fran m's Journal

A day and a half.

Asplenium bulbiferum 'Suze'

Just back from a long but great day at Bloom.

Not to spoil anyones visit over the next few days I am desisting from posting photos of the show gardens.

Surprise, surpise, Fran fell hook line and sinker for the Japanese 'Tea Garden', absolute class. Some others caught my imagination, lots of really good  and interesting planting.

Bumped into Rachel, Liga, Bill, Paddy, Mary, Hazel and Bruno.

Very restricked in what I bought, but a note book of plants and planting ideas that will be well and truly considered over time.

Met Bill at the 'Shade Plants' stall. Not that I needed much convincing I was bullied into buying a fantastic Fern, Asplenium bulbifernum 'Suze'. There was only one left, when Bill wandered off. I was still looking and thinking, when another couple expressed an interest in it, after a short discussion I was asked if I was taking it? Quicker than a bolt of lightning, the plant was mine :-)) He who hesitates is lost etc etc.

Maria and a friend came along, despite light rain it was not a bad day at all. Main job was keeping tha camera dry. 

Total buys for the day was, 3 ferns, two primulas and 3 Arisema bulbs. 

The main thing for me today was, just looking, learning and thinking of different things could be twicked to fit into my garden.

Have a great time all of your who are going over the next few days. 

Geranium 'philippe vapelle'

Geranium 'philippe vapelle'

Another purchase from Bay Garden recently.

Starting to flower nower, the main attraction of this plant is the leaves. I was looking at it in BG, when Rachel said she had seen and bought it in Terra Nova.

The flower is much deeper than this, the photo was taken later yesterday evening. 

Like this

Good combination

combination that I spotted this evening.

From 'down under'

Prostranthera rotundifolia

This plant was picked up a bay garden a liitle while ago.

Noticed it was staring to flower this evening, what amazing little flowers, look at the detail.

Australian 'mint bush'. 

Grass Bed

Grass Bed

Really pleased with the way this bed is coming on. The grasses are coming on great, overall, two of the smaller grasses are stuggling, and I lost one plant, I am very pleased with that result.

You can see the colours and textures of the different grasses, by next year the effect should be waht I am hoping for. 

A Wet Fern Planter, for Rachel !!!!

A Wet Fern Planter, for Rachel !!!!

After last evenings discussion by .iers that had nothing better to be doing I am now posting a photo of the rock, wet this time !!!!!

Either way, I love it, wet or dry, covered by ferns or not, it's mine and it's in my garden!

''Thank you to the two great guys who's genorisity helped bring about this minor creation. In years to come when my garden, wins at Chelsea, the ones who laughed last evening, can cry amonst yourselves and say I should not have mocked him so much.''

I know to whom, the guest tickets will be going.

Ah sure, I may as well dream here as in bed ;-))) 

Another Fern Planter.

Another Fern Planter.

I copied Martin's idea of ferns planted in the bottom of a planter.

The rock is a special gift from Kinderspirit, and is a type of Lava rock which looks fantastic when wet.

Hope this works, I'll be keeping a close eye on the plants till I'm sure they have settled in and are growing well. 

Thanks Clara

Thanks Clara

Clare, look what opened today.

Doing really well, many thanks.

Fatsia

Fatsia

This is a plant from Bruno, well settled in and growing great. Seems to like the shade in it's new position. It's little sibling that did not grow at all last year seems to be growing a little, it will never catch up, but I wold love to get it growing well.

Always room for this great plant.

Hosta

Hosta

Don't know the name of this one but it is filling out nicely. It is in a tall pot so may that's why the slugs have not found it yet.

Super Garden

Super Garden

Just wondering if it's just me, but as I watched the last programme last evening I have to say that not one of the gardens inspired me in any way.

While I do try and not knock any thing Irish, (we as a Nation are very good at it) I saw very little in these gardens that would make you look a second time and say, ''wow I like that''.

Granted the budet is small, but I can just dream about having a €5000 budget to spend on a garden.

I do wish these designers all the best in the future, and am sure like us all, 'it is all a learning curve of life'.

On a brighter note, it is another lovely day on the East coast, hope it is the same with you, enjoy if you can ;-)) 

Easy summer day.

