Last Post 539 days 1 hour ago
30 November 2011 21:28:57
I called into a coffee shop today for break today, while waiting at the counter I notice a few bags under the counter with the words free and garden printed on them. With a closer look I saw that the bag contains used coffee grounds, which the pack says is good for the garden and free to take away.
Has anyone heard of, or used coffee gounds in the garden by adding it to the soil?
29 November 2011 21:31:15
Fatsia japonica 'spider's web'
This plant is mentioned in a small article in the current edition of The Irish Garden. I like the look of it and have been googling it. I was just wondering is anyone has this plant or knows anything about it?
29 November 2011 21:19:11
Just can't help myself............
Even when i was tidying up the other day, I could not resist arranging some of the pots on the decking, for just a little while longer ;-))
I am trying to think up a way of incorporating some of the pots I have with grasses in them into the grass area.
28 November 2011 21:19:23
Tree Fern
It's a small one but I like it in this pot. It will be moved into the shed as the frosts increase.
The two baby ferns Martin gave me are still doing well, but I reckon are about two years behind this one.
28 November 2011 21:11:31
Tidied up
I got the back garden finished yesterday, all tidied up an pots and planters moved. As part of my ongoing learning, there will be less pots in this area in the future. What potted plants will be there will be feature plants (Moya I'm relying on you) ;-))
Pleased with what was done, there will be some more leaf clearing but most are now down, so that won't be to big a problem.
I treated myself to a Tree Ferm, a small one but it looks great in the pot, and it will be a few plants like this that will be in this area from next Spring.
27 November 2011 20:06:09
364 days ago........
Crinken was not a happy camper covered in snow. 364 days later total different conditions in the garden and Crinken is still not happy.
But I was very happy to be able to get so much do today, unlike last year.
Does yas remember or wha?
;-))
27 November 2011 14:34:06
Astelia banksii
This has done really well since I bought it at the last Christmas get together. I love its shape and colour. The dark pot adds to the effect. It will be moved into the shed once the temps really start to fall. Better to be safe than sorry.
27 November 2011 14:28:00
Cloud Tree
I was having a close look at my attempt at cloud pruning, and all seems to be doing ok.
I don't think this shrub likes been controlled to much. It is sending up lots and lots of new shoots from the base. I am going to let them grow and then keep them cut in a dome at the base to give an added effect.
27 November 2011 08:49:26
Morning has broken
Just back from an early morning walk, no cobwebs left after that wind. Not garden related at all but I will add an Album 'Dawn 27/11'.
26 November 2011 21:24:44
Parthenocissus henryana
Bruno, I thought you might like to see a close up of the leaf colour at the moment on your creeper. It will be bare when you get it, so this will give you an idea of what to expect.
26 November 2011 21:07:04
Phyllostachys Castillionii
This is the Bamboo Martin gave me last year. After a shakey start it has come on well, as you have heard in several journals. I did stake the plant when it was planted due to it's height. I also place some of my bigger pots around it as a display but also to provide a little bit of weight around the base of the plant till it settled in.
I was in the process today of tidying things away for the year, and i decided to move the pots away from the base of the Bamboo. I spotted four new shoots coming up from the base, one of which has to nearly twice as thick as the main culm.
So I can take it the plant is happy and well settled in. I will add an album to show you the new shoots. Really pleased at this. The plant looks so much better with the pots away from the base of it, but they did what I wanted them to do for the time they were there.
26 November 2011 18:03:27
Virginia Creeper
...... a Virgina Creeper?
I have been trying to get it to stick to the garden shed with out any success for two years now. It has shoots over ten foot long. One word of warning I did not get as much root as I would have liked so there is a risk with this one, but worth trying anyway.
So if your interested, speak now or forever hold your ................ ;-))
25 November 2011 20:52:46
Uncinin ’rubra’
This is one of the grasses that was moved from another part of the garden to the grasses area last weekend.
A small grass, but packs a real punch, colour wise.
25 November 2011 20:29:31
White Swan
Rachel mentioned Eurphorbia 'Silver Swan' earlier in a journal.
