fran m's Journal

Winter reading and learning..........

Sumach colour

Treated myself to a nice book today. Carol Klein's

'Grow Your Own Garden' How to propagate all your own plants.

I really want to learn how to divide, split, take cuttings etc etc and be able to share all the plants in my garden with whoever wants them. Really is a lovely looking book and well explained with text and pictures.

Handy tip that may be of use.

Flower of Libertia 'goldfinger'

I was splitting a large clump of Libertia 'goldfinger' last weekend. Not problem digging it up, but when it came to splitting it, nothing would work. Two forks back to back as I saw on gardener's world, no way. A spade used to split it, not a chance. Went for the small axe, brother in law still has it (normal). So I spotted the bow saw hanging on the wall.

Wow, like a hot knife through butter. I was able to cut the clump into plants of varying sizes. Most likely not the best thing for the blade, but it would be worth having a spade blade just for this job.

I still have some more of the main clump to split, if anyone wants some......... 

Grivllea

Grivllea

I moved my Grivivllea ( flowering christmas tree) up nearer the house. Really pleased with this plant. Lots of new growth, so I am hoping for lots of colour in a few weeks.

Rhodochiton looking very sad

Rhodochiton looking very sad

The last few flowers are fading fast, I will be surprised if last nights rain has not finished them off, the plant is looking fairly sad for itself. I do not thing it will see another winter through, taking it in today so we will see.

Sad start to the day.

Trees on the road outside

After taking the photos of the decking this morning, I noticed something strange. A lot of the pond plants were lying around the pond area on the decking. I got a bad feeling when I saw then.

After along time watching and waiting, I spotted two fish. I then explored the pond with my arm nearly turning blue, so I know how you felt Jacinta standing in the pond. The fish had not died and are not in the pond anywhere.

So all I can suppose is a Heron spotted my tiny pond, removed the plants, and waited for supper. My piece for wavin pipe must have work for the two remaining fish.

I had really thought that they woul me safe, with the pond been positioned where it is and it been so small. To add insult to everything, he had to take the two best colured ones.

For my older pal

For my older pal

This is a Silver Birch at the end of the back garden, just starting to change colour. I am sure I can find room for another tree in the new area, wonder where I would get something a little different, with a little history attached............

Side gravel area.

Side gravel area.

This is the gravel area, at the side of the house, underneath the Ash tree. Yes there is gravel there, along with a path somewhere.................

And an couple of hours later............

And an couple of hours later............

all is back to normal, for a while anyway.

Screaming Mad 2

Screaming Mad 2

This is what greeted me this morning, and knowing it will be the same in a few days, does not help much at all.

Screaming Mad

Screaming Mad

The amount of leaves falling into my garden at the moment, has left me wanting to scream and scream...................

Martin's Heron

Martin's Heron

I think Martin work a little bit Halloween magic on the Heron that was raiding his pond, on turned it into stone so it can do no more hunting in anybody's pond any where in the country.

He does have a nice side, the Heron is nicely positioned in the lovely setting of Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare. This photo was taken last Sunday, and that is the Atlantic Ocean in the background. It is a sheltered bay, but in 30 odd years of travelling to the west, I have never seen the sea as calm as in this photo.

In Bloom

In Bloom

This  beauty was given to me, but did not make a note of who gave it to me. If whoever it was can give me the full name, I would be grateful. It is showing a few other flower stems as well. Thanks again in advance.

Did I do it, or not........

Did I do it, or not........

Yes, I know I did. I did sweep the deck yesterday morning. This photo taken today shows the problem I have at this time of year. It is great to have the trees around, but it does cause it's own problems at this time of year.

New Driftwood piece

New Driftwood piece

Sadly, not in the best of condition, but have a good idea of what I am going to be doing with this piece. Time will tell.

Centaurea colour

Centaurea colour

A present from County Clare, this blue cornflower that Nuala gave me at the weekend is developing some great colour. Got it planted up in  the front garden today, really like this plant. It was a big favorite in my Mum's garden years ago.

