fran m's Journal

Buddleia

Buddleia

This plant is due to be cut back to it's base in the next few weeks. But I noticed the other day that it is covered in new growth. Is this just an other example of mixed up plants and seasons etc. ?

I don't think it will do any harm cutting it back, or will it? 

Thanks Hoeys

Thanks Hoeys

On a visit to Hoeys garden back in the Summer I was amazed at the wonderful display of large white and yellow flowering Daisies in the Garden.

On commenting on them, I was quickly offered some. {My hint was taken, hook line and sinker ;-)) }

Travelling via .ie courier, Clara collected them for me, they were then dropped to my door. I was in work but recieved a text saying they would be dropped off.

Jurgita, you must have one very big spade, this clump is 18x18x18 how did you did it up. Thank you once again.

Thanks also to Clare and Greg, for another safe delivery ;-)) 

Nice to see some colour

Nice to see some colour

Malus 'red sentinel' is just starting to show off it's winter colours. Reddening up very nicely, and this colour will, all going well, last, well into early next year. They even look better when all the leaves are off the tree.

The seem to ripen in their on time, then in January the Blackbirds can be seed testing them now and then. Then when they are ready, they vanish in no time. 

Sedum

Sedum

Don't have a name on this Sedum, it started off as a pink colour and has gradually deepened to this colour that looks great with the fading leaves.

A little bit of cheer

Cheerful cowslip

Before the rain started again this morning, I took a walk around the garden. Talk about doom and gloom. Water logged, drying plants, plants water and wind damaged, leaves everywhere, very very sad.

Then I spotted a little bit of bright yellow, when I looked closer I spotted this little Cowslip, brought a little bit of cheer on a miserable day.

Does the heart good to see things like this. 

Bamboo Poles

I need a little help here folks. I am looking to buy a few large bamboo poles, these need to be about 4/5 inches in thickness.

I know B&Q sell big ones, but I'm looking for bigger than that.

There was an exhibitor at Bloom 2011, selling this product. I have looked at the Bloom website exhibitors list and am drawing a blank no matter what way I search.

This was an Irish company / supplier, would anyone know who they are or have taken a card with contact details by any chance. 

Making work for myself

Carex 'evergold' (from web)

While having a coffe yesterday, I took a walk aroumd the garden. I was looking at some of the plants I have in waiting for my grass area.

This area will contain grasses, bamboos and sedges and other grass like plants. Anyone who has been to my garden knows I am surrounded on one boundry by trees trees and more trees. This does have the bonus of the wildlife and area like this brings, but at this time of year it brings leaves leaves and more leaves.

I spent about ten minutes pulling leaves out from the amongst the leaves of the few plants in waiting yesterday. So when I have this area planted there is going to be a mojor job to be done.

What I am planning for the garden at the moment is looking at developing as low maintance as much as possible. So I think I will be covering this area with fruit netting as much as possible fo a few weeks each year, will save hours of picking leaves ..................

Its Gold to us gardeners, better known as.........

..................... Manure ;-))

Some things just can not be put off. Maria was at me for ages to sort out a lot of small jobs around the house. So recently we sat down and made a list, I went off to bed, the following morning the list had nearly doubled.................. talk about jumping on the bandwagon ;-))

So what has this to do with the title, I hear you ask. Well today was D day, or list day as you might say. I was up early so I made a quick run out to Fesina Lente, a garden / stroke riding stables. So shovel and strong bags in hand I filled eight bags of manure. This will be stored over the winter, to cook, and spread accross the beds in the Spring.

That was the sum total of my gardening for today, but tomorrow after the rugby theday is alll mine, hope the weather is on my side.

Rhodochiton seeds coming on fine.

Rhodochiton seeds coming on fine.

I spotted the first decent sized seed pods on one of the Rhodochiton the other day. So I will be saving and sending on seed to those I promised seeds to in the near future. 

