fran m's Journal

Phyllostachys castillionii

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The weather this year seems to have been a great year for Bamboos.

The amount of new growth is great and this plant is bulking up great.

The most striking thing about about this plant is the culms (stems). The green stripe is on alternative sides up the stem.

Shy

Shy

This Dahlia has been at this stage for about 4 days now. Not sure if it is fully open or just shy.

I will post a photo if it does open fully.

It's subtle, but I like it.

Has looks, but no scent.

Has looks, but no scent.

This beauty opened to day.

Really disappointed that there is no scent at all.

Another two tone

Another two tone

Spotted this on an Acer in the garden this evening.

No I was not messing about with a paint brush !!!!

Who was it?

Who was it?

My memory fails me just at the moment.

But I think someone may have done a journal on this fern recently. I just can't recall who it may have been. No idea at all.

Anyway, since planting it this little fern has come on great. It is placed at the front of a step so can't be missed as I go walkabout.

I have to say of all the ferns I have added to the garden in recent time, I have lost only one. The wet year this year has helped settle them in well and hopefully give them a good start for the future.

Two Tone

Knophofia lemon bees

I like this two tone effect on the flower of Kniphofia lemon bees as the true colour emerges. Only one bloom on it last year, five on the way now, must like it's position.

Fuchsia

Fuchsia

Don't have a name for this one, but I like it's straight upright growing habit. Great strong colours.

I was reading in the IG mag today that it's not to late to take cuttings so will do that tomorrow.

Combination

Cuphea and pink Anemone

I am not one for placing plants together to look good, 'maybe some day'.

I tend to have a pot luck attitude.

Not sure about this mixture, but it does make you luck twice.

Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia

Aong with the sun in the sky, these Rudbeckia are about to put on a great sunny display in the garden, lots of buds to open yet.

Lovely morning here, enjoy  ;-))

Duchesnea harlequin'

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Bruno gave me a tiny piece of this plant last year.

Earlier this year, while joking with the master of invasive plants he adviced me to take this plant up and get ride of it.

A bit drastic I thought, but a few weeks back I checked this plant closely. The plant had sent out runners of nearly eight feet. A standard Bruno 'invasive' LOL

I transferred the plant to a hanging basket and chopped most of it back. It is making a dash for freedom again, and growing fast.

In the process, it is producing lovely looking fruits.

Bruno, not sure do I say thanks or not  :-))

Tradescantia

Tradescantia

A recent purchase for my visit ti Kilmurray last week.

My first one here, but won't be my last ;-))

Ladies in Red

Ladies in Red

These Dahlia's are looking great, in their second year now and putting on a great show. Lidl's best, name is in the shed, I will put it up tomorrow.

For Scrubber and others (of course)

For Scrubber and others (of course)

As you know some of us were in Altemont the other day. Things got giddy at times, but none more so when Fran was streching and bending in an effort to get a photo.

Comments were led by my better half and of course the 'rabel' joined in.

Better half was silenced when she saw the photo involved.

Rather pleased with it.

Lillies

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A plant that is new in my garden this year, but one that is on the increase in my minds eye. Big plans for next year ;-))

Red October

Red October

For those in the know, it was a great film ;-))

Otherwise it's a lovely new Hosta I picked up recently in Terra Nova. A small variety, but one that has lovely red markings on the stems.

Having a little trouble finding a spot for it, may wait a while as there will be some moving around to be done in time.

Passiflora caerulea

Passiflora caerulea

Putting on a great show by flowering for the last 5 weeks or so. A few blooms at a time, I think if the weather was better more would open at the same time.

Either way, it's a great one to have in any garden. Later in the year I'm putting in wires along the fench, so hoping for a better show next year.

Thanks Liga.

Onoclea sensibilis

Onoclea sensibilis

This was a small piece of a plant given to me by my pal, two years ago now if not a little more.

I planted it into Angela's corner very early this year.

It has trived in it's new home. Looking closely the other day, there are about ten new shoots around the base. So I was trilled to see that.

Thanks Pal

Rhodochiton

Rhodochiton

At long last I have a few blooms from what was a great plant last year.

Glad to see them at last, even if they are few and far between.

