Last Post 476 days 2 hours ago
31 January 2012 21:37:12
Some things just give you a lift.
when you see them peeking up above the soil. This is the first sign of my Dicentra, I love the new growth on tis plant and I have noticed, that once this plant breaks the surface it is amazing how quickly it shoots up.
31 January 2012 20:55:07
Altamont on Friday.
OK Friday is nearly here, so the final arrangements are as follows.
We will meet in the car park at Altamont around 10.30, if the forecast is correct it will be very cold but hopefully dry. Your all adults so you know how to dress at this time of year : -))
I have been in touch with The Forge Restaurant/ Coffee shop, they are keeping tables for us for about the 1.00/1.30 mark, what ever suits but I know Rachel is on a school run.
It would be nice to finish up with a coffee/ soup to heat ourselves up. I would like to have peoples mobile numbers in case the weather was to turn bad at the last minute, or if people are running a little late we can keep in touch.
So if I don’t have your mobile, could you please send me a PM and I’ll send mine back
Those going so far are as follows, Rachel, Headgardener, JoanG, Ladygardener, Paddy and Mary, Clara, Joybells, NoelleP and self.
If anyone else has missed earlier journals and would like to join us just let me know
28 January 2012 22:26:34
FYI Hellebore Day at Mount Venus.
I was googling some plants and hit on the Mount Venus (Rathfarnham, Co Dublin) site and the are holding their Hellebore weekend on March 10/11.
Might be worth the vist ;-))
28 January 2012 21:47:12
Miscanthus malepartus
every garden should have some grasses, and this photo taken the other day shows why. Even at this time of year, this was looking great blowing in the sun and wind.
27 January 2012 19:12:50
Rhodochiton
I was thinking the other day, about my favourite plants.
So I got to thinking what one plant from each season would people choose if you had to pick one.
My choices are,
Spring Primroses (plain good old fashioned yellow)
Summer Rodochition
Autumn Aster (any kind)
Winter Hellebore
27 January 2012 13:15:15
Agastache, Herons Wood Mist
Rachel gave me a seedling of this last spring, it grew and flower all summer long in the planted up wheel barrow. I reckoned I had nothing to loose at the end of last year and put it into a pot and into the cold frame.
I was trilled yesterday to see this new growth. Rachel has told me it's easy from seed, but this plant will be well ahead of the gang now.
This is a plant I would highly recommend for colour all summer long.
Thanks again Rachel.
PS I wonder would it have survived ok if it had been left out for the winter?
After last year I was playing it safe.
26 January 2012 21:23:35
Optical Illusion
I got the heavy work done today on getting the sleepers in place that are going to create the step from one level to the other in the front corner. Really happy this is in place.
There is still a lot to do, but just getting this in place created and optical illusion, the two areas are now fully divided, and the two areas suddenly look smaller, all in the mind I know, but sometimes illusions work.
It was cold and dry, a perfect day for heavy work like this.
26 January 2012 19:14:42
A broken Pot was brought home.
No I’m not losing it, or am I?
I had to go and get two railway sleepers today. I had a quick look around the GC, nothing of great interest, then I was not really looking for anything. As I was leaving I spotted a large pot in the corner that had broken in two.
I asked the girl if I could have it, after a very strange look, she said yes no problem.
I went and got the sleepers, as I was driving out I was stopped by the girl. She said ‘I have to know what are you planning to do it the broken pot’?
After I told her, I don’t think she will be giving to many broken pots away again.
I will do one of two things, the first is where you break the smaller section into a couple of sections (that’s the hard bit) and plant up the main section less than half way with the remaining sections of broken pot keeping the compost and plants in place. The finished effect looks as if the pot has collapsed in on itself.
The other option is a secret, for the time been.
Either way, I’m happy with my broken pot ;-))
26 January 2012 14:56:41
Name please
This plant was growing in a pot witha another plant I picked up in woodies some weeks back.
It has white flowers just starting to open, long very slim seed heads.
Does anyone know what it is, please?
26 January 2012 07:32:56
Martin the year he bought the togs in question............
Martin I think it is time that fellow .iers know the kind of swimming togs that have gone missing on you. You never know someone may have seen them somewhere, the members on the site are sharp eyed so you might be lucky in getting them back.
25 January 2012 22:30:12
Monty Don
I am reading Monty Don's 'The Lvington Diaries'.
Really enjoying it, it is a daily diary, spanning many years. One day can be from 2004, the following day from 1997. The days are in order, but the years jump all over the place.