Rhododendron (no name)

Took it very easy today, sure that's what days like today are for ;-)

A little cooler here, with a light sea breeze, perfect.

Had planned to do a few small things but even those seemed like to much effort.

After many failed attempts, LindaB finally got to see the garden. It was perfect. just chatting and enjoying the day. Really is enjoyable chatting wih another gardener.

Linda thanks for you idea, like it alot. Time will tell, and thank you so much for the plants, they will fit in great around the garden once I get a chance to divide them ;-))  FYI, I have put an alarm on the Mlianthus 'major', now that you know where it is etc.

Have you ever noticed,

Hard work, but I'll suffer in silence !!

how some days in the garden,

are much harder,

than others?

12 Hours and the bones are screaming at me.

The Mound

That is the longest day I have done in the garden, and the body knows it, but the spirits are high.

The area is not finised but, what's left is the minor details and more planting which will be done over time as I need shade plants for what is left.

That has to be the best day, not quite what was required for what I was doing but will not complain at all.

I have walked and thought about the planting on this area for an age. As is always the case with me, once I started planting the plan went out the door.

Am putting an album up, first photo shows the area as it was a few years ago. 

Spotted

Spotted

Aoife spotted this guy in the garden just now. Got a couple of shots but this is the best one.

The end is in sight.......at long last

End in sight

It is coming to an end. 

No more will you be hearing about the mound in the far corner.

After a few hard eveings work, I finally got it levelled off last evening. Still a lot of levelling and racking to be done this morning, then on to the planting ;-))

I thought the raised area would have been a little higher, but once you start spreading soil it goes nowhere. 

Really pleased with the soil here, I thought it was more subsoil from the extension works, but as I dug and spread it most of it broke up very easily.

As you see in the photo I used the broken pot for someting totally different than what was planned.

What a morning out there, gotta go..........have a good un ;-)) 

As Good As It Gets

Fern

In from work,

a few hours in the garden,

great weather,

about to watch today's Chelsea programmes,

perfect.

Sooty

Sooty

Oly a while ago at one of the outings, Rachel comment to me that I did not like dark leaved plants. I agreed.

Had forgotten that Bill had promised me, Dianthus 'sooty'.

Not only are the flowers to die for, but the foliage is stunning.

Thanks Bill. 

Arum

Arum

Spotted this this evening well hidded by it's leaves, one flower last year, three plus this year, so all is well.

Liking pink, is hard work.

Liking pink, is hard work.

I have been accused of been a closet 'pink lover' in a recent journal   ;-)))

I will be honest and say I did not always like the colour Pink, but I am coming round. This Aquilegia is the flower that started my coming around to liking this colour.

Least anyone think this turn around for me has been recent, I have this plant in the garden for at least 10 years.

Now as regards waring pink, that is a different thing altogether ............ 

Fern

Fern

Spotted this beauty in Bay Garden the other day. They really are fantastic plants for interest.

Carex Pendula

Carex Pendula

I know this is a thug of a plant, I know it self seeds etc etc.

But I have watched this plant for a year now growing the the shadow of the hedge and the Sumack tree, and not a bother on it.

This is a very dry shaded area, and I was wondering what to plant there. So I decided when the grass was doing so well I'd dig it up and split it. I got all these plants from it.

As the plant matures and produces fonds, I will pull them out to prevent seeding. I know it's only a small area, but it's another area sorted in my book for the moment at no cost what so ever. The Phormium was divied also, so that's another bonus.

 That's a really good deal in my book  ;-)) 

Plant ID from Bay Garden

Plant ID from Bay Garden

For anyone at Bay Garden the other day, could you give me a name of this plant, this is the plant that had the lovely scent from the leaves.

L E I N S T E R

Well done to all the team.

(in no way garden related, what what a result)

;-)))))) 

Rocking and Rolling

Scrubber ''I take my hat off to your rocking and rolling skills''

Only got a few hours in the garden yesterday due to the rain.

Plan was to starting leveling out the mound a getting it planted ASAP. I knew there was still some Granite there so needed to get it out as I'm using it to create two levels on the mound.

Basically the granite is all I got done and there is still more of it, though not as well buried which is just as well.

