Cloncaw's Journal

In The Early Morning Sunlight

In the Early Morning Sunlight

Up to leave Conor to work for 6am what a beautiful morning sunrising behind the clouds, calm only a little breeze everything sparkling just had to wander round the garden to see what was new. Everyday the garden scenes change I sometimes think I plant too closely but I love this sort of cottage garden feeling and in the early morning sunlight I'm definitely please with the effect.

Veronica Seedlings

Veronica Seedlings

These little seedlings came out of the south bed yesterday love getting plants for free will stay in waiting until they've grown a bit.

Up Close and Personal

Astrantia Ruby Weddng

Love the jewel like colour of this Astrantia Ruby Wedding.

IrisOpen

Iris

Open in the early morning sunlight when the others open will look good set against the Firecracker Lysmachia

Keego's Verbascum

Keego's Verbascum

Last September Keego left this Verbascum plant it sat in it's pot over the winter and survived planted into the south bed and now beautiful rosette of silver leaves looking forward to seeing what colour flower emerges.

Fran's Carex

Carex

Really delighted with this gift from Fran love the bushy little frond rising from it like a furry tail

Sarah Bernhardt

Sarah Bernhardt

Sarah Bernhardt is bursting open and with the dicentra cut back it has much more space to shine.

Anticipation

Which Iris?

This iris is just about to open in the bed in front of the house looks good against the red leaves of Lysmachia Firecracker looking forward to seeing it open. Poppies planted out the other day have buds forming and the Abraham Darby rose seems to have settled in okay. Was a wild morning here so after the frustration of trying to open up garden.ie I went out to the tunnel and spent most of the day potting on seedlings, potted up Clangers dahlias, tall scabious, munstead lavender, penestom mixed also potted up the two hydrangeas that had been removed from the pots at the front door as there are little leaves rising from the root balls. Planted out Zinnias and swan river daisies in the planter by the back door, planted up one of the terracotta pots with a lily and Clangers dahlias once it settles I'll move it out. Final job was to plant out some of the Candy Stripe cosmos in the south bed lifted a few seedlings of Veronica now potted up in the tunnel. Removed some of the self seeded poppies and daisies which is the next job to tackle.

Iris in North West Bed

Iris in NW Bed

Iris now opening around the various beds in the garden these were the first to open rising behind the  pink geranium.

Which Geranium Am I?

Regal coloured geranium

This geranium is about to come into flower but label is long gone didn't do very well the first two summers but looks better this year I did move it last autumn more forward in the south bed.

Very Frustrated

Blowing in the wind 29/05

Have no idea if it was the site or the poor broadband but yesterday evening and even this morning trying to access the site was cat to put it mildly. Spent ages but it was so slow and the fact that the screen was fragmented really annoying. Downloaded version 9 for the internet and the problems with the screen seem to have disappeared so fingers crossed that's sorted. Between the weather and work gardening has been limited this last few days but yesterday evening cut down one clump of lupins flattened by the wind think they might be dug out as the centre of the roots seems a bit rotten looking but last time I tried I broke the fork but think it's a job for James tomorrow. Supported the oriental poppies cut back the Bleeding Hearts wind had bled them dry and removed some weeds lots more need to be lifted another job for James as well as doing the work to prepare the woodland shady bed. Hope tomorrows good as James seems to think he's being subed money to go back to Dublin and even going on holidays to Spain for a week with his friends but unless he puts his back into these jobs he's in for a shock hasn't grasped just how difficult the real world is. On the positive side wind has died back since mid morning.

I Could Cry

Flattened Delphiniums,Smoke Bush & Red Hot Poker Rising

The winds are back ravaging the plants again it's going to look very sorry for it's self whenever it calms down but that isn't the reason I could cry, as I went past the tunnel noticed the plants in waiting area was a scene of total devastation. Was going to teach so had no time to see what could be salvaged and the extent of the damage, but on finishing I went to the scene and really it was a case of nearly tears. Plant pots shattered, dahlias broken most of the plants from Birr looking really battered, gladioli unshipped, compost everywhere even some of the plants in the plastic crates had been removed it was just a mess, I know that the culprits had to be the dogs. I've lifted all that can be salvaged now waiting for David to give me a hand clear up and move the compost to the area of the woodland bed that a lot of these plants were for. The dogs obviously were on the hunt for a four legged foe as I doubt if it was a friend so it's hard to be cross especially as it hadn't just happened hopefully most of the plants will survive a lot in the tunnel as they need to be repotted watered and given a lot of TLC.