Time just disappears.

Replanted and hopeful...........

Looking at the photo, it is hard to see where over five hours went. Apart from the major plants everything was taken out of this boarder, split, discarded, rearranged and extra plants added.

Don't know quite why, but I reckon this will look great next year. Isn't it great that we never stop changing and altering things around.

Flying the colours.............

Flying the colours.............

Flagpole Cherry is looking at it best today, great colour but sadly does not last long. This display could be gone overnight if conditions so decide. Good while it lasts.

Why

Spanish Point 24/10/10

is it that every piece of driftwood I ever find, is always at the furthest end of the beach? Not sure what will come of this piece, yet, but idea for something is already starting to set seed.

What Martin's Heron dropped.............

What Martin's Heron dropped.............

While walking on the beach in Doonbeg on Saturday, we came accross this poor fish. I wonder did come from Terra Nova, via Martin's foe?

Into the West

Door step colour

What fantastic weather there was in Clare for the weekend. We were staying not far from AitAlainn (Nuala) who is in Doonbeg. So a visit was arranged, we could not have asked fora better day.

What an amount of colour Nuala still has in her garden, there is even a lovely Honeysuckle still in flower. The garden is in a very exposed site right on the coast, which causes it's own problems. The garden is a work in progress ( as they all are) but with her involvement in so many other things, Nuala makes great use of the time she has. It was great couple of hours spent in great company in an even better setting. I brought some plants to Nuala, and brought even more back, this was not in Maria's plans at all.

We finished the visit off with a lovely walk on Doonbeg beach in the company of Nuala's dog Bruno. Great to meet you Nuala, be warned though, 'we now know where you are'

Thank you again for the great selection of plants, have a great idea for the Begonias

Mixed bag on the way

Mixed bag on the way

The weather for the bank holiday weekend looks as if it's going to be a little on the mixed side. Hope you all get some gardening time in along the way at some time. If you are travelling, drive safely and enjoy.

That time of year again.

That time of year again.

Time again for some words of wisdom from my little black book...........

Always try and grow in your garden some plant or plants out of the ordinary, something your fellow gardeners never attempted, For you can receive no greater flattery than to have a gardener stand before your plants and ask 'What is that?'

There's little risk of becoming overly proud of one's garden, because gardening by it's very nature is humbling. It has a way of keeping you on your knees.

Night Vision

I made a fleeting visit to see Clara in Bray this evening. Had a chat and could not leave without a look at the garden, despite the darkness.

What a revelation, hidden lights here there and everywhere. It looked fantastic, the lights are so well placed to show both statues and plants off to their fullest. Well done.

I was also treated to a look inside Greg's shed, and two of his motor bikes. One of which was built by Greg himself. I take my hat off to you Greg, well done sir.

Sorry no camera with me, but believe me, the garden looked great.

Apples and Bishops

Apples and Bishops

The last few Bishops are looking well against the Senential apples in good Autumn sunshine the other day.

Wedding Bells

From the web

I thought that journal entry might get your attention. No I have no news in that area at all.

I have a Spirea shrub, 'bridal wreath', that has got to big for where it is. In a month or so I will be taking it out. From pass experience, as you try to take this shrub out it breaks into sections, that take very easily. This is a lovely shrub, with the most fantastic tiny white flowers in late May early June.

If anyone would like some, just let me know and I will pot them up and keep them till whenever I can pass them on.

This one will make it...........

This one will make it...........

A little while ago I said I was hoping for my Canna Tropicanna to flower, hope there has been dashed. Dare I say Martin was right.

But this one will make it, Three flowers spikes are just about to open, at least one has to make it. I moved the pot to take advantage of as much sun as possible.

Sorry about poor photo.

Another late Clematis

Another late Clematis

Blue Angel is putting on a great show of colour. I need to google this later to see when it is meant to flower, but great to have this show.

