fran m's Journal

Agapanthus

Agapanthus

This is the Agapanthus that Clara gave me last year. I was really worried about is as the leaves turned to mush with the really cold weather. Clara had told me it never lost it's leaves, but then this plant never had weather like what we got recently. I was not looking foreword to telling Clare her plant was no more.

I was so trilled to see, the first signs of green shoots some time ago. I do think there was some loss of bulbs, as the growth is way down on last year. This is another plant for the shed next Winter, not worth risking it.

Shooting

Shooting

The Giant Alliums, are shooting for the sky. they have grown about six inches in the last week. It really pays to watch and learn how fast plants grow. I was amazed last year how quickly the leaves faded, prior to them flowering. I find it really is great to watch and learn all the time. 

Look before you leap.....

Re-thinking the Situation

While in Kildare the other day, I spotted a lovely yellow flower growing in my brother in laws garden. very like a buttercup, lovely bright strong yellow. So I dug some up and even brought extra to share around a little.

I googled it the other, day and discovered it's called Celandine. I just did some more homework on it, and discovered it's a wild flower, and tends to spread a good bit. I think I may be re-thinking this decision.

A real case of, look before you leap...............

It just keeps getting better.

Ricinus seedlings

On top of getting the the first section of the front corner sorted, my rather small seed sowing efforts are coming on great.

Three lots of sweet pea are doing great. Lilium 'tigridium' have germinated.

Ricnius red are growing at a rate. I only planted 6 seeds, all at the same time. but they have decided to germinate a day apart. I makes it interesting to see them all at the different stages.

But best of all this evening I spotted some of my Rhodochiton have germinated.

Of course I got the normal strange looks from the folk here, when I expressed my pleasure. Non gardeners.................

Snowdrop ID

Snowdrop ID

I raided my brother in laws garden the other day. He has little interest in gardening, but he had lots of snowdrops, which I readily relieved him of some. I thought they were the common Galanthus 'nivalis', but that one has a green spot on the outer long petals.

Could I get a name on this one please.

Thinking 12 months ahead.

Tete á Tete

It seems mad, but I am planning for a year ahead already. I have some nice clumps of Daffodils, but Tete á tete have really impressed me in the last two years.

I love the small clumps, seem to flower very well, and so far they seem to multiply fairly fast. I also like the size of them in comparison to snowdrops, crocus, iris etc.

Universal Thank You.

Universal Thank You.

There are 59 plants in this new bed (so far) :-))

Of these I bought 11, I divided or moved another 10 of my own plants. the remaining 38 plants were presents, swaps and even a prize, from people here on garden.ie. In time I will be able to return this great generosity, as all my new plants mature.

Thank you.

Pleased with stage one.

Pleased with stage one.

As near as no matter this area is complete. Really, really pleased with it. I have put up some photos of before the work started to show the difference.

What am I?

What am I?

This little seeding appeared in a pot Martin gave me. Now knowing Terra Nova, this little stowaway could be any thing at all. The true leaves are just appearing.

Anyone have any ideas at this early stage?

Martin, remember that possession is 9/10ths of the law ;-))

Camellia

Camellia 'donation'

I won this at the garden talk the other night, it is called ''Donation''. Not sure where it will go yet, but I put pot and all into the new bed. I will see how it goes, I also have other acid loving plants that I may space around thes new beds, they would also add winter interest, which was lacking big time in boarder 50. We live and learn all the time.

When the Masters listen to the pupils.

Rhodochiton

What is better in the life of a pupil, than when the Teacher turns around and listens to them.

What on earth is he on about, I can hear you all ask.

How long have you heard me go on about my favorite plant, Rhodochiton. How trilled I was to see in this months Irish Garden, an article by Deborah on annual climbers.

And what was one of the suggested plants? Yes, it's Rhodochiton. It is a plant well worth trying. Deborah, I am glad all my rantings, paid off at last  ;-))

One final note to Teacher, my plant is going in to it's third year, and will hopefully flower better than ever before.

