Whitsun bank holiday weekend saw us in Wales with friends, the weather was mixed, but the sun came out in time for an outdoor barbecue. Sunday papers in the sunshine for Mike and Mike, studiously ignoring Ollie's attentions. Chris proudly showing Margaret his gunnera, slowly but surely it is establishing in a boggy … Continue reading Welsh weekend with friends
February Fireside
Out and about in the cold last weekend, I came across this super cast iron fire grate going for a song in a small reclamation yard - just the thing for a cosy fire themed planter on a cold winter's day! Next stop - garden centre to pick up some plants suitable for a … Continue reading February Fireside
Close Up
I've had a macro lens for my birthday, tested it out on a few blooms - quickly learned that wind free conditions and a tripod are essential tools! So, first attempts a bit blurred and lacking in technique - hopefully practice will help me improve, watch this space
a right royal visit
First day of national gardening week saw us visiting the gardens at Highgrove, Prince Charle's house in Gloucestershire, where his first Garden Festival was taking place. Despite having my fingers crossed for good weather all weekend, it was a very wet day, absolutely pouring down on arrival. Thankfully, after parking at Westbirton Arboretum and travelling the … Continue reading a right royal visit
Yew no more
What was a small rotund, clipped yew in the riverbank had become a huge ungainly obstruction of the pathway, difficult to circumvent with the mower. I'm not sure why whoever planted it chose that particular spot for it, but I wish they hadn't! Taking plants out is always a difficult decision for me, but on … Continue reading Yew no more
Tulip Dance
I lost the label or these gorgeous tulips, but a quick google search jogged the memory - 'Lambada'. What a perfect name this is for such fiery dancing blooms, big hitters amongst the equally striking foliage of cotinus, acanthus and oriental poppy. Easily the winner of this week's current favourite badge!
There’s something about Welsh rain!
Disappointed this morning to wake up to rain, but by 10am, it was easing off, or so I thought. Fine drizzle, not too uncomfortable to work in until you realise that it has soaked through your clothes and you're soaking wet! - and guess what - the rain stopped and the sun came out! Still, we … Continue reading There’s something about Welsh rain!
Angelique & Ollie
Tulipa 'Angelique', going over now, but its beauty isn't diminished - just different. I'm wondering if these bulbs will produce flowers next year if I leave them in the pot - decided it's worth a try, I'll plant bedding on top of them this summer and see what happens. It's been a gorgeous day - … Continue reading Angelique & Ollie
A couple of highlights on a dismal day
After the many bright days in January, it's now cold and dismal outside - not particularly inviting when there is the alternative of a cosy seat in front of the fire! However, wrapped up well, a stroll around the garden revealed a few highlights at Aberglasne, notably this faithful hellebore with its long and plentiful … Continue reading A couple of highlights on a dismal day
January blues – not today!
After all the rain, the garden is like a quagmire, but it didn't stop us getting out there this morning - it was glorious! We had intended to start sowing seeds today, but were overcome by the temptation of pottering about in the sunshine. So... the start of border clearance commenced in earnest, trouble … Continue reading January blues – not today!
Flora in Focus Journal 