Last Post 627 days 11 hours ago
31 August 2011 21:36:56
Fern Bed
Really pleased with the way the ferns have come on in the fern bed. I spent some time weeding it this evening. A few Fox gloves self seeded from last year which was great to see, and these will blend in well in the area next year.
I also noticed that some Lady's Mantle had self seeded also. I like the combination of these and the ferns, but not sure how they will look next to the ferns, next year when they are bigger.
Has any one else mixed these two plants together, or do you think it may be a marriage that will not last?
31 August 2011 21:27:09
Hellebore
Spotted this flower this evening, don't know whether it is very early or very late, but great to see it anyway ;-))
30 August 2011 21:21:55
Bruno, can I have the name again, please.
Bruno, I know you told me the name on Saturday, but I heard so many names I have forgotten. Where was my notebook that I promised I would faitfully use ;-(
30 August 2011 21:08:24
Echinacea
Starting to look good just now. I have a couple of these plants this year and am just wondering if they bulk up quickly?
29 August 2011 20:46:32
Lesson Learnt
I used a tip this year of sowing my sweetpea in toilet rolls and transplanting the entire piece into the ground, as these plants do not like their long roots been disturbed.
I planted four different groups of sweetpea, all but one did very well, could not understand why. Then last night I was reading Jane Powers book and she was talking about the use of toilet rolls for sweetpea, but she also had a warning.
If the toilet rolls are left showing above the soil, the cardboard acts as a wick and rapidly increases the drying out of the soil. So when I checked this morning, sure enough most of the cardboard was above the soil level, problem solved and lesson learnt.
So, if you use toilet rolls for sowing your sweetpea remember this little tip.
29 August 2011 14:10:35
Hosta, not seeing the wood for the Trees .........
As you all know by now, some of us visited Hosta's garden on Saturday.
I was trilled to get the chance to see it. Basically you go form one section of the garden to the next. A vevy clever set of cuves and paths, add to the wonder of what you will see next.
I commented to Hosta about the amount of colour in the garden, Hosta replied, ''what colour''?
This is a real case of, 'not seeing the wood for the trees'. The amount of flowers still in bloom was great, but what I thought was even better was the 'foliage colour'.
I thought this was fantastic, and I am sure it was not by accident. Hosta thank you for allowing the visit, and for the plants I came away with, as promised.
Pictures will be posted now.
29 August 2011 10:55:54
New growth
Just look at the new growth shoots on the Rhodochiton, these were not there on Friday when I lifted it into this position. Despite the cooler weather of late it seems happy enough.
While in Terra Nova on Sunday morning I searched and searched for Martin's Rhodochiton that always seems to be doing as well as mine at the same time, sadly I could not find it anywhere.
Martin maybe next time you can show it to me...............youself ;-))
29 August 2011 09:13:02
Just for a laugh
I took the photo, but I swear I have no idea what is going on.
Maybe Greata could tell us ........... ;-))
28 August 2011 19:16:17
Garden Recipe
Take one good sized Bruno, ensure it is well stuffed with generous amounts of plant knowledge.
You will need one decent sized garden.
Keep mixing, allow this to blend together for a mere fifteen months.
Trow in some of the worst weather you can find, for this area.
Continue this mixing and blending in the evenings and any free time available.
You too, can then have a garden like this.
Chris and Bruno, thank you for a great day. We both really enjoyed our time with you both.
27 August 2011 07:26:36
A welcome Angel
Last photo of Clematis 'blue angel', which is now fully opened. Love this colour and will only improve and get bigger with time, all going well.
Any advice on when to cut / prune clematis back, would be appreciated. Must do some googling also.
26 August 2011 22:40:04
One of this years lessons
Overall I'm very pleased with what has been done in the garden this year. One improvment I wanted from last year was to extend the flowering interest in the garden, that has been achived for sure.
What I have discoverd is that some of the plants that I now have are totally planted in the wrong area. In the back border, there are several plants that are way to big for the area.
So some planning will be needed to sort this issue out. then some more home work done on what to replace them with.
Problems Problems, but we do love them.
26 August 2011 22:10:49
A great Bloom in the garden today.
Blooming Amazing
Don't half scrub up well.