P.S.   A really great article, well done.

Clara, do you have a full name

Clara, do you have a full name

on the wonderful Helebore you gave me the other night, please, I planted it up today and it looks great in the new boarder. Thanks again.

Mid terms are great ...........

Half done

............ when you are off sick from work an not allowed do anything to heavy, work wise.

So fair dues to Colin he stepped on board and shovelled and barrowed for a few hours, he even hopes to finish the other area tomorrow afternoon when he is home from supervised study.

Thanks Buster

Bums up

Bums up

''Oi lads, there's pollen about, come on lets get going''

Given up the ghost

Given up the ghost

My old fork that has been with me for 25 years, decided it had had enough. I was only lightly breaking some well dug soil. Funny when you have worked so much with something, the feeling of sadness when it is no more.

Maybe it knew what lay in store for the coming months, and said ''no way, enough is enough''

Putting it all to Bed

Putting it all to Bed

Spent some time today planting up the second bed in this area. Will try and get the last few plants in tomorrow. Am hoping to order the gravel for the path tomorrow also, and all going well, I will have it before the weekend, which will allow the path to be completed over the weekend.

I sat there for about an hour today just thinking how far this area has come on. Also planning for some ideas that will follow down the line in time.

Whatever else you do in a garden there is nothing like the trill of planting up and area, the pleasure and expectation all come together, to give the best buzz ever.

Mixed

Smiling Crocus Faces

These are a selection of Crocus called 'Botanical Mixed'. Not much of a mixed colours, but the look great at the front of the house. There are as many more still to come as I planted these in two layers to try and prolong the flowering time, seems to have worked.

Listening to a Class Act

Terra Nova

Tonight I had the great pleasure of listening to Plantaholic, talking with such excitement and love for plants that I realised I am only a minor player in the wonderful world of plants.

Deborah, was speaking to the Foxrock Garden Group. The talk oozed of Deborah's passion for her garden and it's beloved  and well cared for residents. It was also apparent that this is a major team effort between Deborah and Martin. It was informative, educational and most of all very entertaining.

Rachel and Ishtar travelled from Wexford, Myrtle and Clara were there, along with Noelfitz who I met for the first time.

A great night, from start to finish. Thank you, Deborah and Martin for a truly entertaining night.

Mystified

Pinhead Allium

I was well and truly mystified when I saw this new growth, appearing in the garden in the last week or more. I could not make out what it was. So today, I went through some photos from last year, and yes I found out what it was.

I picked up two small pots of Pinhead Alliums last year in Mount Venus. I had meant to lift them, but duly forgot. The has winter does not seem to have any ill effect at all, which I good to know. There has also been some bulking up of the plants as well, which is better again.

Golden bonus

Golden bonus

I was not expecting to see these Daffs in daylight till the weekend, but am off work, and as they say, every cloud has a silver (golden) lining.

Martin's Snout

Martin's Snout

Martin wanted to see the snout of my Giant Allium, that is just showing above the ground. Hope it's ok, Martin.

There are a few of these planted in my boarder 50, and I am hoping they will look good in flower above all the other plants in this area.

Could this be an Arum

Could this be an Arum

I spotted this growing on the embankment this morning. It looks familiar, and I am wondering if it is an Arum. It looks a little like what Rachel posted in her Arum journal. If it is, are there wild versions of this plant that one would not want in a garden?

Spotting new growth

Allium from last year

We are all enjoying spotting all the new growth in our gardens at the moment, and long may it last. Yesterday in my Boarder 50, I was trilled to spot 3 of my Giant Alliums pushing their way up through the soil.

This evening my first Ricnus is showing through the compost. From reading other journals on this seed, I am glad I have the planted in their on pots.

After they germinate, how long should the stay on the heat?

Name please

Name please

While looking through photos of Huntingbrook earlier, I spotted this lovely flower, does anyone know what it is, please.

