fran m's Journal

Just for a laugh

Just for a laugh

Watching the Late Late debate for president. Maria turned around and asked ''well Fran why would you like to be President''?

Fran answered, ''A big Garden'' ...............

Aoife came in from Scouts, sat and watched a little bit of it. When Micheal D was talking, Aoife turned around and laughed, saying ''He's like Dobby'' (Harry Potter).

I just cracked up. 

Pots of change

Photo from last year.

Most of you will know I am big into my planters and pots, constantly moving and changing displays. I love the way an area can be changed with a little bit of rearranging and moving.

This does take time and effort, but it is time well spent in my book.

But next year I am planning to put special/different plants into larger pots. I will be placing these pots in group settings in different areas around the garden. There will be still some of the smaller pots in use, but am planning to use these for lots of bulb planting but that will be another story.

Lashing rain out there at the moment, no gardening tomorrow, so after the match on Sunday morning, full steam ahead ;-)) 

Arum

Arum

Clare gave be this Arum last year. It flower great in the Spring, I spotted the new leaves showing already, is it normal to have new growth and seed heads at the same time. My first time with these so am unsure if this is normal.

Last one (I promise)

Last one (I promise)

I have put a few photos of these Acers in the last few days. I know the leaves will drop suddenly, so this is the last photo I will bore ;-)) you guys with on these.

They are just magic in their Autumn colours. 

Looking ahead

Stipa gigantea

I hate wishing my life away, by looking foreword to the future to much.

But in this situation I think you may understand. I have been doing a lot of heavy work over the last couple of years, and another year to go most likely. While I have enjoyed it, seeing the changes and results of that work is very satisfying.

I really, truly cannot wait to have a gardening year of simply, maintaining, twicking small bits here and there and simply enjoying the fruits of all that work.

On reading back over this journal, I am once again in total awe of some of you guys and what you have achieved in much bigger gardens in the same time span.

I do know, like all gardeners, I will always be changing and altering things, but all the serious work will be done.

I am so looking to been able to simply maintain my garden.

So, I suppose it's really just a case of saying well done one and all ;-)) 

Bulking up already.

Monarda

Bruno gave me a Monarda at Rachel's get together in the summer. It is sending out lots of new growth already. This plant is destined for the Japanese area next year, it will be going into the new planter that will be made over the winter and be in place for the spring.

If you don't have any.......change your ways.

If you don't any.......change your ways.

Acers are a great to have at any time of the year. But they really come into their own at this time of year. The colours show even better when surrounded by greens etc.

Screening off.

Screening off.

I thing I have learnt after some garden visits this year, is the effect of moving from one area to another when you can't see what you are going to next.

So after think out what I could do in my garden to create this effect, I can up with what I think will work well.

I planted 3 plants of Bamboo, that will screen off the Border 50 area from the new area where all the work will be done over the Winter.

Really pleased with it, some more wore to be done on the wooden egde, but that won't take long. Tired, but nothing better than realizing a dream is close to coming through. 

Scrubber, I take my hat off to you, Sir.........

Some of what was moved.

Peter, I am in awe of your enegry.

Today was another great day here. I was out early.

Concentrating on the far corner, hedges and Leylandi were cut back. Under the Leydayii I discovered more granite that I had forgotten about. I now have enough to use for a section of my grass bed, really happy about that.

The wheelbarrow trye went flat, so a lot of rolling, sweating and grunting was done moving some of this stone.

Peter, you are a better man than me, in relation to rock gardening, next time we meet, all advice and tips wiil be welcome. 

Cirsium rivulalre

Cirsium rivulalre

From flower to seedhead in one photo.

Sorry, cropping spoiled the photo again. 

Pet of a day.

Pet of a day.

What a fantastic Autumn day it was today. Had things to day this afteroon so spent most of the morning out side. It was so much easier trying to decide where to put some of the new plants.

It made it so much easier to decide where plants shoud go when you have the surrounding  plants in full growth.

I like where this Stipa 'tenuissima' will be positioned.

Hope to get a full day out there tomorrow. 

Don't come much smaller

Aster 'laterifolius'

This is Aster 'laterifolius' from Bay garden. I bought it when there earlier in the month. It was just starting to flower there yesterday, so looked at mine today. The first few flowers are open.

