Archives: journal

Botanic Garden

It was a lovely warm sunny day last Sunday . The Dahlias were breathtaking.

I think it’s late for it to be in flower but I like the contrast with Physocarpus Diabolo.

If you have an automatic vent raising device, keep it closed, and preferably tie the vent down, during the Winter. And keep the greenhouse door closed, especially when storms are expected. This will prevent the wind blowing the vent right off the roof, as happened to me during storm Desmond, a couple of years ago.

All the older members will know this plant, which flowers reliably in May. It has now got too big for me to handle. Part of it fell down in the storm yesterday, so I had to get a contractor to cut it drastically back, before the rest of it falls in the next storm.


Normally we put it the other way. I was up at 7.30 to day, Tuesday. It didn’t seem bad and no structural damage done. The greenhouse was ok. I had moved the two Musa plants back knowing that the storm was coming.The day turned out good at the end especially at the back.

Hi Craig…….you were last online here on the 31st July saying that there was light at the end of the tunnel……well Im sorry to say I cant even begin to see it!

We have been asking how long do we need to wait for emails to be restored and nothing! No mention, no update, no one comes online anymore to give us any feedback. I understand there are ways to set up a website and I appreciate that it takes time, but seriously how long is a piece of string. I think we must be using this site now for almost a year? or not too far off and we have been asking for updates, feedback, when are the photos going to be sorted, the emails, the journals going missing, how to edit when you write on someone journal…..you know those small queries and we get nothing back. Does anyone even monitor the site at all now. Even on a bi-weekly basis would be nice…..because Im not sure if you have noticed but you are losing people left, right and centre. Im here now just because I was curious to see if there was any update and I noticed a journal dated 2014 from you that Dick has commented on.

I think at this stage Im going to just go over to Facebook and not bother coming back here. If no-one is even bothered to check out whats been written what is the point. One person made a point of asking lots of questions as to what is happening with the site and where some features are gone, which some of us answered, but where are the owners of the site, why cant you answer the questions. Is this the way its gone now? should we just shut up shop? Im just so annoyed to think we have been here for so long, keeping this going and we get nothing back……..

I doubt you will even see this journal, but if you do, maybe you might answer some of the questions I have asked. I wouldn’t have thought that a simple email when someone replies to your journal is a big issue…..You know the old site, did what it said on the tin and the only issue WE had was the photos. That is still the issue with this new site, its not user friendly, and I know my way around a laptop and can figure out websites etc, so its not that Im not technically minded…..thats whats so annoying for most people, so maybe you should have just kept the old site!!

 

I spent a lovely Sunday in Fruitlawn Garden near Abbeyleix. Thank you Scrubber for letting me know it was on! It was great to catch up with you and Anna!  I also met up with Mary Keegan and Angela Jupe – so I was in very exclusive company! I have long wanted to visit these gardens which are very close to me but their OpenDays usually coincided with my own Open Days so I jumped at the chance of seeing them. Arthur Shackleton is a member of a very well respected family in the gardening community and meeting him and having a chat was a delight! The gardens are a traditional  Walled Garden and they are divided into several areas – I particularly liked the Hornbeam Avenue but most of all teh exuberant borders were a delight to see! I spotted many old friends but also some varietions on plants I knew – so when Arthur explained that his family in Clonsilla held collections of plants from the whole of the British Isles I wasn’t really surprised! As usual I was so engrossed in admiring the garden that I alsmost forgot to take photos – dashed back and took some photos that I hope will capture the garden for you all!

Great use of pots to fill a courtyard

I think this is a Clematis with those lovely bells

Bought this lovely ground cover plant

these diasies were very pretty

Perfect setting for a sculpture

Anemone – lovely deep colour

Paths! i love them1

Inviting me to follow

Cosmos growing up through a geranium

better picture of the shaggy daisies

Succumbed to this Campanula

I don’t normally grow veg but this year tried cherry tomatoes in pots in the greenhouse, grown from seed.  Given our warm sunny summer, this should have been a good year for them.  They were well tended, watered and fed as per instructions.  I got a decent crop and the little tomatoes are sweet enough but the skins are tough.  Did I do something wrong or is this down to the variety grown (Sweet Millions, I looked for Tumbler but couldn’t find seed locally)?  Would appreciate any advice from you more experienced growers, or I doubt if I’ll bother next year!

I’ve done this journal two times already and hit the wrong button trying to put up pictures.NOT the fault of the Web page. So very briefly. Anna and I visited Japanese Garden in Tramore. FA-BUL-OUS. Go if you are ever near it. I wrote in book   ‘beyond all expectation’

Unfortunately I knocked over and smashed one of my pair of terra cotta urns yesterday. But the I could have easily broken my leg and didn’t.  I trimmed Base and put a blue sphere on top. Not wonderful but something salvaged from the disaster. Can’t put up pics as phone is awry.

Hello,

I’ve been on this new website a few times now but I still don’t understand why it had to change so much.  I am typing this on my phone and I have a few (not too few to mention 🎶) issues with it.

Firstly how can I add friends?  I can’t find an option like on the old site.

Why is there no clear index of all options available?

Even though I click ‘remember me’ I have to re enter my password every time I log on.

I still can’t find how to add photos..

Was there ever a F.A.Q. for members?

Maybe its my phone? Samsung s7??

Would love to hear what ye all think.

I forgot to mention this garden is open next Sunday. FRUITLAWN GARDEN. Its not  a Huge garden but it is very beautiful and there are plant sales  and scones  and tea. 10am-5pm. 0578730146. It’s outside Abbey leix in the balla colla direction -I think! I’ll try to be there.

My dear sister gave me a load of seedlings of Cosmos which I used to fill some serious gaps in the borders this year and here are the results! So many different shapes and markings!
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 🌸🏵🌺

Hi all

Finally got to sort out plants for Rathoath, hope not too late, I’ll bring them anyway on Sunday and hopefully they will find a home.

Thanks to Terri and Alan for organizing, think it’s great time of year and can’t wait to see RGC haven’t managed a visit so far so it makes it all the more exciting.

looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday.

Achimilla Mollis x 5

Agapanthus – (2 large plants) x 3 Margie, Jackie

Crocosmia Lucifer x2

Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ x4 Jacinta, Hazel

Hemerocallus Orange x7