Toadstools

Toadstools

Not much gardening time today. But earlier this morning I sorted out the tree ring I am using as a base for my toadstools. Very pleased with the effect. I need to get one planter and plan what will go into it to add subtle interest with out out doing the effect of the toadstools themselves.

Pleased with these for sure.

Doorstep tete a tete

Doorstep tete a tete

Just opened today at the front door, a nice little pot of gold.

A difference or what?

A difference or what?

Rachel, hope you don't mind me cutting in on you Huntingbrook photos, but I was really amazed with the photo you showed of the driveway.

I was was really taken by the that area of the garden last year, so I was really interested to see your photo Rachel and how bare it all looked. So went into my photos and got the nearest I could, it also shows just how much certain plants grow over six months.

Good Day Done

Good Day Done

What a great day it was after some terrible rain last night. It was an early start as my time has been curtailed due to a long overdue make over of the bathroom, I did well putting it off for so long, but I am a firm believer in getting the planning right before doing this king of work ;-))

Really pleased with what was done. I finished a raised paved area which will be for a selection of pots which will be changed around to suit the seasons. I then got the wood in place at the back of the new boarder. If I'm lucky I will get this planted up next weekend.

Then it will be the gravel for the path and this area is finished. It is great how getting an area that was such a wilderness, into some kind of order seems to spur you on and on. Long may it last.

Checking for a scent...........

Checking for a scent...........

Mr Head, seems to be checking for scent from these crocuses

Paris Quadifolia

Paris Quadifolia (from the web)

This is a new plant on me this year. One of the seeds from Deborah. I am planning a shaded area that I most likely wont get to planting stage till next year. But this plant will be perfect for this area.

I sowed these seeds on Sunday, came home from work this evening, and the are up and growing away. Four days, now that is ok.

They are a nuisance,

They are a nuisance,

but I will never be with out my selection of smaller pots. These are on the Decking, when these spring ones are finished, the summer ones will be ready to take over. What I really like is the way smaller pots are so easily moved around, the effect and positioning of them can be changed quickly and easily.

There is another collection in the front garden, which I change around ever few weeks, it just give a difference appearance, even if the pots are the same ones.

Am glad it was dark

when I left the house this morning. Whatever poor bulbs were brave enough to show there faces must be a sorry sight this morning.

We had about 8/10 hail showers last evening a couple of which I can say, were the worst I have ever seen or heard. I am sure whatever was in flower is batter and bruised.

Still, we go on................

It takes time

It takes time

to get a garden right.

Then when it is right, we change this, add that, move the other.......... and that's what it is all about.

Rachel touched on a point that had been annoying me for some time now. I am trying to change the front corner from a wilderness area, to a garden. The first major step in this task is nearly complete.

But what suddenly struck me the other evening while sowing seeds and the point that Rachel touched on was that, some of the seed I am sowing are not for this year, and maybe not for a couple of years or even longer.

I will have the structural end of the garden sorted out at the end of this year, all going well. Everything else will fall into place when the time is right. Then I will change this, add that and move the other, because that is what we do.

That is why we enjoy it so much.

This journal may not make sense to any of you, I think it is more of a memo to myself, to remind me of what I am trying to do here, in my small piece of earth.

Rhodochiton

Rhodochiton

This is the Rhodochiton that is now going into it's third year. Really pleased with all the new growth, I have moved it out to the shed again to start harding it off.

If any of you who are going to Johnstown on the 5th, let me know, any one else who would like some send me a message and I will send you some.

Be warned they are not the easiest seed to get growing, but I will be trying again.

Am I

Lily or not?

some kind of a Lily? Now before there's any smart answers I am talking about the plant in the photo and not myself. I think it may be some kind of a Lily, all ideas would be welcome.

For Headgardener and others of course..........

