I remember buying bulbs last Autumn. Sadly I have got out of the habit of making notes in my diary, and for the life of me I could not remember what I had planted where :) This morning some had come into bloom. Iris reticulata, such a reliable plant.
I think with the grey skies, the beautiful blue flowers speak of things to come.
My Mother gave me this book before she passed away. It was given to her by a friend in 1983. It is something I will always treasure, Mum and I often talked about the beautiful illustrations.
I found the following write up on the Waterstones page and it sums it up well.
The most elegant and subtle of books to give and to have, this title evokes the English garden of Sara Midda's childhood, sowing the imagination with glorious images. Dozens and dozens of illustrations and tender reflections recall the hut in the wood or a topiary maze, a summer day spent podding peas, or a herb patch that yields biblical fragrances. Myriad colours fall upon warm green moss. Painted with Sara Midda's fine brush it is a book of lasting enchantment.
I took the book out yesterday to take a look. The first time since Mum's passing. I found the following piece amongst the pages, she had obviously written after my Father's death. Please forgive any mistakes, I could have changed things but felt that would not be appropriate.
Will I find you.
Slanted shadows stalk the garden, fine mist clings on the air,
Perfumes fill my nostrils, for summer once was there,
Now Autumn spreads its fingers, over plants and garden chair,
In those misty moments I see you walking there.
Little jewelled cobwebs are strung out along the path,
Descending sun a golden ball, empty now the birdie bath.
So still it is now Summers gone, a gap fore Winters call,
Seeds drop down noiselessly, will they flower where they fall?
When once again it's Springtime, youths pleasures on the air,
And will I find in memory guise, my love, you walking there.
My Father spent much of his retirement working in the garden. Mum always knew where to find him.
When he passed she would often say "Where's Jim, Cheryl. I can't find him"
I believe this poem was written during her last months.
I hope she found my Father, she always believed she would :)
Ooh how exciting, hellebores are up.
As most of you must know by now, I love cyclamen. Each year I add more to my collection.
My latest addition is the very pretty Cyclamen repandum or at least I thought so :(( Originating from France, Greece and other Mediterranean countries I hoped it would do well here.
They are mainly used in rockeries, and woodland areas.
Last Autumn I decided I would plant some beneath the old apple tree for a show in early Spring.
They have just come into bloom (way to early) and look exactly like Cyclamen Coum. I am so disappointed. Obviously the plants had the wrong label.
This is not the first time this has happened.
It has been a wet January so far. I do not mind. Water levels are low, due to a dry 2017 in the SE. It is good to see the local wildlife ponds filling.
I noticed the first snowdrop buds in the garden today. It always gives me such a thrill when they start to bloom. It is the start of things to come. I shall bring some into the house this year. The scent is quite lovely and can only be appreciated in a vase on the kitchen table.
This is a surprise the first primrose blooming beneath the hedge by the copse. It is small detail but just so promising.
The days are getting longer, only slightly I know but they are.
I have started my New Year with a fitbit. In my late sixties I decided to improve my walking and exercise.
I have also started a new diet. Last year I found I had a severe intolerance to dairy. I had been feeling unwell for a long time, and had put it down to older age.
I walked 10km yesterday with Nella and managed to get my heart rate up with some running.
At this moment I am feeling positive.........watch this space.
And tell me what are you up to ??
All the planning and preparation and Christmas went with the blink of an eye.
It was worth it, family time is so precious as the years pass by.
The garden has been neglected due to weather and other factors. I did manage to prune some apple trees. I always leave some of the twigs beneath the trees for the rabbits to gnaw on. By doing this, they leave the living plants alone. I have become accustomed to their ways.
Iris Foetidissima is not grown for the flowers, they are quite insignificant, although to be honest, they fascinate me. The reason most allow them space in the garden is because of the lovely berries they produce in the Autumn.
I love the way the berries hang from the plant and give a beautiful touch of colour around the garden. Note to self divide and have a better display next Winter.
Mahonia, another wonderful Winter flowering plant. Great for Queen bees when they wake on a mild Winter day. Also just look at the wonderful colour of the leaves. They seem to be continually changing.
Helleborus Foetidus, the stinking hellebore. Just about ready to burst bud.
I always look forward to the lovely burgundy rim that adorns the flower.
Cannot for the life of me remember what bulbs I put in the pots. It was such a long time ago. I do so love a surprise.
Sarcococca Confusa, or Christmas Box if you prefer (which I do) Small insignificant blooms but the sweet honey scented flowers are to die for. It wafts around the garden, tempting the gardener to go have a sniff. I am hooked on this plant and increase my numbers each year. Such beautiful perfume in Winter is a bonus.
A lone olive hangs by a thread. Memories of Summer lift my spirit, I can see the little tree in my minds eye, blooms covered in bees and the hot sun beating down.
I am ready for another gardening year. As soon as the rain stops I will be out with the rake and wheelbarrow doing what I do best :)
Happy New Year to you all. May it be a happy and healthy one for you and yours.
I have never been able to master the art of topiary. So this year I have tried my hand at cloud pruning.
I must say I am pleased with the results. I have enjoyed sculpting the trees into clouds.
I have plans for bringing a lot more of this art work into the garden. What do you think?
