Our patch of green

Fruit, of a sort

2006-08-03T08:13:00.000Z

It felt like a crime but had to pinch out the olives that were developing on the two plants. Just didn’t think that they were ready to put all that energy into fruiting. Would rather they grew some more, been inspired by the trees present in the show gardens at Hampton Court. You can’t eat the olives in any case until they have been cured. That’s a little project for another year (or two or three)…

Also removed the second batch of budding figs. Again, I’d rather have the tree mature a bit more than invest energy and resources into developing fruit. For some reason the tree hasn’t grown as much as previous years, although it has been watered and feed regularly.

And for the first time ever (drum roll please) I’ve got a quince ripening on the bush. This is more out of curiosity than anything else – never grown one before. It’s only tiny and at the moment resembles a gooseberry rather than a yellow pear.

RHS time

2006-08-02T07:44:00.000Z

Seems like ages ago now although it was only at the beginning of last month when we journeyed to the suburbs in west London and joined the crowds heading towards the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show. It’s a lovely setting for the show as we meandered through the palace gardens in search of entrance. With a lot more space available the crowds weren’t as intense as Chelsea – which was a relief! The show gardens were scattered throughout the grounds and there were plenty of stalls offering different wares.

There wasn’t a particular garden provoking that ‘wow’ reaction although in one they had decided to feature olive trees. And the specimens that they found were impressive: wizened, gnarled, twisted and so so old with thick wide trunks and curvy short branches.

It was all relatively informal and we took a leisurely approach enjoying a few refreshment stops en route – got to savour my first Pimms for the year (very yummy!) under a brightening sky. Wasn’t sure if an afternoon was enough to see all the exhibitors and we didn’t have time to head into many of the tents. Guess its Tatton Park next year.

Lemons

2006-08-01T08:29:00.000Z

Last year Deb told me about how she grew a lemon tree from seed as a kid with her mom. Later that year Nath gave it a go and was pretty successful with three plants. So took Nath’s advice earlier this summer and sowed a few lemon pips in hope that they might germinate. Only four weeks later and there were three pale green tips poking through the compost resulting in two seedlings (lost one along the way). The high temperatures must have helped with the whole process and hopefully given them a good start. Since it’s been so warm I’ve started keeping them outside – help them prepare for the winter ahead in my cold house! Not sure that they will fruit because, as Al pointed out, the fruit might have been irradiated, ah well, time will tell.

Ripe for the picking

2006-06-30T14:11:00.000Z

Planted out Al’s raspberry canes over a month ago, much later than when they should have gone in the ground. This probably explains why they haven’t grown much but the fruit has developed and tastes amazing… sweet yet tart, and delicious with some yogurt, banana and cashew nuts. Might have a few more berries to enjoy over the weekend and then it’ll be a years wait for some home grown fruit. Just a little concerned about the yellow/orange freckles that have appeared. Got a sneaking suspicion that it might be rust. Going to cut them back as recommended, and thin out the canes which didn’t take and now resemble brown shriveled twigs. This will hopefully improve aeration round the plants and reduce any rust. Any resulting succulent red packages of fruity goodness are definitely worth the effort!

Shrooms…

2006-06-29T15:58:00.000Z

Got back from Cork a few weeks ago and noticed that there tiny mushrooms (or toadstools) in between the Mesembryanthemum – Livingstone Daisies – planted in the pots. Initially the mushrooms/toadstools – what is the difference? – were present in one pot but now they have appeared in another also with Mesembryanthemum.

All the daisies were potted out in containers and covered with gravel (to retain precious moisture). Was wondering whether the spores were in the compost used, gravel or from the water? The water level in the butt is dwindling to the point where is disappeared over the weekend. Was, therefore, a happy gardener on Monday when the heavens opened! Any how, thought this might be a good point to clean out the butt and took a peek inside (first time in a year – oops). In about 1cm of water there was plenty of sediment which could contain spores. Got a job to do over the weekend, there is a water butt to clean.

