fran m's Journal

Sunlight

Sunlight

I liked the way the Sun caught the leaves of this Acer.

TIMBER !!!!

A changing view ..........

Any of you who have been here will know of the Sycamore trees along the road. The builders should not be allowed to plant these type of trees in estates, they are just far to big.

Yesterday while I was cutting the hedge outside, I noticed a monstrous crack down from one of the main branches down the trunk about 4 ft. very dangerous looking. I rang the council, and they called out this morning to have a look, the tree will be gone in a day or two.

While I am sorry about the loss of a tree, the problems this tree causes to me and the garden, I am like the cat with the biggest bowel of cream ever.

Myrtle, I thought you would enjoy this after the conversations we have had, you may like to have a close look at your trees..............

The tree is close to 50ft tall, so is going to change our end of the cul de sac ;-))

Astilbe

Astilbe

This is my 50c bargain Astilbe, I had no idea of colour etc. Perfect, I did not have a white one. It is doing great and will be divided later in the year.

For Sallysarah

For Sallysarah

This is a close up of the flower on mine this morning.

Planning and Scheming

Cotula 'platt's black'

The ideas for the front are coming together nicely. One little feature has been taken from something I saw at Bloom. For it to work I needed a low maintenance plant, and I had just the one here.

It is filling in the area where it is nicely and I did not want to divide it. So a trip to Mount Venus was needed. It was great to walk around and see the plants at a different stage of growth. Lots of notes and names taken., more than I will ever use but what the heck.

I bought two plants of Cotulla 'platts black', grand total of €5. Today I divided them into eight plants. By the time I am ready to plant them they will have filled out nicely.

The plants I have are about to flower, the stems are tiny, standing about 2.5 cm above the plant, will be interesting to see what develops.

Cirsium 'Atropurpureum'

Cirsium 'Atropurpureum'

This plant is starting to produce seed now. I sowed some today, as an experiment to see how it goes. If anyone is interested in trying it, send me a private message and I will get some to you in time.

FYI this plant is in flower now about 5 weeks and still going strong.

Your Fired

Your Fired

Much and all as I love it, this squirrel grass, it is on the move. It is the only grass that I am unhappy with in this arrangement. Something more upright is in order. The grass is moving over to the front corner, the soil is less rich there so hoping it will be better behaved and upright this time next year.

I don't want ......

I don't want ......

.......... to meet the Fox the wares these gloves. Chilipeper gave me these Digitalis last year. It is no wonder his Toms are the size they are.

Dave what is your secret?

I am not mocking you ......

Philadelphus (mock orange)

......... but the Philadelphus that Rachel gave me is just starting to bloom and it is looking great. If I am right this shrub flowers on the previous years growth, so if I want to keep this shrub to a small size, if I cut back what has flowered and leave all other growth alone all should be ok for next year?

Decapitated

Decapitated

Headgardener gave me this Solanum lacinatum a couple of weeks ago. It was planted up that evening and seem to be doing well, some new leaves were starting to show.

This is what I spotted yesterday, don't know what did it the stem has just been cut through, I held the stem back in place and it fits perfectly, nothing eaten or anything. Doubt it will make through this set back ;-((

Red Red Wine

Red Red Wine

Impatiens Red Wine looking great in the early morning sun. An ongoing job dead heading and removing seed heads. Thanks Bruno enjoying this one, but will think about it for next year.

Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria

The first few flowers of this one just opened today, this is a real beauty. If like last year, I can now expect a couple of months of this flowering.

Thanks again Myrtle, still loving it. 

Rachel FYI

Vinca 'Darlington Star'

Rachel I took a trip to Mount Venus this afternoon and spotted this plant, you may know about it already.

Vinca 'Darlington Star'

Lavender plants

Lavender (web photo)

I want to use Lavender in the plants in the front corner. I was googling for a while last night and had no luck. I am wondering if there is a small lavender plant no bigger than 12 inches tall.

I have seen small plants like this planted on Roundabouts in this area, but they may be just young plants.