Spoils of the Storm

Spoils of the Storm

This posy of flowers is from the spoils of the storm on Monday lily might open, peony Sarah Bernhardt, and delphiniums since added lupins. Eventually I'd love to have a cutting bed just to be able to have flowers in the househave a tray of dahlias to plant out so perhaps that'll be a start, will maybe use a section of raised bed in the kitchen garden.

Mary Rose

Mary Rose

This is the first of my David Austin roses to open covered in a mass of buds and keeps blooming right on through the summer.

Bled Dry

Tattered Remains of Bleeding Hearts

This is all that remains of my Dicentra Bleeding Hearts it has been totaly bled dry by the storms over the  the last few days. Weather here wild and wet again when it calms down there are a few plants that will need cut back.

Notching Up The Miles

Sisterly Love

Today another mile has gone on the clock was delighted to be given this cheerful hanging basket by my sister. It's currently residing in the tunnel until things calm down otherwise it would probably end up shreded by the climbing rose at the back door force of the wind yesterday snapped the ties holding it in place to the fine wire round the beams. Yesterday the rose was causing mayhem for anyone trying to come up the steps had to laugh when David son 2 called it a briar had a vision of him cutting it down but luckily Johnny fixed it back to it's support.

Closing The Stable Door After The Horse Has Bolted

Looking good despite the gales & first Iris

That's what it felt like this morning as I tried to reinstate the flattened delphiniums and peony, I should have had plant supports in which was remiss of me because there were ones in my shed. Broken delphiniums, Sarah Bernhardt and lily are now in a vase on the island unit with luck the peonies and lily will open. Still quiet windy here with plunders of rain although sunshining at the moment. Had to get Johnny to fix the gothic arch as the supporting bar at the top had come adrift going to wire it across to prevent it happening again.  There are some plants looking remarkably good depite the gales this is the first iris to open in the NW bed lupins here seem to have missed the force of the wind.

Another Poppy Surprise

In Hiding

Another poppy decided to show it's face yesterday but was sort of in hiding as it was lying down in the terrace bed beside the lupins. This morning the lupins are a sight for sore eyes think they're going to need a complete make over oh well such are the joys of gardening.

Windswept Welcome

Windswept Welcome

The gales here yesterday were unreal with plants torn and in tatters, more of the oriental poppy Princess Victoria decided it was time to open watched them all day as they were battered by the winds amazed they are still in one piece although stems are a bit flattened. Scared to go out with the camera as from the kitchen I can no longer see the delphiniums, lupins and some of the allium Purple Sensation lying broken, lilies in pots snapped off at soil level and clematis he President and the other climbing through the wisteria had their flowers stripped, Elsa Spath looking very disshevled on the archway but fingers crossed they'll lift themselves up and flower again with a bit of TLC. Up early as Conor had to be at work for 6am and spent a while trying to confirm which poppy this is by looking back over photos it's great having a record of the gardens development couldn't find the poppy so had to goggled it.

Campanula Elizabeth

Campanula Elizabeth

Busy all last week getting ready for a competition so no garden time other than watering plants in waiting, was great to get some chill out time working in the garden basked in evening sunshine. Abraham Darby into vacant spot after the winter with gaps filled by self seeded annual poppies and Angel Wings. Set out pots of rudbeckia Goldstrom in the NW bed so as I could decide if they would fill the gap there rather wish they'd stayed in waiting as leaves edged in black now after the gales yesterday. Took this and a few other photos added to May album glad I did as the picture is pretty different this morning as many plants ravaged by the storm lots of tidying up to be done and although the sun is out it's a squally type of morning.