Wrong again

2006-06-27T12:29:00.000Z

So much for those brown fingers! Okay Arctic Queen and her snow-white, semi-double flowers has gone to join the giant flower-patch-in-the-sky, but the pink clematis, inherited with the garden, is flowering away. And the passion flower has started to bloom, have one flower so far but there are signs suggesting more is on the way! It’s really taken to the spot and is scrambling up the garage wall, weaving between the jasmine and apple tree. Although don’t want to encourage it in that particular direction otherwise it will smother the tree which is what Burt’s honeysuckle is trying to do!

Floppy poppy

2006-06-09T13:00:00.000Z

They were magnificent upright stems until the rains a few weeks back but that hasn’t diminished their elegance whilst flowering. The pale pink petals have lasted a lot longer than last year, and it’s been the longest display so far. The poppy was a gift from Nilani as she was dividing her plants. And five years on it has really taken to the garden. Going to divide it later in the year and think I should be able to get three or four plants – one has obviously been promised to Dee.

Visited Wakefield Place yesterday, which was beautiful. After a walk round the gardens we ventured into the walled garden, it was a delight – a proper cottage garden. They had two varieties, Patties Plum and Royal Wedding. The first was a gorgeous honey edged plum colour and the second was an ivory white. Going to see if I can find one of each, since poppies seem immune to S&S and thrive in Our Patch of Green! Purple, pink and white crepe-paper like flowers to start the summer – can’t wait!

Flowers for August

2006-06-07T12:31:00.000Z

Yes, picked up some plants for the wedding this weekend. The Nicotiana are all in the ground with some short canes for support. Thought that if you’re going to do the job might as well do it properly! Was gutted this morning to see two snails chomping through one of the plants in the back garden. Revenge was sweet as they crackled under foot.

These are plants in the front, so far they have been unmolested. They are positioned around the pinks and sweet williams. Was thinking that this way there should be colour throughout the summer.

Plan B

2006-06-05T12:19:00.000Z

Just as I thought, any seedlings that were emerging have been eaten. So much for the idea of a meadow area. Still, have some seeds that were kept back for this eventuality. Am determined to have an area full of poppies, cornflowers and other mixed annuals! Out went the second lot yesterday – fingers-crossed that they get a chance to grow.

First time for everything

2006-06-01T12:11:00.000Z

Here, hopefully, is my first picture for the blog. It's a pressie from Suzy for my birthday last year. Something that always makes me smile. Been busy with some housekeeping and have uploaded a few more pictures onto the site. Feeling quite techie!

And it's still alive!

2006-05-26T14:53:00.000Z

Have developed (an unwanted!) knack of killing off climbers. There was a pink clematis when I first moved in, which lasted a year... Next to perish was a purple clematis which flowered and died. Then there was the Arctic Queen. Thought I was going to have to add the passion flower to the list. But no, the climber is putting out new shoots and tendrils. Not expecting any colour this year just glad that it’s still with us! The honey suckle seems to have taken to its container as it is flowering. Maybe I should just steer clear of clematises? Hmmm.

Continuous battering

2006-05-22T14:41:00.000Z

Like most gardeners I’ve welcomed the rain even if it does mean that I can’t get out to do anything (apart from crush the odd snail – stepping on slugs just ain’t as satisfying). However, didn’t really consider the damage the wind would do… The once vertical aquilegias have been flattened. The honeysuckle stems that were reaching upwards are now dangling horizontally (this is even after they were entwined with the last year’s remains of Arctic Queen – which I must cut back). Also featuring the horizontal look is the oriental poppy, with leaves and flowers splayed across the path and surrounding plants. It was given as a present from a friend at work and has really adapted to the garden. Going to divide the plant this autumn as it’s been left to its own devices for the last three years. I’m so glad the hollyhocks were supported a few weeks ago. I guess the silver-lining is that the water butt is continually replenished and the seeds for the meadow patch (planted last weekend) have been watered and are beginning to emerge. Just hoping that a few will make it to maturity before they are consumed by the hordes of slugs and snails!

And over to the blues

2006-05-12T14:50:00.000Z

It’s that time of year again when the bluebells and irises are out in full force. They are a little thin on the ground compared with last year. I pulled up loads of irises during the summer in an exasperated attempt to get rid of the weeds that delight in growing up through their tubers. Although I don’t regret the decision it does mean that there are less shades of blue than usual.