Very easy reading, funny, informative and realistic. It is written in a way that you can nearly hear his wonderful voice reading to you.
One that I will be making available to lend in time.
25 January 2012 20:56:31
Et Tu Rachel, Et Tu.
Friends, .iers, countrymen lend me your ears.
It has come to my attention a very serious situation is developing in this wondrous realm of ours. One that must not be allowed to fester and bring disease to this majestic place that Emperor Gerryus Dalyis and his followers built with their bare hands.
Citizen Darlington is holding an open day in the coming months. We as citizens of this great place have come to expect certain standards on these open days.
Citizen Darlington tells us of a new idea she is planning, a no dig border!!
While new ideas are to be welcomed, I say, where would this great place be without them? But we are told this border will not be completed for her open day and may well be a little ‘messy’.
If this is allowed to happen, what is next, I ask this Forum?
Uncut grass?
Rough edges?
And save us all from Black Toga’s, Weeds even…………….
Citizen Darlington I urge you to rethink this idea, or it may be a case of,
Et Tu Rachel ………………..
24 January 2012 21:37:25
Vinca minor 'Illumination'
Bought two of these a few weeks back. Just starting to flower, but the leaf is what I love, looks great with the sun on it.
22 January 2012 19:52:33
Plant Trough
Despite the decorating today, I did manage to get some gardening things done. Peter thank you so much for the wood bark you gave me at Johnstown.
There were some smart comments in connection with these items as I lifted them into the car, let me silence those smart alecks once and for all.
Peter thanks once again, and thanks to the chap that cut the tree down for you, and was able to get such great pieces of bark for me, these items will be put to great use.
22 January 2012 14:59:53
Cake anyone?
Especially when your Daugther bakes and decorates a lovely sponge. She even took her own photo of it, so just to say thanks Aoife for a job well done.
PS Aoife, just a little more jam and cream next time ;-))
22 January 2012 07:30:01
Altamont
I am re posting this journal in case anyone missed it before.
Due to the very mild start to the year, a few of us are planning to go to see the Snowdrops at Altamont a few weeks ahead of the set Snowdrop Week at the end of the February.
It will be a very informal get together, Friday 3rd February, meeting in the car park at about 10.30, a good walk and natter (chat amongst the males if any others show up) it will be as enjoyable as any other of our meetings. On top of the snowdrops, Altamont is a great garden to visit. My first time there last year and was well impressed.
Soup or coffee can be had afterwards at The Forge which is close by and are advertising themselves in the adverts for Snowdrop Week.
So anyone interested in joining in just let me know and we’ll see you on the day.
Going so far are, Clara, Rachel, JoanG, Paddy and Mary, and Bill. Anyone else who is free and wants to join us just let me know. I thought the weekend would be a good time to post this again.
The more the merrier
21 January 2012 22:10:02
Helleborus 'christmas star'
Sadly, I have started decorating a room here.
I had to go to B&Q this morning for a few things. I checked to see if there was any reduced paint in the garden centre, not this time I'm afraid.
There was a Sedum 'dragon's blood' was €16.50 got for €4.00 and a large Helleborus 'christmas star' was €14.65 got for €5.00
DIY is not all bad ;-))
21 January 2012 20:50:34
Helleborus orientalis
Worth bending down and taking a closer look at, don't you think?
21 January 2012 19:07:23
Book Lending
I have just finished reading The Curious Gardener by Anna Pavrod lent to me by Rachel.
I really and truly enjoyed this book. The most enjoyable read I have had in an age.
I was just thinking this afternoon, wouldn't it be a great idea to put a page into these books so as they are lent around from member to member we could make a note of what we thought of them, for good, bad or indifferent.
So Rachel, if it's ok with you I will start with this book. If people don't think it will work then I will withdraw my note.
I think it would make interesting reading over time, to see the different opinions of different books.
What do people think?
21 January 2012 09:45:25
Libertia 'goldfinger' seed head.
I thought I would show you a photo I took the other day of the seed heads of this plant. This one flowered very late hence the seed heads are in such good condition. I suppose the mild winter has helped also.
Another thing about this plant is, the colder the weather gets the stronger the yellow strip down the leaves.
19 January 2012 20:49:03
Under treats a divorce and more I have been tidying a collection of notes, notebooks, gardening info, seeds, directions to .iers gardens (it was a mess but don't tell Maria I said that) and all kinds of other bits and pieces.
So I have lever arch file, dividers, lables all been sorted and tidied up.