Finally Succumbed

Acer Palmatum

Having been humming and hahing for a long time will I or won't I buy an acer, last week I knew Lidl had giant ones so I made sure I didn't go shopping there for fear that some would land in my trolley. Had to go today but thought I'd be okay as plants came in yesterday and mainly bedding so they were bound to be gone imagine my shock when I saw the acers managed to steer clear initally but somehow I got drawn over to looking then it was will I won't I in the end I did and now planted up on the terrace is an Acer Palmatum with Frans Carex in the arrangement as well. Hope it's not adictive although I really fancy a reddish one to complete the picture as they're in pots they'll get moved if need be should the winter turn bad but I suppose at €19.99 it didn't break the bank.

Royal Wedding Oriental Poppies.

Royal Wedding

Jacinta posted up a journal on these yesterday as she was thinking of buying one, these are the one's I gave to Fran at Birr and I know he passed these on to other friends. I have still got three trays of them 60 plants that I'm looking homes for I'm going to pot them on next week if anyone close to Glaslough would like some please contact me and arrange to collect, if anyone further away would like some let me know and hopefully I'll make it to Headgardener's open day and pass them on then.

My Favourite Geranium

Ann Folkard

Have quite a few hardy geraniums and while I like them all my favourite is Ann Folkard as it's leaves are limey green setting off the magenta flowers. Like the way it seems to ramble through and support it's self on other plants.

Cann't Wait

Sarah Bernhardt

Everyday I go for a walk round the garden to see what's going to be the next to flower, lots of plants on their way one I'm really looking forward to is Sarah Bernhardt. The buds are increasing in size evey day I really love these flowers even though they are shortlived, lots of others I'm looking forward to just wish the weather would settle a bit windy and showery here today again.

What's My Name.

What's My Name?

Planted this shrub two years ago didn't do very well last year but this year looks good with it's lacey flowers. Have posted up a larger photo in May album can anyone give me it's name.

Alliums and Oriental Poppy

Alliums and Oriental Poppy

Cann't remember which alliums these are not as tall as the Purple Sensation look good with the Oriental poppy.

Imposter or Princess Victoria

Imposter or Princess Victoria

Oriental poppies in the terrace bed are a mass of buds have already had a couple of Royal Bride open but have been waiting patiently for the arrival of the second one Princess Victoria. Nice sunny warm day here so one bud has opened but as I'm writing this mind I'm just thinking that it isn't Victoria if I remember one of the plants was this peachy pink and the other two plants were deep pink if they are different I will definitely lift this plant later and reposition I hate when plant labels are wrong on plants we buy. No garden time other than watering in the tunnel and pots off to do some work now.

Dinky Alpina Aquilegia

Alpina Aquilegia

Discovered this little beauty in flower yesterday it is so low that the flowers are nearly touching the ground.

Centaurea Montana Seedlings

Centaurea Montana Seedling

Discovered these self seeded Centaurea Montana seedlings in the east bed, this bed was emptied to be sprayed to eradicate the Lysmachia but due to the windy weather this hasn't been done. Will lift the numerous seedlings and pot up either to plant here or for swaps at the get togethers if the bed wasn't to be sprayed I might leave them in place. This afternoon decided to cut back the pulmonaria while dinner was cooking and discovered another find an oak seedling in the bed at the front of the house it's now potted up so hopefully it'll survive.

Rodgersia Flower

Rodgersia Flower

This is plant will be moved later in the year as it's planted in quite a dry spot, this is the first year it has flowered so well.

Busy Bee

Busy Bee

On the daily walk round the garden discovered bees busy on the sweet william seeded in the gravel drive.

Awaiting Planting

Awaiting Planting

These are some of the plants grown from seed waiting to be planted out but first there's a bit of weeding to be done.

Are We Ever Totally Happy?

Good Combination

Spent an hour or two in the tunnel this morning watering plants and moving on Cleome Colour Fountain and mixed Penstemon seedlings the tunnel is full of seedlings some which will find new homes in the garden or be given to friends at get togethers. Some others need potted on and hardened off as they need to develop more before planting out. Today was windy and mizzly rain on and off throughout the day. Potted up lillies and other plants from waiting they've now moved out of waiting and will finally be planted permanently once I decide on their final position. Won't have much time for the rest of the week but hopefully the weather will improve but are we ever truely happy too little rain or too much, too hot, too cold then I think of all that's happening around the world and I think how lucky we are.