Baby Ferns for new bed

Bill the list of ferns that are going into my new fern bed are as follows,

Phegoperis decursive pinnata.       Polystichum setiferum, which I have seen in a couple of pictures which I really like the look of.      Dropteris falicinellun.    Dropteris x connoluta.      Asplenium onopteris.       Oreapteris limliasperma. Plegopteris connectilis.

I also have a few ferns here that will be added also.

I hope all spellings are correct, some of the labels are a little hard to make out, I will check them when I get a chance. I have a couple of big Ash tree rings to go in and there are a few well aged trunks on the embankment beside us that will all add to appearence of what I'm planning to achieve.

Old and New

Old and New

This an old fruit with the new buds just opening on Malus 'red sentinel.  Great to see the old and new together. Only a handful of fruit left now.

Gladiolus 'tristis'

Gladiolus 'tristis'

Spent a lot of time this evening sorting seeds, I want to start some sowing in the morning. One of the ones I will be sowing is from Deborah's collection, Gladious 'tristis'. Was doing a lot of googling all night, really impressed with this one. It will take a few years to flower, but with flowers like this, well worth waiting for.

Pot of gold

Pot of gold

Nothing else to say.

Myrtle, these are the ones you put in the bag that day.

Forgetting the plans

From last week

I had a couple of rough sketches done of what I wanted to do with the front corner. After this mornings work another idea jumped out of the ground and I'm going for it.

I really think at this stage I need to just go with the flow. The decking and gravel area on paper, are totally different to what I ended up with. I am now coming to the decision I am better just going with the flow and making it up as I go along.

Really pleased with what I got done today. I am hoping to be planting the new bed up in a couple of weeks. The gravel will go in some time in March, then on to the next section.

Last year I was trying to work on the entire area, with hindsight this was a major mistake. I then got the idea of splitting the area into 3 areas, completing one before moving on the next. Working for me so far anyway.

Am thinking of putting an arch at the end of the new gravel path, thinking of some kind of an evergreen climber for it, any ideas on this?

Sorry no updated photo, to stiff and sore to go back out and rugby is on.

Fresh air and a Shower

Fresh air and a Shower

These are Martin's fern's that will make the beginning of my fern bed. They have been in the shed all Winter. I took them out yesterday for some fresh and a shower of rainwater. They looked a lot fresher when they went back in in the afternoon.

Smiling all the way to the Tropics

Smiling all the way to the Tropics

Another new plant here last year was Cannas. My first one was Canna Tropicanna, which has fantastic leaf colour. I divided these a little while ago, I was happy enough with them, all was nice and firm.

I was trilled today to see this shoot pushing through the compost. Us gardeners are all really easily pleased ;-))

Attention Rachel and Martin.............

Castillionii

Rachel this is the stem of Phyllastachys bambusoides Castillionii, we saw in the plant sales area at Altemont. This shot gives a much better view of it's wonderful colour.

Martin, you will be pleased to hear that there is lots of tiny buds on the plant, after all the worrying about it loosing leaves, it seems to be fine.

Brunnera

Brunnera 'hadspen cream'

This Brunnera 'hadspen cream', received from Deborah last year. The leaf is lovely on this plant, it loves deep shade so am going to have to plan well where it is positioned. Another Brunnera 'jack frost' is just send up some shoots. Really happy to see these are ok, thanks Deborah.

A tree and a half

Ceder 'deodora'

Just to give you an idea of the size of the Tree I posted a journal on this morning, Clare and Rachel are dwafted beneath it, and this is only showing half it's height. A real beauty.

For Martin, and others

Ceder 'deodora'

Martin, if you have not been to Altamont gardens, put it on your list. You would be well impressed with the trees alone. This is Ceder 'deodora' I thought you would like this shot.

To old for head over heels..............never.

Leucojum Vernum

I was totally smitten today with Altamont and the company wasn't bad either.

What a setting, I will be doing return journeys again and again, with out a doubt.

Snowdrops would get a 10/10 vote from me anytime after today. But Snowflakes get my 12/12 vote.