As I grunted, pulled and rolled the bigger pieces out all I could think was,

''Scrubber, I take my hat of to you'' How do you make this kind of work sound so easy and interesting. Maybe it is my lack of this famous 'bar' you have that is making life harder here.

To be totally honest I was glad when the rain got to heavy to work in.

Snapped

Snapped

Took some photos around the garden today.

I just thought this combination of foliage and colours, looked great. 

Lavateria arborea 'verigata'

Lavateria arborea 'verigata'

I bought this at the Begley stall at the lat talk Deborah gave in Dublin a few weeks ago.

While I was looking at it, Martin said it was one plant no garden should be without.

Martin you were right, it is just flowering now and it will only get better and better. 

Bay Garden 17/5/12

What looks like a lake at the end of garden, is really dry grass, some effect.

This my third time to see this garden and it really is helpful to get the feel of a garden when you see it at different times of the year.

The woodland area was stunning, the grass garden was so different from when it's at it's best in August/Sept.

When we had bought our plants, Ian was so good to wheel a borrow out and say thses plants were free ''if anyone was interest''?

INTERESTED ......... Talk about vultures around a dead animal, the borrow was stripped bare in seconds flat. But it was a very nice gesture from Ian, which we all thank him for.

Another funny sight was Rachel when she thought all the Irises she was interested in were gone. I now know not to stand in the way of this Lady when she is plant hunting.

A really enjoyably visit with great company in a reaaly good garden.

Thanks Folks. 

How do I ?

How do I ?

switch this blooming thing on?

Is the question Rachel was heard asking yesterday !!

LOL 

LindaB's garden should be

Linda's garden

LindaA's garden.

I am stunned seeing all these large gardens and wonder how on earth doing these gardeners find the time to keep them.

Linda has great colour in the garden, all from plants that will spread, self seed and flower freely. the use of conifers and trees is fantastic and over time as these mature the effect will only get better and better.

Thanks Linda, the garden is a credit to you and the backdrop of the countyside around you adds to your garden just as much as the garden adds to the area around you.

Well done. 

Plant ID for Clara

Plant ID for Clara

After our travels in Wexford I had to drop Clare home. We had to have a walk around as Joan had never seen the garden.

One thing cropped up as we were walking around, Clare wanted to know if we knew the name of a plant.

We had no idea, so I snapped it and am putting a request out for it's name. We also had a discussion on who would name it, so please don't let us down, you guys. 

PS I have just added an album of Clare's garden, all the times I have been there I never took photos, hope these make up for it. 

Fern fever is getting worse ..............

Phegopteris connectillis

FMM  (Fern Master Martin) gave me this as a baby last year. I struggled and I was planning on moving it.

But seing all this new growth, I think it must be happy enough, so it stays where it is.

For the non fern growers amonst you (LOL) it is also known as Long Beach Fern. 

Going all fancy

Lonicera Japonica 'aureoreticulata'

I have been thinking about extending my Japanese theme in the back garden for a while now. Still not sure about how far or to what extent, but the seeds are growing ;-))

I have a fantastic climber the will fit in perfectly.

Lonicera Japonica 'aureoreticulata' a gift from Sallysarah, which arrived safe and sound a few weeks ago by post. It was potted up the same day and seems to be growing away happily. It will stay in a pot for this year, till I sort out what I'm going to do.

The leaves are just fantastic. 

Sallysarah thanks, I love it. 

For Rachel

Hosta 'Lemon and Lime'

Rachel, this is Hosta 'lemon & lime' small and the leaves are a mixed colour, some darker than others, no set patteren to them.

Paddy and Mary gave me this one, so they may have more info about it. 

Bay Garden visit, 17/5/12

Last call now going out for this visit...............

Some of us are going to Bay Garden, Camolin at 10.30 on this Thursday, followed by a vsit to the Potting Shed which is close by. 

Those going who are going, myself, Clara, Rachel, Rubberboots, JoanG, Headgardener and LindaB.

LindaB who is just 10 mins away fromBG has kindly offered to have anyone is free back for a cuppa ;-))  Thanks Linda.

Weather may be a little mixed so be prepared.

Anyone else interested in joining us just let me know. 

Garden Visiting, is bad for .............

Alpine/Rock Bed

................. whatever plans you may have had.

