Sunday safari

It has rained on and off for most of the week. The droplets look magical on the Monterey pine. It has done very well here. Goldcrest visit the tree looking for spiders and other insects.

Contorted hazel drips with catkins.......this tree does well in a large barrel or pot.

Calendula officinalis was common in medieval gardens. At that time marigolds were used in the kitchen to colour soup and butter. In the medicinal garden its cordial was said to cure depression. The plants were important enough to arrive in America with the first white settlers.
Schizostylis Coccinea 'major' has strappy leaves and loose spikes of rosy-red freesia flowers.
It starts blooming in September and goes on (in mild autumns) until the end of November. It has done well and adds much needed colour on these rather grey days.

Aster seedheads are very pretty. They remind me of mini powder puffs.

Microgreens are easy to grow. This late crop is a tasty addition to salads. Thank you Sherry for the inspiration.

The garden is sodden from heavy rains and wildlife is scarce. My projects are on hold until the rain stops and the soil dries out a little.

A squirrel has decided to spend time in the old apple tree, much to the annoyance of Nella. She spends hours sitting at the base, waiting and hoping.........


Quote: Dilettante gardeners love the spring and summer; real gardeners also love the winter.

Anne-Scott James. Down to earth.


Happy Sunday safari.