Month: September 2018

I attended a lovely talk on his garden by Arthur Shackleton in Shankill Castle today. He had good slides and a very pleasant delivery. I felt we were on the same wavelength regarding formality and relaxation in the garden and he didn’t have an impossible amount of variety. I’m beginning to cut back to things that are reliable and long lasting.

Lot of work. I have completed myour steps a nd they are sturdy and wide and safe. I also made anot her little bridge for the stream/gully. The seven slabs that we’re the original steps have been set into the path at the bottom of Scrub which floods a bit in winter.

I split some primula florinda today and also some Rogers Ian and replanted three dogwoods in bog.the day before I put in three euonymous in the ‘wood’ and some geraniums.

Still swimming but it’s definitely cooler! See that big Blue ball in photo. I replaced it with a smaller one and put the big one further down the scrub on a big rock which gives it great presence.

View of the new little Buddha.

At last I get a pic up. This is in ‘wood’

Early pic of new steps.have improved them.

I feel I have most of the structural work done now so can begin to plant
The days are shortening, some leaves turning and berries appearing, but there are still plenty of flowers to enjoy.  I do like this time of year with its mellow light and the seasons gently drifting into one another.
I’m slowly but surely getting the grass and whins under control in the new garden, lots done but there’s still alot of work to do.
If so here is a flavour of what we saw – not the people since others have done that bit – just the fabulous gardens that John Lord has created.

I no longer get the button on my journals to edit them or to add a new journal. The only way I can access this “add Journal” section is to log out and log in again – and then click “add Journal”. I was trying to create this journal on my phone but when I tried to add a photo it crashed and I lost the whole thing! This time I’ll save the draft before I try to add the photo!

So where was I? Oh yes! I wanted to share the story of my Hedychiums! First thing is that they were featured in the August Irish Garden so I now have the variety! May I introduce Hedychium Densiflorum ‘Stephen’, given to me at a gathering of the gardening club as “some sort of Ginger”!

This beauty spent its first few winters being pampered in the greenhouse and stubbornly refused to flower! In exasperation I decided to leave it in the ground in the Tropical Garden and lo and behold the next year I got flowers – in that annoying way, one at a time, so the overall impact wasnt great – however, I was grateful for flowers!

Then this year – maybe due to the hot summer or for whatever reason, this is what I got! So Im a really happy bunny now!

Hedychium Densiflorum ‘Stephen’

Ive spent the last few days replacing a set of small steps into a much broader set. I used timber that was part of an old jetty and set them on concrete blocks which will not be noticeable in a few months as moss will cover them. While it doesn’t correspond with my original dream it is quite acceptable! And fairly stable which is important as they are over a twelve feet drop! I’ll try a pic.

the Scrub has definitely undergone a change. Tranquillity serenity peace and stillness,  except on the odd occasion when I spot  more lily beetles or view weevils…

Recently in an auction in Waterford I was lucky enough to get a statue of Buddha I did a little video on facebook-it is very beautiful and even G Nome has become noticeably gentler since the young Buddha arrived. The Buddha sits on a rock in fern corner beneath acer ozakazuki  and effortlessly spreads calm and Tranquillity  all around.

I I got a few timbers recently and am trying to create a flight of steps with much mistake making and slipping and sliding  but if it comes to pass it will be so beautiful. There are also rocks involved!!!

My mower collapsed and I found the blade was a bit broken. I left it in yesterday and it was delivered back today!!! It was fitted with a temporary old blade until the new one comes. Now there’s exceptional service.

I havent any good flower pictures at present but got bulbs in Mr Middleton today. I asked a man in Mary St where the shop was. He led me to it. It happened that he actually was Mr Middleton and no I got no discount!

Looking down into scrub

 

 

E mails disabled??? What in heavens name does THAT mean.something about a plug in. I’ve had it up to there at this stage!!!!!!!!

I haven’t been to a get-together in a few years. Terri and Alan planned one for yesterday in Ratoath Garden Centre, a place that I love and visit on a regular basis. Myself and Gretta attended. It was a much smaller gathering than the ones in Johnstown every New Year. And as such, it appealed to me far more. Maybe 15 members? Just the right amount. We met early and had a chat, laugh, introductions to new people, and most importantly a plant swap. I’ll be a bit more prepared next round hopefully, although I didn’t arrive empty-handed.

The Wildflower Cafe ended up pulling out all stops to accommodate us. They brought out tables and chairs to a little patio outside the Cafe, and we ate a leisurely lunch and had the ‘craic’. The weather couldn’t have been better. Afterwards John Lord did a ‘Walk and Talk’, taking us on a trip throughout his lovely natural borders. It needs to be seen to be appreciated.

Bought just three plants, one of them being Hydrangea ‘Limelight’ which I had been admiring from one of John’s recent Facebook videos. This get-together has given me a renewed enthusiasm for jobs outside, as I was beginning to feel a bit down with the approach of the cooler weather.

Many thanks to all who attended yesterday. Hoping that an autumn event will take place every year. It’s such a good time for plant giveaways too, as you can actually see what you’re giving and getting. It’s not just a pot of bare compost.

Hi everyone, if you know anyone, family, friends etc. would like plants from my list please feel free to take them. Hoping not to come home with any, since I’ve asked for lot (hopefully not too much) 😋

Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow 😊

Geraldine

Hi, sorry for lateness in posting. Have tried to post on my phone but its not appearing. Hopefully this time it will…

Plants I’m bringing;

Woodruff x 2

Lychnis, Pink x 4

Oxalis, Iron Cross

Ajuga Burgandy Glow x 3

Oregano x3

Mint

Fennell, Bronze

See ye tomorrow 🌸🏵🌺