After my visit to Dhu Varren on Saturday, I'm thinking do I put in my small area of grass or do I put in an Alpine/Rock Garden.

Maria was really taken with this part of Dhu Varren, and I'm thinking, do I put in grass or do I do an Alpine Garden.

Maybe if I hold off for a while, I might calm down and some bit of sanity will return  LOL

 :-)) 

Dhu Varren Garden, Kerry.

Red rock canyon

Was away in Kilarney for the weekend. I was trilled to see how close to Dhu Varren was to Kilarney. So Maria and myself headed of on a beautiful saturday morning.

Mark and Laura started work on the 2.5 acre garden in 2002, and the transformation is stunning. 

The garden is done into so many different areas, Wildlife pond, Red rock canyon, Orenital garden and Tea House and Koi Pond which I am still in awe of, Water Gardens, Shade gardens, Palm and Succulent house, Aloe collection, Tropical House and so much more.

Laura and Mark were so nice and friendly as with all gardeners. I really cannot put into words the effect this garden had on us. If anyone is anywhere close to this garden it is a must, must see. 

We were under a little time pressure, so I know I missed a lot. I am putting an album up, but it will go nowhere near showing this amazing garden to it's best.

Yet again I find another garden on my list that is a must see again and again, pity about the distance.

Hope you enjoy the pictures. 

Keep it to yourselves ...........

Dhu Varren

Maria knows nothing, but it's a case of Dhu Varren Garden here I come  Yipee ;-))

Head to head with Rachel on garden visits at the moment, but no doubt by years end she will be miles ahead ;-)) 

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

I have seen this simple feature in Terra Nova several times now and I just love it.

I now have the ferns, all I need is the correct pot. A truely simple idea, but stunning at the same time. I of course will be putting my own little twist on it .................... so I won't be charged with copyright LOL 

Brunnera 'Jake Frost'

Brunnera 'Jake Frost'

If your looking for a great little foliage plant I don't think you will go to far wrong with this plant. As an extra it produces clusters of small blue flowers, but the leaves are what I like about this one, hoping to split it later and get some new plants.

Bay Garden visit, 17/5/12

Bay Garden

For anyone who may have missed other journals, I am arranging a trip to Bay Garden Camolin at 10.30 on Thursday 17th.

If you want to join us, just let me know.

Those who have the time and want to, can also visit The Potting Shed GC which is close by.

Clara, Rachel, Rubberboots, JoanG, Headgardener and Moi are going.

Possibles are, LindaB and LadyGardener. 

Plant ID

Plant ID

I took a coffee break in Stephen's Green this morning.

Spotted this plant, does anyone know what it is please?

It's a real 'I want it' plant ;-)) 

Mount Everest

Allium 'mount everest

I picked up this Allium in Limerick, it is just opening. 

Has anyone else noticed their Alliums being smaller this year?

Mine are about a third the height of last year. I am putting it down to the very dry spell we had in March. 

Finding a home

Finding a home

I have to find homes for some ferns.

Yesterday I decided to look for homes for some of them. Found a home for one of them straightaway, this one is tucked away in the trunk edging around the Rathmicheal border. A little care and attention till it settles in and all should be well.

I had a quick lesson from a fern master on Saturday, and it was only then I dawned on me what is involved in growing plants from Spores. 

These plants have even more meaning for me now, since I know the efforts that goes into this growing process. 

So what did you do?

Sum and Substance

Saturday 5th May was the eight World Naked Gardening Day, as I am sure you all knew.

So what did any of you guys do to mark this event?

I travelled to Limerick to view two gardens as you all know. As my way to mark this day I added some plants to my ever growing list. Two Hosta's were added, surprise surprise !!!

The one in the photo is a large one called, 'Sum and Subtance', the other I decided not to take a photo of is called 'Striptese'................enough said.

Call yourselves gardeners? not a mention of this great day from anyone!!!!!    LOL

It is a terrible day here in Dublin and along the east coast. Hope other parts of the country are doing better.

To those not working today, have a good Bank Holiday.

(now just think what Martin and myself could have gotten up to on Saturday if only we had know this on the Saturday)  ROFL 

New Alstromeria

Alstroemeria 'adez vanilla'

One of the purchases from yesterday, A 'andez vanilla'. These are great plants and flower for so long.