This is 'White Swan' another lovely one. 18 months ago I would not have one of these plants in my garden, now there's four, an example of how we change ;-))
................... through this site.
24 November 2011 22:05:11
I will be doing a lot of work over the Winter in the front corner. I will be either sowing a lawn or laying turf at some stage next year. One thing I have always wanted was a few decent clumps of Daffodils in a lawn. I also want to brighten up the Leylandii hedge with a planting of Daffodils under a section of it.
So I am hoping to pick up a bargain sack of Daffodils as time goes by. There is no problem with planting them under the Laylandii, but in the area of the lawn is another thing. I have reverted back to my first plan for this area, after by Moon garden disaster.
So what struck me today was planting the clumps of bulbs now, and simply marking the areas with a decent bamboo cane and then I can simply work around them.
If I am laying turf, the problem of laying it around the then flowering Daffodils can be dealth with by laying a small area of turf where I can take it out later, when the Daffs had died down, or by getting some of the same grass seed from the supplier of the turf.
A simple idea, but a way of staying a step ahead in helping this area mature just that little bit quicker.
23 November 2011 20:43:53
Rhodochiton
This is my three year old Rodochiton, still in full flowering mode, though it has slowed down a bit. It is positioned in the shelter of a hedge that I think has helped it big time.
I will leave it out for a while yet, as last year it only came in when the first snows arrived, so here's hoping it will make it through this Winter. The other main plant from this year is in the house and sending out new shoots.
22 November 2011 22:34:13
One of my best items at this time of the year is the Sumac tree, beside the decking. It puts on a great show every year, much later than other of the same trees in the area, I think due to it's sheltered site.
I nearly took this out when the decking was going down, that would have been a mistake if ever there was one.
I am adding an album dating from the 5/11 to 20/11 so you can see how it changes.
22 November 2011 21:59:05
Melianthus Major, doing great in it's new home.
It is amazing how the calender for next year is filling up with members opening their gardens for visits. I was thinking of having an open day next year, but have decided to pospone it till 2013.
The new area will be as it says on the tin, 'new', and I want to allow it develope and mature fully. There is of course an open invitation to anyone who may find themselves in the area to call in.
I am not chickening out, I just want the garden to be at it's best.
So the way things are going on these open days, my decision will free another day for next year.
21 November 2011 21:51:04
Sumac
You will be aware that I planted up a grass border at the weekend. Into it went some of the grasses that people have given me over the last few months. I thank you one and all.
But I do want to make a special thank you to 'Headgardener' or Bill. At a visit to Bay Garden some time ago Bill presented me with a selection of grasses for this same area, I was astounded at the time and I do think it went over my head just what Bill had given me.
It was only while down on my knees and planting these plants that it really dawned on me what the extent of Bill's genorisity was. That evening I was googling, and drooling more and more as I saw pictures of these grasses in their mature state.
Bill, Thank You so much.
If I can repay you in no other way, it will be in the care I will try and give them. I hope to see you here again in the future to see this area mature, and in the knowledge that I will pass these grasses onto others in time and they will enjoy something similar to what I did on Saturday as I planted your wonderful gift.
Maybe I could repay you with some Tulips, you really do need to start keeping up with certain folk not to far away from you. I would love to come and help you plant them ;-))
Bill, thank you.
20 November 2011 17:49:04
For Scrubber..........
and others of course.
Peter, on one of the pieces of Granite that I was moving today I spotted a strange line of clay embedded into it. On poking around a little I discovered the original bore hole when the rock was blasted out of the quarry.
I was thinking of yourself as I twisted and turned this rock around to show off this feature to the best.
Once again I tip my hat to you, and your rock moving skills.
And before anyone says ''why did I powerwash them''? they have been hiding under Leyandii trees for years, and covered in green and dirt of all kinds. Granite is one stone that always looks better when clean.