Martin's Babies

Martin's Babies

Martin promised you a photo of your baby tree ferns, they seem to be doing fine, lots of new growth. A long way to go with them yet, but I'm pleased with them so far.

Never seen this before.........

Never seen this before.........

I have been living here for 25 years. Just on the side of our boundary There is a large Ash tree. One thing I noticed over time was that The Ash tree is the last tree to get it's leaves in the spring, and the first to loose them in the Autumn.

So what is going on this year?

In the photo there is a Sycamore in full Autumn colour, in the middle is a Mountain Ash turning colour very fast, and behind that is the big Ash tree, which has it's full coat of green leaves.

In 25 years I have never seen this happen before.

Callistemon (bottle brush)

Callistemon (bottle brush)

I have had this shrub for tree years and it never flower, and was looking a little sickly. A little advice from the site here, and I moved it to a better position. Slowly new growth appeared.

Yesterday I noticed this new growth, is this flower buds or is this normal? As it never flower for me I am unsure as to what these large buds are.

Plants in my new Five-0 boarder

Plants in my Five-0 boarder

The plants in my new boarder are as follows, there are some listed that have still to arrive from some donating .iers. Thank you once again.

Astilbe (unknown), Dianthus ‘candy floss', Hemerocallis ‘barenii', Festuca ‘mairei', Campanlu ‘persilfolia', Primula ‘beesiara', Veronica ‘georgia blue', Leonurus ‘cardaca', Aster ‘pyrenaeus lutetium', Stipa ‘arundinace', Kirengesouria ‘palmatii', Hellebours orientalis', Oxalis, Gaima ‘short form', Echinacea ‘purpurea', Agastache ‘black adder', Nepeta ‘walkers low', Sanguisorba ‘albifolius', Primula ‘floribunda', Digitalis ‘grandiflora', Salvia ‘royle bumble', Misconstrues ‘ferner osten', Persicarria, Veronica strum ‘album', Kniphofia ‘'lemon bee', Lathyrus (everlasting), Silene, Helianthus ‘lemon queen'.

Sorry if it's long but several people asked what I had planted, so there it is.

Spring bulbs are been added at the moment, and some trailing plants will be added over time to fall down over the granite edging onto the path.

Boy, do I have names to learn............... this is the single biggest planting I have ever done, really trilled about seeing this mature.

Job and a half

Before the battle began...........

Thought nothing of splitting the Carex that was only planted in this pot this Spring. It had come on so well I thought it would be better to split it now, before it got to big. Am I lucky I did not wait till next year, the pot would have had to be broken, if I had.

Would you believe it took two hours of hard work to get that plant out, never saw such a mass of roots. I only hope I got enough roots on the new plants, the roots seem to break very very easily.

I intend to put the main plant into a square straight pot next year, so in future I won't have a battle such as today's.

Autumnal Sunshine

Autumnal Sunshine

Took this photo of the early sun catching the leaves of the Sycamore tree that is out on the road. The fist hint of wind and these leaves will be down on mass.

Splash of colour

Splash of colour

Helianthus 'lemon queen' is providing a last splash of colour in my new boarder.

I have given this boarder a name for future recognition, so from now on it will be know as  boarder 'Five O', any smart comments on this and Danno will have to book you, and if you don't know what I'm talking about,.....good for you.

Not wanting to wish time away, but am really looking foreword to seeing this come on over the next few years. Hope to get tulips planted in it today, along with many other jobs.

New bed

New bed

I made a small bed in front of where the belfast sink will be. Planted it up with Cotula 'platt's black'. Great shape leaf, interesting colour and will be great when it speads and creates an entire carpet.

A closer photo of the plant can be seen in journal 'Keep it simple' 26/09/10.

No pleasing some Gargoyles

No pleasing some Gargoyles

Spent some time today making a roost for 'Crinken' the gargoyle I bought during the week. I was going to put him on the shelf under the Belfast sink stand that I made, but he was unhappy with this position, as he was not on full view.

