Six on Saturday: 15/8/20

Tags

Catalpa bignoides pulverulenta, Cercis canadensis, Eupatorium Black stockings, Forest pansy, hornbeam hedge, indian bean tree, Philadelphus coronarius aurea, rose a shropshire lad, Sambucus Nigra Black Lace, six on saturday, Verbena bonariensis, Viburnum bodnantense dawn, weeping willow

Saturday greetings from me to you. The weather these last few days frankly has been as extraordinary as these pandemic times we are living in. The deluge this morning has left a steaming mist this afternoon and those temperatures earlier in the week seem almost imaginary. My six, as a consequence of today’s weather. are images of the garden taken on Thursday.

Across the garden, verbena bonariensis has taken over as shown above. I love it. I love it’s tall wafting nature, its colour and I don’t mind it at the front of a border even if it has chosen the spot.

The funny thing with this image is that I look it and see the Hornbeam hedge needs cutting back into shape. It’s like a visual to do list for me.

This image of the path back up the garden shows what I mean about the verbena and today you need the secateurs to cut your way through. The claret foliage at the top of the path is from my beloved Cercis canadensis. This image shows me not only how big it is getting but how much I will need to prune back. There’s barely room to sit at the table.

Looking across the border to the path and table I like how much the Cercis shields the sitter from the rest of the garden but within reason of course. I am pleased with the colour mix of the pink rose a Shropshire Lad next to the variegated foliage of Catalpa pulverulentum and yes the Hornbeam definitely needs cutting back. I also need to take a bit off the viburnum bodnantense to the right of the hedge. It too is getting a bit too big.

Looking from the other side across the border to the dark green shrub on the right is the viburnum bodnantense and it really is too tall. Frankly Philadelphus coronarius aurea, Golden mock orange, is also getting too big and needs shaping up a bit. Topiary also needs clipping back to form. Gosh I have a lot to do.

A pleasing combination of the berries and foliage of Sambucus nigra Black Lace with Eupatorium Black stockings. The unopened buds of the flowers look so lovely next to the half eaten berries. The Sambucus will be cut down by about one third in spring to encourage better denser foliage.

Looking through and across the lawn is the borrowed view of the majestic weeping willow belonging to my neighbour. Properly impressive. Nothing for me to do there but to admire.

These are my six. A visual to do list rather than ‘jobs for the weekend ‘. Sharing my six with you and our host The Propagator

Have a great weekend wherever you are and thanks for reading. D.

In a vase on Monday: 9/3/20

Tags

blossom, daffodils, in a vase on Monday, Iris reticulata, March, Narcissus 'Tete a Tete', Narcissus ‘Rip-van-winkle’, Viburnum bodnantense dawn

My garden has been swamp like for what seems like months and months. So horrid. I have hardly been able to get out there. Today I squelched across grass that needs cutting to look for some flowers to join Cathy and her regular followers.

There are hellebores and daffodils, iris reticulata and viburnum. There is blossom on the plum tree and fresh growth showing on the Hemerocallis and those plants formerly known as sedums. Leaves are budding on the Sambucus and the Hydrangeas. Roses are budding their purple leaves. There is much happening out there.

I have chosen a small selection to put in my vases

Small scale vases.

This pot has Narcissus tête-à-tête and Rip van winkle. You can see they are mud spattered. The one with the orange centre came as a birthday gift box of bulbs from the Isles of Scilly. Highly scented these are always delightful, thanks Kay.

Iris reticulata are exquisite and I shall try adding some named varieties for next year now that I know they are happy under the chestnut trees. Behind is a twig of the delicate pale blossom of the plum tree.

A sprig of candy floss pink viburnum blossom and that’s my lot for today. Please take a look at other participants picked flowers, it is incredible how different they all are each week. Thanks to our host Cathy who always, without exception responds to our posts.

Have a good week, wherever you are. Thanks for reading. D.

In a vase on Monday: desk top flowers

Tags

Blackwing pencil, Faber Castell sharpener, Hellebore argutifolius, Helleborus orientalis, in a vase on Monday, January, Kaweco pen, scented flowers, Viburnum bodnantense dawn, viola, Vitsoe

Under electric light, flowers can look a bit ‘not right’. It has been a very grey, wet afternoon here and the lights need to be on. At risk of them not looking quite right, here goes:

Viburnum bodnantense Dawn. Wet with rain this sugared-almond pink sprig is pumping out its overly sweet aroma.

It has a twiggy stem, flowering as it does on bare wood.

