Six on Saturday: promises

Tags

camellia, clematis armandii, February, fiscus Brown Turkey, Hellebores, perennial poppies, Primula, promising signs, six on saturday

In a Vase on Monday: delicate beauties

Tags

clematis armandii, dwarf Prunus Nipponica Ruby, Hellebores, in a vase on Monday, March, Spring flowers, Viburnum bodnantense dawn, violas

Thank goodness the wind has finally dropped and we can hear ourselves think once more. Outside these poor things have been battered by the wind.

This is the classy Clematis armandii, one stem, three lovely fresh flowers, seemingly unharmed. Behind it is a tiny twig of blossom in the softest pink Dwarf Prunus Nipponica ‘Ruby’.

Next I have taken a few heads from my Hellebores. These have remained largely in tact but one or two longer stems have nose dived and hit the dirt.

The wide awake amongst you may notice that viburnum bodnantense Dawn flowers and a viola are in this picture. Too pretty to not include in this little mix. I shall float these on water to enjoy them on my desk for a few days.

The forecast is improving and calmer which is great news. In this political climate, I guess I am not the only one grateful for any good news, no matter how small. For more cheer take a look at Cathy’s blog to see some glorious floral sights.

Have a good week wherever you are. D.

Six on Saturday: 2/3/19

Tags

Anemanthele lessoniana, chaenomeles x superba Jet Trail, clematis armandii, Dwarf narcissi Tete-a-Tete, green hellebore, Hellebores, Japanese quince, Magnolia soulangeana, March, nest making, Pheasant's tail grass, six on saturday, Stipa arundinacea

It seems that February is finished for 2019 and what a February.  Record breaking temperatures here in England gave us all something to smile about, something to distract us from the politicial shenanigans. The weather gave me and you I trust, the opportunity to cut back all the perennials, prune the roses and lightly weed over the borders, frankly incredible, compared to this time last year, when we were under the white stuff thanks to the beast.  This Saturday I have another six to share with you and the Propagator.

1. This is Clematis armandii.  An evergreen climber which flowers in early spring.  Scented, with petals which appear rather waxy.  It is a favourite clematis of mine and is smothered in buds which is very pleasing.
2. Japanese quince Chaenomeles X superba Jet trail.  This is a dwarf shrub growing to no more than 1 meter tall.  It is located against the same stretch of fence as the Clematis above and I chose it for its white flowers.
3. Hellebore.  This one is a double which comes through as a slightly green/white tinged pink.  Very pretty it seems to like the raised bed next to the tiny Tete a tete daffodils.  Raised beds work well for Hellebores as we can see their faces without having to lie on the ground. Thats my top tip for today.
4. The birds certainly seem to think that spring is here and I spotted this nest up amongst the fat buds of my friends splendid Magnolia tree.

5. This is my green Hellebore. It came from a divided piece from my last garden. I am unsure if it’s name but I enjoy its contrast to the pink and white Hellebores. A fresh green, don’t you think.

6. This is a small Pheasant tail grass, Anemanthele lessonia, previously known as Stipa arundinacea. It is relatively short lived but self seeds freely around. If you fail to strip the seed heads it can be a nuisance in paths. Anyway I like its colouring and its nomadic spirit.

So that’s my six for today. Enjoy your weekend wherever you are. D.

Saturday smile: chaenomeles X superba

Tags

April, chaenomeles x superba Jet Trail, clematis armandii, Japanese quince, Saturday smile, spring in my garden

Planted only last year this little quince is covered in white flowers.

Aptly named Jet Trail this Japanese quince has a trailing habit and is suitable as ground cover.

I have used it to plant under Clematis armandii a white with white spring display.

An evergreen clematis with oodles of flowers in spring. I do like green with white.

Right I am going to try to give the lawn its first cut. Enjoy your weekend. D.

Saturday smile

Tags

chaemoneles jet trail, clematis armandii, quince, Saturday smile

The sun is shining, the sky is blue, the clocks go forward tonight, what more do we need to make us smile, not a lot I think.

 

Clematis armandii  

Quince, Chaenomeles ‘Jet Trail’

Primroses, Primula Gold Lace

Make the most of this Spring weather.

In a Vase on Monday: Springtime

Tags

clematis armandii, dark primulas, Delft vase, Grape hyacinth, Hellebores, in a vase on Monday, narcissi tete a tete, Springtime

I don’t know about you but it is a beautiful mild Spring day here. The sky is blue, there is no wind to speak of and it must be about 15 degrees in the sunshine. The garden is pulling away and the flowers are well, just flowering. 

Tete a Tete narcissi in hand painted Delft Vase

Grape hyacinth, hellebore and Tete a Tete

Cathy is the host of this lovely meme and not only will she have a vase full for you to look at, so will a bunch (ha ha) of other folk. 

There’s also a dark purple primula in there

And pulmonaria and the creamy white flower from Clematis armandii. 

This is rather thrilling for me to see as my garden has only been planted in the last two years. 

Have a great week and I hope the sunshine puts a Spring in your step. D.