20 November 2011 15:51:02
Grasses
These are the grasses that were planted yesterday,
Oryzopisis ‘millacea’ Cyprus ‘erogrostis’
Stipa ‘arudeniacea’ x 2 Carex ’sector’
Spartina pectinata ’Aurcomarginata’
Stipa ’inchu’ Panicum virgatum
Stipa ’elegantissima’ Stipa ’gigantic’ x 2
Pennisetrium ’massaicum’
Stipa ’colomagrastis’
Helictotricton ’sempervirens’
Miscanthus Sinesis ’morning light’ x 2
Penisatrum ’villous’ white ladies
Elymus ’magellanicus’
Carex ’muskingumensis x 3 (1 variegated)
Uncinin ’rubra’ x 2
Stipa ’psedaichu’
Miscanthus Ferner Osten Elymus 'magellanicus'
Miscanthus sin. 'goliath'
And a couple more that I have no names for.
Sorry if some of these names are misspelled, some of the labels are hard to make out. Will do my homework some evening when I get a chance.
I finished getting the granite into place today, and power washed it. I have added some more photos to the Album ‘Grass Bed’
19 November 2011 20:48:29
Grass Bed
OK, I could be locked up for what I did the other night. As part of my moon garden grass area, out I went torch and tape in hand and measured the area to get the right scale for the area. The more I set it out on paper the more uncomfortable I was becoming.
I was in the garden at first light this morning, and within minutes of walking around, I knew my idea would not work. Some of you who know my garden, know it is all straight lines and angles due to the most unusual shape of the garden. I think I have done well in softening the garden with the shape of borders and even putting curves into the decking.
A large circle just would not work in the garden, so despite all the drawing, scheming and measuring, out went the Moon garden idea.
So I just reverted back to my first idea. I tend to be a ‘go with the flow’ kind of ideas person. It has worked well so far and the grass bed is now in and planted up, and believe it or not, looks well.
I first weeded the area by hand, marked out the area using wood and a ladder to give me a straight line. Broke the soil with a pick, then forked it over and cleaned it out of what roots etc I could. The soil seems fairly good, so as I’m planting grasses and they do better in poorer soil, I added some poor sub soil from the extension works, hope that will do the trick
Planted up the area, and got some of my remaining granite stones in place to match the rest of the borders in the garden.
To sum it up, I am well and truly pleased with what I’ve done, and in true Fran fashion, I have discovered the perfect spot for the garden seat bought recently and even think I know where the multi stem Silver Birch will be planted in the spring.
That’s me done planning, back to just start and see where I end up, works for me.
17 November 2011 20:10:16
This is a strange request, and I hope no one takes this up the wrong way, but I think we all know each other fairly well here and will understand how I can ask this.
I have thought a while before posting this, but nothing ventured, nothing gained .......
I doubt if I will get a result, but hear goes
Does anyone have a large Bamboo plant that they have gotten tired of and are thinking of getting rid.
Please don't take this the wrong way, but from time to time offers of large plantings have been made in the past.
I am thinking of a Bamboo screen, but there is no way the wallet would allow a planting on this scale.
;-))
17 November 2011 18:43:04
Colour
My Sumac, is at last starting to colour up nicely. I don't think it will last long, as the wind is playing havoc with it today.
This on tree well having in any garden. I have a very small one that I dug out a months back, I think it has rooted ok, so if anyone would like it, just let me know.
17 November 2011 18:22:17
Carpeting
This small decked area is at the end of the back garden where it goes into the point of the triangle. There was little I could do with this area, so I put in a raised deck seating area for myself. It catches the early morning Sun, and I'm often told I'm anti-social sitting down there on my own.
It is carpeted with bright yellow leaves from the Silver Birch today, I'm glad I was on a half day today to get a chance of snapping this.
16 November 2011 21:53:08
Hoping for the best..............
I really need to get some decent time in the garden this weekend. On my last few weekends off weather was really against me, so much so I was nearly regretting taking the few days off for some visits to .ier's gardens and visits to gardens with .ier friends.
But then I said it can't all be work, and I hope it never will. I hope to get the last of the beds tidied up, and some more of the endless moving of plants.
The weather forcast isnot to bad so I hope it is right.
Spotted these last few Fuchias blooms the other day, does you good to se these at this time.
