Last Post 416 days 6 hours ago
31 March 2012 18:54:37
Pot bound
Two years ago, Clara gave me a big pot of Agapanthus which flower that year and I was trilled with the display.
They plant suffered with the bad winter, and did not flower last year at all. I decided today to divide the plant ...................... one hour later I finally got the plant out of the pot. Now I have heard that this plant likes been restricted, but I think this is way beyond that point. An age was spent trying to loosen the roots out a bit.
I decided to plant the plant in the ground to see how it does, and if all goes well I will divide it later in the year a pot some of it up again.
31 March 2012 18:43:33
Not Rocket Science
Recently, someone mentioned about the lovely condition of the compost you see the been used on gardening programmes, and the question was been asked how come it looked so good?
I found a mound of compost ages ago at the back of an old shed that had been demolished. I did use some of it but I there was too much from all the gravel that was mixed with it. So this morning I used chicken wire doubled over and a couple pieces of wood to make a sieve of sorts.
Well the comost I was then able to spread was good enough for any gardening show. Maybe I have missed something all these years, but I had never thought of doing this before.
Have a go folks, you will be well pleased.
31 March 2012 08:02:58
Working well together
Dicentra and Red Campion are starting to put on a good show. I'd love to say I planned this out, but sadly I'm way off that stage of gardening yet.
Great when these things happen by by well planned and thoughtout 'chance' ;-))
29 March 2012 22:25:29
Evening scent
It was great to get home at 6.40 and still be able to spend time in the garden. The photo is of the Daffs that were planted very late this year. I thought they would be even later than this flowering.
But the scent from them this evening was fantastic. I was out till darkness, havin a beer on the deck as it got dark, really great way to finish a day.
PS these were bargain bulbs for €2 ;-))
28 March 2012 22:11:15
I called to Myrtle this evening, she is bringing some plants down to Blarney Castle on Friday.
What a great evening for walking around and chating in a wonderful garden. Once again I have visited this wonderful garden without a camera. One day I will put this to rights and let you all see how good this garden is.
The photos of the recent changes to the front garden, do not do it justice at all. The area has been totally transformed, and by the summer it will look as if it was always there. Well done Myrtle and Ron.
Of course Myrtle been Myrtle I came away with a host of goodies that I can put into the new area ;-))
Thank you so much. Enjoy the trip to Blarney.
PS Hosta, please note that I passed all five plants over, Myrtle was looking very closely at one of them ;-)) LOL
27 March 2012 22:19:35
Bleeding Heart
Must keep an eye out for these in shops as they come to an end, might pick up some reduced ;-))
They really are great for an early display.
26 March 2012 20:21:51
Erythronium 'pagoda'
This open fully today, these are fairly new to me, but will be getting more that's for sure. They fit in great in the fern bed area, I just hope they get enough sun in this spot.
26 March 2012 15:06:22
Euphorbia 'white swan'
Unexpected day off work, Aoife down with a bad bug and lousy troat.
Sorted some photos and had a little time walking and seeing what palnts I can move to the far corner as I get areas ready for planting.
I have to say Euphorbias are making an impact on me big time. Really interesting plants with near round interest.
This on of my favorites E 'white swan'.
25 March 2012 19:52:14
What am I?
I have no idea what this is. Am sure some of you will be able to advise me, as to what it is.
That was another fantastic day, hope you were all able to get some time out to enjoy it.
25 March 2012 19:46:52
For Scrubber's info
Peter, this is the area where the grass area will be. I am posting this photo so you will be less confussed than normal :-))
This photo is taken from the area where I was working yesterday, this is an L shaped area, all will come clear when you get here some day.
25 March 2012 08:05:27
New growth
I have no idea how many times I passed this Astilbe yesterday, I could not stop have a quick glance each time. These plants are are great for there new growth, does not last long but well worth having a closer look at.
Another great day, so enjoy.