As this plant bulks up it is covered in thousands of flowers that cover the plant completely. Like it already even before it's planted up. 

Pennisetum macrourum 'tail feathers'

Photo from the web

Spotted a striking grass at Bay Garden yesterday (one of the many) on asking Ian about it, not only was I given the name and details, Ian also presented me with a plant.

Like many Pennisetum it not hardy, but will try and keep it in the shed over winter. I be saving seed also.

Googled it last night and says it should survive a winter with some protection, so you never know. 

Looks like a great day out there, enjoy if you can. 

Limited space

Limited space

Looks packed, but there was room for some more after the visit to Bay Garden ;-))

The rain on the way down was some of the worst I had ever seen. Eased and stopped as I arrived. I arrived a few minutes after 2.00, and already the Wexford duo of Rachel and Bill could be seen in the plant sales area.

Their plants already set aside. Was there anything left for me, I wondered. Well from what was left, i picked up the following,

Lobelia 'Queen Victoria'

Euphoria 'white swan'

Stipa 'tenuissima'

Miscanthus sinensis 'morning light' x 2

Pennisetum macrourum 'tail feathers' from Ian.

Bill dumbfounded me with a box of grass seedlings for my new area. Bill thank you so much, and for all the advice. Sadly Bill had to head off. Rachel of course came with plants in hand, they were on my wanted list so I did accept them, despite what I said the other day.

Rachel and myself took a walk around the garden.

The difference in the garden in just a couple of weeks was amazing. I will put up some photos shortly. Great to see you both again.

Nature has a sense of humour.

Nature has a sense of humour.

Spotted this little flower yesterday in the drftwood bed, had to get down on my knees to have a closer look. ''What is it, as there is nothing there but grasses''.

I had a good laugh at myself, part of a Rhodochiton flower had fallen on a spike of Chives upside down, and looked so like a flower of some kind.

Pity, because it looks so interesting. 

Icebergs in for a treat.

Iceberg

I have two Iceberg roses, and I should be shot for the I have treated them. Despite that, they have always produced lovely roses.

Come later in the year, they will be repotted, fresh compost and manure and I should be well rewarded next year.

It is a beautiful rose. 

Kaffir Lilies

Kaffir Lilies

Just starting to open now. I think this another great plant for colour at this time of year. There will be weeks of flowering as these open slowly.

Autumn planter

Autumn planter

The Chysanthemun I bought the other day was placed into the planter of Carex, I think it looks well for the season that's in it.

Trying to convince Maria that I had not let the grass die was another issue. 

Good day

Good day

Looking like a lovely September day out there. What more could a soul ask for, Rubgy will having breakfast, a day planned in the garden, a garden visit tomorrow, and a couple of days off next week.

Have a good day, anyone going to Huntingbrook, have a great time. 

Cutting back

Cutting back

One of the  great times about this site is the new plants we learn about and the plants we been able to add through our well known plant swaps.

I like so many others have plants in our gardens that we never heard of, or even knew about, and I thank you one and all.

I have now come to a decision that I am going to concentrate on what I find do well here. I will be trying my best not to accepting offers of plants just because they are there, but will be accepting plants that will fit into what I am planning here.

Please do not think I'm been rude, it is simply a case of I have think I have now found the direction I want my garden to take and will be sticking to it.

I will be offering plants as I divide or move things and you will be more than welcome. It really is a good feeling when you find your aims are in sight. There will always be changes and long may that last, but I am so looking to having all this heavy work done. 

Another Acer

Another Acer

Love the colour tis one is going. I have this in a planter, think it will go into a border for next year, it's a decent size, nearly 3ft.

Thuja Trouble

Thuja Trouble

I planted these two Thuja inthe gravel at the step off the decking. They were doing great but in the last few weeks I have noticed browning occuring from the stems out. When I shook one this evening, alot of dead brown growth fell off.

Is this normal, for this time of year?

Would it be a case of the soil been two wet under the weed block and gravel?

Any ideas most welcome. 

Coming into their own.

Coming into their own.

Starting to make their presence felt in the garden just now are the Sedums, don't have a name on this one.