Any other help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Donated plants

Donated plants

Pleased with this little pot. The pelargoniums were from Dick, the Begonia from AíAlainn. I had the Begonias in the shed for the Winter, they were very slow to come back, but seem grand now, if a little behind. Thank you both.

Filling in nicely

Filling in nicely

This is a photo of the fern bed in the front garden, all doing well and filling in nicely, pleased with it.

Two of Martins ferns were not doing well at all, so I took them out yesterday and have them in pots again. Will google them later to see if  they need more TLC or what.

No dirty Linen here.

No dirty Linen here.

This is our old linen basket that I decided to plant up. Looks great but think I may have over planted it a little. First Dahlia is just opening, so there will be colour starting to show through soon.

Better than expected

Better than expected

This boarder has totally knocked me out. It was only planted up in Feb/March. I am beginning to think that the fact of been surrounded by a hedge, a wall and a shed has given extra shelter and protection.

Advice/Help needed

I am going to be using a few railway sleepers in the front corner area. I am torn between old and new sleepers. I am sure there are lots of folk out there who have used the old ones.

What I need to know, is there a problem with the old ones weeping tar etc. I have heard arguments for and against, but would love to hear from people who have them in place for a period of time. Many thanks as always.

A Great Trio

A Great Trio

Love this trio of Foxgloves.

Can any tell me when to sow seed of this pant. Do I sow from green or wait till next year?

One small step for Fran

One small step for Fran

one great step plantkind. After all the slogging, sweating and swearing at times, a great step foreword was made today in the front corner. The first plants, mainly shrubs were planted in the first section.

The tree a Whitbeam and the Hypericum were there, everything else was planted today. It is a small step I know, but it just looks so good to have things planted there.

Just getting these few plants in place, gave me a better chance to see if what I had in mind would work. And I think it will even be better than I had thought.

The buzz from really starting a new project, is great, just love it.

Glossy

Glossy

I really like the glossy leaves of these small Astilbes. It only grows to about 12 inches, the flowers are small but the leaves are what really sets this plant apart from the norm.

For RolfPeter

For RolfPeter

RolfPeter, this is Rathmichael. As you said it is also an area close to where I live. I also have another character call Crinken, which is another area close to me. I think I unknowingly have started a trend here.

Focal Point

Focal Point

This is the view to the front corner (under revamp at present). Where the paving slabs are is where the Willow arch will be. At the fence in the distance there will be plants or shrubs of some kind. But in front of them will be something to draw the eye through the gravel path and arch to it. No idea what it will be yet but the search is on.

Grass ID please

Grass ID please

I was at a Farmer's market this morning, picked up this grass for €5, the seller did not know the name. It grows to about 1 meter, I checked my book on grasses could not see one to match. Any ideas, much appreciated  ;-))

And then there were two

And then there were two

I bought this Hosta last year, sadly it was divested one weekend while we were away. So kept a good eye on it this year, the pot is also on the granite chippings not a sign of a slug or snail near it.

Then today it was looking at it and noticed a different leaf. then a different coloured flower, there are two Hostas there, nice surprise. I will be leaving them be as they are growing so tightly together. Happy with that ;-))

Front Boarder

Front Boarder

Really pleased with the way that this section of the front garden is developing, slowly but surely all coming together nicely.

One small mishap, where you can see the bamboo canes there is meant to be sweetpea climbing up. I think I must have gotten seeds mixed up and what's there is a trailing variety. That will be moved tomorrow to a more suitable position.

Non Stop Learning

Non Stop Learning

Up to last year I have had only one Clematis (montana) in the garden. That has change in recent time, some of the new ones are flowering now others like 'Blue Angel' are much later flowering.

One I am well impressed with is 'General Sikorski' it is now flowering three weeks and despite the wind and rain the first flower to open is still in perfect condition, others have since followed, looking great.

I will need to get some obelisks or bigger canes.

I was glad to make the most of the good weather this morning. bad rain since early afternoon. Lots of small things done and some pottering to boot. Forecast for weekend is good, so some more serious work can be done.