So I made this roost for him, in case you did not know, Gargoyles use roosts. I looks great, is a perfect position for him, in full view.

A grin, a smile, a thank you, not on your life. He just sits there in a puss on his face that would curdle milk at a glance.

Ah well, great day to be out and about doing things.

Drumanagh's Aster

Drumanagh's Aster

Allison this is the Aster you gave me earlier in the year. It really is a beautiful flower, really pleased with it. Would you have a name on this one?

Really impressed with these flowers that are new to me this year.

On the cards for today

Sentenial

It was a very busy week in work, so there will be, pottering at bits and pieces of things. The first of many clean up of leaves in the gravel will be done. Want to take in and split the Cannas, my Tropicanna one will not flower, there was no harm in hoping. I need to split the Carex out of the pot it is in, am surprised at how it grew. I don't want to be left in a position of having to break the pot in a couple of years.

I am then hoping to get the Belfast sink coated and changed into a stone trough.I then want to have a good look at the boarders in the front garden, changes are on the cards here for over the winter.

Finally, have decided that Crinken my new Gargoyle, is a little hidden where I was going to put him. so I have an idea that I think he will even approve of.

That will keep me busy and happy for a while, going to be nice out there, enjoy.

Question for Martin

Question for Martin

Martin, is this a Griffin or a Gargoyle?

Last flower standing

Last flower standing

This is the last flower on my standard fuchsia, that I have bored you out of your gardening boots all summer. Not going to risk this one outside for the winter.

Aster pyrenaeus lutera

Aster pyrenaeus lutetia

Also in my new boarder and looking great. Really looking to have a well planned long show of colour in this and the other boarders next year.

i was going to call it the 'Shed Boarder' but think 'Boarder 50' is more appropriate 

Salvia strata

Salvia strata

This is in my new boarder, spotted it in Woodies for €1, very pleased with it.

Oxalis

Oxalis

Putting on a great show with it's changing leaf colour. First time having this plant, really impressed with it.

To whom it may concern.................

To whom it may concern................. Thank you

I was given seed of everlasting sweet pea earlier in the year. Only 4 or 5 germinated and only two survived. These were very slow and sickly, nearly gave up on them.

They slowly they took off. This photo was taken in August, it never flowered so have big hopes for it next year. I have planted it in the boarder and over the winter I will put a trellis in for it which will help hide some of the shed.

Thank you to whoever gave me the seed, they will be well enjoyed.

This just won't do at all..........

Vacant Spot ................ and not a towel in sight

.........Jacinta, going on holidays is just not on at all. Logging on quickly from work before the day starts, and checking out ther early morning journals has become a habit for me, always bright and lively.  Then off she swans not a care at all...............not good enough !!!!

A few weeks ago Jacinta said, in one journal, that she was unsure of the content or interest of her journals, the site is missing something at the moment, for sure.

That's it, no more holidays allowed for the Journal Queen.........

I doubt she will see this as, by the time she gets back, itwill be lost in cyber space and she wont go back this far................. ;-))

Just as well for me........ Have a good one folks, lovely and mild here in Dublin.

Anemone

Anemone

These white ones were very late to come back after last winter, the pink ones were way ahead. Really putting on a great show.

No, Martin did not come to call.........

No, Martin did not come to call.........

It does look like him for sure, but no it is not him. I have had my eye on this guy for ages now, the price dropping slowly but surely. So picked him up today. He is positioned on the wooden stand I have made for the Belfast sink, which I hope to coat with the mixture to create the stone effect at the weekend, all going well.

Have already christened him Crinken, an area just down the road, it suits him.

Grivella

Grivella

The first signs of colour is showing on the Grivellea, also known as the flowering Christ_ _ _ Tree, I will keep you posted as the time comes.

What is it

What is it

Have really started to take an interest in flower buds before they open. Nature really is amazing, the way it protects, and the designs that protection creates is truly, fantastic.

Can anyone guess what plant this flower bud is from? 

