Month: August 2016
It’s a quiet time in my garden at the moment, although not when David is around. Himself, Steve, and Derek got together yesterday. And on David’s insistence, they finished the Blueberry bed.
They filled one third with broken concrete and some polystyrene that was lying around, sheets of cardboard from the garage, and lots of greenery which I had cut back recently. Ok, it hasn’t rotted down yet but it won’t take long. In my ignorance, I thought that maybe 6 bags or ericaceous compost would be enough. But I’ll have to buy maybe another three. But that’ll be bought when I’m actually ready to transplant the blueberries. I’m looking forward to a good harvest, and the beautiful show of scarlet leaves before the bushes become dormant. Then, it’ll be all systems go for next year, and they will be allowed to settle in to their new home over the winter. Delighted this job has been completed. And thanks, David, for getting ‘the oul’ fellas’ motivated yesterday. LOL
I only went out today to pull up one or two weeds that I could see clearly from the dining room. I ended up outside for over three hours weeding, cutting back, watering, and tidying. And of course my trusty fold-up chair accompanied me. Things are drying out rapidly. Most of the leaves have fallen off my Actinidia.
My Hostas have largely looked after themselves this summer and the slugs and snails have been feasting to their hearts content. Today I cut off most of the flowers that I could reach, and removed some of the eaten leaves. But it’s not looking too bad considering they weren’t maintained. Found a couple of peaches on the ground of the greenhouse this morning so I picked a few. Just had one now and it was sooooo juicy. Let’s hope I can find some willing takers for any surplus.
Aches and pains in my aches and pains now, but it did my heart good – and the look of the garden.
….. but not of the Extraterrestrial kind!
This year with great trepidation I put my garden into the GARDENS OPEN 2016 booklet published by Irish Garden.
Unfortunately I didn’t have my website ready in time for inclusion so I didn’t have any great expectations of the outcome but this afternoon proved me wrong! A surprise phone call looking to visit the garden this afternoon!
Two lovely ladies arrived – Mum was almost 90 years old and a keen gardener but needing some help these days, and Daughter was a keen gardener too! We spent a delightful afternoon strolling in the garden talking plants! Mum wasn’t able for a lot of walking so we actually only got round half of it but they have promised to come back for another visit!
Slowly but surely I’m getting Gortnalee House Garden to be a little better known. I’m really appreciative of the opportunity that the magazine is giving to newly opened gardens like mine to get them known more widely.
So a big “Thank you” to Gerry and all the staff and contributers at Irish Garden – and not just for this helpful booklet but also for an excellent magazine that gives us advertisements for things we can actually GET here in Ireland!
And maybe check out the website that will be in next year’s booklet!
A few of you will remember my Fremontodendron that I had planted beside the greenhouse. Lovely evergreen shrub, with an interestingly-shaped leaf, and lovely yellow/orange flowers in the growing season. However, it was beginning to get a bit woody and I decided to chop it back. The following year, fewer flowers and I still wanted to be rid of it and cut it back even further. So this year, I cut it back really hard (to about 2.5 ft off the ground) so it would eventually die off.
I laughed to myself yesterday when I was watering my dry borders and saw through the foliage of Tetrapanax that it has had the audacity to be flowering again.
I reckon it deserves another chance at survival. Although it needs NO help from me! Well done, Fremonto!!!!
The shrubs in my front garden have really gotten out of hand this year. Normally I trim back my Sambucus midway through summer, which I did a couple of weeks ago. Today I attacked two different types of Euonymus and Physocarpus ‘Lady in Red’. They look well together. And now I can see from my Living Room window who is pulling up outside for a visit.
Found a heap of self-seeded Hypericums all along the border between me and my neighbour. Horrible little nuisance and not easy to pull up. I’ve noticed lots of it growing in planters out the back too for some reason. They seem to be everywhere this year, not just in MY garden.
Being out in the front today also reminded me that my Corylus avellana needs to be moved to the back garden once it becomes dormant. I think it’s wasted out in the front where nobody appreciates its twisted stems. And it’s usually when it’s in full growth that I remember it’s in the wrong place. So a productive day in actions AND plans for next year.