All going well there will be plenty of seed. Anyone else who wants some, just let me know, 

On the move

From Mount Usher

I laughed at Rachel's comment about the plants I dropped over to Jacinta this evening, travelling from Waterford, to Wexford, to Dublin and then to Dublin again. Welcome to the 21st century....... this delivery only took 3 months ;-))

At Bay Garden last month, plants were exchanged between Rachel, Bill and myself.

Another exchange at Powerscourt last week.

Clara delivered plants yesterday, from Hoeys.

I think it is just great that such exchanges are happening, be it at a slow pace in some cases,  but, long long may it last. 

Slow to take out

Slow to take out

I must say that I tend to be very slow to take plants at this time of year. This sweet pea is still flowering, and I even cut some blooms in this evening. Still more buds to open, but sadly it is on extended time for sure.

Second show

Second show

This Clematis is putting on a second display of late colour, two flowers have opened and about another ten to go. These little bonuses are great to have at this time. Label is in the shed, will post it later.

Aster frikartii monch

Aster frikartii monch

Bill gave me a plant of this Aster the other day. These are great plants to have at this time of year. I now have 6 lovely Asters in the garden, so I will be leaving my collection at that.

Bill I will dig up a piece of Aster pyrenaeus lutetia for you next weekend. It will be labeled and kept safe for you till we meet again.

The Panicum grass is developing a seed head, so I will try and save some and see how it goes.

Anyone who is looking for plants to provide late colour at this time of year, will not be disappointed with Asters, so think about them. 

Morning Sun

Morning Sun

Just before heading off for work this morning, I spotted the sun shining on this tree on the embankment. It looked really fantastic, photo is good but was so much better in real life.

The effect only lasted a couple of minutes, then faded as the sun rose that little bit more. 

Hypericum

Hypericum

I know Dick is the expert on this plant, so I hope he won't mind me promoting this great shrub. This shrub is just starting it's third round of flowering this year. It will be covered in flowers in a few days, it's a great strong colour and great to see at this time of the year.

Pure White

Pure White

This Campanula has been flowering for months now, it is the purest white. Really pleased with this, will try and save seed to see how the seeds go next year.

Bequeathing Plants

Bequeathing Plants

These are my two Tree Ferns that Martin gave me, they are doing great, I'm well pleased with them.

But after seeing some over the last few days in different gardens and talking to Bill about these great plants and how slow they grow, I think I may be bequeathing them to the kids to really enjoy.

For my the time these two plants mature to a decent size, I will be well and truly pushing up the daisies........... 

One interesting thing we saw in Mount Usher was a double and triple trunked fern. I think one of mine may be two ferns together. If so I will be leaving well enough alone ;-)) 

For interest to Bill, and others of course.

Decaisnea 'fargesii'

While at Mount Usher with Bill today, we spotted a tree, surprise surprise.

The leaves on this were very very like Wisteria, but it was a tree.

While watching GW this evening Carol Klien was in an Arbouretum. One of the trees she pointed out was, I think what we saw today.

Decaisnea 'fargesii' or Blue bean tree. Bill I think it may be the same, have a look and see what you think. 

He's a Nutter not a Natterer .....................

Will it fit in the boot Fran?

Had another great day with Headgardener (Bill) at Mount Usher today. Learnt one thing, when someone from Wexford says they will bring the weather with them, wear a coat ;-))

What fabulous colours, Jimi Blakes course are there tomorrow, guys your in for a treat. Bill thanks for the company, another great visit clocked up.

Will add photos in a album. 

Acer seedlings

Acer seedlings

One or two of the Acers yesterday had these fantastic seedlings. The Sun shining on and through them just added to their stunning effect.

What you talking bout, Willis?

What you talking bout, Willis?

Members of a certain age will know this TV phase !!!!

Off on more garden travels again today, tough or what?  :-)) 

Have a good one, what ever your doing, Enjoy. 

A day with Two Loose Cannons at Powerscourt

Two loose cannons

Spent an absolutely beautiful day in Powerscourt Gardens in Wicklow with Myrtle and Rachel. 

You could not have asked for a better day at the height of the Summer, but what a bonus for the middle of Octber. The sun shone, the lack of wind and great company made it a perfect day.

