

This is the new Clematis 'blue angel', that I got last night. I think it may be labeled wrong, will check it later. But either way I love the white flower, it is small, only about 4 cm across. Really please with this one.

Starting to collect

The front corner that is planned for the makeover is going to need lots of plants. I am starting to collect already. I was collecting Aoife this evening and had some time to spare. So into Lidl.

2 Phygelius, Clematis 'Blue Angel' with a tiny white flower (labeled wrong me thinks)and  a Hibiscus, all for €15. Happy with that.

Effects of the Winter?

Effects of the Winter?

This is the flower of Cuphea, I was really pleased it survived this winter. The one thing that has surprised me about the flower this year is that it is only about a third the size it normally is.

Could the winter have had some effect on the flower? 

Another Lidl purchase comes good.

Another Lidl purchase comes good.

This Dahlia (no name) is putting on a great show for it's first year. They are doing great, really is apity Lidl do not have proper names on them.

Hope I get it through the winter, would really like this one to increase for the future.

In keeping with the weather..........

In keeping with the weather..........

I thought you might like the photo

White Dianthus, I had a red one like this two years ago, kept some seed, and chanced them, they did not flower last year. I had forgotten about it until it flower a few weeks ago, seed did not come true, glad it didn't.

Tree Heather

Tree Heather

I have this Tree Heather (no idea of full name) for about five years. I love the fresh green colour it has all year round.

Does anyone know if this one flowers at all?

Cut flowers

Cut flowers

Brought these in this morning, as a surprise, pleased with them. Then your asked "where did you have them in the Garden"?

Felt like saying " beyond the two acre marker" but thought better of it.

Non gardeners.....................

36 Hours Ago .......

36 hours ago .......

Not the name of a blockbuster movie, but 36 hours ago my Mammoth Red cabbage plants were doing fine. I did not look at them yesterday, this greeted me this morning. I can not believe such a small insect can do so much damage in such a short length of time.

Some very fat caterpillars were moved to the embankment where they can find a different diet.............

Sidalcea 'Elsie Heugh'

Sidalcea 'Elsie Heugh'

Great flower, tall straight flower spikes, lovely soft colour, but the leaf is of interest also, I love the shape.

Unknown, but I like it........

Unknown, but I like it........

This is one of the plants in one of the baskets, no idea of what it is, love the colour.

No words needed........

Sidalcea 'elsie heugh'

Simple and beautiful................. Sidalcea 'elsie heugh'

Thumbling pots, filling out

Thumbling pots, filling out

The thumbling pots are filling out nicely, if this photo was taken from another angle you would see nothing of the pots at all. Really pleased with these.

Not quite

Not quite

Raindrops on Roses

but,

Raindrops on Perlagoniums

does not have the same ring about it,

but still a nice shot.

Pleased with Baskets this year.

Pleased with Baskets this year.

Even if I do say so myself, I am really pleased with the baskets I planted up this year, this one at the back at the decking. Even a brother in law commented on it yesterday, and that was something for Keith.

For Violeta

For Violeta

Violeta, I hope this photo can help, I would love to get a name on this Fuschia.

Opening a can of worms......

I think I may be opening a can of worms with these two questions, I already feel there will be so many answers to this question, but here goes anyway.

From a complete beginner,

How do you know when to collect, and how do you know that seeds are ready to collect?

How do you know to sow them from green or store them?

Trial and error springs to mind...............

For Rachel

RACHEL

HAPPY BIRTHDAY..........RACHEL

For she's a very good gardener...........

For she's a very good gardener...........

And so say all of us..........

ENJOY THE DAY.

Thanks for all your help and advice.

Grey skies.......... ;-((

Verbascum 'white bush'

What a miserable morning out there, rain dancing off the decking, dark grey skies and windy as well. Not nice at all, plants and blooms are really been pounded of late.

Saw the weather forecast last evening, and they seem confident that things are to pick up as the week progresses. So a little bit of hope on the horizon.

Make the best of it if you can, or sit back and enjoy your garden.

Not looking bad

Not looking bad

This Fuschia is looking great today. I was really worried about all my Fuchsias after the bad winter. They were very late to show any signs of life, but when they did there was no stopping them catching up for lost time.

I listened to your comments,

I listened to your comments,

thought and pondered, and thank you all very much. In an effort to take what was hash look on the eye, I moved all the pots and driftwood pieces around the seat area. It provides a definite focal point for the eye to be drawn to.