Should It Go Or Should It Stay?

What to do?

This eleganus has suffered badly over the last two winters was beautiful green and yellow leaves, last year it lost it's leaves but they returned a silvery green turning back to their former colour over time. This year it has lost most of it's leaves and is looking very sad cann't decide what to do, do I leave it alone, do I prune it back and hope it regrows or do I remove it. Any advice would be much appreciated, there is one in the other bed on the north east side of the house doesn't look just as bad but not great at the same time.

Which One Am I?

Who am I?

Was given this geranium by a client but don't know the name, it's just a mass of pinky purple flowers

Garden Gifts.

Gift from Fran

Just before Birr I commented how I like the white Centeurea in Sallysarah's garden, I was totally surprised when Fran arrived with one for me at Birr as well as a very healthy Carex. Fran's generosity in giving plants has overwhelmed me as has the generosity of others. Today I decided to free up more of my small terracotta pots so as plants could be moved out of waiting area to positions around the terrace. The carex had already been potted up and placed on the steps this evening the Centeurea and the Cirisium I bought in Birr from Terra Nova plants are now part of a group of pots, pots of sweetpea and lilies were also placed out. More pots of Lillies and Morning Glory placed by the path to the back door so slowly the waiting area plants are decreasing need more pots or else they need to be planted permanently.

Cottage Garden Plants

Cottage Garden Plants

This is the NW bed today with Lady's Mantle and lupins among others.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Took this on Saturday evening when the sun was out after a shower, what sually weather we're having lots of wind and heavy showers the the last few days. No garden time had hoped to get out for a while today but it's raining at the moment. Think I'm going for some more terracotta pots and compost to Craigavon so might have a look in TK Maxx and see if there's anything of interest. If the weather doesn't pick up then potting on in the tunnel and making up planters and my baskets is going to be the only gardening I do today and with a competition here next Sunday think garden time will be very limited.

More Spuds

Potatoes in the kitchen garden.

Had a look round the kitchen garden today it needs a bit of time spent weeding, carrots starting to appear between rows of onions, potatoes are flying in the raised beds, peas slowly growing and leeks look as though they're doing okay, remainder of last years leeks have shot so they need to be removed. All the brassicas seem to be doing well too but need to lift the net to weed , rain certainly saves on watering problem is the weeds grow as well, pulled some rhubarb so crumble on the menu tomorrow yummy. 

In the Tunnel

Potatoes in the tunnel

The main use for the tunnel this year has been for flowers but coming on are five planters of Pentland Javelin early potatoes  in flower at the moment, really looking forward to our first new potatoes also carrots, cherry tomatoes, little gem lettuce and lots of strawberries all doing well.

The President in Full View.

The President

Really changeable day lots of heavy showers but sun as well though not that warm.  Other than watering in the tunnel not much done did spend a sort time removing some of the foilage from the wisteria to show off The President. Will take a bit more time at it to show off the clematis growing up them especially as the wisteria isn't going to flower this year.

For Ladygardener

Flag iris

Close up flag iris hope this helps

Josephine Close Up

Clematis Josephine 13/05

The flower opens in layers over quite a long time still has centre to unfurl

For Clara Clematis Josephine

Clematis Josephine

Took this photo yesterday flowers not as advanced as one's in your journal have it planted to climb through the wisteria and japonica in the corner of the terrace.

Flag Iris by the Pond

Flag Iris

These flag iris are beginning to clump up and provide a nice display by the pond have to make a list of plants for this area.

Number Three

What's My Name?

Discover this beauty climbing up through the wisteria on the terrace need to remove some of the foilage from the wisteria and get some assistance to get it to bloom for next year

Number Two

Elsa Spath

Elsa Spath showing off on a sunny but blustery day lots of blooms, on the other side of the arch is Comtesse de Bouchard which is covered with buds anticipating her arrival along with the Iceberg roses.

Find One This Morning.

Eurphobia seedling

No garden time today but as usual after opening the tunnel went for a walk round camera in hand. The other week I thought there were Eurphobia seedlings appearing in the south bed after the rain they've now shot up as have a few weeds. Will leave them a bit longer and then lift them before they become smothered by other plants in the bed must look out the label to see which one's they are.