Well not all strimm but a lot! There was cutting of giant briars two thumbs thick, the removal of ivy -wrist thick and so much chopping and changing-literally, I had to use an axe to get out some blackthorn stumps-they were adding very little and choking up other plants so out they came.
I have a lot of a very big native sedge and had to strimm that down to manageable height. It will be interesting to see how the regrowth will look. I split a big Hosta into three and hope it will develop and also split a biggish fern, 0smunda regalis? I think. I cant remember. I hope that comes as its a beautiful fern but quite expensive to buy. I have another but it got buried in the mud in the bridge excavations and I hope it will resurrect itself next year!
I got some shots of the new area which must be about at least a hundred square feet. It was of course there but now is more manageable and I will keep it vey simple willows, yuccas. ferns and lots of space. But I am tempted by ligularis-not desdemona the other taller one, more loosestrife, fritillary-snakeshead and even daffs which if they bloomed beside the lake beneath the tree shoulf flutter inmy bog garden just as well.
I got some new pics today but havent them organised yet so will maybe use yesterdays. Would welcome any suggestions re bog plants as Im not well up. I dont want Gunnera as i havent the room. Many thanks
I have been working on developing some interesting roots from the Desert Roses
Check my news photos for some interesting looking ones.
I find that the large roots can be developed by differetn methods.
After the plant has been established you can start to lift the plant it from the dirt and start exposing the roots. This can be done until the unique root has been formed to your liking.
Another way is to grow the plant in a small container for 6-12 months. Then remove the plant and you will have some every interesting roots. The photo labeled Donut was done in the way. Also the one labled recurve. The large root displayed in twister had been growing in an old cast iron pot for about five years. It grew throught the pot and rooted itself. I just removed the pot to expose the large roots.
I have started some Desert Rose using seeds. I will give you all an update in a few months
Today as a dear friend was home on holidays I skipped garden-Ill repeat that I skipped garden and went up for lunch to Lennons at the Virtual in Carlow. A lovely day, we ate outside. Excellent food and reasonably priced. I arrived home later and as I expect very wet weather tomorrow I thought I’d better lop the very long walnut branches as they are prone to break in wet weather. I have five in the lawn and six in the circle. I did the lawn ones quickly enough and then got into the walnut circle. I started on one side and was doing well until I looked up and met the outraged stare of a very irate huge chick! It was the fill of the rather spindly nest-would have been the fill of my cupped hands. I wondered was it a cuckoo but anna and I think it may be a pigeon.Anyway thats an end to my trimming of the Walnut circle. I think Buster will soon fledge so I’ll wait til she/he does.You never know whats around the corner or the next branch!
Had a fantastic holiday in Cala d’Or in Majorca. Great weather, apartment, facilities, restaurants, bars etc but no matter what it is great to be home again. The garden didn’t do too badly though. Linda, my daughter, was looking after everything, well my Tree fern and a few baskets and to be fair she did a great job.
So yesterday the garden needed to be tidied up as I heard the weather was atrocious during the week. Some plants stood up to that wind but others were on their knees. So with a bit of cutting back and the grass cut it was still looking quite good. Still a good bit of colour going on
In the apartments we stayed in there were some really lovely plants. Huge Hibicus flowers like dinner plates. Also growing everywhere was Lantana, it came in lots of colours and was just about in every crevice. The apartments were draped in lots of palm trees and ferns and various other shrubs that I wasn’t too sure of their names. These really added to the complex and gave it such a softer feel amongst the white of the buildings. These plants really thrived in the intense heat, and yes it was HOT!! Lovely to wake up to a blue sky and heat every day
But then it was back to reality.
First two photos are from Majorca and the last ohoto shows how well my own Tree Fern is doing
Yesterday was my first real outing since the op. Gretta and myself chose to visit Ratoath Garden Centre. The place was a riot of colour, and the show gardens were looking a treat. I was gob-smacked by the displays their Hydrangeas were giving, and their Prairie Borders were in top condition. Had a great day and so glad I went, as I think we’re forecast some very heavy rain in the next few days.