The Bear's breeches

The Bear's breeches

or Acanthus is pushing up it's flower spike. I will have to move this plant at the end of the year. I was looking up all my new plants and this one gets big and I discovered it is hard to move once it becomes well established, but by then I should have plenty of space needing to be filled.

The stable door and all that

The stable door and all that

What a fantastic morning out there, blue sky and dead calm, beautiful.

Yesterday morning I was going out to feed the fish and as I opened the patio door I spotted some of the pond plants lying on the decking. That feeling of dread descended on me again, I had only put new fish in last week.

Looking into the pond all I could see was two, they were nervous as hell, darting here and there. So last evening I covered the pond with chicken wire, not the nicest looking thing but will do the job, closing the stable door after the horse has bolted. It is easily removed for appearance sake when we are using the decking etc. Just in from feeding them and am  trilled to have seen four fish this morning, so I only lost the one.

As I was there there was a noise from the hedge, and our local Fox was looking at me, out he came and trotted along the gravel to the front garden. Might as well have been a pet dog not a bother on him at all. As I walked away something moved in the plants beside the pond, two monster frogs. It is really great to have such nature in a suburban garden ;-))

Starting back into weekend work next weekend so decided to take a few days off next week, so will be getting stuck into the front corner. Want to do a lot of small bits and pieces around to day so no more time to sit and chat, till it's time for coffee, which may not be to long at all.

Have a good one.

Should come with a safety warning

Should come with a safety warning

This Silybum really is a great plant, structure, leaf colour and shape, interesting flowers. But just look at the thorns that surround the flowers. This is one plant the needs a safety warning.

Bamboo Sky this evening

Bamboo Sunset

Just snapped this now. All the new growth of the Bamboo shows clearly against an evening sky.

Phew.....all is well

Phew.....all is well

On our visit to Terra Nova on Good Friday, Martin sent some of us home with a fab fern, Onoclea 'sensibilis' a very striking fern.

Within a week I lost one leaf, put this down to been dug up and moved. Then I lost the second, time to worry.

Then the other day, I spotted all this new growth. All is well, and when Martin comes to visit he will see a fine plant.

Kirengeshoma palmata

Kirengeshoma palmata

Keego asked about this plant in another journal. I love the contast of the lime green leaves with all the darker green around it. Should be flowering soon.

Hot

Hot

Salvia 'hot lips' is starting to show off now, really love this one.

Carnation

Carnation

This is just starting to flower now. This plant is from my parents old garden. It is a really old plant, my Dad brought it from Waterford years ago. I tried taking cuttings last year, to no avail.

The plant suffered badly last winter and is gone very woody. Ant tips on taking cuttings of this plant would be great.

The scent of this one is to die for.

For Boots

Seed Pods of Physalis

This is the seed pod of Physalis, you can see why the name Japanese Lantern is so suitable. This photo is from the net.

Physalis

Physalis

Really looking foreword to this one, Physalis (Chinese Lantern) Interesting flower but the seed is what really makes this plant special for me.

A real Sweet Pea

A real Sweet Pea

Love the colour on this one.

Lilium Disaster

Lilium Disaster

I was so pleased with my Lilium seedlings from Terra Nova, they were doing great. I lifted them off a windowsill yesterday to clean the window, never lifted it back up.

Big mistake, they were devoured by a slug that will never suffer from indigestion ever again.

I just hope the seedlings still have enough growth to pull through.

Pond

Pond

Small and all as it is, I am really happy with it. Did nothing yesterday in the garden. Sat in the sun, read, slept and enjoyed the sound of the water.

I really need to chill out and enjoy my spaces a little more often.

A cool rose

Iceberg, a cool rose.

Iceberg

Leptospermum

Leptospermum

This Leptospermum is putting on the best display I have ever seem on this shrub. It is just a mass of colour.

Are all these reports of flowers and shrubs flowering their socks of this year, really down to the harsh Winter we had?

Aconitum 'newery blue'

Aconitum 'newery blue'

Just coming into full flower now, another great foliage plant with great flower to follow.