The condition of the roses was first class. What really surprised me was the amount of buds still to open. The colours in the Japanese gardens were to die for.

Off to Mount Usher tomorrow, forecast not as good but at least it will be dry. Will post an Album now. 

Everlasting Sweetpea

Hosta Corner

Hosta Corner

At the end of the back garden which is a tip of a triangle, which is the shape of the back garden.  Behind a Birch tree, there was a dead area which was difficult to plant, so I built a stepped up small area of decking.

I potted up some Hostas that were gifted to me and placed them in this area. They came on surprisingly well. So I am now planning to develope a Hosta area in this space.

Yet again I have discovered by pure chance, a perfect area for these plants. I know someone mentioned ages ago a Hosta with very large tough leaves, that seemed to deter the slugs big time. Does anyone know the name of this Hosta please?

Melianthus Major

Melianthus Major

Did some work the other day on the Japanese area. Planted up the Melianthus beside the pond. Love the colour of this plant against the wood, they seem to compliment each other perfectly.

It is a sheltered spot, but think I will be giving it some extra protection just to be on he safe side.

Beginning to develope a love of plants with different leaf shape. This one fills all the boxes on a special plant, scented as an extra bonus. 

Latheral Roots

Latheral Roots

I put up some pictures of a Phygelius some time last year and I was surprised when someone commented that this plant was a bit of a thug. I had had it for about three years and not a bother with it.

Last week I decided that it was in the wrong garden so I dug it up. I very soon saw that this really was a thug in hiding. Just look at the size of these new latheral roots that were getting ready surprise me next year.

Nature amazes once again. 

Mushroom

Mushroom

I cut down an old Yucca some years ago. I noticed this Spring that a few shoots have started growing from the base, happy about that.

I noticed this Mushroom a couple of days ago. It has just got more interesting as it has grown.

Pond at Bay Garden

Pond at Bay Garden

Following on from the earlier debate, I checked my photos, only had the one shot of the pond, not my best area of the garden, hence just the one photo.

Aster pyrenaeus Lutetia

Aster pyrenaeus Lutetia

Bill commented on this Aster the other day, of course there was no lable to give him the name. It is a lovely open flower and the clusters are not as tight as other Asters.

Malus Red Sentinel

Malus Red Sentinel

The apples on Red Sentinel are colouring up nicely. All going well these decorative apples will still be on the tree in the New Year. Great to see these bright red decorstive apples on the tree through the dull months ahead.

Nice Afternoon

Stipa gigantea and Autumn Sun

Busy around the house this morning, weather was so good I decided enough was enough. So out I went for the afternoon.

I spent several hours in the garden yesterday, looking at notes, finalising ideas. So this afternoon I got stuck in and started to move a few things. One big mistake I made was not looking fully into what size plants end up growing to. I do think this is a little bit of a learning curve anyway, as different positions and conditions lead to vastly different results.

I removed a few plants and cut back others in the Japanese area, planted a few others that were in waiting. Some of the plants here were strting to hide the features I had made whic was not planned at all.

Much lower growing plants are now in place, all labled and noted in a book for you know who. 

It really is a case of getting a great buzz, when you know it is nearly right. I know it will never be 100%, but this time I think I'm close.

Wanted to stay out till darkness fell, showers put pay to that idea. Another section will be done next week, just need to finalise a few notes. 

Happy days despite the early finish. 

A tale of two Fatsia 2

A tale of two Fatsia 2

This is the other Fatsia that was planted into fresh compost and placed in a shaded sheltered spot. I difference is unreal. This plant is about ten times bigger than the other sorry plant.

Only problem now is that I need the other one to catch up, as I want a matching pair for display. Maybe a winter indoors will bring it on. 

A tale of two Fatsia 1

A tale of two Fatsia 1

Bruno, Gave me two Fatsia plants at Bill's open day. They were both planted up in bigger pots for the Summer.

This one did not do to well at all, mainly I must say through neglect, sadly. Sorry Bruno.

Looking very sorry fo itself. 

Time to stand alone now.

Time to stand alone now.