14 November 2011 21:31:00
New Grass area, design ............. Top Secret
This is what I am playing around with in my mind, for the grass area. These are the four phases of the Moon that I have decided to use. I also have an outer larger circle that may be of Box, or a sharpe circle of well edged grass which will denote the 'new moon'.
Not fully decided on the positioning of the beds or what way they will sit into the larger circle. I am also considering a cicular seat for the centre, which will of course be called the, ''Seat of Tranquility''
In another change of ideas, I am thinking of limiting the number of grasses in each area to one or two.
Hopefully I can get proper measurements next weekend, and at least put the planning to bed.
13 November 2011 20:35:04
A natural gift.
While visiting Hoeys garden the other day, I spotted this dead Tree trunk close to the river. Some of us would spend an age, trying to copy this effect and we would not even get close to this.
It is great to have such things like this in your garden, but so so much better when it is all handed to you by Mother Nature herself.
Now if I was going to dig anything out of Hoeys garden, that would have been it.
13 November 2011 07:12:49
Plants are trying .................
.............their best to surprise us this year. Lots of .iers have reported plants, shrubs and trees that seem a little mixed up with the seasons. This Centaurea is covered in new buds, not sure if they will all open but it would be great if even a few did.
This would make it it's fourth flush of flowers for this year, not bad at all.
This plant is a special 'pass me on' from a member who is no longer with us. I never met her in person, but always think of her when I look at this plant.
A nice way to be remembered, I think.
12 November 2011 21:35:54
Eureka moment
Most of you know I'm planning a grasses area in the front corner. I had a great chat with Bill the day he was here, he had some great ideas and really upended the apple cart in what I was thinking.
There must be, at this stage some 10/12 rough sketches of the area, but nothing woud fit in place with what I ws happy with.
Put simply, there has beenan idea at the back of my mind for an age. I had no idea what it was but it ws there, I just had to find it.
Then last evening while half watching the TV, I saw what had been nagging me, the MOON.
From the time I was allowed to stay up an watch the first man set foot on the moon I have had a thing about it. I am always on the lookout for it once I am out at night.
This new area will be called the Moon Garden, nothing on paper as yet, but it is all in my mind and coming together so fast it is unreal.
While I don't like Diarmuid Gavin, this would not be far from one of his ideas .........but this will be one eveyone who sees it, will see what I'm thinking straight away, and will be left saying wow and not scratching there heads and wondering what the heck????????
12 November 2011 21:17:12
Leaves
Two everyday plants,
two sets of everyday leaves,
one great contrast.
12 November 2011 20:56:04
Grass ID .................
This grass was given to me by Hoeys the other day. She dug it up for me, I did not touch fork or spade ( to understand this comment, see journal from 10/11/11) ;-))
I love this blue colour, it looks a great grass. It has the structure like barley/ wheat. Really looking foreward to this one bulking up.
Would anyone know what it is please?
Thanks again Jurgita.
12 November 2011 07:33:52
Given time, it will be the focal point......
Just look at the colour the Silver Birch that Martin gave me. Having thought I had lost it last Winter, I was trowing it on the compost heap, when I noticed new shoots at the base. There were six, whice I reduced to three, It has grown really well this year and is nearly back to it's original height.
As it is a multi stem it has to become a focal point, but where is the issue. I have to decide of the wiinter as I want to get it into the ground next Sring. With colour like that it will be a great addition at this time of year, not that I need more leaves but I do think this one will be worth it.
11 November 2011 20:47:39
What one night's frost can do
I posted a photo of this Acer last week, the leaves had turned a fantastic yellow colour. One hard frost here the other night and every leaf was on the ground the next day. Despite that fact, I do like the shape of this one.
11 November 2011 13:45:36
Mums the word.
Rachel gave me two young Mums plants some time ago. I spotted this little flower bud on 'Alex Young' the other day, I was trilled, smalled and all as it is.