Cloud 9

Cloud 9

I gave you all a good laugh with this picture of what I am hoping will be my attempt at developing a cloud tree.

Was quite worried about if I had gone to far and maybe the shock of the severe pruning would kill it off.

Yesterday I had a cose look ut it, each cloud to be, is covered in tiny new growth starting to break through. So I reckon by next year there will be a big improvement in the amount of growth, that will bulk up the clouds. A little more wiring, and all will be well.

Happy Camper ;-))

Penstemon

Penstemon

Husker's Red is starting to flower. The white flowers look great against the red foliage. Great contrast in this one.

RACHEL !!!!

Silybum

How could you? How could you cut these flowers off the Silybum?

 Martin gave some us this on our Terra Nova visit, I did not know what to expect. I am well impressed, thanks Martin.

Am I right in saying this is an annual, and if so, when do I sow the seeds. Lets hope I can pass on some plants next year. This plant would look great in a group planting.

Sorry if

Sorry if

I'm going on about Foxgloves at the moment. This is another one that Dave gave me last year. I never saw Foxgloves this height, not even in the wild.

This one 7'6'' in height and still has a way to go yet. The bees make an awful racket as they buzz in and out, they seem to really like this one.

Happy Hosta

Happy Hosta

Really pleased with this Hosta, just coming into flower. Will really have to get more Hostas for next year.

Finally got going

Finally got going

At long last I have started in earnest on the next section of the front corner. That good old Buzz is cutting in again. There really nothing like that feeling when a new project is started. The difference it made to the area just to get the dead growth raked off. One more spray of weedkiller will wipe out the small amount of weeds from this year.

Looking at the area when it was all cleared, I may even bring in the next area and work on both at the same time.

The plan is for shrubs along the fence, grass and not fully sure what will happen the mound in the far corner (not in photo).  Need to think that one out.

Pity the rain has stopped progress, but still happy with what has been done. Lots of the new plants from Mount Venus are just about to flower, can't wait to see the results.

Bad Day

Bad Day

Really miserable morning here on the East coast. Took this shot of Stipea seed heads against blue sky the other day. Most likely the only blue sky we will see today.

What's going on?

What's going on?

I came home this evening hoping to see another poppy open. No such luck. The flower stem is backend and bent over at the same spot. Some of the tips of the leaves are blackening as well. Any ideas please?

Hordeum jubatum (for Rachel) and all.

Hordeum jubatum (for Rachel) and all.

This is a photo of my Hordeum this evening. In Bill's last week there was a lovely deep red hue to his. Bill says it is down to soil type. The other difference is mine is inclined to fall over, where Bill's clumps of grass are tall and erect.

Still like it all the same.

We have a

Foxgloves

Flock of Birds, a Shoal of Fish, a Herd of Cattle, and so on and so on.

But what does one call a cluster of Foxgloves like this?

Invite

Invite

I am not ready, or should I say the garden is not ready to be opened up for an all out open day. But I would like to put out an open invitation to anyone who traveling to Dublin or travelling through or close to the Shankill/Bray area if you would like to call in and have a look you are all more than welcome.

Sadly work gets in the way and I work Mon-Fri, but I can take half days if I have notice. Likewise, there is a family here and there are commitments there also.

But with a little advance notice, I will do my best to oblige. Be warned, there is a large area still been worked on in a big way, so it is a work in progress.

Just send a message and we will see what can be sorted ;-))

Nature takes the lead

Nature takes the lead

Some time ago I was asking advice on softening the gravel area. The driftwood piece has help pull the eye away from the gravel. Plants will soon be tumbling over the rocks of the boarder (thanks Myrtle).

But Mother Nature has also stepped in to lend a hand. This Sedum self seeded last year in this spot. I was really surprised to see it come back after the winter we had. But come back it has.

Some of this plant will be moved and placed around the other slabs, so we will see what that does over time.