If anyone out there is planning a wildflower meadow. I found a Cornfield Wild Meadow mix of seeds from seedaholics, it is a 1gm mix containing 1000 seeds, I have the A5 sheet that tells what is in the seeds are contained in it.
Only the one I'm afraid, so first one in, wins.
19 January 2012 20:01:10
Aquailgia Leprechaun's Gold
This is the new growth of this lovely Aquailgia. I must say I'm more interested in the leaf colour of this plant than the flower itself.
I will be sure to save seed of this plant this year, for anyone who is interested.
18 January 2012 21:17:52
Floating Pots
I had an idea that I wanted two Planters / Pots on each side of the step that is to go into the front corner soon. I wanted these pots standing on a narrow support to give the effect that they are floating in mid air at waist height.
I had no idea how or what I could use. Then passing a skip in the village at the weekend I spotted these two stands, no idea what they are or were. But it a good clean down and a few coats of paint I have my stands for the pots.
Two circular paving slabs fixed to the metal circle will give a perfect base for the pots to sit on.
When luck hands things like this to you, you know you just have to follow the idea to the end.
18 January 2012 19:49:54
Variegated Aubrieta
I picked up a couple of these last week. There was just something about the shape of the leaf that caught my eye. This is a plant I want to increase in numbers here, they are a great little plant for the amount of colour they provide.
17 January 2012 20:15:29
From last year
Due to the very mild start to the year, Rachel, Clara and myself and a few others are planning to go to see the Snowdrops at Altamont a few weeks ahead of the set Snowdrop Week at the end of the February.
It will be a very informal get together, Friday 3rd February, meeting in the car park at about 10.30, a good walk and natter (chat amongst the males if any others show up) it will be as enjoyable as any other of our meetings. On top of the snowdrops, Altamont is a great garden to visit. My first time there last year and was well impressed.
Soup or coffee can be had afterwards at The Forge which is close by and are advertising themselves in the adverts for Snowdrop Week.
So anyone interested in joining in just let me know and we’ll see you on the day.
The more the merrier …………….
16 January 2012 21:56:12
Is there anyone out there that have used bark mulch as covering on paths or an area of the Garden?
I am thinking of doing this in the front corner instead of grass. From September till late April this area gets little or no Sun and I can see the grass turning to moss.
All ideas welcome.
16 January 2012 20:43:33
Barking up the wrong Tree, thanks Scrubber.
When I visited Scrubber's during the Summer I sadly saw his dead Eucalytus tree. I noticed that the bark was cracking away from the main trunk. I asked Peter if when the tree was cut down if he could save me some of the bark.
Like the gentleman he is, Peter was true to his word and passed on some pieces of bark to me at Johnstown. After some cutting down and a little re-shaping, followed by some water proofing these will make the most natural plant troughs ever.
Peter thank you so much, these will be well used and very appreciated.
15 January 2012 20:26:45
For Martin
Martin you mentioned the other evening about my Fern area, so I took this photo today. It has come on great and it will be interesting to see how the plants come on now after been planted for a year.
Thank you again for the ferns and encouraging my interest in these great plants.
15 January 2012 18:26:21
Yesterday's planting
This is the area that was planted up yesterday, doesn't look much but it is another step forward in getting this area sorted.
Out of interest I'm adding a photo album of the entire area from the day I started to clear the jungle that was. I had forgotten just how overgrow the area was, and after looking back at the photos it suddenly struck me just how far I have come. Last years winter did delay things greatly.
There is another small area of this border to go in, then the two grass areas, bamboo corner, and a gravel path.
Lots done with more to do ................ but I reckon I'm over the hill (project or age wise I hear some of you ask) LOL
15 January 2012 09:42:35
Four times better
Some years ago I cut down a Cordyline, it had been damaged by a falling branch from the enbankment. I never got to remove the stump, last year I noticed new growth at the base of the stump. So yesterday I looked closer, reduced the stump and I now have four young plants.
Is this too many to have growing as a multi stem?
15 January 2012 09:32:30
Sedum
I love seeing the new growth of Sedums as it starts to emerge. Looks like a shell opening.
An interesting thing I noticed, I was slowly spreading Coffee grounds around the different borders. I had not got to do one of the borders in 'Area 50'. The two Sedums in this area have been attacked by slugs, where all the others are fine.
So maybe there is something to say that slugs do not like the Coffee grounds.
14 January 2012 21:52:10
Leaves, manure and topsoil
.............resting, big time.