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum

While in B&Q last evening I spotted this mum. It is very close to the colour one I am looking for. This is one of the compact ones

I am looking for one of the tall growing varieties, with more rust in the colour, if anyone ever sees one like it could you please let me know.

Reduced to €2, so even happier. 

Mooning

Mooning

Go on admit it, you were wondering what you were going to see.............

Aoife spotted the moon the other morning, pleased with the shots. 

Second flush..........

Second flush..........

I cut back all my Digitalis weeks ago as the flowers were finished. Most of them have produced second flower spikes, but this has 3 spikes just starting to flower.

They are smaller than the first flowers but still great to have them flowering at this time ;-)) 

And so, the fun begins................

And so, the fun begins................

This is the area where the new grass area will be, all going well. I have been trowing ideas around for far to long now.

But at long last, the seeds of all my different ideas have germinated, and the need for this idea to develope and bloom into the final area of my garden is now underway.

A lot of work will be done over the coming months, so all be ready to fall into place by Spring.

Would be a lot easier to just say I was going to have a wilderness area !!!!!!!!! 

Rhodochiton lesson

Rhodochiton lesson

You all know how I feel about this plant.

So, I thouht I would pass on some of the tips I have learnt about it over the last couple of years

1. Sow plenty of seed, as germination rate seems about 50/50 (for me anyway)

2. When they germinate, the seedlings seem to do nothing for an age, do not give     up on them, once they start to grow, which can be weeks, there will be no             stopping them. 

3. Pot them as few times as possible, it seems they do not like disturbance.

4. For the best display, plant the best 3 seedlings into the centre of the pot, place     3 canes at the edges and tie at the top.

5. Do not overwater and possibly even allow to dry out slightly between watering.     If you do for get to water, the plant will show you very quickly, give it a watering     and it will bounce back in an hour or two.

6. Do not over feed, I tried one plant feeding every 4 weeks, it did nothing as             good as the plant I only feed the once. 

7. Seeds are ready to collect when the seed pod is bloen up into a ball and totally       dry. 

Anyone who wants seed let me know, any time. 

Berries

Berries

Berries are in abundance on the Mountain Ash. This tree will put on a great show of colour in a few weeks.

I personally don't hold any sway in that it is a sign of a bad winter looming ..........

Happy with the planting.

Happy with the planting.

It took Rachel back in the summer to wake me up to this area, I am more than peased with the overall area. What Rachel made me aware of was the lanting, which I had just taken for granted.

But the sucession planting has really worked well. From the daffs early in the year, to the Aster that is just opening now, there has been some kind of colour at all times.

No changes in this area, except for a few Tulips maybe.

A grey windy day out there, hope it improves but if not it won't stop the Dubs doing what has to be done. 

Thinking out loud

I know this is a hard question to ask, but here goes.

I am thinking about the Grass area, and I came up with and idea today and wonder if anyone has seen or done what I am thinking.

I am thinking of a narrow horse shoe shape grass bed. In the center of the shoe there will be a feature plant/grass of some kind, the speading out there will be a mirror image of grass planting on each side. If you know what I mean.

Mad or what, or can anyone give a reason why it would not work?

All ideas and suggestions welcome. 

Dahlia

Dahlia

This is one of the seeds from Deborah.

Sadly the photo does not show the stronger colour yellow that the flowers is. But what is really striking about it is the dark veins running down the petals, very striking. Love it. 

Well planned !!!!!

Liking it, alot.

It is really great when you spend the winter months planing and deciding !!! where such a plant will go, to work in well with the surrounding plants and shrubs. 

Really pleased with this combination of Hibiscus and Sedum, none of you would believe long I mulled and thought about this match, you really wouldn't........

Enjoying it, while it's there.

Enjoying it, while it's there.

This Acer is showing great colour and I am really enjoying it. But from past experience this lovely display can disappear in a day. It's as if a switch is flicked, because the leaves suddently drop altogether in one go.

So making the most of it for the moment. 

Still not impressed

Still not impressed

Chrinken has been as grumpy as every all Summer.

In an effort to change his appearence, I moved the Rhodochiton over beside him, not a chance, still the same.

Then I cut the Squirell grass back that I had planted at his feet, it had grown well but sadly it was just to big and blocking out to much of the Driftwood.  I bet you can all guess where this grass is moving to next year.