24 March 2012 20:16:11
Good days work
I was up and out early this morning, and what a fabulous morning it was. I started moving the bark mulch in, it was great barrowing something that was so light for a change.
The seat had to levelled for the final time. Colin rose from his slumbers, and took over the barrowing duties, which was great. I had some pieces of granite over and placed them under the seat, I like the effect.
I saw a and idea at bloom last year, and was able to copy it. I created a step from where the grass will to the mulch which is at a lower level. The step is a metal grid, and I have planted Cotula ‘platts black’ under it. This is a perfect plant for this, grows only a couple cm high, so will work perfectly.
I then fitted to metal stands each side of the step to give me two ’floating planters’ this has worked out even better than expected. Well pleased.
I had planned on moving some pots into the area, but I think enough is enough. Might see something that will suit in time.
Well and truly shattered, but on a complete high. Hoping to get some of the lower level of the mound area planted tomorrow, bright evenings as of tomorrow so I’m planning on working on this area bit by bit in the evening.
Now if only I could get up to get a beer ………….. ;-))
22 March 2012 20:59:55
Love this coloured Hyacinth
Forecast is good for the weekend and I'm planning on attacking the front corner. After last weekends trip to Huntingbrook and spending a lot of time sitting, looking and learning. I have decided that while I wanted the front corner to be different from the rest of the garden, I was falling into the trap of 'been too disaplined', thinking about edging borders etc.
So I'm skiping a few things on my plan and this will in turn, speed up and bring things long faster.
There is a Hawthorn tree on the boundary which was topped today, this will allow more sun to the grass bed. The guy that did this also brought a load of bark mulch. Once this is spread the area will change completely.
I am then hoping that by the end of April topsoil will have been delivered, spread and grass seed sown. Then all that will be left is the earth mound in the corner. I have decided to extend this out further than plannned, this will increase the planting area :-))
This will be a new avenue for me to be following, a shaded area. Lots of new plants, etc. etc. I won't be doing a lot of planting here till the end of the year, but the end is in sight.
I know I have been going on and on about this area for so long now, everyone is bored to tears about it, so the saga is nearly over.
There really is a buzz as things come to a close.
21 March 2012 21:19:35
Silene (red campion)
Just starting to flower now, first few flowers are out. This great plant will flower it's socks off till November or there abouts. A plant well worth having in the garden, dives easily as I did last year so the will be lots of this one producing long lasting colour around the garden.
Thanks Linda, loving it already (again) ;-))
20 March 2012 22:08:11
Lunaria (honesty)
This is just starting to flower now. Hosta gave me this plant last year on our 'tour of cork'.
This plant has a special connection for Maria and myself. As of now, she knows not that it is flowering in the garden, I will show her at the weekend when more flowers have opened. I never knew it was such a pure white, love it.
Hosta once again, many many thanks.
20 March 2012 21:56:40
No name
Spotted this little beauty at Huntingbrook the other day. It is a stunning colour.
Sadly there was no name for it, I had to laugh when I saw it.
The man is human, after all.
LOL
19 March 2012 06:50:26
Betula 'albosinensis'
the bark alone on this Birch is simply eye catching and stops you in your tracks. But with the Sun shinning on it yesterday it looked stunning at Huntingbrook.
Despite been surrounded by trees here, I'm wondering where I could get one of these great trees to fit in.
Need to think this one out.
18 March 2012 18:54:47
Huntingbrook 18th March
Seen as how it was Mother’s Day, I reckoned the best thing I could do was for the Mother of my children, was to leave her in peace and quite for the day.
So I very sadly took myself off to Huntingbrook for the day.
I could not have asked for a better day, perfect. Arrived early and had a chat with Jimi, first time to meet the man in person, met June also.
It was great to see this garden at such an early time of the season. Gave me lots of food for thought, lots and lots ;-))
It was really great to have so much time to walk around, and around again. What I did not noticed on the first time, I saw on the second or third times. Lots of ideas to think about.
At 2.00pm we had a guided tour of the garden with Jimi. If I was envious of you guys who have done the courses there before I am, mad mad jealous now.