26 August 2011 07:38:28
Aster
Just coming into flower now. Need to check this one, think it is another of Periwinkles donations to my garden. It has a lovely compact habit, will be a mass of colour in a week or so.
25 August 2011 21:12:57
Eupatorium 'purpureum'
Just coming into flower now, also known as Pye weed. It is another tall upright plant that I seem to be developing a thing for. This is another of my Mount Venus plants from last year, so anyone going there in a few weeks may see it. Came through last Winter which is good as well.
25 August 2011 21:04:24
Autumn coat
This Acer is starting to show it's true colour for this time of year. This one dropped it's leaves very fast last year, so will watch it to get some better photos of it.
24 August 2011 21:28:38
I really am sorry Garden.ie team, but this is the first time I have say, I think you have made a mistake.
This change in the positions of peoples comments on journals by members, will make it harder to follow coments made. We now have to scroll down to see the first comment, and then work our way back up. Does not make sense to me.
If I am missing something, please let me know.
What do other people think.
24 August 2011 07:14:16
Rosa 'noname'
I have no name on this rose, but it flowered well back in May. It is about to bust into flower again with even more flowers this time.
One problem with this one is the stems do not seem to be able to support the weight of the flowers. Would this be a feeding isssue or is it just the plant itself?
Either way, this one is growing on me ;-0
23 August 2011 20:52:41
Rudbeckia
My first year having these, and looking at them as they start to open fully, I can only ask why did I not have them before.
23 August 2011 20:04:05
Rachel,I think you can help....
I think this is one of the seedlings you gave me earlier this year. I have lost the label, and have no idea what it is. Sorry the photo is not the best.
23 August 2011 07:35:47
In the pink.....sorry white, yes definitely white.
I thought I had lost all my white Anemones this winter. Then last week I spotted this one coming up at the back of the border. I watched and watched then this morning I was sure, one white one made it. I like the pink, but white is my favorite in this plant.
23 August 2011 07:19:12
Solanum 'lacintum'
After a rough start, this plant is really showing it's best features now. The shape of the leaves that caught my attention in Bill's journal to start with are looking great. now.
And to top it all, I spotted flower buds, so if I'm really lucky I may have seeds for next year.
22 August 2011 21:02:54
Astelia 'banksii'
Despite my not getting as far advanced in the front corner as I planned, I am already planning ahead for next year.
I'm really pleased with the way this Astelia has come on this, I bought this in Johnstown earlier in the year at the get together. A large Carex in another pot and some Libertia in another has got me thinking about a display of grasses instead of the mixed planting as I have of present.
I am pleased with the back garden But think I have two much going on in it. A display of grasses could add great interest with been OTT altogether.
22 August 2011 20:37:20
Looking good together
The photo does do this combination of colours justice at all, really great combination and they look fantastic together.
21 August 2011 07:50:35
Passiflora, from Liga.
Liga, the little plant you gave me is over 1.3m tall and looking good. Don't think I will get flower this year, but I am really happy with how it's doing.
Will have to decide if I bring it in, or protect it for the Winter.
20 August 2011 18:57:42
Last of the poppies
Haha, thought that title might get some attention .......................
I'm glad I took this photo the other day, as they are totally gone this evening. They lasted longer than normal as there was little rain and no wind in tha last few days.
20 August 2011 18:48:45
Fennel
A much smaller show than last year but at least it survived the Winter, just starting to flower now. Is it possible to split this plant easily, as I don't want it getting to big in the area that it is in.
19 August 2011 20:34:54
Festuca 'intense blue'
This suffered badly in one of the boarders after last winter. So me been me, always willing to give plants that one last chance. So I potted it up, and looking at it now, glad I did.
19 August 2011 19:56:32
Astilbe 'inshriach pink'
We were sorting some things around the house today, found some lables from plants. This is one I am glad I found, you may be interested in it. The description below is from the web. This is a plant I would recommend.
'Inshriach Pink' ~ 'Inshriach Pink' is an upright, clump-forming dwarf perennial with deeply divided dark green leaves in summer turning bronze in autumn and spikes of pale pink flowers in summer.
The glossy leaves are fantastic, really compact. It has come through the last two winters not a bother.