The good news is the three plants have self seeded in the same pot. So next year I hopefully will have a great display again.

If Carlsberg did days out

Rachels

then they would be like today.

Left Dublin and headed for Wexford, Maria, Clara and myself, met some of the worst rain I have ever driven in. I had checked the Met Eireann site earlier and knew we would pass through it, which we did.

Arrived at Rachels and had woerful walk around. It really was great to do this with just Rachel, heard how things had developed over time and the plans that are in the pipeline.

Rachel, thank you for the collection of plants. I will really enjoy these develope in the garden after seeing them in situ and growing happily.

Had a lovely lunch, then headed for Altemont.

I was blown away with the borders here. I have been here twice but it was always for the snowdrop week. The difference was amazing.

Scrubber joined us, and from there we had a lovely walk from the garden, down along the river and back again. Some great laughs and chats along the way.

The plant sales area was visited, and money parted hands ;-))

Thank you all for a great day, another that Maria and myself will remember.

Plant ID

Plant ID

Had a wonderful day in Rachel's and then on to Altemont in Carlow. Will do a journal later.

Rachel spotted this flower and had left her camera at home.

The flowers are tiny and on tall slender stems, most of the flowers have gone over at this stage.

Any ideas please?

Striking Gold

Mischanthus 'gold bar'

I picked this grass up the other day in Kilmurray.

Mischanthus 'gold bar', it may reach up to 5/6ft depending on the soil. This is really going to make an impact on the grass bed in time. It grows as a tight clump so will fit in perfectly.

New feature finished

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Some liked it, some were confused, some were polite.

But the main thing is, I like it.

I need a planter for the self to suit, I will know it when I see I it. I already know the grass that will be planted in it to suit the situation.

Got home this evening, and the late evening sun was shining on it, looked great.

Calling it 'The Quite Man'.

Morning Ireland

Morning Ireland

A little hard to see in the photo, but it was really very obvious in the flesh, the cloud had dispersed more by the time I got the camera.

Mother Nature was saluating Ireland this morning.

Pots of grass

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All legal and above board, despite the title LOL

These two grasses were looking stunning in he sunshine yesterday.

Really pleased with how they are both coming on.

A 100% garden day.

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That is what today was, but I did next to nothing at all. 

It was a beautiful day and I just enjoyed the day and made the most  the time relaxing in the garden.

Lights are on outside, doors still open and getting the most out of it.

Sunny South East, how are ya !!!

We'll get it in the car no problem Fran, come on .......

Left a lovely sunny Dublin this morning with high hopes for the day.

Called into Kilquade on the way for a look around. Heading on south the cloud built up, a a shower or two along the way. Told the weather what I thought of it as I drove along, just as well I was on my own.

Arrived in Kilmurray Nurseries and met up with Mary, Paddy and Rachel. Really impressed with the set up here. Really starting to consider supporting places like this instead of the normal GC’s.
Great time listening and discussing this and that about various plants and he pros and cons of them.

Lovely chat over a cuppa while the rain came down.

Then on to Glenavon, this garden did not fail to impress. It really is a credit to the Lady who has put in place an amazing garden.

Photos will be added in Album shortly.

Travelling home the weather improved, till on Getting home I heard it was a lovely day, hence the title.

Thanks guys a great day.

Apricot sprite

Apricot sprite

This Agastache is finally flowering.

Great colour, I think most Agastache have lovely scented foliage, but the slightest touch of this plant and you are surrounded with it's wonderful scent.

Rainy again, but no matter what, I am seeing some gardens today, only a few days left before I go back to work so going to make the most of it, either way.

Now I really am confused.

Angelic gigas

I was just Googling a plant I bought in Mount Venus the other day.

Angelica 'gigas'.

I have been reading different articles, some saying its perinnal/annual, monocarpic and even one telling me that full height is reached somewhere between 3 to 5 years.

Well and truly ''confussed and mixedet'' up LOL

Either way I saw it in flower and its a beauty.

Rachel take note, deep red is entering my garden ;-))

Kirengeshoma

Kirengeshoma

Just starting to flower now.

Love the leaves, flowers, structure of this plant.

It is sadly in the wrong place, totally. Making a list at the moment of things that need to be moved and repositioned around the garden.