Getting a phone upgrade is way up there with getting married and having a baby in the stressful life events in my opinion.
Seeing my daughter with a lovely new phone that had a beautiful camera and I was struck with terrible phone-envy! A quick check and I could get a free upgrade to a similar one and of course just couldn’t resist!
First step was to back up my old phone and I managed to make a mess of that so a trip to the shop was needed. A new even tinier SIM was also needed. It took two days of my life to get through but I’m finally sorted. And the camera?
I love it! but still not able to cope with the purple/pink colours ….. maybe the next phone upgrade ….. Nooooo!
Steve spotted a movement at Holly’s dish outside the patio doors last night as he drew the curtains. He thought it was a mouse until he had a closer look. LOL – it was just one of our numerous froggies wishing us ‘Good evening’. It’s unusual to see them hopping around the hard surfaces of the garden.
I love this late-flowering Sanguisorba ‘Pink Brushes’ which I originally got from Elizabeth.
Let’s hope that heavy, non-stop rain eases up a bit so I can get a small bit done.
Today, I had the notion of getting the lads to try and remove the ivy growing on the right hand side of my patio. The Ivy is growing all the way down the garden, and in behind the greenhouse. Steve and I used to be able to fit in behind it and cut a lot of it away each year to keep it in check. I planted it at least 30 yrs ago. But this year has been an eye-opener for the two of us.
The Ivy is also growing over, and way taller than, the Arbour. But it does provide us with a bit of privacy from the neighbours. However, it’s high maintenance. I’m sure I will be planting something more attractive in its place if we can ever get the roots out, as big as a mans thigh. Still a lot more to be done as they worked in fits and starts today with all the showers. Wee Davey will be joining them tomorrow so no doubt he’ll get the job finished. LOL
But……..it’s ever so scary now being able to see into the neighbours garden without stepping up on a ladder. Not sure I’ve done the right thing. But as Autumn approaches, and the weather no doubt will deteriorate, there won’t be much activity on their side. It also gives me plenty of time to ponder on what will be chosen as a substitute.
I’ve been watching and waiting for my Hibiscus to open. But the best I could manage is the one I painted today during the showers.
I originally got these seeds from Fran about 2/3 years ago. They took what seemed like forever to germinate, but they did and were doing well.
I was told to be careful over Winter as they may not survive. So I took the main plant inside, but there was another one I left at the side of my greenhouse. Plus a tiny one in a mini planter on the wall. The one in the greenhouse died!! Obviously I minded it too well!! But Lo and behold the one outside plus the little planter survived.
So about 4 weeks ago I put this plant into the border at the foot of one of my pergola. And it has literally taken off!! It’s looking great growing up the pergola. So I think I might just leave it outside and see how it goes. I do have some more seed which I myself collected if this sees a fatal end!!
Rotten morning here, rain and wind, or should that be a hurricane!! Trees are almost bent in two. Summer is definitely coming to an end 🙁
Can you improve on perfection? Well the answer is YES! I thought Margot’s open day last year was as good as it gets but, no, this year surpassed all expectations.
Two choirs joined in one, many more musicians to entertain us, ukulele classes, beautiful homebaking for the teas and coffees and for sale on a stall, another stall of crafts and one of plants for sale…. and this is before I start on the garden or the beautiful setting.
The perennial borders were flawless and the rockery area and other areas were mind blowing. You could spend 10 minutes in one spot just identifying all the various plants in the border and all of them had their own space and were in tip top condition.
I do think it is a magical place for growing things so it is not all down to Margot’s very hard work from dawn till dusk (LOL). I went for a brief walk and saw Echium pininana, linaria, hebe and many other garden escapes naturalised in the hedgerows and road side as well as the wonderful fuchsia and montbretia.
Margot you have done yourself proud and raised a very substantial amount for the local church in the process. Take a bow and a well earned rest.
Due to other things in my life the garden has suffered this year, but c’est la vie.
The Passiflora (passion flower) has been floering fantastically this year and I noticed the other day that it is producing loads of fruit, hopefully some will get a chance to ripen fully.