But I swear as I cut the grass and cleared it away, I am 99% sure Crinken winked at me, so there is hope yet !! 

This is going to be a nice one.

Carex muskingumensii 'variagata'

Bruno pointed this one out to me, liked it staright away. Have just been googling it, and am well impressed with it. Carex muskingumensii 'variagata'.

This decision on the grasses has really got me motivated again, much more comfortable than a kick in the ------

Anyone going to MV tomorrow have a great day, enjoy. 

Good day out

Carex 'ice dance'

Highly Recommend

Clematis 'blue angel'

this late flowering Clematis 'blue angel'. It has been flowering for nearly a month now and there are still some buds to open.

This was bought in Lidl last year, not even 2ft tall, growth died back completely and I was a little worried if it would come back. Nothing to worry about, it is now 7ft and still growing.

Hopefully it just goes from strength to strength. 

September 2011

September 2011

Copy Rachel a little, but as I was having a cuppa while enjoying the sun today, I got to thinking about the changes that have been undertaken of late. 

This is an area I am really more than pleased with.

I want to say thank you to you all, for the encouragement and support you have all given me.

I would also like to say, not everyone is handy with their hands, a real case of each to their own. But with a little homework and asking around you never know what you to might be able to achive.

A big thankyou is due to Violeta, who in her goodness, took the time to copy a photo I had posted of this area. She then did some graphic work which sowed the seed of what I can enjoy so much today.

Violeta, thank you so much. 

April 2010

April 2010

I was happy with this at the time.

A Rose by any other name..............

A Rose by any other name..............

Do not know the name of this one, but loved the way the Sun shone on it today.

2nd nice find.

2nd nice find.

Spotted this fern growing unerneath the hedge in the back garden this morning.

Trilled to say the least, if nature decides a fern should grow there, then so be it. I have not had a fern within 20 feet of this area, ever, so it must have come from a spore.

If it does well, and bulbs up I may even add afew more, ferns would look good in this area.

Thanks MUM nature................. 

Nice find

Nice find

I found two surprises in the garden this morning, but this one is the best of them. Was really taken with Cyclemen when I saw them at Altamont and then Bay Garden. 

Had decided to get some at some time. Then I spotted this in full bloom, so where did it come from and how did it get on the edge of the compost heap? 

Coffee Break

Keego's Aster............fantastic display.

Just in for a break, it is a fantastic September morning out there. I have been doing a Spring clean for hours, headtorch and all;-))

An IVPP (invasive plant person) is arriving tomorrow from the Rebel county, I need at least try and make some effort ;-))

Forecast not great for tomorrow so planning on making the best of today, I love this kind of day, make the most of it, if you can.

Now where's the duster and polish? who started this garden visit idea anyway?

Rachel most likely................

Enjoy.......... 

In a moment of madness

Was nearly for the chop...........

I have always had a thing for grasses.

Seeing different .ier's grass plantings only increased this interest.

Then after seeing the grasses in Bay Garden last week, I was blown away. I was like the kid in the toy shop, ''I want, I want, I want''

This wanting got so bad that I had decide to take out all the planting in the above bed for my dream to come true. This is the only area that gets enough Sun to allow grasses to perform to their fullest.

Thankfully, some kind of sense started to take over and the grey matter began to work. Out came the grass book and a lot of thinking and working out later the plan came together.

Fran shall have his grass area.

The area I have does not get full sun apart from the height of the summer. So I am now going to have a grass area containing grasses that cope with half shade and a lot of different Carex grasses, some of which deal with full shade.

It won't have the normal full sun loving grasses, it will be different, and different fits in well here.

Time will be needed for this to develope fully, but there in lies all the real fun.

Thanks for listening to an old waffler, wafffeling on. 

Does the heart good

Does the heart good

to see these little blasts of sunshine in the garden this evening, blowing around to their hearts content ;-))

Leucothoe

Curly Red and unknown

Have these two plants in a planter since picking them up at the Arboritum nealy two years ago now.

Spotted some of these in Bay Garden last week, only then did the striking colour of them against surrounding green plants really show up their fantastic colour.

I think these two will be on move in the new year.

Just not the same

From Bay Garden.