Today was the first day that I have spent so long in the garden doing such heavy work. I cleared the front corner of the last of the fallen leaves.
Freshened up the grass bed.
I sorted out another 12 ft of border along the fence in the front corner. I first picked out all the weeds, then I emptied bags of leaves into the area, topped off with some manure. I then coverd the area with topsoil. I was then really trilled with been able to add two barrow loads of my own compost, what a trill to see such good looking compost, and all for free.
Then the best part that we all love, I planted the entire area up. A little early maybe, but most of the plants have been here and stored outside, so the should be ok.
Even getting this area completed, has brought a new urge to really get this area sorted sooner rather than later.
Sorry no photo of the finised area, it was dark when I finished.
Oh, these bones are shouting at me, but what a day, buzzing ;-))
14 January 2012 19:43:25
Grass Bed January 2012
I know it does not look great just now, but I cleared out the grass bed of leaves and loosened up all the soil. The one great thing I noticed as I was doing this work was that most of the grasses are already showing signs of new growth. Really pleased to see so much new growth.
This area is going to look great in a years time, not that I'm biased or anything ;-))
13 January 2012 21:37:21
It is to freeze tonight, along the East coast anyway. Tomorrow will be cold but sunny and the day will be perfect for gardening.
Who else out there enjoys gardening on days like this?
Well muffeled up, I can think of no better way to send a day like what tomorrow will be.
I know Bill (Headgardener) enjoys these kind of days, who else is mad enough?
12 January 2012 21:14:37
From last year
by Anna Pavord, on loan to me by Rachel has me totally wrapped up already. A different kind of gardening book is all I will say about it, but I would recommend it highly.
One comment that really caught my attention was ''You are never alone in a garden''.
I thought how true, and after watching all the exchanges of plants in Johnstown last Sunday, that comment is even more true. There is not one area of my garden that I could pass and not be able to say, that was given by, or I got that from so and so.
Even some of what I passed on on Sunday, was from someone else.
So, in a very real sense, we will never be alone in our gardens ..................
On a lighter note, I nearly missed my stop on the Dart this evening reading the book this evening ;-))
09 January 2012 21:26:01
Cryptomeria japonica 'elegans'
This is one of the plants I bought yesterday, Cryptomeria ( a conifer )
It forms a bushy cone shaped tree with feathery foliage. In winter it is tinted with red-bronze foliage. I want this in time to help create a sceen from one area of the garden to another. It will take time to do it's required job, but I can wait.
I also got large Lavender plants that I want for two pots, these will be on each side of the entrance to another area of the garden. It really is great when the plans really start working and coming together, even if it is all mainly in the head to date :-))
08 January 2012 20:09:23
Barking up the wrong tree ...............
I really am.
I arrived with so many plants, some promised others were just extra ones I had and was hoping to find new homes for, which I did. But best of all, I came home with half of what I arrived at Johnstown with. Thank you all to everyone for the plants.
What a fantastic day, well done Rachel and all her helpers.
Thank you all for the fantastic books, you all know who you are, what a great idea and I will be passing these around again in time.
Peter, thank you so much for the bark, it will be well used so watch this space .................
Still annoyed at myself for forgetting my camera.
What better way to spend a day, I know not ;-))
07 January 2012 23:24:47
Where is everyone?
That tomorrow between the hours of 10.00am and 7.00pm will see the quietest time ever seen on garden.ie ...................... now I wonder why?
07 January 2012 19:35:27
Rhodochiton Seeds
Just finished packing up packs of Rhodochition seeds. I have names on some for Jacinta, Elish, Hazel, Moya and Nuala.
There are packs to spare, so if any one else wants to try this great plant, make sure and ask me.
My original palnt is still doing ok outside, looking a little rough but today I noticed it is still putting out new flowers be it slowly, it would be great if I got this through a Winter outside.
07 January 2012 16:40:38
Thanks Rachel
Rachel, in case amonst all the mayhem tomorrow,I forget to say it, please accept all our thanks for the effort you have put in to make this day happen.
It a big 'thank you' from me for a job really well done.
06 January 2012 15:08:29
Stipa 'arundincea'
also known as Pheasant Grass, looked stunning as the low winter sun caught it today.
It was a big change from yesterday mild and calm, really enjoyable to be out and about. I have 2 of pieces of this and 2 small Acanthus mollis (Bears Breeches) to be added to what I am bringing, so shout or forever hold your piece ................