19 August 2011 08:24:19
Ricinus Red
I know I have put an earlier photo up on this plant. But the detail on this flower just gets better all the time.
The colour of the new leaf adds to the whole effect. Fantastic detail.
19 August 2011 08:16:09
Did any one give me a Fuchsia?
In the centre of this planting I have tall, very lush soft stemmed Fuchsia with tiny light pink flowers about to open. I have had nothing like this typr of Fuchsia and have no idea where it came from.
Really baffeled on this one.
18 August 2011 22:07:47
Blue Angel takes over the show.
Clematis 'blue angel' is the main plant in the Japanese corner at the moment. have down loaded some photos for August, something going wrong with my Laptop, captions have been lost again. Will try and sort it tomorrow.
18 August 2011 18:51:53
Hibiscus
This one is opening just now. It is slightly hidden at the back of the border, due to plants growing bigger than expected. But as it grows it will add great late interest.
I have another in the front garden that is covered in buds just about to open, photos will follow of this one.
18 August 2011 18:38:02
What is this?
I spotted this in amonst everything else today. I have no idea what it is.
18 August 2011 07:50:12
Like this
combination of colours, just seem to work well together.
The last few mornings there is a real touch of Autume in the air. I adore this time of year, just seems to be someting in the air. The next couple of months are often great weatherwise, so enjoy them to the fullest.
So can we stop giving out about the bad Summer, which was not really that bad, we have had worse. Stop all the talk of Winter, which will come anyway, no matter what we say. Any day we get up and can do time in the garden, share time with family and friends, is a good day.
17 August 2011 21:32:37
Paddy and Mary's
As we all know there has been great reports and photos of garden visits from accross the country in the last few weeks.
One thing that I have noticed is the difference it makes when looking at photos of a visit, after you have visited that garden yourself.
You now know the garden, where the person was standing when the photo was taken, you are also left wondering how did I miss that, or I never saw that.
Long may it last, and thanks to all concerned.
17 August 2011 07:33:15
Good Luck
Like ourselves, I know there are others out there with results expected today.
Good Luck to all.
16 August 2011 21:36:52
Another one bites the dust.
This raised bed at the corner of the extension was down for a revamp later in the year. I had no idea what I was going to do with it, but I did want a feature plant of some kind.
Then this morning, while looking at the Acanthus, which has to be moved due to the size it grows to. I then walk by the raised bed and it suddently struck me that is the perfect place for it. It can grow away to it's heart's content.
Some spring bulbs for early interest, and another area bits the dust.
And another one's gone,
another one's gone,
another one bites the dust.
16 August 2011 07:43:15
Lemon Queen
Helianthus 'lemon queen' is just starting to flower here now. An upright plant, 1.3m tall, needs no staking, lots of flower buds, love the bright colour of this moving in the wind. Came through last Winter ok, so must be hardy.
Looks good out there this morning, the garden looks good after the rain last night.
15 August 2011 22:19:50
Barrow all full up.
Really pleased with the way most of the plants in the wheelbarrow have done. This was used as a nursery planter, as I had no room for donated and swapped plants. Over the Winter it will get a coat of paint, be planted up for the spring and more thought will be done on next years planting.
15 August 2011 22:10:20
Could anyone tell me when is the best time to sow Lunaria (Honesty) seeds.
Thanks as always.
This plant has special meaning to Maria and myself, so would love to get it growing here.
15 August 2011 06:51:45
Six Months On
I still find it hard to believe this bed was only planted 6 months ago. I has come on so well. If the promised rain does not come I will have to soak these beds tonight, really dry and plants showing signs of it.
A few things were planted in the wrong place, so will make notes and move them later in the year.
14 August 2011 21:52:36
Snap Happy Aoife
While I was up to my arms in the pond this afternoon, Aoife snapped this great shot.
Well done Aoife, nice one ;-))
14 August 2011 21:29:48
So where's the 'hot lips' gone?
This happen last year as well, but not to the same extent.
Salvia 'hot lips' was putting on a great show, fantastic show of red and white. Then slowly the red disappears completely. The flowers are now totally white, a name of 'snow lips' would be more apt.
Has anyone else come accross this?