Poppy

Poppy

At last I am now able to join the Poppy Club. This bud was closed tight this time yesterday. Then this brightened up my day. These will be increased in this garden, that's for sure ;-))

Old plant, new appearance

Old plant, new appearance

This caught my eye this evening, stopped me in my tracks for a second. The Libertia goldfinger, with flowers falling from the Foxglove that is overhead, takes on a new appearance.

Pots Galore

Pots Galore

Love this arrangement of plants and the effet they add to the area. They do take effort, but well wort it.

What am I?

What am I?

This plant is in the basket from the previous journal, but What is it? I have lables or know what everything else is, missed this one. Any ideas please.

A basket of Foliage

A basket of Foliage

You may remember a while ago, I planted up an old Linen basket that was going a begging. Really amazed with the foliage in it today. If it not flowered so far (which it will soon), a real example of the effect of what foliage, on it's own, can add  to your garden.

For Deborah

For Deborah

Hope this is of some use to you.

Question for Bill

Love this colour

Bill, I meant to ask the name of this Rose yesterday. It's a great colour.

Not much doing

Gladious 'tritis' seedlings

Wow I had been hoping for some rain, as everything was so dry. Looks like the man above listened to me, has beemn teaming down here for the last few hours.

Some of the seed Deborah sent me from Terra Nova are doing well. Will be some time till these will be in flower, but will be great when they do.

For Bill

Mr. Dapper/Scrubber

Straight from filming the latest episode of, Off The Rails to Headgardener's in Wexford 

All planted up.

Bill's shade area

Still reeling from the visit to Bill's yesterday. Looking at the rain out there now, we were lucky with the day.

One of the great pleasures I had yesterday, was driving home with a new empty boot, with only a few plants that I had asked for. It was great to hand out the plants that people asked for, and then pass out all the remaining plants.

I had to use a lot of will power to say no to some of the plants on offer. But as I have no area ready for planting and no room in the existing boarders, I stuck to my guns, and kept my hands in my pockets.

For the few plants I did come home with, I thank you one and all, you know who you. Hoeys, Clare passed on the plants, they are planted already.

I planted them earlier as the rain was starting, lashing down now, sitting watching GW and a having a coffee. Have a good one.

Informer at Head Gardeners

Learn to tie your own laces...... please

You have all seen all the comments and photos of the wonderful day at Bill and Gabrielle's garden today.

There is an other side to the story. I was marked before I even arrived. He with the beady eyes was going on the visit, so much so Bill even had security set up.

As I arrived, I overheard a comment from the security guard, "that's him, the guy with the beady eyes, watch him".

To both of you I want to say thank you and well done on what you have both achieved in the short time you have been there. Be proud, very very proud.

Bill, just to prove you had it all wrong,and you were watching the wrong person. I am posting some photos, with the comments I heard as these photos were taken, look and learn.

First Cosmos

First Cosmos

You could not paint this, pure perfection.

So much for that idea

So much for that idea

I thought I would take one of the Rhodochiton plants into the house and have a interesting plant for all year round interest.

That was two weeks ago, this is what I spotted yesterday evening. Not dry or over watered. Have put it back outside, in the very slight chance   ;-((

Bruno, Can you ID again please......

Bruno, Can you ID again please......

Bruno, You gave me this plant in Mount Venus, I did take note of it when you ID ed it befor, but was not as well organised then, love the leaf. It really seems to be coming on great in the last few weeks.

Another Foxglove

Another Foxglove

This is a real beauty. It is only about 24" high, the flowers are tiny. This is one that seeds will be saved from, for sure.

Eldest Seedling

Aghhhh.......... Maths tomorrow............................

My eldest seedling seems to be suffering from the shock of the exams. So much so he thought he would mess with my camera, and snap himself. When he sees this, and he will,

guess who won't go near my camera again?

Blooming on neglect

Blooming on neglect

I should be shot for the way I treat the few roses I have. I have this one for years, it never did much, but I always liked the colour. Last Spring I moved it to the front garden in the corner of the wall. I was surprised to see so much new growth on it this year.