Well, I had THE most productive day in long time today. I donned the waders and scooted slowly into the Greenhouse Pond to cut back stuff that was in dire need of it. Pulled out so much Briza maxima hanging over into the pond. I’ve been nervous about getting in before today. But once I was in, it was a doddle. The only thing was that I found it difficult to walk around the pond as there are the obstacles of planting baskets dotted around. However, I did great work, and I got a nice cup of well-earned coffee while dangling my wadered feet into the clear water. Removed lots of rotten waterlily flowers and stems, and some oxygenating plants. Frogs and Dragonflies all over the place and really big. Proud of the work I got done.
It was easy getting in to the pond but…….. how do I get out? Got myself out onto the grass and Derek hauled me to my feet. Only, he wasn’t holding on to me strongly enough and I fell backwards and flattened all my Alchemilla mollis in the process. But it certainly tested my new implant. Not a sign of pain, but the fright I got made the fall happen in slow motion. Lying on my back, Derek was seriously concerned about me. I couldn’t stop laughing at his serious face. The third photo was my view lying on my back and laughing so much, with relief more than anything. I might have a bruise or two on my thigh tomorrow but it’s good to know there is no pain in my knee.
A few plants that I always enjoy at this time of year.
Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’
Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’
Fuchsia ‘Hawkshead’ (thank you PeterW).
More photos…
While clearing out the pond yesterday, I came across this strange looking insect. I’ve never seen one of these before. Can anyone id it for me please?
It’s important when cleaning out a pond that you leave the debris to the side so that any beneficial water insects can make their way back in.
Bought seeds for this on ebay a few months back for a couple of Euros and had great success finally after failing with them last year. I had nearly 40 plants in total and gave lots away. Kept a handful of the plants and planted out a few weeks back and think they are just an amazing foliage plant to grow as a annual each year. Think I will grow a lot more next year and put more around the garden and in pots for effect.
My sister gave me this at Christmas and it had 2 good stems of flowers earlier. i was amazed to see another bud appearing, and a few more trumpets to come!
On Monday I had to do a quick errand which brought me down the N7 and past Johnstown Garden Centre. So on my way back and being such a beautiful morning I dropped into Johnstown just to have a browse. Still lots going on there.
Of course it’s almost bulb planting season and the place was awash with lots of juicy bulbs just waiting to be brought home. I had intended on buying some but the. Got distracted when I got outside and just couldn’t help myself. I’m always looking for either plants I don’t have or just something different. It was just pure bliss walking around admiring everything. Some plants had gone over, others definitely have had their day and then their were some that haven’t even preformed just yet.
I bought a few perennials that I don’t have here, well not that actual variety.
For instance Geum ‘Flames of Passion’ gorgeous wine coloured stems and orange flushed flowers. Veronicastrum ‘Diane’ with it love,y tall white spires
Helenium ‘Double Trouble’ is as it says double flowered and also Helenium ‘The Bishop’. Both yellow in colour which will go lovely with my darker shades of Helenium
Eupatorium ‘Chocolate’ love the bronze foliage on this and also Actaea atropurpurea ‘James Compton’
Nothing better to cheer you up as a bit of therapy ;)Im hoping to get out there today and find homes for theses, maybe a bit of moving is required but sure that’s the fun of gardening.
Have a good day whatever you do 😉
I’m finally getting to grips with the garden slowly but surely. The Ivy is still encroaching the dividing wall at the patio on account of the recent wet weather. It’s been stop and start all week. Today I got the ladder out and started to hack back some of the top growth over the Arbour. A couple of lats from the roof of the Arbour are a bit rotten. But I’m hoping Steve can replace them with new ones. But now, as we are in full view of our neighbours, I’m thinking of highering the wall, or erecting some trellises with more moderately-growing and more attractive climbers. Or……I have a few shrubs in big pots that can get planted into the ground between the greenhouse and the Arbour.
Or, very soon when my contorted Hazel in the front becomes dormant, I can take it from the front, and bring it into the back garden where it will be appreciated much more. Still deciding.
Got lots of dead-heading and tidying up done today. Mainly in the greenhouse border, where the Knautia macedonica is doing its bit well and truly for the bee population.
What a great day today was!