I am still thinking of the long term effect of this area, but am pleased with this mornings work.

I have added a before and after album, any more comments or ideas are stll most welcome.

Not what it says on the tin........

Not what it says on the tin........

The Lobelia that I tried and tried again and again sowing, is finally flowering. Looks great, looks fab.

Called.........'white fountain'

In Laws.... useful at times

In Laws.... useful at times

This piece of granite will be used in the pond, it's colour matches the wood in the background. And the bonus is that my father in law was going to use this for a lamp, and had drilled a hole through it.

So it will now stand two thirds out of the water, with a small flow of water flowing over it. It will be cool as Aoife said.

I like my father in law, thanks Dick.

Pond liner question.........

The raised bed that I am putting the pond into used to be an old coal bunker eons ago. The walls are a little on the rough side, I have lined the side walls and built up the bottom to give me different levels before the pond liner is put in place.

 I have used blocks of polystyrene for this, I don't think there should be a problem, what do you think, or has anyone done anything like this before.

At a standstill

At a standstill

My two Chilli plants seem to be at a standstill, there was plenty of flowers a few weeks ago, no fruits are forming, and a few more flowers are appearing. I did put them outside during the really good weather, don't think it was to happy, the leaves started fading and curling, so they are back in now.

Any ideas...........

Hellebours seed question

No watering needed here.

What a night of thunder lighting and rain, last night, and the same is forecast for tomorrow night, the rain anyway. There is a lot in the garden just coming into bloom, I hope the rain does not put and end to them before they give a full show.

Hope to get some jobs done over the weekend, will have to wait and see.

Two birds with one stone

Two birds with one stone

This is my new pond, it is the raised bed I emptied out due to the extension been built next door. I had come up with an idea of a split level pond, had it sketched out and all. Then with so many things, the mind was changed again.

To the left of the pond I am putting a small bog garden. I reckon if I'm doing a bog garden I might as well have it in full view. The overflow from the pond can flow into the the bog garden. The builders should be finished on my side of the garden by next week, so I can get stuck into this project.

The water feature I picked up at the Auction will be placed above the pond for effect only. I have another idea brewing on this................

So I will get my pond, small and all as it will be, and a bog garden as well. So two birds with the stone, etc. etc.

What chance do we have............

What chance do we have............

Come on, what chance do we have..............

I really mean it, what chance do we have.................

Mother Nature throws everything at us, we deal with, accept it, give out about it, laugh about it,

but...............at the end of the day, we get on with our gardening

But this is the final straw............... ok, so it's a slug, so what.

This slug is munching on my Sweetpea, my Sweetpea that is six foot up in the air.

This slug climbed a five foot wooden post, crossed four foot across the beam, down a hook and then down the chain.

This has HAD to have BEEN the bravest slug ever. Yes the past tense is correct.

WHAT CHANCE DO WE HAVE............................

Where did that come from?

Where did that come from?

That's what I'll be say when someone comes home later on. Picked this Oncidium  up in Lidl this morning, for €6.99. Really healthy looking, will see how I go with this one.

One job that won't need doing.......

Alstroemeria

...........here for a few a few days is watering There was some amount of rain falling in the last few hours and more is forcasted as far as I know. The photo is of the Alstroemeria that Myrtyle gave me. Really impressed with this flower, think there will more in the garden in time to come.

Honest comments required..........

Honest comments required..........

I like this back area,  it works well for the trangular shape of the garden. There is one thing annoying me I am thinking it's a little harsh, hard on the eye, if you know what I mean.

I am thinking of putting a boarder of grass around the flower bed about six feet deep. I think this would soften everthing up nicely.

Really need advice or opinions on this, thanks.

A year in the life...........

A year in the life...........

I am posting an album of the Sumac Tree (Rhus), these photos were taken to give a record of the tree as the year progresses.

Raised Bed doing great.

Raised Bed doing great.

It is great when something works well for you. This is just a small raised bed, but am reallly pleased and amazed at how well it has come on, really filled out well in less than 12 months, and some nice colour coming on as well.

Sumac Tree

Sumac Tree

This the shrub/small tree for Autumn I have (at the moment anyway) it is just coming into flower. There is a wonderful scent from this flower, once again, this is another plant that is flowering better than ever. is this down to the harsh winter, does nature compensate in it's own way. 

We have

We have

A Herd of Cattle

A Gaggle of Geese

A Flock of Birds

A School of Dolphins

So is this

A Foto of Fushia...................