14 August 2011 19:40:43
Hidden away
in the wheel barrow planter, I spotted this lovely Begonia. They were very slow to even come into leaf let alone flower. Love this one with the pure white.
14 August 2011 19:32:03
An Angel in my garden.
No I'm not talking about the better half this time ;-))
Clematis 'blue angel' is just coming into bloom. Perfect timing as the lilies have just gone over, so more interest is just starting. This area is proving to be good are for on going colour, if only other areas were as good.
14 August 2011 08:42:56
Classey leaves
Some 'Rainbow Chard' from, Deborah's seeds sown earlier in the year. This was another new ones on me here. I love the glossey leaves, there are a couple of plants dotted around and I am very pleased with the impact they have. One plant is about to flower so I will be keeping seed for next year ;-))
14 August 2011 08:37:30
Hover fly taking a rest .........
No idea what is wrong with me lately, cannot seem to get going at all. The last couple of weeks I had plans to tackel another bit in the front corner and just could not get going at all.
We were away for a few days and had plans for today, but just can't seem to get the body in line with the way the brain is thinking. Is it possible to be ''gardened out'' do you think?
So will do a little watering of planters, deadheading and pottering about. The front corner is going nowhwere, and a few weeks here or there won't be the end of the world.
So today is for enjoying and pottering in the garden.
13 August 2011 21:43:12
No Prize for this one
but just wondering do you know what this little beauty is. I do and I have to say it is even better in the flesh. When you know what it is, it might think about planting a few different things to see what happens.
11 August 2011 09:49:22
Cosmos 'candy stripe'
I have four plants of this that Cloncaw gave me. Each plant is slightly different, this is the one I like the best. Does the female side of the world of good ;-))
11 August 2011 09:46:01
Mini Astilibe
I don't have a name on this one. Grows to about 35 cm, lovely glossey leaves, very tight compact plant. Looks great most of the year. Hoping to divide it later on so should have some to share next year all going well.
11 August 2011 09:42:30
Pinhead Alliums
These got a battering from the rain last night, they are well 'hung over'. Must get more of these to dot around the place.
11 August 2011 06:50:03
Thanks Folks
A while ago I asked for help with cuttings of my mums old Carnationon. So I am very happy with this result, thank you. This plant is a real old variety going back to my grandparents and the scent is out of this world.
11 August 2011 06:41:12
Phygelius
Just coming intp flower now (later than normal) on the edge of the Japanese area. The lilies are just going over, so these are taking over now and Clematis 'blue angel' is about to flower any day. I'm really pleased with the way the flowering sucession has worked in this area. There are a few late flowering plants still to follow, if only the rest of the garden was as well planned.
I love this colour with the tiles behind, this was an accident but don't tell anyone ;-))
10 August 2011 07:16:55
Bonsai forest begins
I spotted this little seeding in the Bonsai planter a few weeks ago. I thought it was a Birch, am now sure it is. Another gift from nature.
I will see how it goes, and decide if it stays in the planter or not, it's too small to say if it will survive but willing to chance it anyway.
09 August 2011 21:26:28
Letter to Gracedieu Lass
Dear Paddy and Mary,
I hope this letter finds you both well. I do miss my old garden, but Fran is looking after me very well, and I am making some great friends here. The soil seems fairly good, and during dry spells he has watered me well and my roots are spreading out already.
Paddy, Fran my look many many years younger than you. But his memory is much much worst. He does remember you explaining about the shape and divisions on my leaves been connected to my name.
Could you please put this poor man out of his misery and tell him my name. I keep shouting it at him each time he looks at me, but has not learnt 'plant talk' the way both of you have.
Please sent best wishes to all my old pals in the garden.
Yours Sincerely,
????????????????
08 August 2011 22:05:19
Solanum 'lacintum'
A few weeks after Bill gave me this plant I was devestated to see the stem had been eaten through and the top half just hang on and totally limp.
It has now come back and three fine stems all doing well. Just love the foliage, very distintive. Thanks again Bill.
08 August 2011 21:13:10
Savaged
On a walk around the garden on Saturday morning I notice one of the Ricnus plants that had been slow to do much, was making late but rapid progess. It was coved in big lush leaves, really looked great.
