Six on Saturday: summertime

Tags

Cercis canadensis, cornflowers, hydrangea arborescens Annabelle, July, poppies, seed heads, six on saturday, stipa tenuissima, Succulents

Hydrangea arborescens Annabelle is opening, surely a sign that it is summer. These are flower filled mops, in a creamy lime colour tone that looks as if it was lifted from one of those Farrow&Ball colour charts. Gorgeous.

This is my first of the Six On Saturday I’m sharing with our host The Propagator

2. Another sign of summer has to be that the succulents are outside

Not the best examples but loved nonetheless.

3. Forest pansy is a beautiful specimen and a real favourite of mine.

Back lit the colour is arguably unbeatable. Cercis canadensis.

4.

Haze. This haze is created by the delightfully tactile Stipa tenuissima. I love these grasses for their movement; the slightest breath of air is all they need to move.

5. Opium poppies

These are very short lived but so pretty and wonderful for bees . Today they have finished flowering and I am left with fat grey seed heads.

I love these almost as much.

6.

Cornflowers are such a wonderfully intense blue, not unlike a Sir Terence Conran shirt. Great for cut flowers, great colour in the border. An easy plant. Sprinkle some seed in the spring and Bobs your uncle.

Whether Bob is your uncle or not, you see that this selection includes some of the easiest peasiest plants to grow. What are you Six favourites today? Join us.

Have a lovely weekend wherever you are. Thanks for reading. D.

In a vase on Monday: All white on July 1st.

Tags

Ammi, Ammi majus, Ammi visnaga, Astrantia major, Daucus carota, in a vase on Monday, Malva moschata, musk mallow, opium poppy seed heads, Saponaria officinalis, Soapwort, white, white valerian

Good morning. Having survived the extreme heat of Saturday I am pleased to report that normal summer weather has returned here, a relief for most of us. The garden has perked up all ready.

As it is Monday I am sharing my bunch of (white) flowers with you and Cathy. I resisted using roses this week instead choosing seed grown whites.

Ammi visnaga, Ammi majus , the spectacular umbel of Daucus carota, a white Malva moschata or Musk-mallow which has appeared by magic ( birdies perhaps) white valerian, self sown Astrantia major, and seed heads of various opium poppies.

If you look carefully you may also see Soapwort, Saponaria officinalis . This is great for Hummingbird Hawk-moths but I have yet to spot one. The name is derived from the Latin word for soap and rubbing a leaf produces a slightly slippery froth which will absorb dirt particles. (Information from the wonderful book “Wild Flowers” by Sarah Raven).

Have a wonderful week, wherever you are. Be sure to take a look at some of the other vases taking part in this meme. Thanks for reading. D.

In a vase on Monday: bunches

Tags

astrantia, cerinthe, cornflowers, geraniums, in a vase on Monday, roses

I picked flowers for my friend to use at her garden opening yesterday.

A few Astrantia Roma and major

Geranium Johnson’s blue and Ann Folkard

Clover type flowers from Trifolium purpurascens.

Then roses

Lark Ascending

Gertrude Jekyll

A Shropshire Lad

Morning mist

With some alchemilla mollis and cerinthe I tied up three little jam jar sized posies.

One larger bunch

Oh and a few poppies and cornflowers thrown in for good measure.

These are joining fellow bloggers and Cathy. Perhaps you could join us, it’s simple: pick your flowers from the garden, arrange, discuss and add a link to Cathy’s blog as above. Simples.

Have a great day. D.

Six on Saturday: Winslow

Tags

Astrantia major shaggy, buxus, ferns, gardens open for charity, Hydrangea petiolaris, six on saturday, Winslow in Bloom

This morning I helped my friend prepare her garden for Winslow open gardens. There was not anything major needed, rather pulling forget me nots and weeds and nipping back any over leggy growth on the shrubs. While I tackled these jobs my friend trimmed up all the box.

The weather was foul, windy, rainy and chilly. Everything was sopping wet from yesterday’s rain so anything we touched, showered us with more water. My Soggy Six today, joining The Propagator are from her lovely garden.

1.

Hydrangea petiolaris in full lace. This grows on a deeply shaded wall of a neighbouring building and is at least 9ft up the wall. Birds are nesting so it will be tackled later in the summer when the birds have moved out and the flowers finished.

2. Ferns

My friend loves a fern and they do well in her walled garden with its deep loamy soil. This pair are in pots and we do not know the name but how delicate and ethereal next to the pot of Hydrangea .

3. Ferns ( again)

This is Dryopteris wallichiana a showstopper in colour and size. Growing amongst alchemilla Mollis and pulmonaria.

4.