Not to much time to spare today, so want to try a plant some of what I came home with yesterday.

Truly a beautiful morning, so make the best of it. Due to change again for tomorrow ;-(( I'm working so not overly worried. 

A tale of two Gardens (part 2)

The guard dog

I left Kindredspirit's garden and headed on to another garden not to far away. One or two of you may have heard of this little gem 'Terra Nova'. Martin and Kevin are brothers, but such different gardens.

I was greeted by the Watchdog and did not dare leave the car till Martin arrived to quell this mighty beast. After formal hugs and curtsies, as is the norm on entering such a garden, I was treated to a one on one, most enjoyable guided tour of this garden. I will never get tired of seeing this wonderful garden.

Despite Deborah's bad luck of late the garden is still wonderful. I know neither of them feel that way but it is looking great and all the new works look as if it was always there.

So enjoyable just waking and talking with Martin in such a setting. Martin was up at dawn making soup and baking bread, or so I was told.........but I wonder about that ;-)) But it was a lovely lunch.

We then moved on to the fern nursery, and needless to say I came away with a collection of wondeful plants that I find close to embaressing. Martin thank you so so much.

We then headed over to where Deborah works, it is a great setup, (what else would you expect) Some great plants we purchased, a guided tour of the complex, old walled garden etc etc. A chat over a cuppa, I could easily have stayed all day.

Back to collect an oveflowing car, and a journey home that was enjoyed purely down to the great gardens and company I had spent this all too short a time.

Thank you, is such a small word at times, but it is well meant to both of you.

A tale of two Gardens (part 1)

A tale of two Gardens (part 1)

Don't worry folks I am not going to try and match Scrubber's journals. but with the day I have just had I need to do two journals.

Some months back I did a journal requesting if anyone was discarding or dividing a large bamboo that I would be interested. After many weeks a message came through from Kindredspirit that he would be able to help me out.

Today I finally got to collect the promosed plants. We have all said it at different times that the photos people put up of their gardens never do it justice. Well never a truer word was spoken about this garden. Stunning is all I can say.

Kevin, thank you so much for the bamboos and all the other goodies I came away with. Your garden is a total credit to you.

Thank you so much.

Album to follow. 

Hosta's, making an impact.

Hosta's, making an impact.

Two years I would not have had one of these plants any where near my garden.

Today, there are six different types and that number will be increasing for sure. They really are stunning as the new growth appears.

Don't have a name on this one as it was a bargain buy with no lable. I know there are lots of them, but would anyone have a name on this one?  

Melianthus Major

Melianthus Major

I just can not walk into the back garden with vering over to this plant. I just love the leaves of this plant. I am well impressed with the way this plant has grown all winter long. I know the mild winter helped and the fact that it is in a sheltered spot.

I bought this as a small plant in Bay Garden last September. 

Bay Garden visit.

Bay Garden (last year)

I'm arranging a visit to Bay Garden and The Potting Shed, Camolin, Co. Wexford.

Thursday 17th May @ 10.30am.

I had a few people who were interested in joining me, but would you please put you name down again please.

The Bay Garden will be first, as the Potting Shed does not open till 1.00 pm. Some folk may need to head on after the first visit.

There is a entrance fee to the garden. 

Basal Cuttings

Basal Cuttings

I bought some Campanula Elizabeth at the Farmleigh plant fair. The same weekend GW and Monty Don did a section on Basal cuttings.

So I said I'd have a go.

These are the cuttings today. New growth showing and all, so I think they have taken. If I can do it anyone can, and as Monty said on the programme that night ''new plants for free''.

Before you buy a plant, take a close look at it and see if there are side shoots suitable for taking cuttings from.

A Cloud with a dark linning

A Cloud with a dark linning

My efforts at creating a 'Cloud Tree' has suffered another blow. I discovered another broken branch today.

It may have been down to the weather yesterday, I really have no idea for sure.

Myrtus 'communis' will hopefully live to see some 'silver lines' some day. 

A ray of sunshine.

A ray of sunshine.

Despite the weather today, this little Geum opened.

Great to see such colour on a terrible day like today.