Jimi, offered if anyone wanted to take some Helebour seedlings they should help themselves, so in true garden.ie fashion, I did. Picked up some great simple tips on different things.
What better way to spend Mother’s Day, I know not.
17 March 2012 07:26:13
Euphorbia 'humpty dumpty'
is Euphorbia 'humpty dumbty'. This plant has really taken off this year, doing really well. You need to look closely at the flowers to really see the amazing detail in them.
So much for me once thinking green flowers held little or no interest.
Have a great day one and all.
15 March 2012 21:28:56
Campanula persicifolia, opened at weekend.
I had a woeful day in work. On very times working with the public is the worst thing possible, but today I dealt with some of the most ignorant people ever, sadly I can't tell them that, but I came dam close once.
I was dangerous getting home. But some deep breaths, the smell of Aoife's muffins baking for her junior mocks tomorrow in HE, helped big time.
It was starting to get dark but out to the garden and sat on the decking for half an hour, looking, listening and switching off big time.
Nothing could have turned a day around as much.
Recipe for a bad day ===== a half hour walking or sitting in the garden followed by a fresh Rasberry muffin.
Bliss, and all is well with the world once again.
13 March 2012 22:07:38
Crinken
but looking as grumpy as ever. I spoke to him for ages yesterday, and it turns out he's afraid of heights.
So I will have to find a new place for him and see if that will put a smile on his face.
13 March 2012 20:31:26
Uncinia ’rubra’
Spotted this the other day, it was stunning in the spring sunshine. It has bulked up great and I'm really sorry to say I can't remember who gave it to me. So to whome it may concern, many thanks.
12 March 2012 20:31:44
New seat.
I got the paint out today and panited the new seat. Me and my love of wood has taken a massive change. I painted the seat, instead of stainning it. The area the seat is going is darkish with hedges etc. so I went for a bright colour. I'm happy if a little surprised with it.
A few more coats of pain and all will be well.
Now what colour for the cushions..............................hmmmmm
12 March 2012 15:16:44
I Know
we are all Tuliped out at the moment, but this one I thought was worth showing. Sadly I don't have the name but it is stunning.
12 March 2012 08:16:56
Fern planter
I was in the garden most of the day yesterday and what a day it was.
I was looking at the last instalment of Ferns from the 'Master' of the last while and wondering where they would go, and also the problem of looking after them as they are still quite small.
Then I spotted the bark planter from Scrubber and thought what a great place for the ferns and easy to look after them all in the one spot at this early stage.
Thank you both.
11 March 2012 19:32:29
Oxalis 'oregana' smalliana
on this plant, I got it from Mount Venus 18 months ago, it did nothing but produce leaves last year. I was beginning to think it was a dud, when today I spotted two fantastic flowers on it and more buds showing.
The colour is not as good in the photo as in real life. Really really vibrant colour.
Trilled to spot these today ;-)))
11 March 2012 19:15:47
Mukdenia 'rossii'
Margaret, this is one of the plants I picked up for you yesterday. I'm afraid by the time you get it (if you get it) it may be gone over. So I thought I'd show you a photo, I'm not 100% sure it will suit you garden, so I will think about it and let you know, it may be better suited here.
Looks really interesting, much better suited to the east coast, me thinks.
10 March 2012 20:23:14
Kojou-no-mai
The early flowering Prunus that I picked up today has a great name, I like it anway. I was told that it does well in pots and can double as a Bonsai without all the hard work. It also provides great colour at the years end.
10 March 2012 20:08:00
Love it
I was up and out early this morning, and what a morning it was, beautiful.
Pottered about and got table and chairs out, garden ornaments are all back in place and looking good.
Headed off to Mount Venus for their Hellebore Day, I have never seen the place as busy. A lot of the Hellebores had been already whipped up. But I was disappointed with the range of colours.
I did pick up a lovely dark coloured double, so pleased with that.