Astrantia are delightful at the moment, unstressed, not too dry, looking perky.

We believe this to be Astrantia shaggy looking perfect against Hardwick white painted timber.

5. Clipped box

This group is looking very happy after its trim.

Peonies helpfully waiting to open, ideally for the open day.

6. Mint and drift

In a raised bed sits a large hunk of driftwood. At this time of year it adds interest to the large clump of mint growing happily in the dappled light.

That’s it, my Six to share.

If you are a local reader, Winslow in Bloom is next Sunday 16 June at 11am-5pm. £5 entrance covers you for up to 11 gardens. Funds raised go to local charities. Have a good weekend wherever you are. D.

In a vase on Monday: garden flowers

Suddenly the garden is full of flowers and the I suspect all of us joining Cathy are spoiled choice.

In my favourite blue enamel jug I have Cerinthe, Nigella Love in a mist, Persicaria bistorta, Anthriscus sylvestris Ravenswing, Calendula. There is wildflower Silene vulgaris or Bladder campion, that’s the white one with 5 petals. At least that is what I think it is rather than white campion which has a pink calyx behind the petals. In any event it is pretty and good for night pollinators.

Mother Dorris may recognise this bunch as I took them over to her, after I took these pictures.

The first of my roses to open, is the delicious scented, Gertrude Jekyll.

And for my Silent Sunday I chose this gorgeous white poppy.

I hope you have a good week, wherever you are. D.

In a vase on Monday: everything but the sink

Tags

Allium Purple Sensation, Anthriscus sylvestris ravenswing, cerinthe major, Geum "Mrs Bradshaw", Geum Totally Tangerine, in a vase on Monday, Iris Sibirica

Everything is here. Cerinthe, Geum Mrs Bradshaw, Geum Torally Tangerine, Iris sibirica, Allium Purple sensation, Anthriscus sylvestris Ravenswing. A mad mix , just like the borders.

Chosen plants but not necessarily where I planted them. Cerinthe is self sown. Anthriscus is self sown. Geums have shrunk and then popped up nearby. I love this about these plants. With this in mind I did not want to arrange them in the vase.

So this as random as they appear in the garden.

That’s it. A collection of flowers from the garden to share with you and Our host, Cathy. Hoping you had an enjoyable Monday. D.

Six on Saturday: some faves

Tags

Aesculus hippocastanum, Anthriscus sylvestris, California poppy, cow parsley, Eschscholzia californica, harts tongue fern, horse chestnut trees, house leeks, papaver patty’s plum, sempervivums, six on saturday

May is possibly the most exciting time in the garden. So much is happening. You can almost hear the growing. The ferns are unfurling and that is where I shall start.

1.

Harts tongue Asplenium scolopendrium

This is a plant which came to me from Rambling Cathy a couple of years ago and how established it looks now. The freshness of the green is strong and those tongues look at their most interesting as they uncurl.

2.

Horse chestnut trees Aesculus hippocastanum

There were 5 of these in 2015 and I took the decision to have two of them removed to enable these room to grow. They are looking at their most majestic now. Growing below them, in the dry shade is my number 3

I know it is a weed, I know it may make a bid for total control but I love it. I shall cut it back hard and remove some of it next week.

Cow Parsley, Anthriscus sylvestris

4. From green and white to hot orange, these are self sown orange Californian poppies.

Eschscholzia Californica

Today is overcast and they haven’t fully opened but their vibrancy is working hard to brighten the sky.

5. More poppies

Another poppy trying to brighten the skies.

The centre seems so bright and yet the outer petals live up to its name Papaver Patty’s Plum. I love the fat hairy buds on perennial poppies.

6. House leeks

Newly potted sempervivums. I love these plants, so many variations, all beautiful.

My six favourites today to share with you and our host The Propagator .

Do share your six with us or if you haven’t got time at least take a few minutes to scroll through some other bloggers joining this popular meme.

Enjoy the weekend. D.

Six on Saturday: Trentham Gardens

Tags

Amy Wight, Capability Brown, Charles Barry, garden visit, Nigel Dunnet, Piet Oudolf, sculpture, Stoke-on-Trent, Tom Stuart-Smith, Trentham Estate

Hello. This week I took a couple of days out to visit the Malvern Show and Trentham Gardens. I wrote a quick post about Malvern Here.

Trentham in Stoke-on-Trent is a magnificent green space with a mile long lake created by Lancelot Capability Brown. There are new meadow schemes by Nigel Dunnet and the original Italian gardens by Charles Barry have had a contemporary makeover by Tom Stuart – Smith. In addition there is a floral labyrinth created by Piet Oudolf.