I tidied up the border 50, removed all the leaves and moved a few things around. The slugs were starting to feed on the new shoots of the Sedums so am glad that I got this job out of the way.
Sixth of January, sitting outside with a mug of homemade soup in the sun, watching a couple of Robins feeding.
Perfection...............
06 January 2012 08:02:12
Box hedging along side steps
I think it was Sallysarah who posted a journal on box hedging along side a set of steps. I loved the idea, and have copied the idea, be it on a much smaller scale. These are the couple of steps up to my raised area at the back corner of the the garden.
It was really wild in the garden yesterday, but luckily not cold at all. At one stage I was hit by a flying branch, luckily it was small, well ok then, a twig .............. but even a flying twig is dangerous ;-O
Did not get as much as I wanted done, was distracted all the time with looking at this that and the other, new growth here there and everywhere, great to see.
One think that worried was when I went to divide on of the Cuphea for Sunday, there was no sign of life at all. I am used to this plant and was expecting to see new white shoots. I dug another plant and new shoots all over. I replanted the other plant but think it is gone. No idea why and no sign of disease or bugs etc.
Really enjoyed the time despite the wild coditions, much calmer today so will get a couple of hours before other things distroy my plans ;-))
PS The cropping issue been sorted is really great, well done to the IT team once again.
05 January 2012 23:24:00
Slimming down the planters
One plan for this year is to reduce my amount of mixed planters. So today saw the first one been sorted out.
This one contains Phormium 'red sensation' and Saxifraga 'arendsii' deep red.
In time the Saxifraga will bulk up around the base of the Phormiun, it will add nice contrast with fresh green leaves and will be striking when the deep red flowers are in bloom.
05 January 2012 17:46:11
''Plants are packed, I'm ready to go''..........
....... but I'm not leaving on a Jet Plane.
One thing I find really enjoyable is getting plants ready for these get togethers, it really gives me a great buzz been able to pass plants on to people and return some of the good will I have received.
I have a small clump of Solidago (golden rod) if anyone wants it.
I will be digging up a clump of Liberita 'goldfinger' will get four plants from that one.
One Spirea 'goldflame' shrub.
and a few other bits and pieces, along with plants as promised ;-))
Hope I don't forget anyone, it will be a great day.
05 January 2012 08:34:52
I am in need of a safety rope
but either way I'm garden bound. It is still blowing like hell out there, but at least it's dry. I have a few days off so going to get a few things done. First on the list are plants for Johnstown on Sunday.
Once it stays dry I'll be happy, there will be no cobwebs left as soon as I step out.
Just watched blackbird been blown in the hedge, either way a garden fix is badly needed.
If your travelling today, take care.
04 January 2012 20:40:35
Gracedieu Lass
Paddy, this is a Poppy you gave me when we visited during the Summer. I am nearly certain you mentioned that Dublin was in the name of it, am I right or wrong?
I think it had orange flowers !!
04 January 2012 07:26:40
Brave or what?
There are two flower buds on this Poppy, I know they won't flower but you have to take your hat off to them for trying. Photo taken on 1/1/12.
03 January 2012 21:03:18
What am I?
I spotted this plant on the far side of the hedge the other day.
Leaf looks interesting, has anyone any idea what it might be?
Or am I just wishing against all odds that it might be something.
02 January 2012 20:22:50
Scrubber's hard worked supervisor .............
I was thinking and looking at last years photos and journals of Garden Vists in 2011. I got to thinking, what was the best day?
I know they were all the great days in so many different ways. But one day that really struck me was the visit to Bruno's, then to Hosta's and finally on to Terra Nova to celebrate Deborah and Martins anniversary.
Every visit is great in it's own way. But that day was an early start, with an equally early finish ;-)) that needed a very slow start, the next day.
The day in Mount Usher, with Bill was great due to it been a Man day :-))
What was you best memory of 2011 visits?
01 January 2012 13:28:24
My favourite Tree
I have been meaning to post a photo of this tree for ages. It is just around the corner in the middle of a green area. I have been admiring it since we moved into the house here.
Only recently did I find out that it is a Sequioa or Giant Redwood. While this is a big tree here, it is only a baby to the big ones found in the USA.
Someday I will get to see the big ones.
01 January 2012 10:05:09
A Grey Dawn
Went to Bray to clear the cobwebs. Sadly it was a grey dawn, but a great walk along the beach. A fresh morning for sure.
Best wishes to you all, and thanks for all the good times we shared last year, and I am sure there are many more for 2012.