Martin's Phyllostachys 'casrillonii' is planted a year now and has sent up new shoots and all. As it was newly planted, I did stake it due to it's height etc. I also placed biggish pots around it's based to help keep it as stable as possible. 

These pots will now be moved as my plans for these pots is changing for next year. I really enjoyed watching this plant sway in the wind yesterday, though once or twice with really strong gusts I was a little worried about it and the Sumac tree, but well today. 

Cirsium 'rivulalre'

Cirsium 'rivulalre'

Bill commented today that it was a little late to see this plant in flower. This is the third flush of flowers on this plant this year. It has got to big for the area it's in, so it's one of the ones on the move. 

Autumn Evergreen

Autumn Evergreen

Spotted this combination accross some gardens today, I thought it looked great.

Perfect Timing

Kaffir Lillies

Had a visit from Headgardener (Bill) this morning.

Spent some time last evening with the leaf blower, what a waste, I think it was even worse this morning after the wind of last night. So out the blower came again.

Bill I used to like you, but I have just spent the last hour in the far corner where I'm planning my new grass area with my head spinning. Bill only saw the area today, but he was straight away full of great ideas and suggestions, This man knows his grass ;-)) and how to plan an area. So now if this area does not turn out the way I want, I blame Bill.

Thanks so much for making the journey, we got the best of the day, as it now lashing rain now. Really great to spend time with like minded folk.

Rainbow's End

Rainbow's End

Rainbow Chard brightening up a dark area as the Sun caught the stems today.

Oxalix

Oxalix

Spotted this amazing Autumn colour on Oxalis leaves today. Never noticed these plants giving such great colour before. Great combination.

Seeds for free.

Seeds for free.

Hoping to collect seeds from my Ricnus in the next few weeks, all going well. Really impressed with this plant, thanks once again to Deborah and her great collection of seeds.

Hoping to get a bit of advice from a bit of an know all who is coming for a snoop around tomorrow, one think I will be doing, is checking their boot before they leave..........

And so it starts again..........

And so it starts again..........

The garden is starting to like a bit of a disaster zone, as it does each year at this time of year. The leaves from the surrounding trees are blowing into the garden. None will be wasted this year, as I am going to compost them all from now on.

So in a year or so, I should have some grand leaf mould to spread arond the garden, and all free to give an extra boost.

Perfection, at last.

Candy Stripe

Geraldine (Cloncaw) gave me some Comos 'candy stripe' plants earlier in the year. One of the plants has not been flowering as well as the others. 

The one think I did notice about this plant was that the flowers one it were different from each other. It started out with tiny strips of pink, then the edges were pink and centers were white, and visa versa.

The latest flush of flowers were all the same and all seemed more perfect than any of the other plants. As the saying goes, try and try again.............. 

Imperata cylindrica 'rubra'

Imperata cylindrica 'rubra' (from web)

Also known a Japanese blood grass, is a grass I am quite interested. It comes into it's own as the red colour increases at this time of year. It seems to be tender and needs winter protction, which would be no problem as I intend growing it in a pot.

Has anyone out there got experience of this plant, please? 

Another show begins.

Another show begins.

I always love seeing the colour of the Rhus beside the decking start to turn on it's Autumn colours. The first few leaves are changing now, will keep ye posted when it's in full flow.

Plant confirmation please.

Plant confirmation please.

I am sure Rachel gave me this plant, and nealy sure it is Francoa. I just need confirmation that I am correct.

No flowers this year, but the plant has done great so expecting flowers next year for sure. 

Baby sitting plants,,,,,,,, a bad idea.

Baby sitting plants,,,,,,,, a bad idea.

I offered to pass this plant of Myrtle's, on to Jacinta as I knew I would be seeing her soon.

I is now in full bloom, and is looking fantastic, down to Myrtle's care not mine I'm sure. I am getting very used to seeing this wonderful bloom in the house. The dangers of baby sitting plans is real, believe me.

Now who was this for anyway, Jacinta who, no, Jacinta, no never heard of her, definetly not. Better if the plant stays here I think...............