Hellebores are opening their flowers for only the insistent of spectators. You really have to get down to their level, ankle height, and tip their heads gently upwards. Reluctant stars they are a pretty sight amidst the bare ground.

These are finally making good sized clumps, unnamed hybrids which came as tiny potted plants from the market.

My favourite is the green Hellebore argutifolius. Simple and elegant by comparison to the can-can skirted hybrids.

Did you notice the charming set of four little vases? Sister Dorris purchased them for me . They are etched glass and thought to be from the Victorian era. Perfect size for these tiny early Spring flowers. What do you think?

Another look at my green Hellebore with which I have put a white viola. These tiny viola flowers have a strong sweet scent. A wonderful distraction from all that is not so wonderful.

Thank you Cathy for hosting. Thank you for reading and have a good week wherever you are. D.

Six on Saturday: a welcome surprise

Tags

Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora, frost, Hornbeam hedges, January, Lonicera fragrantissima, Miscanthus sinensis, six on saturday, Viburnum bodnantense dawn, Viola odorata, white Foxgloves, Winter garden

The surprise is the weather of course. Sunshine and frost this morning, such a welcome sight after what seems like months of rain and grey skies and general bleh. My garden is holding water in small padding pools. I am trying hard, not allowing myself to stress about what the saturated clay is doing to my plants but horror stories keep popping in to my mind.

Not today. No, today I treated myself to some primulas to brighten a few bare patches. I walked around the garden, keeping off the squelching lawns, off the borders, stretching this way and that to reach closer to the sources of scent.

These are my Six:

Viburnum bodnantense Dawn

A quite vigorous, woody shrub, which sprouts out beautiful pink flowers in midwinter. Tiny multiples of flowers pump out a sweet scent in the sunshine.

This is one shrub I would always want in a garden.

Foxglove foliage dusted with frost.

I am hoping these will flower this year and will give me white spires. Digitalis purpurea f.albiflora

Foxgloves are such accommodating plants, suited to deep shade and to sun. They really will grow on any type of soil. I prefer the white form for its crisp contrast between white and green, finding the pink version a rather dirty pink. Highly poisonous if ingested, otherwise I would recommend them everywhere and anywhere.

Handsome Hornbeam

Hedges of Hornbeam are another of my favourite sights. Midwinter and the hedges are still retaining their foliage. Curled and pleated and a rich brown colour. The hedge provides shelter to garden birds.

Sunlight and Miscanthus

Backlit, I am reminded why I love Miscanthus sinensis so much. This particular one was new this autumn and is currently in a pot. I shall be transferring it into the ground once things dry out a bit.

More winter scent

This is winter Honeysuckle Lonicera Fragrantissima. Another woody shrub which bursts into flower in winter. The scent wafts on the air pulling the passerby in close. It too does not seem to be put off by the wet soil.

White flowers

These Violas are eye catching even in the low light levels of winter. They also are scented but you need to get very close to detect their aroma. Such sweet flowers, great performers and worth a couple of quid of anyone’s money. Winter bedding.

These are my six, joining The Propagator and gardeners from around the globe, sharing my six favourites in my garden right now. Do join in, we would love to see what’s in your garden too.

Enjoy your weekend, wherever you are and thanks for reading. D.

Silent Sunday: Viburnum bodnantense Dawn

Tags

January, Silent Sunday, Viburnum bodnantense dawn, winter flowers, winter scent

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.

In a Vase on Monday: hello sunshine

Tags

Grape hyacinth, in a vase on Monday, kind gift from Kay, March, Muscari, Narcissus 'Tete a Tete', Narcissus ‘Rip-van-winkle’, Narcissus Grand Soleil d’Or, Narcissus Isles of Scilly, Viburnum bodnantense dawn, violas

Despite the high winds over the last few days and a flurry of sleet last night, the daffodils are still standing. Such hardy things, daffodils generate blots of yellow about the gardens and verges and nearly everyone comments on them. I cannot imagine that there is a single person who does not like seeing daffodils each spring.

I am not keen on the colour yellow but I make an exception with daffodils. I prefer Tête-à-tête as the short stems tend not to collapse in windy weather, important for this garden which is rather exposed.

Rip van winkle is another favourite thanks to his shredded punky appearance.

This year van winkle and Tête-à-tête are joined by a mixed selection of scented daffodils from the Scilly isles. My friend Kay kindly carried a small box of bulbs home to give me an early birthday present. Even more generous considering the hand luggage only rules from the orange aircraft carrier. This is the first one showing, it has six tiny yellow flowers with orange centres on one stem and is highly scented with that heavenly sweet daffodil perfume. I believe it to be Grand Soleil d’Or.