Great Colour

Great Colour

Malus Sentinel 'decorative apple' is taking on great colour, really looking forward to this tree getting bigger and putting on a great show each Autumn. If things work out like other years, these apples will still be there at the end of December, I refuse to use a certain word beginning ''C'' to early in the year.

Clara ........... Birthday Wishes

Clara ........... Birthday Wishes

A little flower bud just told me today is your Birthday

Hope you had a great day, best wishes to you.

Clematis 'blue angel'

Clematis 'blue angel'

When I bought this plant there was two flowers on it. I thought it may have been labled wrong, as the flowers were white. With hind sight, as it was Lidil I bought it in, it may have been down to the indoor storage. Lots of buds on it despite the time of year. Pleased with this for sure.

Name please

Name please

Someone gave this to me, I think in Mount Venus, could I please have the name please.

Thanks in advance as always ;-))

Acer Colour

Acer Colour

Nothing to be said other than, every garden should have one.

12 Months On

12 Months On

This is what the area where my newly planted boarder is now positioned. When this photo was taken last September, I had all kinds if plans to work through the Winter on it, but as we know Mother Nature had other plans.

So I am going to be less optimistic this year, I hope to get a path in place, get the Grasses bed ready for planting in the Spring. There is a mound of earth in the far corner that needs some of it to be spread around in other areas, if I get these things done along with tidying up everything else I will be happy enough. Then during the Winter I can fine tune my ideas, but as with so many of my ideas, they tend to take so many twists and turns as soon as the work starts.

But then, that's where the fun really starts.

Empty Pots

Empty Pots

I have lots of empty pots, following my planting of the new boarder today. I was really surprised at the time it took. But what a day to out in the garden, absolutely beautiful day.

Really pleased with this planting, when I get time I will post a journal of everything that is in it. Tomorrow I hope to get  some spring bulbs planted in around the plants. What a difference a day makes.........

I also got the base made for made Belfast sink, and made up a wood end to the above mentioned boarder, that has a little Terra Nova style twist to it, time will reveal all.

Now where's that bottle opener ;-))

Last blast of colour.

Last blast of colour.

This Antirrhinum is putting on a last bast of colour, looks great. Behind it is Drumanagh's Aster that is just about to start flowering.

Sumach Colour

Sumach Colour

Autumn sunshine caught the changing colour of the Sumach this morning, love this tree for it's colour at this time of year.

For Cloncaw and everyone

For Cloncaw and everyone

Geraldine, photo of raised bed from Mount Venus. It was made up of four low square terracotta planters placed together to make one square unit, looked really great. My Belfast sink will only be a fraction of the size, but am thinking of something else also. Only have 4 photos will open and album, Mount Venus Planter.

Will it, won't it?

Will it, won't it?

This is my Canna  'tropicanna', not sure if it will flower or not, great if it did, but there's always next year. If it does, it might be the last one of the season, the weather for the next 10 days is be warm and dry, so just maybe, just maybe.

Seeds were sown........

......... but not the kind you might think.

Anyone who was in Mount Venus a few weeks ago, would have noticed a raised bed display that greeted you as you entered. I was totally taken by it. It has been on the back burner since then, brewing away, slowly but surely.

Have come up with a smaller idea of using a Belfast Sink that has been waiting to be used for to long. It will also kill two birds, as a big problem I have is wanting to disguise the shed as much as possible. It is a small step, but got to start somewhere.

Last flush of colour............

Last flush of colour............

The Fuschia in the tumbling pots that put on such a fantastic display all summer, is just about to give me one final display of colour. Really pleased with this  plant. I am thinking of a Fuschia only display for these pots for next year.

Pond Plant

Pond Plant

This is one of the pond aerators that Jacinta gave me (thanks again). It snakes along the bottom of the pond, then peeks out of the water with this display.

Making my mind up,

Making my mind up,

That goes there, they will look good beside those, that one goes to the back, no in the middle, not about that one. yes like that.

But if that goes there, the that can't be beside it,

HELP, this could take a bit of time. But by god it's great fun.