Gone is the Fran who just planted and planted and hoped for the best.

Something appeared in the garden after the storm

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Not sure if he's friendly or not, he just keeps looking at Rathmichael all the time.

PS Not finished yet, but gives you an idea of confused my poor mind is ;-))

Not to bad

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The damage in the garden is not as bad as I was expecting. The one thing really sad to see is the one and only Silybum plant I had, is on the ground flat. Will try and get it back up shortly, fingers crossed

Lovely and sunny now, but rain not far away I have heard.

Not meaning to bore you on the subject of the grass bed, but I just can not get over the way it has grown. I suppose the combination of sheltered site and no shortage of rain has helped no end.

Bill (Headgardener) told be I would be thinning it out in a few years, I had not idea some of the plants would need dividing 12 months after planting.

On an other note, due to work and personal reasons I decided the other day that I would put Jimi Blakes Plantsperson course off for a year. Then yesterday, I heard from Seamus  O'Brien in Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh that I was accepted for the 6 month course. Really trilled about that. 

Won't be on my own as Rachel is doing it also, I will have to behave or Rachel will be 'telling tales'  ;-))

Begonia

Begonia

I took this photo this morning, before the weather arrived.

Got in this evening, blooms all over the driveway, it is in the shed now so hope I have saved most of it.

Black Velvet

Black Velvet

This Nastrutium I grew last year and was very pleased with, I saved seed and all.

Somewhere along the way I lost the seed. But a few weeks back I spotted a few selfseeded plants. So I potted them on and the first flower has appeared.

At least I know they come true from seed.

Don't know how much seed I will get this year, but I know I will mind them better for sure.

Artemisia 'powis castle'

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This is one of the plants Ian from Bay Garden gave away on our last visit.

It was looking a little poorly, but since I planted it out (badly potbound) it has grown and grown and seems to like the weather we are getting.

The silver foliage looks great against all the green around it.

I have found out it seldom flowers, but looking this good, I'm not to worried at all.

He's off again

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Rachel thought the other day that I had not taken my medcine ;-)) LOL

Well if the truth be told,

I took a double dose, and when I take a double dose.............all kinds of things happen.

And to make matters worse, Maria is away and she forgot to hide the keys of the shed. 

So Fran, has been having a ball with some pieces of wood !!!!!

But where or what on earth could this lead to? ................... LOL

Perfect for a wet day.

Pinheads

Pinheads

The Pinhead Alliums are just flowering now.

The only problem is the won't stand up on there own. If I plant them deeper I wonder would that help?

If Carlsberg did afternoons

Posted this the other day, but without the Sunshine

they would be like today.

I took myself off on a tour of some garden centres and nursiers this afternoon.

I was not looking for anything special, just wanted to have a good look around.

Those visited were, Doyles, Mount Venus and The Scalp.

Heading home I found myself passing Fesina Lente, so in I went for a walk. The gardens were looking really really well. Warm sunshine is not only good for the gardens, it does a body no end of good also.

Time well spent.

Needless to say I did not come home empty handed, time will tell when it flowers.

Split Personality

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This Cosmos could not make up it's mind which colour it wanted to be, so it picked the best of both worlds.

Aresima seedhead

Aresima seedhead

I was watching this seedhead develope over the last few weeks. The yesterday I found it on the ground (suspect Magpies).

Are the seeds developed enough?

Does anyone want some to try?

All advice most welcome as always.

Tree Fern question.

Tree Fern question.

Could someone out there tell me is this TF has two stems, or is this just the way they grow.

If it has, do I leave them alone or try and seperate them. I think out of interest I would like to leave them be.

Raindrops,

Raindrops,

not on Roses, 

but worth snapping all the same.

More Ferns

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The little fern planter I planted up in the spring is doing well.

The second photo shows, 'Woodsia obtusa' which seems to really like the position it's in. Of them all there is only one that seems to be struggling a little.

Now that the soil has settled down and compacted a little I will change the size of the stones for smaller ones. It's a little heavy for moving at the moment ;-)) and needless to say the soil is getting no chance to dry out what so ever.

And guess what? it's lashing out there, now how strange is that LOL

Who's up for a garden visit or two?