From the patio door this evening I noticed someting amiss in the planter. I went down, the Ricnus has been savaged, eight or ten big leaves, stems and all have disappeared. not a sign of anything on the ground. No sign of what did it, nothing.
The plant is basically a stalk with a flower, any ideas?
08 August 2011 07:33:57
Lots of satisfaction
Every now and again it just hits you in the face.
Nature.
In Feburary I planted some seeds in a little compost. Some germinated, some did not. I lost some when they were potted on, others died along the way.
But when you stand back a look at a fantastic pant like this, grown from seed, you smile and say ''I'm doing something right''
Of couse mother nature helps along the way also. But there is a great feeling of satisfaction
07 August 2011 21:02:59
Monarda
I came home with some more plants yesterday. Thank you one and all, I am really pleased with them all.
One in particular is Monarda, thanks Bruno. I love the flower but the stem has really caught my attention. It is as near to square as nauture could do. This going into the Japanese corner where I think it will fit in very well. Googled it today and looks great when it bulks up.
One funny thing from yesterday was, as Bruno was handing e another plant, Bill (Headgardener) walked by and commented ''whatever it is Fran, you can be sure it's invasive''.
I think poor Bruno is developing a name for himself
Once again, I came back with less plants than I brought, so that's good.
Thanks Everyone ;-)
07 August 2011 19:03:04
Totally misplaced
but I have to be honest with you........
While your garden is a work in progress, and what you have achived in the time you have been there is a credit to you. You have a fantastic eye for working with what nature has given you. This I know will only go from strength to strength and I look foreword to seeing it develope over time.
There is one thing that is out of place and I really think I have to say it. While the others thought it looked great, I understand these things and I have to tell you the wood trunk/planter with the fern in it, just does not suit your garden at all. It is not rustic enough.
So if ever you decide to remove it, I am more than willing to take care of the removal problem......
All joking aside, Jurgita has an amazing garden, fantastic plans that will all come to pass with time. Best of luck to you all, and thanks again for a great evening.
07 August 2011 08:54:50
Longest day
Maria summed it all up perfectly last night as we stopped outside the house last night.
Deserts in Rachel's, Starters in Jurgita's, Main course in my friends Anne's, a ne dimension to Meals on Wheels.
Can't find much more to say about Rache's that has not already been said. The difference in the garden was amazing, extra growth new beds. All the work we have read about just came together perfectly. Great to meet eveyone and some new .ier's for the ffirst time. Rachel / Noman and co thanks for a great day and the Derserts ;-))
After a scenic drive we then visited Jurgita's, Jacinta said it when she said 'dark horse'. Jurgita has a fantastic garden and the amount of work that has been done is amazing. The setting of this garden is stunning, but I'm afraid in Winter ''your welcome to it'' The soup was to die for, and everything in it was from the garden. Well done to both of you and for the wonderful welcome.
We then travelled on to my friends in Kilcoole, for the main course ;-)) After the wedding on Friday, we were shattered ast night getting home.
But as Maria also said, a great time was had with llovely relaxed people, thank you one and all.
With all the photos been posted I have decide to hold mine back, and will post them some Winter's evening to lift our spirits and remind us of brighter days.
Thank you one and all, am trilled with the plants that traveled home.
06 August 2011 08:08:04
Beaufield Mews
Had a great day at the wedding yesterday. The gardens were simple out of this world, what a setting for photos. It was like sitting in a private garden.
Need to dispose of some cobweds before heading to Wexford.
05 August 2011 09:22:12
Best till last
This is the last of the Poppies to open. Could not plan it better, love them all but this is the best ;-))
05 August 2011 07:09:16
Not a gardening issue, just thought you might enjoy this.
We have a civil wedding today of a very good friend. There was a blessing in the church last evening. We arrived as everyone was going into the church. As I walked into the porch I spotted the most wonderful old granite trough standing on an even more amazing granite base.
I pointed it out to Maria, she said ''yeah, it's nice and look it's on wheels''.
Sure enough, it was standing on a heavy metal with castors. I had visions of myself pushing it from Cabinteely to Shankill and wodering would anyone notice.
Temptation should not come from within the doors of a church ;-))
I wonder could it be done under the cover of darkness ..............hmmmm
04 August 2011 06:44:17
How things change.