With this rain pelting down, the plant will be lucky to survive let alone the flower ;-((
11 November 2011 08:21:52
Asking for quite, before I removed the spade ......... ;-()
In an attemp to keep my good name, and in light of what may about to be posted in a journal in an disgraceful attack on my character and person, I have decided to release this photograph and give a full explanation.
While in Hoey's garden yesterday, I spotted a garden spade sticking out of the ground, I been the good person I am pointed this out to Jurgita, she said yes she knew about it and informed me it had been there when she moved into the house and some 100 years before that.
Local folklore says that only a good and honest gardener could remove it from the ground. So I had to give it a go, not surprisingly at all, the spade slipped gently from the soil, with a long sigh of relief, and a very meaningful ''thank you good gardener''.
Now you may all see this photograph in other journals, with a totally different report on the situation. I beg of you to ignore these journals, do not encourage these journal writers by commenting on what they have to say.
If we all stand side by side, we can oust these nasty journal writers, and keep the decent name of this well respected site. A vote or comment for me, is a vote for decent gardening reporting, visits and journals.
I again thank you one and all, and thank you for ignoring any other journals that may be posted about this.
Believe not one word................
I am talking to me legal people in the next couple of hours, and action will be taken.
PS
(brown envelopes are been filled with seeds as I speak, I will remember my friends .....)
10 November 2011 21:51:08
Autumn Changes
I changed my plans for this morning, when I saw the lovely day it was. One thing I decided months ago was I had over planted and planted plants that were to big for certain areas. So this is been corrected and will be implemented with a will of iron.
I took several plants out of the border in the back garden, divided and moved others around about. Using an eye that needs a lot more training I think it will work, only time will tell.
I really love this time of year. It does annoy me a little when people give out about things dying down and the way the garden looks at this time of year. My view is that the garden has rewarded us for months on end now, and is well deserving of it’s sleep time. When you hear of friends going on holiday, do you wish them well or give out to them. So wish the garden well in it’s rest, and say thank you. (rant over) ;-))
The garden deserves it’s sleep, but look closely and you can even see the garden is already planning it’s wake up chorus as the Spring bulbs are peeping through already.
Myrtle said the other evening ‘less is more’ and that is the way I intend to go, more so in the smaller borders, as I these spaces one needs to be more careful what is planted and be more controlled.
I am happy with what was done today, if all goes well I may have a few hours in the morning to finish the border. All that is required then is the planting of tete a tete daffodils, and a top dressing of manure in the spring, and all will be well.
Some wires will be strung along the concrete posts to support the Clematis that are going to cover the fence in time.
10 November 2011 20:42:50
TINY, the watchdog ................
I had planned to lift most of the fallen leaves this morning, but when I saw what a lovely morning it was, plans changed. I spent a few great hours cutting back, lifting, moving and changing things around in the back border.
Then, off to collect Hoeys and Clara in Bray and headed for Avoca and Hoeys garden. Anyone who has ever travelled with Clare in a car, knows the journey is one long laugh all the way.
I was in this garden back in the Summer, so was delighted to see it in another season. I don’t know where else one will see Lupins and Digitalis in flower in the second week of November as if it was the second week of July. What ever kind of magic Jurgita has, it works, and works well. Some Strawberries were fruiting again, and we even got to taste ‘yellow’ Raspberries, in November !!!
Jurgita, you have done so much since I last saw the garden last, so a big pat on the back is well deserved. I hope the plants will do well for you, and that they go some way to fill your new area.
Cillian, thank you for the lovely lunch, and the Apple Crumble was pure class. Clare and Jugita thanks for the company, why does time go so fast when spending it in great company.
I will post an album, some photos a little dark due to low light.
One sad part of the day was due to certain people calling me beady eyes, and casting a shadow on my good name, a guard dog was called in for my visit. TINY is one good watchdog, I was not even allowed leave with a blade of grass on my boots.
10 November 2011 11:52:44
Shadows
I am well pleased with the Japanese corner of the garden. But what really adds to the effect is the low Sun at this time of year casting shodows of the bamboo onto the wall. Picture is ok, but looks so much better in real life.
I was doing a few things this morning but have to go .ie visiting shortly.