Who's up for a garden visit or two?

I'm sorry about the short notice on this information, I put up a journal last evening as well, but it is so easy to miss journals, if folk don't scroll back far enough.

On Wednesday, 15/8 at 1.00pm I'm going to visit Altamont in Carlow. Really want to see this garden at this time of the year. If your interested in joining me just put your name down.

Rachel is joining me here.

Then, on Friday, 17/8 at 2.00pm I'm going to visit Glenavon Japanese garden near Courtown in Wexford. Joining me here is Rachel and Gracedieu Lass, with one or two others are down as 'maybe going'. There is a €5 entry to this garden.

Gracedieu Lass and Rachel are join ing in on this one.

Nothing to growing Ferns :-))

Nothing to growing Ferns :-))

Some folk use spores, sterile soil and a long process of watching and 'fern spore sitting' and at the end maybe not 100% sure of what you will get.

I have found a much easier way.

Aquire a Shuttlecock Fern from the Fern Master, plant it out and each time you pass it admire it and wonder why it took you so long to get into these amazing plants.

Then when you least expect it, the plant will reward you with seven little baby plants, happily growing around the mother plant.

Really made my day today to spot these 'little uns' growing so well.

Thank you Martin

Who's up for a garden visit or two?

Who's up for a garden visit or two?

On Wednesday, 15/8 at 1.00pm I'm going to visit Altamont in Carlow. Really want to see this garden at this time of the year. If your interested in joining me just put your name down.

Then, on Friday, 17/8 at 2.00pm I'm going to visit Glenavon Japanese garden near Courtown in Wexford. Joining me here is Rachel and Gracedieu Lass, with one or two others are down as 'maybe going'. There is a €5 entry to this garden.

Simplicity

Simplicity

is the order of the day with this combination.

I like it.

Smile

Smile

How could you not stop and smile at a scene like this one.

Grown from seed from Terra Nova last year and doing even better this year.

FYI

Angela's corner

Three weeks ago to the day Angela and myself sat for a while and had a cuppa on the seat in the corner of this area. 

She was amazed at transformation in the area.

So this area is now known as Angela's corner, a fitting reminder.

This journal entry is for your information, so you will know what area of the garden I am talking about, when I mention it.

No comments required, thank you.

We are lucky

We are lucky

to have the hobby and interest we do.

I have been sitting in the garden for the last hour, I love foggy mornings, there is someting about the silence that is so calming and peaceful, but we really are gifted in that gardening brings us so close to nature.

My sister Angela died yesterday, we were so close that there is a void with me that will never be filled but will heal in time I know.

She had the most wonderful 'greenfingers' Angela could touch anything twig or slip, push it into a pot or ground and away it grew no problem.

To the friends that were due to visit yesterday, I'm sorry, but we shall no doubt enjoy another day and by then the garden may be a little closer to been finished.

Veronicastrum 'album'

Veronicastrum 'album'

This is just opening now.

I love the straight growing habit of this plant, ending in spear like flower heads.

Fantastic detail in the flowers

Busy

Busy

The bees were all over the Lavender plants today.

The Lavender was in bud for ages, but would not open. I think it had just given up on any decent sun.

The bees made the most of it today, that's for sure.

Plant ID from Terra Nova

Plant ID from Terra Nova

This is another stowaway I found in one of the plants from TN some time back.

It was slow to grow but seems to be doing grand now.

Scented leaves, any ideas what it is please?

If it's a really special plant, it will be a case of an, IOU  ;-))

Four o' Clock

Mirailibis jalapa 'Terra Nova Strain'

Is the comon name of one of the plants I picked up in Terra Nova yrsterday, the flowers pen in the late afternoons.

Mirailbis jalapa 'Terra Nova Strain' is unique due to it's yellowish leaves. 

Will be watching this one develope over time, and minding it all the more for it's special connection.

Avacado

Avacado

I planted two Avacado stones/seed 2/3 months ago, for the fun, forgot about them recently.

Today I was about to let them go when I looked closely, and I have shoots on the two of them.

I have just googled, growing these from seed, boy did I do it all wrong. Either way they are gowing.

I did this for the fun, you need a greenhouse to get them through a winter. 