I treated myself to a small flowering cherry, which will double as a Bonsai.
Also picked up some plants for a 'plantaholic' in the peoples republic. Now if they are ever deliveried is another thing..................
Then home to watch the Rubgy, so it is now the end of a perfect day.
07 March 2012 21:16:38
Gardening at night !!!!!!!!!
Who says there's nothing to do in the garden after dark..................
Have a look at the album I'm putting up 'Night Time'
06 March 2012 22:00:58
Lots and lots of, I know not...............
Spotted this line of seedlings the other day. They could be 3 or 4 different things, but no idea what as yet. So it's a case of just wait and see and hopefully share ;-))
06 March 2012 21:57:22
Late planting and benefits of same.
I picked up a big bag of mixed daffs at the end of January for 99c. I have another plan for this small area so I planted the bulbs deeper than normal. They are just peeping up now, so I will have a later than normal display of daffs and when the growth dies down I will be ready for the other planting scheme, all going well.
05 March 2012 22:48:04
Pulmonaria officinalis
in the garden just now is this little beauty. A great little plant to have and flowers for an age.
05 March 2012 21:08:51
Dicentra
While the Snowdrops, Daffodils, Tulips etc are great to see each year. This is what I really love to see coming up and to me confirms 'Spring has Sprung'
05 March 2012 20:56:31
Leonurus cardiaca
This is the new growth on my Leonurus cardiaca, you were talking to me about the other evening. I love the new growth on this plant. This plant despite been planted in Oct '10 still reached a height of 2m last summer so well worth it's keep.
If this plant was a year older I would happily split it for you. But I really want it to bulk up for another 12 months, sorry ;-))
04 March 2012 07:54:07
Helleborus Days
Saturday and Sunday 10th - 11th March 2012 • 11am - 5pm
Single - Double - Anemone - Helleborus and other early flowering Woodland Plants
We look forward to your visit.
04 March 2012 07:19:41
More Pots
Just thought I'd show you the pots at the front door.
03 March 2012 07:36:07
Don't think I can do this.
One of the decisions I made last year was to reduce the number of pots/plants in my collection. I think I may be passing up on this decision. While they are a lot of work, the effect they produce, and in half an hour you are able to change and move them around to give different effects etc.
The pots in the back garden will be reduced for the summer with more interest on special plants. The front garden will still hold on to it's collection, they add interest to a small space.
But for now, am just enjoying these pots in the back garden ;-))
02 March 2012 21:20:52
Tigridium bulbis, 8 days later
Eight days ago, I poted a photo and journal of these seedlings. I was well surprised to see the difference in these in just those few days.
I will top dress them with some of my own compost and I should be able to plant them out later in the year. Really pleased with how they have come on. If you want to see the difference look at the journal of 23/2.
02 March 2012 16:27:18
Did someone give a reed grass.
This is growing in my Driftwood bed with the other grasses. I have no memory of anyone giving a reed like this, and if you did I'm sorry for not rembering.
Am really puzzled as to where it came from.
02 March 2012 16:22:59
Gracedieu a question, part II
Paddy/Mary this is the plant in question, it unfurls in a lovely way and produces this leaf. Does this help in an ID for you folk?
01 March 2012 21:17:48
Yay Moya, we have lift off
Moya passed on some Musa (Bannana) she had picked up at a crazy price to some of us at Johnstown in January.
With the weathr been so mild of late. I more it outside a little wile ago. Well somthing is stirring, I noticed today that part of the centre stem is moving upwards. So I take it that there is growth underneath.
Really trilled to think I will have a plant like this in the garden. Moya thank you so much, you have no idea what it was like to see this today. As someone said earlier, we are so easily plaeased ;-))
01 March 2012 09:20:00
Astelia banksii
Looking good now and back out in the garden is this Astelia. It is a little tender and I was not taking any chances with it. A great coloured grass and is stunning when the sun shines on it. Tolerating very dry conditions in it's natural setting, is ideal for a pot in my garden.