I wonder where the .ie magical mystery tour will bring me today .....................
09 November 2011 21:26:43
An extra bonus
I bought this Geranium 'sanguineum' at Bay Garden recently. I have been well surprised with the lovely warm leaf colour it has produced. Every little bit of interest a plant can produce at this time is a real bonus in my book.
I only have a few hours in the garden in the morning and most of that will be collecting leaves, so roll on pure leaf compost for the garden in 12 months time.
07 November 2011 22:39:38
ID please
This little plant was in a plant I bought from Mount Venus. It was tiny, but I potted it up and is now about 10 times bigger than when I spotted it.
Any idea as to what it might be?
Thanks as ever.
07 November 2011 22:34:09
Keeping Dracula at bay.............. ;-))
I now it's on a small amount, but am really pleased with how this garlic is looking. Must try and get some more sown before it's to late.
07 November 2011 20:56:20
Love these leaves
Add some interest to the garden at this time are these Arum pictum leaves. I love the marbeled effect. Clara gave me this plant last year, it seems to be coming on fine. Thanks again Clare.
06 November 2011 21:20:00
Ideas please
I have this small border, that is a little bit of a dull area. It is against the hedge, has the Sumac planted in it. Faces northeast, gets a small amount of Sun in the height of the Summer.
Any ideas on what would work well in this area, looking for something that will look after itself, and suit dry shade, but lood light if you know what I mean.
06 November 2011 07:52:24
Winter Interest
Libertia Goldfinger is starting to show it's Winter interest just now. I flowers are long gone, but the seedheads have formed well and these along with the leaves will change an orange/yellow colour that gets stronger as the weather gets colder.
I might try putting some seed into a pot to see what happens. To date I have always just divided this plant as the clumps increased in size.
05 November 2011 20:06:23
Is it or is it not?
I have this growing in a planter since I got it as a seedling.
One day I tell myself it's a Digitalis, the next I'm telling myself it's something else, but what I've no idea.
Can someone put me right on this one, please :-))
05 November 2011 07:27:35
Final resting place
Any of you who know me, know I'm potty about my pots. (no smart comments please) I am always moving and shifting them around. I love this set of pots, but could never get them to fit in with the rest of my arrangements properly.
So I decided to set them up on their own, really pleased with the out come and there they shall stay...................... well for a while anyway ;-)))
04 November 2011 22:02:20
Jacinta, thank you.
I finally got the Cherry tree planted today, I noticed despite the time of year that there was a couple of new root shoots coming out from base which is a good sign.
I had planned on replanting this small raised bed at the corner of the extnsion, but when I placed the tree there by chance yesterday it suddently work and in time will at as another doorway from one area of the garden to another.
It also saved me a lot of replanting and moving.
04 November 2011 21:17:47
Rearranged, for the first time .............
After yesterdays washout, today was a vast improvement. I was in the garden at first light to make the most of the time I had. First job was to collect leaves, I only got to watch the last few weeks of GW last night. I think I see an area for leafmould alone coming on.
I then tackeled some of the borders that were in need of some re-arranging, removing and cutting back. I was in my element, enjoying the day and what I was doing, I was ''buzzing'' as the kids would say.
I laughed at myself when I was holding a few plants trying to decide why they should go, and I found myself considering would the foliage of this look good beside that etc. By god, this site has a lot to answer for.
I finished by early afternoon as I was calling to see my Mam. While she is with us in body she is no longer with us in mind, most of the time.
But my gardening day continued as she thought I was her Dad, (a great gardener by all accounts) and she discussed what they should do in the garden next year. Sad maybe, but she was in her element, and happy in herself which, is the main thing.
A great part of today for me was once again realizing all the plants that are here from fellow .iers, thank you all once again.
Hope the rest of the weekend is as good for all of you who are free, make the most of it.
04 November 2011 20:16:53
A non gardeners Sarcasm ..............
I was in the garden at first light this morning, a perfect day after yesterdays wash out. I was working on the new borders planted last year. I removed the copper Toadstools, and left them in the utility room to give them a wash and oil, to store them for the Winter.