So if anyone wants to try them, I'll try and keep them going till I can pass them on.

Planning

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One thing I wanted in the far corner when I was planning it out was Ferns.

Because this area is split level I was able to create little nooks and crannies where ferns should do well.

The first photo shows ferns that travelled back from Terra Nova yesterday, planted beneath a step, while they will get sun at the peak of summer days they are in a position of shade but with good light, hopefully they should do well.

Second photo is of the overall area, all coming on great, if and when we get a dry summer, I will have to watch the ferns don't dry out, time will tell.     ;-))

Terra Nova 'side effects'

Terra Nova's magic juice, for a different view of the world.

My pal Martin is well into his 'heath foods', the latest of which is Wheatgrass Juice. Which he could not wait for Myself and Maria to try.

We duely collected two trays of grass and while I cut, Martin went to work getting us some juice.

Strange taste, sweetish in a strange way but at least I can say I had a shot of grass juice.

On the way home, the white lines on the road started to turn 'Green'.

Plants were sprouting from the 'Cats Eyes' on the road, Reg numbers on cars were turing into plant names, I thought it was better to let Maria drive the rest of the way.

Getting home the house had fantastic creepers and climbers covering it in full bloom. The carpets in the house were the most fantastic lush lawn any gardener could wish for. My cuppa tea had a lily growing in it.

When I went to watch the Olympics, plants of all types running, jumping etc. But the most outstanding of all was the Aresima from the North Pole doing the pole vault, pure class, a green gilt medal well deserved.

This morning I'm not sure about the green tinge to the beard, will wait and see what Maria thinks of it.

Weatherwise, the sky is a clear lime and the sun a most wonderful 'Brunswick Green'. I think the magic of Terra Nova is in my blood,

I hope you all have a wonderful 'green day'

'Beady Eyed Lug' has a day out.

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Had a few things arranged for today, both fell through, so a last minute decision to travel to Terra Nova was made this morning.

Martin’s wish came true, as we met on the driveway, I don’t think Elizabeth would be to happy with the way two bags of plants were dropped for a friendly greeting. The bags just kept coming and coming, what’s going on I wondered?

It was the Cork ladies Elizabeth and Hosta having done a major clearing out of the plant sales area. Of what was left Fran was happy with his plants but would love to have seen what was there just minutes before.

Terra Nova has just simply improved with each visit I make. The weather held dry which added to the numbers of people who were still arriving as we left. My heart went out to Martin and Deborah seeing the condition of the lawn getting worse and worse as time went by.

Myself and Maria went to take part in the treasure hunt, Martin did not allow me take part as he knew I would know the answer. So Maria started off at the first point, when Martin notice a major problem, the first clue was missing, as was the second a third clues. Mystery was soon solved when it was discovered that two Corkoian Ladies were removing the clues as they went !!!!!!

Hogged the plant sales, and then moved on to the TH in an attempt to claim all the prizes. Thankfully Martin was on their case quickly and fairness was soon put back in place.

I am going to let the photos tell the story of this garden, but needless to say it was as ever, stunning, and is without doubt my favourite garden to visit.

Met up with MaryJoe, the pair from Cork ;-)), Hazel and Brendan.

Martin and Deborah, thank you once again for a welcome as only you can provide. Maria and myself had a wonderful day in you little piece of Heaven.

Long may you both bloom in it’s surrounds.

PS How many more nicknames am I going to get?

Garden Shot

Garden Shot

Did a lot of pottering in the garden yesterday,

and a lot more sitting with teas and coffees, making the most of the good day ;-))

I love this area and think the mixture of colours, textures etc. lend to the effect.

Not looking to bad out there at the moment, have a good un, whereever you are.

What's happening .........

What's happening .........

my Solanum seed pods?

Really trilled with this plant, as I said in a journal a little while back. It is now over seven ft tall and growing.

There are plenty of seed pods on it, these nearly hold more interest for me than the flowers, they look great with the sun shinning on them.

I noticed some were missing last week and went looking for them to see if the seeds were ripe. I think the pods turn black prior to the seeds been ready.

Either way I could find none of the pods, and they are not small.