This is Leucojum 'vernum', It totally knocked me out. Fantastic

This garden has got to be seen to be believed, I will post pictures shortly, I hope you like them as much as I liked the garden itself.

Duffs......just my luck

Duffs......just my luck

I showed a photo of these the other day, thanks for all the comments on the great scent.

There lies my problem, they are now nearly fully open, but there is no scent at all. Poke your nose into them and there is a slight scent, but as for filling the room room with the normal scent don't think it will happen.

Never heard of this before ;-((

Topic of the Day

My simple sample

Snowdrops are one of the main discussion points at the moment, and we know who to blame for that, but so rightly so. I am guilty of underestimating them myself, but thanks to Mary and Paddy I think we are all looking at these little gems in a totally different light.

During lunch today, I walked through Stephen's Green. there were clumps coming up all over the place. One group caught my eye, I never saw leaves as long or as thick on snowdrops before. Not in work again till next week, will try and get my camera in next week and get some shots.

Just for fun.

Just for fun.

Can anyone one tell what this strange looking new growth belongs to. I do know myself, just doing this for some fun.

Slightly damaged

Slightly damaged

but still looking good. I know these are all all over the site at the moment, but my first time growing them so very happy.

I have a question, do I cut all the leaves off or just the damaged ones?

Thanks as ever.

White

White

These are looking good at the moment, there was a sixth one in the centre that must have been a dud. Maria even commented on them, I may get there in the end, and covert her over.

Another step in the right direction

Another step in the right direction

Started out by sowing some more sweet pea. Then on to heavier toil. I re-dug the area where I am putting another mixed bed, very sticky but got it done. I then started to get some of the edging stones in place, this is the granite that I offered to anyone who wanted it last year. Am I glad now nobody was interested in it at the time.

I am hoping to get this bed finished in the next few weeks, get it planted and get some gravel for the path. Then it will be on to the next section. I am really hoping to have this entire area sorted (more or less) by the end of the year.

Ever increasing colour

Ever increasing colour

Great to see colour increasing each day. I am in the garden looking for new signs of growth, really does you good to see all the new growth.

Battered and bruised

Battered and bruised

with the wind and rain of late, but still looking good.

Shed Day

What am I?

It was great to hear this morning before I was even out of the bed that the wind had died down. It was wet but very mild. Radio and a list of things I wanted to do, and I was as happy as Larry.

Rearranged a lot of my bigger pots, quite a bit of experimenting and new mixture of planting for me, so we will see in time how they work. Managed to divide my two Cannas, really happy to see they were both fine.

Moved a lot of plants out of the shed, some into the cold frame, the ones that were in the cold frame are now out on their own.

Collected some plants from Myrtle early this morning (very early) and saw the work that is been done along the drive way. In no time at all it will look as if it was always done.

I got a present of this plant from a friend last night, she lost the label in transit, would anyone know what it is please. It is in two complete sections in the pot, so I should be able to get two plants from it.

Some colour on a dull day

Some colour on a dull day

Spotted this first thing this morning. I really love these mini Irises, must add these to my to 'get list' for next year.

Don't tell anyone.

Don't tell anyone.

A few weeks ago I posted this picture and asked if this was new growth of Hosta, as I was sure there was nothing else in the pot. General opinion was it was not Hosta. Well I can now agree with you all.

I am well embarrassed to say that they are Tulips, so if we can keep this between ourselves it would be great.

The idea had struck me, but this growth was fairly different from the other Tulips that were coming up at the same time.

Letter to the IRFU

As the Irish match is about to start, I am writing a  letter to the IRFU, to request the moving of match times to suit gardener/fans alike. I was on a real roll outside getting things done.

I will let you know how I get on ;-)))

WET WET WET

That seems to be what today is going to bring. A day for the shed, some of the plants taken in for the really bad weather are going back out into the shelter of a wall, till I can plant them.

Going to check my two Cannas, divide and repot if they are ok, I think I may have left them out to late last year. The decking and gravel are is covered in branches and twigs, nearly enough to build a rookery.