According to James Alexander Sinclair Trentham is “the garden makeover of the decade” and certainly some of the best names in horticulture and design have been involved.

Highlights of my visit are my Six on Saturday, joining The Propagator .

1.

Balustrades and boats on Trentham lake.

I loved how they had filled the boats with tulips and floated them out.

2. Bulbs. There were the most magnificent pots of tulips, violas, pansies and muscari, primroses, grasses and heuchera.

Arrangements on steps and around benches. It surprised me how far behind they were compared to mine which have all finished.

3.

Scale. The scale of the gardens is very impressive. Looking across the Italian gardens towards the lake.

4.

Colour. Stuart-Smiths use of colour is fabulous. Orange, blue and lime.

The blue is from Camassias.

lime and orange from Euphorbias

5. Columns

I really admired the decision to give the Irish yew columns a flat top cut. This has the effect of stopping the eye from travelling up and up their height. They punctuate the frothy colourful planting rather like columns of a building. 6. Sculpture

Garden sculpture is a key addition to the gardens. From intricate willow woven into vast floral or animal forms

This is a dragon of living willow along the riverside walk.

Leaping bronze deer in the stumpery area of the lakeside walk.

My favourite were these fabulous gigantic dandelions by Amy Wight. These were literally blowing in the wind.

If you have the chance to visit Trentham, just do it. Enjoy your weekend. D.

Garden Visit: The Malvern Show

Tags

BBC coverage, Gabriella Pill, garden design, garden shows, garden visit, Jessica Makins, May, No 30 Design Studio, plant shopping, RHS Malvern Show, Sunray Plants, young designers

Yesterday I visited the Malvern Show. RHS members day, we arrived just after the show opened.

The weather was inhospitable but we gardeners have the right gear for all weathers. Undeterred, we headed in!

Gabriella Pill Mediterranean Terrace

Defiance by Sara Edwards at No 30 Design Studio

An artists studio at home. Jessica Makins Garden Design and Hartwyn Natural Builds.

These are garden buildings created from old shipping containers. Brilliant. The gardens all made use of raised beds and vertical structure which included a framework for climbers or shade. A sense of enclosure. Coordinated planting. These garden creations could be adapted or copied for new build houses with small plots and city gardens/ courtyards . Inspired creativity on more modest scale.

Alas the BBC coverage on Gardeners World this evening did not see fit to interview the youngsters who created these gems. A lost opportunity. Trying to attract young gardeners? Not sure I believe the RHS knows how.

In the floral marquee, the plant exhibitors were top quality.

Chrysanthemums

Succulents. A few of the spectacular exhibits.

My favourite plant vendor was this chap

Sunray Plants, selling a wonderful selection of sempervivums.

The Malvern show was really very enjoyable, despite the weather. If you are in the area or have time to travel to the show, it is a good day out with some inspiring gardens and top rate vendors.

Coverage by the BBC may have missed an opportunity for some fresh faces but the highly respected Carol Klein and Adam Frost were there.

The Malvern Show is on all weekend. Details at http://www.rhsmalvern.co.uk

Six on Saturday: pulling away

Tags

Brunnera macro Dawson’s white, carpinus betula, cerinthe major purpurascens, euphorbia griffithii Dixter, Hornbeam, philadelphus coronarius aureus, six on saturday, Tulip Ballerina, tulip Brown Sugar

After some time away I am looking at the garden afresh. So much has pulled away thanks to the light and warmer temperatures. My favourite six to share with you and The Propagator this week are these.

1.

Fresh foliage doesn’t come much fresher looking than Philadelphus coronarius aureus. Catching the sunshine it is luminous.

2.

Euphorbias are such good plants somehow always interesting looking. This is Euphorbia griffithii Dixter showing its orange bracts to the sunshine.

3

Cerinthe major purpurascens

These are self sown from last year. I like the glaucous, slightly fleshy leaves and drooping purple heads. They make a good cut flower.

4.

‘ Pleats please’ of the Hornbeam, Carpinus betula variety rather than the Issey Miyake creation. Such neat foliage.

5

A new combination for me Brunnera macro Dawson’s white ( yes I know the flowers are blue but the foliage is white) Tulips. I cannot find the note I will have made, somewhere, with the names of these two varieties. Sorry about that. So annoying when that happens.

And 6.

More tulips. These are the scented ones I had in my vase here this week. They are in a raised bed to help the bulbs keep out of the thick clay. It seems to work well as these are last years bulbs. In the foreground are Tulip Brown sugar and Ballerina.

Thank you for looking at my Six for this Saturday. Enjoy the long Easter weekend and some warm weather, perfect to enjoy the garden. D.