Blue seems to be the colour of the moment judging from the results in our council elections. It is the first time (since moving to the area) that the blues have taken the majority, albeit by three seats.

Twilight fragrances

2006-05-05T15:31:00.000Z

It’s something I’ve noticed on my way home over the last couple of weeks. There are so many delicate fragrances floating on the air, it’s dreamy.

Against the clear, deep blue evenings the cherry blossom along my road could be mistaken for pink fluffy balls of cotton wool rather than flowers. And at this time of night the small white flowers on the Mexican Orange Blossom are vivid in the half light. I’m sure that all the other flowering shrubs and climbs are just adding to the ambience… bliss!

Rust or bust…

2006-05-03T07:50:00.000Z

Got a soft spot for hollyhocks probably because its one of the few perennials that does return year after year. Unfortunately so does the rust. There must have been spores lying latent in the ground as every individual has succumb to infection. Since the beginning of year I’ve been dutifully removing any leaves showing the orange signs – I’ve been busy! Don’t think that I’ll be able to get rid of the fungus Puccinia malvacearum since its apparently prevalent and online advice suggests that the best line of attack of defence?!? They are definitely worth the effort for the bees, butterflies, spiders and me fully appreciate their open simple flowers.

This weekend those individuals that weren’t pulled up at the end of the year have been given some solid support to grow against. A solitary bamboo cane just ain’t enough for these towering giants. Hopefully that’ll keep ‘em upright and out of the garden path. In the past there have been creamy-white, dusty-pink and peachy flowers. Have no idea what colours are going to appear this year. Ah, so easily pleased!

It’s not a competition but…

2006-04-21T10:07:00.000Z

…the tulips are out before the daffs! Admittedly the daffs are in the dampest part of the garden which receives pitiful amounts of sunshine. And the tulips are located in the sunniest part of the border, worshiping the sun all day long (cloud coverage permitting). There are plenty of greens, whites and yellows about so those vivid reds really stand out! The daffs are slowly emerging revealing several pale cream blossoms with a bright orange centre per stem (also known as tazetta daffodils). This is the first time daffs have featured in the garden. I’m thinking of adding bulbs to the front which is distinctly lacking colour at the mo. Maybe some purple or pink tulips positioned between the lavender next to the box? Oh, looking forward to autumn now and those catalogues!

Green (or should that be yellow?) alternative

2006-04-20T11:27:00.000Z

The rose bushes are alive with healthy red-blushed shoots and foliage. Recently read a (potentially great) tip about feeding them diced banana skins. Apparently they adore the potassium released during decomposition. Since trying to go green I haven’t been applying any rose feed to the plants and they have responded in kind… a few flowers on skeletal structures – bare of any foliage. Hopefully the chopped up banana skins will revive my inherited cultivars enabling continuous bloomage all summer long. Have been adding skins to two bushes and will obviously(!) let you know how they get on.

First casualty?

2006-04-13T07:51:00.000Z

There are no shoots, no buds, no leaves, nothing. This is the first time in four years that the clematis has decided to stay dormant. Dormant might be a little optimistic since it should be showing some signs of life by now. The days are getting longer and sun’s stronger, the ground’s warmer, and other plants have sprung back to life: garlic, rocket, poppy, hollyhock, aquilegia. So the Arctic Queen is my first casualty this year. It’s gone to join that veggie patch in the sky. And I don’t even know why? Was it pruned too late? Too cold and dry over winter? Going to have to chalk it down to (the growing number of) life’s mysteries.

100 v. 0

2006-04-12T07:28:00.000Z

These are the germination success rates for the sunflower and foxglove seeds. Thankfully didn’t sow the foxglove hybrid varieties that I bought at Chelsea last year. Will wait till its a little warmer. Decided to water all the seeds with water claimed from the butt since the tap water is incredibly hard (yup, it’s got muscles and everything!). I think that the tell-tale limescale build-up around the base of the pots was the give away.