I was talking to Maria last evening about travelling to Bruno's at the end of the month, and I got thinking about the effect this site is having accross the country.
When I fist discovered the site, I think I looked in for a couple of months thinking how brave these people are posting photos and journals.
Many efforts were made to press that 'save' button on my first journal. Then the trill of a response, and the welcomes that followed.
Next step was my first visit to another .ier, that was strange, travelling to some one you never met before and within minutes being totally at ease.
After that was get togethers and garden visits. Opening my garden 'no I would never do that', yet it is planned for next year and there is a general ongoing invite to anyone who may be passing the area.
Now we read of garden open days, garden trails and mini get togethers in all parts of the country.
With everything else that is going on in this country of ours, we need these escapes all the more.
Enjoy Enjoy Enjoy
03 August 2011 23:07:39
For Froach
Heather, Agastache 'apricot sprite', a great colour.
03 August 2011 21:10:48
Agastache ??
Far to wet to check the full name of this one. Photo taken the other day, I love the colour of this one.
They are great plants, and even got a comment from Colin the other day. He notice the planted up wheelbarrow, asked when I did it?
Only 3 months ago, well at least he did notice ;-))
PS Thanks Rachel
03 August 2011 20:37:40
Don't tell the Northsider
but it is only when something is gone you realise how good it is.
The site is much quiter with Jacinta away. Her journals are full of interest, bits and pieces of everything, but always there with someting to say.
No idea how she does it.
Not a word to her about this, have to keep this north / south thing going ;-))
03 August 2011 07:47:41
Six weeks on
Campanula Elizabeth is now in it's sixth week of flowering, I think it looks good against the Astilibe. This area is going from strength to strength, and no changes are planned at all.
03 August 2011 07:17:55
Cuphea
After a slow start Cuphea has finally started to bloom it's socks off. This will now flower well into the first bad frosts. I have never tried to save seed from this one, so that is a task for later in the year.
02 August 2011 22:06:22
Astrantia
I collected seeds from my plants this evening. It was easy to see what was ready to be collected. So anyone going to Rachels on Saturday who would like to try some let me know.
I will collect more in a few weeks so can send seed on to anyone else in time.
02 August 2011 07:09:03
It's in the memory
Funny, how a simple little flower like this can stir such deep memories.
I called into my mam in the nursing home on Sunday and came way feeling fairly down. Then yesterday evening after work I walked around the garden and spotted this, and all I could do was smile and remember days past. I picked this plant up earlier in the year.
Mam had the biggest display of these in the front garden at home. I was a great hiding place for snails. As kids we would often collect the snails in the morning, sit on the edge of the footpath and roll one snail out at a time. You could not roll another one out till your last one was crushed by a car, whoever emptied their container first was the winner.
Maybe not totally PC, but boy it kept us quite. We were not totally bad, if a snail managed to make it safely beyond the danger zone, they were lifted and returned to the safety of a neighbours garden, never our own ;-))
The person I visited the other evening is so far from the person I remember from those days, it is unreal.
Memories.
As Clara said the other day, live love and laugh, for we never know.
01 August 2011 21:38:33
Foxglove against black driftwood.
I was triled the other day when Clare, Margaret and Rache were here. I worry of people coming to the see the garden, has gladly passed, after the first few garden.iers were here of the last year.
It was so relaxing, the weather was on our side 100%, a great time had by all.
The one thing that has surprised me are the photos taken of my garden. Lets be honest, it's not an overly large garden, but I was amazed at the different views other people spotted and snapped. It was strange to see my own garden through other peoples eyes.
Hope you know what I mean.
01 August 2011 19:59:38
''Spring at last'' .........
''ahhhh .......... by gum that was a long Winter''
''Eh, what's going on, am I first to blossom?''
''That's strange, no Daffs, no Snowdrops not even a Crocrus, where is everone?''
01 August 2011 07:15:57
Ricnus
The flowers on Ricnus red, I have still to make my mind up on. I do not know what I was expecting, but not totallly impressed as yet.
But the new foliage as it opens is just fantastic, great glossy coloured leaves, a keeper plant for sure in this garden.