Sitting watching Ireland's opening match orf the World Cup before heading off to work. A slow start for Ireland at the moment.

But it's just not the same ball game at all, watching a rugby match while drinking tea, it just does not seem right at all. 

Cheers folks ;-)) 

A different kind of Boarder

What am I?

One of the areas in Bay Garden yesterday, is called the Funeral Boarder. I contains purple or black planting.

Different for sure, but I did think it could do with something lighter planted in it, this I think would show the darker plants off to their fullest.

I did spot this little gem, I meant to ask about it when we were leaving, but forgot,totally.

Not the best photo ever taken, but maybe someone could give me a name. 

Strange

From Bay Garden yesterday.

Heading off to work in a while. It is lashing rain out there, but there is an amazing yellow hue caused by the sun trying to get through the clouds from the East.

Really strange effect, tried a photo but the light effect did not show up at all ;-((

Hope the day improves so you can all get a little done in the garden, enjoy. 

New plant for Japanese area.

Melianthus Major

Spotted this in the Bay Garden today, Melianthus Major. Great foliage and has red flowers in early summer, looks great and exotic to boot.

I have hatched a plan to increase the panting area in the Japanese corner, this involves lifting some of the decking, making a wooden planter to sink below the decking. A good winter project, and ready for next spring.

Better late than never...............

Grass Garden

I have been trying to get to Bay Garen all summer, finally got there today. I was not disappointed in the least. 

What better way to see a garden, Rachel and myself had the place to ourselves, perfect. Rachel has posted photos with names, sorry not in the same league at all.

The grass area was out of this world, and the woodland area, designed by Ian himself is class.

This is a garden that will be visited at different times of the year to see it fully. Thanks for the company Rachel, a very enjoyable morning. 

Giving up on Ferns..........

Fern Bed

........names, I really am.

Last year I was commenting on plant names and would I ever get to grips with the correct names. Slowly, very slowly I am getting there.

But I am definetly giving up on the names of ferns...........

Here's an example, which would you rather?

Phegopteris connectillis OR Long Beach Fern

But for the serious among you I am going to put both names on the lables 

Keeping up with Rachel

Sorry, no name !

This one surprised me yesterday when I spotted it, this plant seem to struggel earlier on in the year. Going to take care of this one.

Kniphofia 'bees lemon'

Kniphofia 'bees lemon'

Jacinta's one of this is slightly ahead. This is my first year with this one. A different colour for this time year. Really pleased with it, hope it just goes from strength to strength.

What am I?

What am I?

A few months ago, I was in Mount Venus, buying a few small grasses for the Driftwood bed. 

As I was planting one of the grasses, I spotted a tiny seedling, so me been me I potted the tiny plant up and this is the plant I have now.

Think it is a type of Sedum, am I right.

On another note the stowaway roots that I found in the root ball of the Silver Birch from Terra Nova, turned out to be a Sedum as Deborah said. Guess what?

I already have it............ good plant stowaways, should be better than that, when they come from a garden like this. Standards are slipping big time...........

Another Aster

Another Aster

This one is Aster 'pyrenaeus lutia' just opening now.

This is one of the Mount Venus plants I got last year. So anyone going next week, may be able to pick this one up as well. 

Dealing with Rust

Dealing with Rust

Chocolate ----------- something is the name of this Hollyhock. Is there anything I can do to stop these plants been effected by Rust. 

I am right in saying they are prone to this diease, right? 

Second time round

G 'mourning widow'

I am surprised with the number of plants that seem to be putting on a secnd flush of flowers. Other people have commented on this as well.

I was really pleased to spot this one the other day, has to be my favorite Geranium 'mourning widow'.

New Fern

New Fern

While at Terra Nova reently, I left with a few ferns, surprise! surprise!!

This one is for dry shade, so to be a little different, planted it into a pot, and placed it in the fern bed. At this time of year it won't get Sun, but it can be moved as need be next year.

Martin, thanks again. The lable you gave me had writing on both sides, sadly I can't make either name out, could you let me know the name please. 

Some seed advice please......

Some seed advice please......

I collected the first of my Sweetpea seed pods this evening. 

Question; Do I leave them in the pods or tae them out?