That's some change

Agastache

Going from the weather we had yesterday, would you believe this morning would be as bright and clear, not a single cloud in the sky. My poppies are been battered by the wind and rain, another few opened this morning, will see how long these one last.

This my first orange flower in the garden 'Agastache'. Comes from Terra Nova, the foliage is scented, and a nice straight upright habit. I have it planted behind a clump of blue/grey grass, the combination works well.

Forecast says more heavy rain for later in the day. Have a good one.

Ghost Site.........

Am still in work, meeting friends later. Where is everyone, logged on quickly to see what was posted, HELLO............is there any body out there.

Martin don't give out because there is no photo, there is but you just can't see it.

Pat, hope you had a great get together, despit the weather.

Is there any one out there..............................?

Knock  if you are there..........................

MORK calling ORK........ MORK calling ORK..................

Was it something I said..............

What's my name, please?

What's my name, please?

i spotted this in Mount Usher yesterday, there was no name on it and no one around at the time. It was only coming into flower, this was one of the smaller ones, others would 2 or 3 times the size, a very light scent from it.

Water Fennel

Water Fennel

The water logged fennel plant, gave me a good photo opportunity.......

Rain stops play.

Sweetpea and white Dianthus.

Made a trip to Johnstown this morning, what a display of colour, it was fantastic. The wish list was added to. I was there on a fact finding mission, pond plants and liners, etc.

Home and picked Maria up, and headed to Mount Usher in Co. Wicklow. Spent an hour and a half enjoying the peace and quite, was surprised that there was so few people there, An Album has been added.

The photo shows a basket with Sweetpea for baskets. This is my first time trying it, I never saw such a slow growing plant at seedling stage, it was nearly going out several times, it is bulking up great now and will be increased in use next year.

Had plans to do some pottering after I got home, but rain had other ideas.

Don't forget, Hampton Court on BBC 2 this evening.

Mount Usher, Co. Wicklow.

Mount Usher, Co. Wicklow.

We took a trip to Mount Usher today, we were lucky, rain started just as we were leaving. The garden is great, the river flowing through just adds to the effect and peacefulness, of the place. Album to follow.

Buzzing Off

Buzzing Off

Caught this Bee this morning as he left a Hosta flower.

A Nights Rain

A Nights Rain

It never fails to surprise me the effects of a good nights rain on plants. You can water all you like but the same effect is never the same. All is so fresh and new. 

Oak Tree

Oak Tree

Took this last night......................

Mail Problem

You just got to laugh

at your self, and believe my I'm calling myself some names also.

I am planning a split level pond. All day yesterday, I was dealing with the problem of an overflow system for the upper pond. I spent ages trying to work out a way that no over flow pipe would be seen etc.

Walked out there a while ago, and it hit me like a concrete block, the upper pond will  flow all by itself and gravity into the lower pond. You should have heard me, laughing and calling myself names......................

Then the builder who was on the roof of the extension next door, asked if I was ok, I never even saw him. How stupid can one be at times (no comments) when you get bogged down with an idea.

Good way to start the day, with a good laugh, you've got to me able to laugh at yourself before you laugh at anyone else.

Have a good one.

Pond advice, please.

I am planning a pond in the raised bed beside the decking area. it will have different depths, I need to know is there a minimum and maximum depth I can have.

All advice and comments are most welcome. Thanks, as always.

On the menu

to night was, Marinated Chicken, cooked to perfection on the BBQ. New potatoes freshly dug today, tossed in butter and fresh pasley from the herb corner.

To accompany this, again freshly picked from the garden today, Broadbeans and Mangetout.

No we were not out in a country guest house for dinner, we were at home, and boy did I enjoy it

Canna

Canna

Had to go to Woodies this morning, could not leave this behind. Sadly no name, but I love the colour, plenty of shoots, I should be able to split it, later and at €5.99 think I did ok.

A little bit of Paint

A little bit of Paint

This is the plant stand I picked up at an Auction a few weeks ago, after some cleaning and a tin of spray paint. 

I need to get some low terracotta pots to fit, and am planning to plant alpines etc. in them. Should look well with the dark green and the colour of the pots. Happy with this. I posted photos of before and after in July '10 Album.

Hosta

Hosta

Another first for me this year, Hosta, is just flowering. lovely flower, leaves are not looking great.

Poppies

Poppies

This is my 'Cherry Glow' Poppy, grown from seed. It flowered yesterday, today the flower  is gone. Do they not last long or is it down to the strong winds here today?