Have a good day.

Great Colour

Great Colour

This photo jumped out at me last night, while going through my photos. I was taken on our trip to June Blake's garden.

Black out

Rachel's

Last night during the wind, our power went 3 times. So with nothing else to be done, I spent a lot of time going through my photos on the laptop. What a nice way to spent some time with candles flickering around the room.

It was great, looking back at all the photos. I must do that again, I won't put that with that, that worked well, and lots of, oh forgot I had those.

But best of all was the photos of the get togethers, Arbouretum, Rachel's, Belvedere House, Chelsea, Cloncaw's, etc. All the new friends we have gotten to know. A nice time was spent in an enjoyable way.

Summer Planning

Galdioli 'that's love'

Called into Mr Middleton the other day. I picked up some Sweetpea seeds. I also want to add to my Summer bulbs, so first on my list was some Stargazer Lilys, would love to get these to flower as these are the flowers Maria was given when the children were born.

Gladioli ‘That's Love' and some Freesia, I have not tried these for a long time, so maybe this time they will flower, with a little help and advice from you guys.

Weather forecast for weekend not good at all, so a lot of work can be done in the shed, if the worst comes to the worst.

The laugh was nearly on me.

Some of you may remember my amazing plant from South America that bloomed on cue as I had been assured it would on the 1st of April last year, it really was a great plant.

I spent about an hour doing up a journal on Monday night all about the earliest flowering Daffs that I had received from ''gotyabulbs.com.uk'' and were called Aprilone, I even had a photo an all. It was a great journal.

I waited up till midnight to press the publish button. Just before I did, I reread the journal, which finished with the word Aprilone. It was only then it dawned on me, I was two months to early, after a few choice words at myself, I laughed at myself for ages.

And Deborah, thinks she has problems with Martin.............

Still grinning, at the fool I nearly made of myself ;-)))

A first here

A first here

This is my first Hellbore just about to flower. This was a new plant on me last year, really getting interested in it. Great to have a plant flowering so early.

A Raised Planter

A Raised Planter

Last week I did a Journal on copying a raised planter some of us saw in Mount Venus. There were some comments about been easy to do when you are handy and able to do a little woodwork. There is no disagreeing with that point. So I want to show you how easy the planter in Mount Venus was made.

You need 5\6 wood pallets. ‘'Where do I get them''? I can hear you ask. Builders suppliers, If you know someone in a factory, you local garden centre has bags of compost delivered on them. Ask and you shall receive.

Place the fist pallet on paving slabs, bricks, blocks etc. Make sure the first one is level. Place the remaining pallets on top of each other. A few screws can be used to secure each pallet to each other.

The planter in Mount Venus was made up of four square Terracotta planters pushed tightly together and then planted up. Looked great, but a bit on the expensive side. Depending on the dept you want in the planter, you could use plastic baker's trays, plastic Fishermen's boxes or use old builders planks to make a base and sides, if you are any way handy. Think outside the box, open your eyes and see what is around you to be used.

If you are lucky and resourceful you will have gotten to this point at no expense or very little.

You are then into the planting stage, which you are all able to do, to your own taste. The photo is not a great one, but can give an idea for you. The pallets could be hidden by planting, hedging, creepers whatever you like.

I will post an album of what I am doing in time. It is a little more than what I had planned, but will be more than willing to answer any questions and help in any way I can.

What is it?

That gives such a trill to us gardeners when we see the first signs of life pushing up from the compost we sowed seeds in, a short time before.

Myrtle and a few other folk have said the same kind of thing in recent days.

Today I came home from work had a quick check on the sweet pea that was sown a week ago. YES, three of them are up. The feeling is so good.

I tell the non gardeners in the other room, the great news, and the reaction is like that what we will have when we will be opening the door in the coming weeks to listen to pure tripe from our politicians.

Made my day, so simple but so satisfying.