Also, I will be collecting seed from Perennial Sweetpea, if anyone wants some let me know. 

Sorry Jacinta......

Sorry Jacinta......

I meant to say thanks.

Jacinta took a Hydrangea out of her front garden as part of the revamp. I gladly took ownership of this large shrub. Still not got it planted, but keeping ot water and all seems to be ok with it.

Lovely blooms at the moment and lots of new shoots coming from the base.

Thanks again Jacinta. 

So what happened the Gladiolus this year?

So what happened the Gladiolus this year?

I think some one else commented recently on the fact the no Gladious flower this year.

It is the same here, great lush looking growth but nit a flower spike in sight. Some of mine were in the ground over the winter, others in pots in the shed and the rest were lifted and protected for the winter.

So what happened?

Taking it easy.........

Taking it easy.........

I have put all the heavy plans on hold for the front corner, for the time being. I just cannot seem to raise the energy at all.

Did a lot of weeding and cutting back and deadheading over the last two days. Lots of tea and coffee, sitting, thinking planning etc. really enjoyable time. Taking it easy and easier again.

Spotted lots of self seeded plants, too small to move at the moment, another and they will be grand. I did divide a few things, fully named and labeled for whenever the next get together will be.

I have to say there was a great feeling of enjoyment while doing this. Knowning the pleasure people will have when these are passed around.

I can see myself working through the Winter on the front corner, but just can not motivate myself now. What difference will a few months make, ......... opps it may give me a chance to change plans again ;-))

Hibiscus

Hibiscus

Since moving this shrub years ago, it has gone from strength to strength each year. It is a mass of blooms this year, pity the flowers are so short lived.

Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria

This is a plant I can not recommend highly enough which Myrtle passed on to me two years ago. I divided some of it late last year and left the rest in the planter in the front garden.

The divided plants did not do great, think it may have been down to dryness. But the main plant has been in flower none stop now for three months, you can't ask for much more than that, and still many more buds to yet.

It's a case of leave well enough alone, and a decent top dressing in the winter to boost things for next year. 

Well settled in

Well settled in

Got two of these at Bill's open day (I think)

This one is doing great and seems to like where it was placed while I was deciding where to put it long term, decision made it seems.

The other one is not as good but with some extra TLC and repositioning it should perk up all going well.  

Solanum 'lacintum'

Solanum 'lacintum'

Flowers are starting to open, now so chances of collecting seed this year are looking good. Would love to keep this plant in the garden into future years Thanks again Bill.

Nice effect

Nice effect

Like this effect of Stipea gigantea seedheads and Phygelius flowers.

Hosta, in need of a name.

Hosta in need of a name.

This is the Hosta that I posted a picture of the flower of the other evening. Hopefully I will get a name. I don't have many Hosta's at present, but the flower on this is really lovely. 

Red

Red

I love to see these berries of Lonicera at this time of year. They are nearly translucent, and look great when the sun shines on them. There is still so much interest in the garden if you look and you don't have to look hard ;-))

Here's an Idea

Like these colours

We all promise each other plants, slips and cuttings all the time. Sometimes it is months before those plants are handed over, by which time the request may have been forgotten.

When we are putting plants aside for people, we could put the date of the journal on the lable so people can go back check the journal and see the photo of the plant in question.

Maybe it's going to far but I'm going to try and do it. 

Fully open

Fully open

I posted a journal on this last week, did not realise it was not fully open, it is a complete mass of colour. Will get full name tomorrow.

Seedlings

Seedlings

Sowed seeds from Primula Beesiana a few weeks ago. Trilled to see them popping up this morning. Doubt they will flower next year but plants for free, nothing better.

Hosta

Hosta

This is a Hosta that I was given on my visit to Paddy and Mary's recently, I hope they can give me a name.

There has been a lot of talk about cutting the flower spikes of Hostas to save energy for the foliage.

How could you cut a flower like this in it's prime.

Paddy / Mary love it, thanks again. 

Fuchsia

Fuchsia

This is the Fuchsia that I posted a journal about a few weeks ago, finally flowering, not many flowers as yet but we will see what happens.

It is out of this world, so delicate, soft colours. I am beginning to think I may have bought it at Birr plant fair. 

If anyone can give me a name it would be great.