I recently purchased another gorgeous hellebore from Farmyard Nurseries in Llandysul, where there is a significant breeding programme - this one has no name on it, but I'm sure you'll agree that it is stunning Having read Carol Klein's article in February's Gardener's World magazine, I thought I'd attempt to cross pollinate this hellebore with … Continue reading Creating a new plant (possibly)
Snow again
Another blanket of snow brought in a small flock of fieldfares this morning - the blackbirds had a hard time getting a look in with the apples we'd put out for them and the crab apple tree took a battering too. We also put some grapes and blueberries out which didn't last long. Doesn't this … Continue reading Snow again
A Rumble in Wales
Yesterday, about half an hour after this photo was taken, an earthquake rumbled across Wales - the house shook for about 10 seconds - very disconcerting! Thankfully, by that time Chris was safely back on the ground. Anyway, back to the picture - Chris decided that the apple tree required a trim. Once done, he … Continue reading A Rumble in Wales
Tips for Siting a Greenhouse
I couldn't be more excited! After much deliberation and procrastination, we've decided to install a proper greenhouse - and as I currently have a small head height 'lean-to' fixed to the wall of a narrow walkway outside the back door I just can't wait. Up to now, Chris has been concerned that we don't have … Continue reading Tips for Siting a Greenhouse
Casting a Spell
I've got this sweet smelling hamamelis x intermedia 'Jelena' , commonly known as one of the witch hazels, casting its spell on me at the moment - I just love it! Currently sitting just outside the back door in a fiery red pot, I'm now plucking up courage to plant it out - the last one I had didn't … Continue reading Casting a Spell
Peace and Quiet
With milder weather forecast, Christmas presents wrapped, shopping orders complete and a few days off work, I've jumped in the car with Ollie and made for Wales for some pre-festivities peace and quiet. Unfortunately, the dream of peace was almost shattered when after a rather stressful journey, I opened the door to an unbelievable smell … Continue reading Peace and Quiet
It’s cold outside!
Out gardening yesterday? Impossible? Well, the photinia 'Red Robin' plants we put in this year were laden down with snow, so it was out with the brush to relieve the weight - and once I'd started, decided to carry on and shake it off all the shrubs and hedges. Unfortunately (as forecast, Chris pointed out), … Continue reading It’s cold outside!
NGS Photo Competition
This year, the National Garden Scheme celebrated 50 years as a Charitable organisation and one of the events organised to mark this milestone was a photographic competition. There were several categories for budding photographers to enter and photos were required to have been taken in an NGS garden. As you know, I love photographing plants, … Continue reading NGS Photo Competition
A misty, webby morning
September mornings in Wales are frequently dewy and misty, but I haven't seen such prolific web spinning before! As you can see, some very busy spiders have been working overtime overnight - but I couldn't find a single one in any of these amazing dew coated webs - exhausted and sleeping under cover I presume!
Bare patch!
After being alerted by our neighbour to the fact that the ivy I've allowed to grow like a small hedge was seriously affecting the integrity of the fence, we had no choice but to remove it - but unfortunately it was too late, the fence was in a very poor state and has had to … Continue reading Bare patch!
Flora in Focus Journal 