Viburnum bodnantense Dawn is still flowering its highly scented pale pink Pom poms and now is joined by the first of the Grape Hyacinths.

They are in a 500ml flask which holds their tiny beauty carefully.

By contrast I have pinched three tiny violas from my bath tub container. Tiny violas too have a sweet perfume detectable at close quarters.

Their papal purple colours and velvet texture have been damaged by the weather even so I think their beauty is exquisite.

What do you have to share with us and Cathy this Monday. I’ll bet there is something.

Wishing you all a good week ,wherever you are. D.

Six on Saturday: 16/2/19

Tags

Anthriscus sylvestris, barnhaven.com, cow parsley, Hellebores, Iris reticulata, primroses, Primula vulgaris, six on saturday, Viburnum bodnantense dawn

The weather this week has been incredibly mild for February. Garden jobs are so much easier when I can feel my fingers and toes. The sunlight has encouraged buds to emerge or even open and spring bulbs are pushing through thick and fast. My Six on Saturday are those signs from my garden.

1.

Iris reticulata

The blue of these tiny iris are thrilling at this time of the year. I am chuffed to bits that they have come up as I have never managed to get them to flower before.

2.

Viburnum bodnantense ‘Dawn’

This shrub is at its best in winter, Bare twigs covered in bright pink, highly scented flowers. Tough as old boots but pretty.

3.

Signs of life emerging, here in the form of black leaf buds on Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla Black Lace. An attractive shrub with deeply divided leaves of a rich near black. I have just pruned this back to encourage better ie larger foliage.

4.

Primroses, Primula vulgaris. My favourite. I would choose these every time over the brightly coloured varieties.

5.

Less about the fern more about the emerging foliage of the Cow parsley. Anthriscus sylvestris. Such a fresh green and delicate foliage.

6. Last and by no means least, Hellebores. These are unnamed varieties from Barnhaven primroses. They were purchased online as tiny finger sized plug plants from self pollinated stock. A cheaper way to purchase Hellebores with a sense of lucky dip. Patience is required as it has taken three years for them to flower.

Worth the wait.

Have a great weekend and do share your six via our host Six on Saturday . D.

In a Vase on Monday: collecting

Tags

crocus, crocus prins claus, grown by me, hellebore hybrid, Helleborus orientalis 'Harvington Hybrids', helleborus viri, in a vase on Monday, March, Primula vulgaris, Viburnum bodnantense dawn

Ding dong the snow has gone and Monday started out with so much promise, mild and bright.  Alas the rain came later and my garden which was already resembling swill is now ankle-deep in water in places.  Trying not to dwell on the damage that this will be doing to some plants, I have collected a rare few flowers to show you and readers of Cathys blog today.  Do try to pop over to see her lovely blog, you will be amazed with what you see in some other vases.

Less ‘in a vase’, rather more ‘set out to dry’.

Helleborus viridis

Helleborus orientalis

Crocus, Prins Claus

Primula vulgaris

Viburnum bodnantense Dawn

The forecast for the next few days, in my neck of the woods at least, is for rain and highs of 8 or 9 degrees, positively balmy after the last few days.  Hoping you have a good week. D.

In a Vase on Monday : warmed through

Tags

black stem vase, Christmas rose, Hellebore, helleborus niger, in a vase on Monday, pink flowers, Viburnum bodnantense dawn, winter scent

Last Monday I shared memories of Summer which some of you may have looked at and thought ‘yuck’, they were rather brown. With that in mind I cut some Viburnum  and a Hellebore at the same time. The Viburnum was in bud in the garden but tightly closed. ‘Ah ha’ I thought ( I did really think that exact expression), this could be good for next Monday.  

This was taken last Tuesday:

As hoped, the buds have opened and are now filling the room with their rather overly sweet scent. 

This is a first time appearance for the black glass stem vase. Part of a Christmas gift from Liz who had found it and a couple of others in a local charity shop. Perfect for my Mondays. 
So today I have a tiny little burst of colour thanks to Christmas rose, Helleborus niger and Viburnum bodnantense Dawn.


There were no ah ha moments today but I expect many other contributors to Mondays vase will have lots of lovelies to share. Check out Cathys blog https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com

This was taken yesterday:

Have a good week and let’s hope it stops raining. I am awash thanks to Thames Water, a burst water main, no mains drainage and heavy non stop rain today.