Maria solved the mystery yesterday when she spotted the Squirrel scamper up the plant, take two pods and off he went with himself.

Once he leaves some for me to save, I'm happy.

Photo shows the plant reaching for the top of the arch, which is nine foot.

Ophiopogon planiscapus

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This a first for me.

I have had this grass here for several years. It has put up flower spikes, but they have always failed to open fully.

This is the first time they have performed fully, and what lovely little flowers they are.

At times it's the smallest things that bring the biggest smiles.

:-))

Garden Visits

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I am planning two Garden visits the week after next, if anyone want's to join me.

Wednesday 15/8  Altamount Co. Carlow 1.00 pm

So far it's Rachel and myself

Friday 17/8 Gleanavon Japanese Garden, Courtown, Co.Wexford @ 2.00pm

So far it's Gracedieu Lass, Rachel and myself, with Myrtle as a maybe.

Let me know if your interested in any or both. 

Weatherwise it's not going to beat me, I'm going  ;-))

First Aid

First Aid

Last evening I was cutting the last section of the hedge at the area around the Sumack in the back garden, a real awkard area to do.

I use two ladders and a plant which has worked well for years. 

Last evening one ladder slipped a little and the plank took a chunk of bark off the trunk of the Sumack.

I was surprised at the amount of sap the weeped from the wound in minutes.

A clean piece of cotten and tape were quickly applied. I have just checked it this morning and it seems to have worked.

I really do hope so, do not want to lose this tree.

Bandages to plants, whatever next in this great hobby of ours ;-))

Torrential rain just now, the last of the front hedge may have to wait for another day.

Good combination

Good combination

This Actaea and Lysimachia firecracker look really really well together, I like the combination and that's the main thing.

If only it was...........

If only it was...........

the 1st of April, I could pretend that my Melianthus major was flowering.

But sadly it is just, Clematis 'blue angel' mixed in with the Melianthus.

It does look good LOL

Would you believe?

Would you believe?

that I spotted some 'raindrops on roses' today.

Now, isin't that strange for this year.

Don't have a name for this one, but it is a nice one. Blooms don't seem to last to long.

Warrant Issued

Warrant Issued

And when this culprit is caught the heavy hand of Fran's law will be served.

At Bloom I bought an Asplenium bulbiferum 'suze', a lovely fern. Some of the little bulblets fell off into the bag.

I potted eight of them up, all but one rooted and were showing new leaves.

Yesterday I discovered one pot devoid of greenery, and the other have eaten.

A fine slug trail tells it's own story ;-((

Some of these may make it, time will tell. I take it slugs don't normally eat ferns, but I think the new growth of the fern was just too nice to pass up on.

The good news is a few seem to have self seeded under the plant so we will wait and see if I will have some to share around.

Pedestal required

Pedestal required

Poor old Rathmicheal is been 'swamped under' in the far corner with all the growth in this area.

Maybe a pedestal to raise him up on is required.

Scrubber would be able to help me in this area, I'm sure ;-))

Crocosmia lucfia

From the web

Of recent, some of us on the site were saying how this plant was failing to flower.

Last week, I had a closer look at mine, I felt along the leaf tips and felt small ridges. I was hopefull and kept an eager eye on the plants.

The good news is my plants are about to flower, one group is ahead of the other but both are going to flower this year.

So if any of you do not have flowers yet, run your fingers along the tips of the main stem, you will feel the flowerspike and the ridges are the forming flower buds.

Happy days

Just what we need more of,

Just what we need more of,

are mornings like this.

Ode to be off ..............

Off for the next couple of weeks from tomorrow, so hoping for more mornings like this.

Make the most of it if you can ;-))

Blue blue grass of home ........

Elymus magellanicus

Love this conbination of colours, with Elymus magellanicus showing itself to it's fullest.

A really great blue grass ;-))

Bill's Baby is growing up.

'Teenage' Tetrapanax

Bill (Headgardener) gave me a Tetrapanax seedling last year.

It did not do a lot and I was wondering if it was the runt of the litter ;-))

I potted it up this spring and it is doing great in the far corner, where it seems to like the position it's in. Thanks Bill.

Woeful morning here, looks like the early days of August are not goin to be much kinder to us ;-((