Final Stake Out

Back Door

Last week I was considering replacing the rather dead looking yew in the pot outside the back door, I decided against replacing it with a box pyramid instead  using the money on plants at Birr. The yew came out of the pot with no great effort as the roots were broken I'm assuming due to the severe frosts replaced the compost and used up the final garden stake I picked up in TK Maxx on Monday making an obelisk for the some of the Morning Glory all planted up. No need to water anything outdoors at present as there have been some very heavy showers since late afternoon but at least the wind calmed down. Discovered one of my old sinks that I  planted last week  had compost and plants dug out am assuming it was a rabbit so these were replanted hope they recover from the trauma. 

Lots More Pots

Front Door Pots

Finished teaching before 8pm so decided to plant up some more of the pots bought yesterday planted up four pots to sit on the steps at the front door so out of waiting came lobelia, impatiens and stock. A lot of plants moved out of the tunnel to the waiting area, potatoes are flying in the tunnel as are the cherry tomates, strawberries, little gem lettuce and carrots. Have more cauliflower plants am thinking of planting these into planters in the tunnel as the bed in the kitchen garden is full and securely covered with net.

Lots Of Pots

Lots of pots

This afternoon planted up some of the pots one with sweetpea and the other with Morning Glory used the stakes I bought yesterday and bamboo canes wired together at the top, also the Carex from Fran and one of my lilies were planted into the small Bill and Ben pots topped them off with grit to help keep in the moisture. They are still waiting at tunnel to be moved out, have one more stake to do which will see all the Morning Glory out of the cell trays.

Double Take

Double Take

Notice this Allium Purple Sensation this morning had a double flower head one on top of the other.

Birr Purchase

Cane Topper

As I need obelisks for various climbers I had a look at the ones at Birr but decided I could have metal ones made cheaper at home although I really would like some wooden ones like in Dermot's Secret Garden have the details how to make them just have to find a son who will make them. In the afternoon on a walk around the stands again decided to buy one of these can toppers which hold six canes in place and gives them a nice finish. This morning canes in over the perennial sweetpea and topper on. Looks good I think going to use some fine wire to stabilise the bottom and provide support for the plants will look good in the kitchen garden after this year if I get my obelisks made. Squally day at the moment sun showers and wind.

Automatic Watering System Working.

Unusual Stakes.

What a changeable day heavy blustery showers this morning but as there was no gardening on the cards I was glad to see the rain eventually fall. Set off for Belfast as I had to get a new hob for the electric section of my range so a call into TKMaxx in Belfast was one thing to do also wanted some more terracotta pots of various sizes to set out plants in the garden so Homebase was another port of call in Belfast. Bought these stakes in TK Maxx will use them to secure bamboo canes as a wigwam for sewwtpea and Morning Glory possibly in pots at £5:95 each they were a useful find. Lots of pots and other garden items but not just what I needed or wouldn't suit me bought my pots in Homebase tall bamboo canes to make my wigwam for the everlasting sweetpea using the beehive top I bought in Birr also got section of heavy duty expanding willow trellis to use on the side of the basement. Called into Mahon Garden centre to see could I get Grazers liquid that can be made up to keep the rabbits off the plants they seem to like Campanula Elizabeth no success had bought it before in B&Q as far as I remember so think dogs need to do some rabbit catching for me. Torrential rain in Armagh and same here when I returned home has brightened up now but no gardening as off to teach once dinners ready.

Wild Day

Oriental Royal Bride Poppy for Fran and Jacinta.