It is now nearly four feet and covered in buds. seems to like it's new home.

Time repay it with some TLC, for the great show it is putting on.

Day Lily

Day Lily

Hermerocallis Citrina opened today, more of a spring like colour, but loving it.

FYI Martin

FYI Martin

Martin this is the Silver Birch with the three remaing new shoots. I have since taken the dead stem out. All going well, I will end up with a ery interesting tree.

It will look great in a few years, for my 40th birthday ;-))

Well pleased

Well pleased

Despite Criken still having a grumpy face, I am really pleased with the way the grasses are coming on around the Driftwood. At least I'm smiling.

Bruno's Impatiens

Bruno's Impatiens

I think this plant has now been renamed, officially. Just starting to flower, despite the self seeding issue that I still have to experience, the flowers look well worth the effort.

Terra Nova Stowaway

Terra Nova Stowaway

This the plant that I found the roots of entwined in the roots of a Birch that Martin gave be. Can anyone tell at this early stage what it is?

Thanks as always.

What am I?

What am I?

This looks familar, but can't place it. It is popping up through a Mount Venus plant, so not sure if it's a self seeder or what. I shoud know it. 

A movable planter

A movable planter

Most pots and planters are easily moved. But I have just sorted out the most easily moved planter of them all.

What does one do with a wheelbarrow that is falling apart. Well you can strengthen the base with some wood, line it with plastic, fill with compost and plant up with all your plants in waiting that you are struggling to find space for.

Different I know, but then that is what i seem to be good at.

Suffering from Bambooitist

Suffering from Bambooitist

I think I am suffering from a serious illness, that is getting worse day by day. This is Bamboo Pleioblastus 'virdistiotus'. Hosta gave me this as a bare stem, I had no idea what to expect. What a fabulous leaf.

Hosta, I love it. It will fit in so well in the driftwood bed, thank you so much.

Foxglove, where does it stop?

Foxglove, where does it stop?

My first time growing them, but I have never seen Foxgloves this height before. Is this the norm with some varities of this plant or what?

These are some of Chilipepper's plants that he gave me last  year, thanks Dave.

Every day, somthing new

Every day, somthing new

and today it's Clematis 'General Sikorski' great colour, another one of the €1 bargains I got earlier in the year.

Growing Thistles

Growing Thistles

If someone had said to me a few years ago I would have thistles growing in my garden and be proud of that fact, I would have laughed and laughed at them.

This is Silybum, a member of the Thistle family, isn't it amazing. It's an annual, but will be collecting seed, and it also self seeds, which is even better.

Will be getting a few more of these

Eryngium 'jade frost'

Eryngium 'jade frost'. The blue is just starting to to come through now and looks very striking against the surrounding greenery. I saw mass planting of this at Bloom. I think it looks more striking mixed in singularly like this.

Name please

Name please

This is the shrub I am try to do cloud pruning with. I did ask for an ID before I got an answer, but cannot find the journal.

It has small glossy leaves, scented, no flowers.

Any ideas?

Don't all laugh together

Cloud Tree in the making

But I am hoping that in a few years these clouds will have filled out and look half decent. Only time will tell, now.

Maria was underwhelmed to say the least when I showed it to her.

For anyone going to Headgardener's

In need of a home

Looking foreword to seeing Bill's garden next weekend and meeting up with some of the members on their first get together.

Below is a list of plants I will have with me, I am not swapping these plants, they are there for the taking. I am just so glad I can return the generosity that has been shown to myself.

It's a case of first come first served.

1 x Solid ago (Golden Rod)

1 x Arum maculatum pictum

1 x Geranium (mauve colour)

1 x Carex (mini/small) type

1 x Aquailega (pink colour)

8 x Hellebours seedlings

2 x Phalaris ‘arundinaceous' bamboo/grass 18"tall

1 x Weigela (pink)

1 x Japanese Anemone (white) dug up by accident today so these may not do a lot this year, so a patience required.

Sometimes it's under your nose all the time.......

