We’ve spent a few days in Wales enjoying great weather and pottering about in the garden – as ever the weeds; particularly clevers, wood avens, enchanters nightshade, couch grass and creeping buttercup are all growing in abundance. As we are surrounded by fields and of course we’re not living there all the time, it’s not surprising that we never really get on top of these pesky invaders. So as we accept that there will always be a few and do our best to keep them at bay, it’s great to focus on the many more beautiful features and plants in the garden.

Amazingly, the daffodils are still coming – from the bag full of mixed bulbs I planted in December. This particularly lovely one is a triple headed beauty:

For most of the year, I look at the lilac tree and think that it needs re-shaping. Having outgrown it’s space it really does need attention. But when in flower it is magnificent – such a wonderful deep purple and I am concerned that any major work might permanently harm it – advice please!

Another plant in need of pruning – this Potentilla fruticosa ‘Lemon Meringue’ will be getting some attention as soon as it’s finished flowering as it is becoming straggly. A pretty plant in flower.

Welsh poppies (mecanopsis cambrian) self seed relatively freely in the garden, they are a delight, especially as in sunshine their paper thin petals are illuminated.

Looks like we’ll be getting a good crop of cooking apples this autumn – the tree is covered in blossom. Last year was the first time we actually used the apples as previously they were a treat for the horses next door. Sadly the horses are no longer there, so we’ll make sure we put them to equally good use – they are rather delicious in a crumble!

Geum rivale – love it! I’ve got this planted in both gardens, it spreads quite quickly and easily separates to provide new plants which is a very useful characteristic and in Wales, it does suppress weeds – the only one that seems to grow through it is the dreaded couch grass.

Ah well, back to the West Midlands and the joys of a more simple, urban garden, but not so peaceful!