As Kate and I drove from Monaghan towards Birr we wondered were we a bit mad as we drove from dry weather through heavy showers of rain and as we approached Birr the rain seemed to be with us. The first thing that struck me was the problem of parking but once we found a space we walked up to the main gates not long inside and we bumped into Mary Keego and Kate spotted Fran wandered along one row and back up the next towards the Terra Nova stand met Fran and Jacinta and then went to meet the Mighty Martin with a prod of my umberella was great to meet Deborah and Martin really hope that Kate and I make it to Terra Nova sometime in the summer. Bought Erynigum Jade Frost, Onoclea Sensibilus, Pulmonaria opal, chrsuim Abro Pupiatam, Geranium Double Blue and Rozanne from Terra Nova stand, other purchases mainly for my shady woodland corner Primula japonica Meadow Mix and Valley Red, Solomon Seal, Athyruim Lady in Red and Regal Red other plants Campanula Sarastio, Agastache Blue Fountain, ornithoglum Umbellatum and a terracotta topper to make a cane wigwam. Much appreciated plants from Fran a lovely Carex plant and a White Centuara as I had commented on how beautiful it was in Sally sarah's journal, from Rachel agastache Saiyria and Heron's Wood Mist, Strobilailtes adropurea and primula Fleandoe. Kate also picked a few plants for her garden and enjoyed the craic with Fran and Jacinta over coffee was great to meet Rachel, Violeta, Ingrida, Hazel and Yellow Rose for the first time along with other's who had come to the get together at Cloncaw last summer. With luck we will all meet again in the near future and  have more time to chat the one downside was the scattered parking which meant that Fran and Jacinta took home most of my seedlings as they were'nt intended to travel down and home again, all an all a really enjoyable day.

Ann Folkard

Ann Folkard

This is the first dainty bloom on Ann Folkard love the sharp colour lots more flowers to follow. There was an article in Gardens Illustrated in which this geranium was planted in rivers through the plantings will consider using the same technique but need to build up some more plants first

Looking Forward To This

Raspberry Lupins Appear.

Raspberry coloured lupins are now rising and beneath it is Lady's Mantle which is beginning to show it's lime green flower heads in the next few days it's going to look really good. Still quite windy today and the blue lupins blowing in the wind are looking really great. Little rain here so watering is a job for tomorrow if rain continues to miss us here

Show Off Josephine.

Clematis Josephine 6/05

This morning I was amazed to see how many flowers were open on Josephine also a number of flowers on the President both these are growing through the wisteria.

No garden time other than watering plants in the tunnel no real rain here the ground is rock hard and cracked still hoping it rains but hust no on Sunday hopefully overnight. Few plants that are looking adoption at the Rare Plant Fair in Birr:- Oriental poppy Royal Bride (lots in cell trays) peachy orange oriental poppies (5), Clangers Mixed dahlia(24 cell tray can be split) Echinecea Purphea (lots in pots) also Swan River Daisy (lots in cell trays) Sunflower Sungold in cell trays, some Cosmos Candy Stripe in pots and white cosmos in cell trays. Anyone interested in anything please let me know and I'll bring them on Sunday

Framing the Porch

Framing the Porch

After cutting back the clematis montana a while back I wasn't expecting it to have any flowers thought I'd made a costly mistake am happier now as it has a reasonable number of flowers and plenty of buds. When it's finished flowering I'll prune it back a bit to hopefully have it flower next year more extensively.

Buxus Balls Planted

Buxus Balls Planted

Took a trip to Lidl this morning bought two giant buxus balls a section of impatiens and lobelia was actually surprised there were bedding plants left. After a good drink of water planted the buxus balls into the terracotta pots at the front door finished off with a dressing of gravel. Will plant up the small pots to provide colour on the doorstep. Decided against buying any of the buxus pyramids and will remove the yew and plant up with summer flowers instead the yew.

Pots Looking Sad.

Looking Sad

Decided on Tuesday to remove the hydrangeas as although they were showing some signs of life they had to go didn't give a good impression at the front door. Lifted all the bulbs which will be planted into one of the flower beds. The smaller pots were also lifted and need to have the planting revamped.

What Does Connie See?

What does Connie see?

Came round to the back door to find Connie sitting on the step intent on watching something on the step love her personality and character, the yew in the pot behind her seems to have died back no idea why was doing okay but has just turned brown despite being watered on a regular bases think I will have to replace it but whether to plant a box pyramid or flowers that's to be decided also have another yew that seems to have gone the same way in a planter while the one planted in the NW corner bed seems to be doing well.