Even in the pots the place is changed.

October Sunshine

October Sunshine

As the sun drops in the sky, the shadows of the trees on the embankment give a great effect. The builders put the capping on the wall nextdoor. Talk about fitting in, it is a black metal flashing, I could not have asked for anything better, it fits in great with the whole thing. Caps, it all off, so to speak........sorry !!

For Linda

For Linda

Linda, look what is coming into flower, there are about 3 flower spikes coming up.

Would you have a full name on this one by any chance, trying to keep track of everything and from who.

Nice Surprise

Nice Surprise

I was coming in last evening as it was getting dark. When I spotted this beauty hidden against the front wall. What a surprised, was trilled to see it. Aoife asked what is was smiling at.

When I told and showed her,.............. apparently I'm sad !!!!!!!!!!!

Chilipepper (Dave), gave this to me earlier in the year. I knew it was doing well but was not expecting it to flower this year. I checked some of the others, this may not be the only only one to flower ;-))

Thanks Dave, love the colour and markings.

Doing well

Doing well

Really pleased with the way the pond plants have done. I can't take any credit for it as there is nothing to be done with them. I have lots of young floating plants, I am going to try and get them through the winter in the shed, worth a try anyway

Don't deadhead everthing

Don't deadhead everthing

and you will find surprises like this, that I spotted on one of my Fuchias today. Lovely deep rich colour.

Thirsty Wasps

Thirsty Wasps

Since putting the pond plants in I have seen wasps now and again landing on the plants and taking a drink of water. Each time I would get the camera, but the wasp would be gone.

But today I was in the right place at the right time.

Marked out

Marked out

I am going for gold and putting in a bed just for grasses. There will also be a special feature/focal point that is still in the planning, not quite finalised yet, but is going to different and quirky, and also screen the rest of the garden from view.

At long long last, starting to take some kind of shape. I had all kinds of plans to work on this area through last winter, but those plans were well and truly weathered out. Here's hoping for this winter............

Lily the Pink, the Pink, the Pink

Lily the Pink, the Pink, the Pink

Was not expecting to see this one in flower for another few weeks, Kaffir Lily. Spotted the first flowers coming up through the pink on Sedum, it is great the nature can contrast itself so easily.

Sunny Sunday

Flowering into it's sixth month, 'Cuphea'

Just in for a coffee, it is a fantastic Autumn day out there. You can see so many signs of the year's end approaching. It is good to just take a step back and look at what we all accomplished this year.

Without a doubt, I have been encouraged from other peoples journals and have learnt so much also.

I was at a surprise birthday party last night, and was talking to friend, who can not understand what a person sees in gardening. I know it is a case of each to their own, but I had to laugh, his main interest is shouting at TV in the corner, at any kind of sport, morning, noon and night.

I know where I'm off to, for a few more totally enjoyable few hours.

Weekend

Last bloom on this one

Sadly working today, but off on Monday instead, so all ok. The leaves are starting to make an unsightly impact on the garden so I hope to sort that quick enough.

The last section of wall to next door has been plastered and capped, so at long last I can get that section of bed planted an finished. I will be putting trellis on to it for the Wisteria, it will have a home at long last.

Not a single bulb planted yet, I have a lot in pots, I was hoping to change the compost, but that will have to hold off for this year.

What a day ahead of me, we are involved in the 'Dublin Festival of Fashion' I have to go to 4 fashion shows today. Problems problems..........

The postman always rings twice........

Our postman here has now gotten used to large padded envelopes been delivered to the house here.

So came in from work yesterday, another envelope. Yipee what is this time, Hosta, had promised to send me some grass seeds, but how many had she sent me?

On  opening the envelope, yes there were the seeds. Also in with the seeds were three grasses, Bowles golden grass, Ophiopogon nigolescius, Calamogrostis karl forster.

Hosta, thank you so much. I have not forgotten the Carex for you, I will be trilled to send it on to you.