When Maria did surface, she popped her head out the back door and said,
''Eh,,,,,, Fran, I don't think your Mushrooms will root very easily there''
Talk about been cheeky !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
04 November 2011 07:12:45
Flagpole Cherry
The blossoms on this tree, did not last long this year due to rain and gales. I always look foreward to the leaf colour on this each year, and it has not disappointed once again this year.
A great tree for a small area.
03 November 2011 23:00:20
Another stowaway
Spotted this Astilibe as a tiny seedlin in a plant I got in Terra Nova at Easter. It has bulked up well, so I hope it will flower next year and I will see what little delight I will have.
What struck me today was the stunning leaf colour that was showing on the leaves.
03 November 2011 21:33:49
What am I?
I spotted this plant growing on the compost heap today. Leaves look familar, but cannot place it.
Does anyone know what it is, or am I off the wall altogether and is it just a weed?
03 November 2011 20:25:05
Ricnus Seeds
When I went out to the garden this morning I spotted two seed heads from the Ricnus lying on the decking. So off I went, got my gloves and went fishing for the seed. Not an easy task at all.
The first two seeds from the smaller seedhead, turned two mush when I tested them. The three seeds from the second one are good and firm, yahooo ;-))
Off now to check Rachels journal on these seeds to see what has to be done next. Thanks again to Deborah for introducing me to yet another great plant.
Sorry photo is not the best.
03 November 2011 20:01:20
Last Acer
Nearly missed this Acer showing it's colours due to the dark evenings. Glad I had a chance to see it today. It's a real vivid colour , looks great with the green behind it.
03 November 2011 07:28:20
Sumac, waiting to show off.
This has to be the longest ever spell of time were I have done nothing in the garden, ever, and it really does shows. A quick bite to eat and ............. 'It's Off To Work I Go' ....................
I cannot believe the my Sumac is not showing and colour at all yet. Most of the ones around here are nearly bare. Maybe it's just sheltered from the trees around it, either way I love watching this tree doing it's main act of the year.
Have a good one.
02 November 2011 21:05:14
Aster 'laterifolius'
I bought this Aster in Bay Garden at the end of September. It is now in full flower, the flowers are tiny, but look great. Really pleased with this one, it will be great as it bulks up.
02 November 2011 20:53:34
Just once, is that to much to ask for ............
There is a big Ash tree on the embankment at the side of the house. These trees seem to lose their leaves very quickly. But each year when the leaves are ready to fall, the wind comes from the southwest and blows the leaves into the garden and onto the extension roof and gutters.
Just once could the wind ever do me a favour, guess what the first job for me in the morning is, regardless of weather...................
02 November 2011 07:16:16
4000 year old pine tree, would not fit in the car, no way.
As part of our visit to Mayo we visited the Ceide Fields near Ballycastle. In the centre of the visitor centre was a Pine tree that has been carbon dated back some 4000 years.
On the tree, you could still the makes of axes used by the stone age farmers who worked the land in this area. I found this truly amazing, and the tree was in perfect condition.
Photo is from the web because some Muppet left his Camera at home...........what is the point of having a women around if these important things are not checked........for me !!!
01 November 2011 20:26:17
I spy with my beady little eyes..............
Due to the disruption on the DART system, I am travelling to work by bus. I sat on the upstairs section this morning, boy what a treat.
''He's easily pleased'' I can hear you all say..... ''Fran's lost the plot, this time'' ...... is your next comment :-))
What fun I had, looking into all the gardens on the journey in, some were just a mess, and I was wondering how people could let their bit of space get into such a state. Others were just nicely kept, and some I would really love to have a much closer look at.
One special one caught my eye, but sadly I only got a quick glance at it. There was decking at the back of the house. Dividing the decking from the grass area was a line of Acers, all the same size and height (roughly), but the most fantastic crimsom colour. Looked great.
A great way to start a day in work.
Had a very wet weekend in county Mayo, but well enjoyed the break. Have been a bit lazy of late, but planning to get stuck in on Thursday/Friday, weather good, bad or indifferent.