Make over awaits

and you just don't see it. I have been thinking of a cloud tree of some kind for a while now. The idea was enforced by the ones I saw in the Chinese garden at Bloom. I was wonder what I could use that would not cost a fortune.

Going through photos I took over the last few days, I spotted this shrub, it is been hidden away with my new planting. I think I feel a removal job coming on.

Once I get it out I will see fully what potential  it has.

The geranium looks great creeping up through it.

For Dick

For Dick

Dick, I thought you would like to see a closer view of the leaves on the Acer.

Slug Defence

Slug Defence

I have been watching this Hosta for any sign of slug/snail attack, nothing so far (am I tempting fate) by saying this. Really looking well, as sat in the garden today (which I did a good bit) it dawned on me maybe, they don't like the granite chippings, hehe.

Anyone got a name on this Hosta, please?

Down to positioning

Down to positioning

I love this Acer (no name) it has great shape and just blends in so well in this area. The detail of the leaf is to die for, so fine and delicate.

All going to plan

All going to plan

Really pleased with the Driftwood boarder. The grasses seem to be settling in very well. I am very happy with the Stipa at the back, in a few short years there will be a lot more seed heads blowing around in the wind. Even with these three I can see the effect is just what I was hoping for.

Focusing on the issue

Lychnis 'white robin'

One of the garden planting schemes that I was struck by yesterday was the Focus Ireland garden, mainly based on woodland setting. I has really got me thinking about the far corner. If it was possible, to lift that garden on move it to Shankill, it would fit in perfectly. Sadly it would cost an arm and leg to do anything like it, but I might see about planning a way of building something like this over time.

One plant that looked so well in this scheme was Lychnis 'white robin' a beautiful plant. So of course, one found it's way home with me.

Moya, I hope you managed to get one for yourself also.

Hope everyone who went to Bloom today had a blooming ball...................

Bloom, hot hot hot

A have to have for my Japanese area

Wow, it was hot hot hot at Bloom today. Met up to say hello with Fintan and Moya, Bill sorry about the mix up but will see you next week ;-))

My phone died after meeting Moya, so could not contact anyone else, sorry guys.

I was well impressed with what I saw, none of the gardens blew me away, but did see lots a things and planting schemes and ideas that I liked. I was very well controlled in the plant sales area, as I have nowhere to plant much at the moment, the notebook is filling up with names etc.

Lots of photos taken will sort them and post an album later.

Enjoy your day, and I really hope it is not as hot as it was to day.

Morning

Morning

dew on flower petals.

Impostors

Impostors

Spotted two potato plants in my Boarder 50 last evening. Their doing no harm and might give me a few nice spuds ;-))

What an absolutely fantastic morning, just had breakfast outside, not a breath of wind. Pure perfection. Have a good day ye all.

R and R

Pelargonium 'ardens'

One has to do it now and again.

Off for four days, Bloom tomorrow, watching recordings of Chelsea, a glass of Vino and a few hours spent in the garden this evening. So easily pleased us gardeners.

Think I found this Pelargonium 'ardens' I forgot to take it in for the winter. Am sure what I found this evening is this plant. Yes, there are days like this..................

Photo is from last year.

A job worth doing.

A job worth doing.

If I keep doing certain jobs, I will be locked up for sure. As I have said many a time and some of you have seen I am surrounded by trees on one side, and come the end of the year leaves are a major issue.

Of late, I noticed there was a lot of crap in between the gaps in the decking. i tackled the job this evening, With a scraper, brush and an old hoover. Two hours later the difference is unreal. The decking is down 3 years, so this job was well overdue.

What an absolutely fantastic evening. Roll on tomorrow, Bloom here we come.

Thought it was gone.

Thought it was gone.

Trilled with this find today, I was sure it was gone. I was also looking for it in the wrong place, which does not help in any way at all ;-)).

Anthericum 'illago' a real deicate flower, just like myself ;-))

No Name

No Name

I have no name on this Agastache, there is a slim (very slim) chance it is a self seeder. Like the Apricot Spike, this one has a fabulous scent when you rub it's leaves.