Spent some time yesterday evening with the leaf blower, what a waste of time, looks about the same this evening.

I was watching the programme last night on Hampton Court. The were talking about Geranium ' Ardense'. That is the one I picked up on the Chelsea trip. It was great to see it been featured.

From seed to this...........

From seed to this...........

Sowed my first ever Poppies this year, 'Cherry Glow' not the biggest bloom around, but really pleased with the colour.

Rachel said it was ok.......

Rachel said it was ok.......

...............to post a photo each day, this was taken with early morning sun showing it at it's best,

OK wont put one up each day ( maybe every second )  ;-))

Unexpected job.

Wow. not a job for this time of year. When I get home today quite a bit of time will be spent cleaning up leaves from the gales yesterday. The gravel in the back garden, looks more like an October scene, than a day in July.

Don't you just love the way Nature keeps us busy...................

A different view.

A different view.

Took this photo of my Fennel, from a different view point. I love the way this plant sways and moves in the wind. I was a little worried about it today in work, due to the wind. Trilled that it was grand when I got home. This plant is standing at just 6ft.

Pond in the planning.

Pond in the planning.

This is the raised bed that was emptied out when I thought it was going to be destroyed, due to the building next door.

It is going to be on the small side, but small is of beautiful. And as I am planning and will be doing the work, there will be something very different. Still have to sort out a few details, but for sure it will be different.

For Rachel, but others can look as well...........

For Rachel, but others can look as well...........

Rachel, me showing off now.........................

Dark Desire

Dark Desire

No secrets been told, sorry to disappoint.................

 This Dahlia, was one of the plants that travelled home from the Chelsea trip. It was slightly damaged, but is coming back nicely, now.

Different view

Different view

This photo, is taken from a different angle...................................

Another basket.......

Another basket.......

White Dianthus, and hanging Sweetpea. I think this one could be interesting in time.

Mix and Match, working well.....

Mix and Match, working well.....

This is another plant in the Planter that cotains the Broaedbeans and Sweetpea.

Looking good..........

Name needed, please

Name needed, please

This is the head of a garden thermometer that was broken during the Winter. The face I just thought was to good to throw out. So I cut it down to size, and fitted it on my arch.

He needs a name, all suggestions considered, sorry will rephrase that, all serious suggestions welcome.

Could this be a first......

Could this be a first......

Spotted this Polyanthus today, as I was tidying some pots. Looks as if it is about to flower. If it does, can anyone match it?

Changes afoot.

Changes afoot.

The extension next door is flying up. It is adding our privacy, and also has created a major suntrap, the extention wall is facing south, so the heat just built up there yesterday.

I am thinking of putting a pond into the raised bed that emptied out when I thought this was all coming down, prior to the building starting. I have also been given permission to put fixing to this wall (with in reason ), so the grey matter is in motion.

Going a begging..........if anyone wants.........

Oxalis

I have somewhere between 50 and sixty pieces of granite, unwanted, and of varying sizes, maybe even more in under a hedge.

If anone is thinking or planning a rockery it is there, you will need to be able to collect it yourself though.

Beans and Peas

Beans and Peas

Una Grant gave me two Broad Bean plants earlier in the year, at the time I had no where to put them. So into a large wooden planter in the front driveway. The looked great growing against the trellis and brickwork. I then had a few Sweet Pea with nowhere to go, so what the heck.

Into the planter they went, the are using the beans as support. the first Sweet Peas are now in flower. Will post other photos when there is more colour.

A real case of 'have a go gardening'  :-))

Dahlia 'aldi'

Dahlia 'aldi'

This is just flowering in the front garden. Love the colour, they were all dirt cheap in Aldi, earlier in the year, all are doing great. Will be getting more next year.

Cuphea cyanea

Cuphea cyanea

This is my all time favorite plant. Have it for years and years, thanks to Bill (Headgardener) I finally got a name for it.

It is a tender plant from Mexico. It is been in my garden for 15 years, including last winter, so I think this one has been hardened off ok. The flowers this year seen a little smaller than normal.

But am really happy to see it in flower.

Rhodochiton.......little more to say on it.

Rhodochiton.......little more to say on it.

Took this single flower off the plant this morning, took photo against wall to show it at it's best. The plant is covered in hundreds of flowers / buds.

A decent shot at last.

A decent shot at last.

I finally got a decent shot of one of our Squirrels, he was having an early morning prenning of his coat on the Ash tree at the side of the house.