Jacob's Ladder

Jacob's Ladder

This is now flowering under the shrubs in the east bed not sure about it's position as it's grown taller than anticipated although it is in shade for the latter p[art of the day. Will leave it be until the autumn or next spring and make a decision then.

The Other Half

South Bed left

This is left of the Sorbaria and Sambucas Black Lace although there is some colour it is a bit dowdy in comparison to the right so have made notes to add tulips etc in the autumn but meantime it'll provide a home for the annuals and other plants in waiting. One plant that looks as though it's going to provide good foliage and colour is the ornamental horseradish given to me by Feverfew.

Tale of Two Halves

South Bed Right

The right hand side of the south bed below the terrace has been providing good colour this last few weeks with tulips and now perennial flowers are taking over. In the centre of the bed is a Sambucas Black Lace surrounded by Sorbaria plants so more than half the bed looks well and is going to have more colour appear over the next days and weeks. At the moment there is a large swath of self seeded daisy as my annuals come on sections of this will be removed to allow for the annuals to be planted but at the moment they are doing a job.

Thank You Kate and Graham.

Purple Sensation & Ice Cream Tulips

Thanks Kate and Graham for the bulbs when you visited last September they're now are in flower outside our back door adding nice interest.

Hosta and Companions

Hosta & Companions

Hosta looking good and hardy geranium coming into flower no idea of it's name one I was given by a client. Spent time on Monday lifting out the hydrangeas from the tall planters at the front door were showing some sign of life but not enough to warrant staying, all bulbs are going to be planted into gaps in the flower beds, think that a trip to Lidl is on the cards Thursday to get some buxus balls. Had to teach Pony Club yesterday afternoon OMG the wind was gale force at times but sun shining not a drp of rain yet so watering was another job carried out seems to be daily at the moment.

Woodland Shady Corner

Crabapple,hawthorn& lilac

Love the blossom of the crabapple, hawthorn and lilac in what is to be the woodland corner. Grass is dying back as it was sprayed off so hopefully work will progress on this corner and a few more plants will move out of waiting. Need to get trellis made to tie up the Rambling Rector rose and screen off the oil tank need a handy man. Johnny is getting into the run of things and cut the grass again with his new toy makes such a difference to the appearance of the garden.

May Flowers

Lupins in south bed

Planted up sinks moved out pots and watered beds very windy all day but sun sun and more sun can feel my face glowing also delivered Caroline's planters otherwise not a lot done but tomorrows another day so hopefully will get some gardening done before teaching mid afternoon. Took a few photos in May Flowers lupins are sending up spires but these are the most advanced, the garden picture is changing daily so much anticipation of buds bursting open. Am told this weather is to continue if only it would mizzle overnight as I hate wasting time watering.

Wind Swept May Day

Josephine

Fabulous day sunshining although there is quite a wind here, as usual wandered out to see what's new delighted to see the first blooms of clematis Josephine appear in the corner also one bloom out on the President lots of buds on both. Moved out terracotta pots to the jardeniere stand by the kitchen door plan to move some more from the tunnel this afternoon. The pot of Sweet Sorbet miix of tulips etc will now go into a waiting area and be planted into the ground in the autumn. Sowed some swedes, planted the leeks and watered all brassicas, onions etc in the kitchen garden feel the urge for a nice rhubarb crumble for dessert tonight. Deadheaded all the daffodils planted along the lane to the kitchen garden removed any seedheads from tulips that will be left ensitu plan this afternoon is to plant up the old sink planters and move a few plants out from plants in waiting area.

Last Day of April

Allium Purple Sensation.

Watered all plants in waiting and seedlings as well as the NW bed at lunch time everything is so dry. After finishing teaching pricked on Nicotina seedlings then it was a bit of weeding in the South bed lots of seedlings inclding I think Eurphobia wondering should I lift them or leave them for a while longer. Think that Guara Rosy Jane may have died but will wait a bit longer before I remove it, planted out Angel Wings to replace the deep ruby tulips as they are now beginning to go over have been lovely now the alliums are taking over with lupins appearing as well.  Tomorrow will be a garden day as no teaching or competitions just to have a full day in the garden will be a real joy, bought Garden Illustrated had a quick look through lots of reading for coffee breaks in the garden.