Pieris strikes again

2006-04-11T15:25:00.000Z

Nope not the Gunners midfielder Pires, but my Pieris japonica which is happily blooming away with pendulous large clusters of fragrant white flowers. It’s such a great shrub as it's low maintenance. The only attention it needs during the summer is the (regular) contents of a watering can since it’s fully exposed to those UV rays from mid morning to late afternoon. They are native to the forests and hillsides of the Himalayas and like partial shade, so perhaps mine isn’t in the best position. When it’s happy lots of new pinky-tinted foliage appears regardless of the time of year – always a treat!

The golden crowd?

2006-04-07T08:51:00.000Z

And there I was worried about them being blind! It was probably just the cold weather and my heavy clay soil holding them back. But over the last few days the daffs have shot up to a respectable height. Heads are beginning to emerge suggesting that there will be another patch of yellow (in addition to the primroses). Can’t wait to find out what colour they are going to be…pale, creamy, bright, white, golden, yellow, orange? Will be happy with any! And might even have a photo or two!!!

Late arrivals

2006-04-07T08:22:00.000Z

Ah ha, the squirrels didn’t get all of Suzy & Chris’s bulbs! There is a clump of creamy yellow flowers which has been joined by a purple individual. Belatedly realized that the container might get dry so have added some shingle to reduce any water loss – which I’m anticipating will be a recurring theme this year. Should really have got that second water butt hooked up.

Potty about colour

2006-03-24T13:23:00.000Z

On my last trip to Kew I bought a rich-purple coloured pot with the intention of adding some colour to my otherwise neutral home. Dee and I went a little crazy at the nursery last month and bought loads of plants for the house. The aim was to get something preferably in bright pink (Chio would be proud), mauve, burgundy, or purple.

We noticed a plant with leaves similar to primrose and a multi-flowering head of blue/purple called ‘Kim’, botanically known as Streptocarpus. It is indigenous to southern Africa and has been continuously flowering for the last month. Didn’t realize that it was so popular, and glad that there is some info on the web concerning its welfare since nothing was provided with the plant apart from the basics.

Also decided to get another native from that region, Asparagus setaceus, which is currently housed in a cream pot. This fern-like shrub has delicate feathery green leaves – bootiful foliage. I’ve asked Shar to paint the pot so that it compliments the throw she brought back from Morocco... I’m thinking dusty pinks, cool blues, silvery purples or mossy greens.

Sound advice

2006-03-22T12:49:00.000Z

Got to catch up with Gardener’s Question Time on Sunday afternoon before heading off to the yoga beginners’ course. If there isn’t a class then I usually listen to the radio whilst pottering about. One of the plants that the panel discussed was chilli pepper. I have two failed attempts with this vegetable under my belt and reckon its third time lucky! One of the tips they suggested was to make sure that the plants are in pots with plenty of space, something I have neglected. In the past they have been sown in the smallest pot available, then forgotten until they germinate and watered whenever they appear a little limp. Not the best approach for healthy, productive, plants. After listening to the show I’m tempted to try one more time.

At least I caught one programme over the weekend. My first Friday night in for ages, I’m scanning through the TV guide checking the schedule and what a disappointment! No gardening programmes tonight only highlights from the Commonwealth Games. Was looking forward to catching up with Monty and team - after checking out the Gardeners' World website I'll have to wait until the end of the month, but look at what they are trialling!

Splashes of colour

2006-03-08T16:17:00.000Z

It’s not going to be as impressive as the carpet that Kew have arranged for their spring planting, due to the presence of 5 million bulbs, but there will be more colour this month with my bulbs making an appearance, yay!

At the moment there are two clumps of the giant snowdrops flowering away. The flowers are so delicate and small compared with the deep green thick leaves – I have to admit that this is a name that I’ve given them since I’m not sure what they are called. As you might have guessed it’s a large version of a snowdrop! This has been their best year – usually they have been disappointing with only a few flowers.

Next coming up are the crocuses – again there are large clusters scattered about. The daffs are slowly appearing, I think that I might have planted them too deep since they are all emerging at different times.

And my primrose has been flowering away despite the snails/slugs. The leaves are riddled with holes but thankfully they haven’t attacked the pale yellow petals. Looking forward to the hybrid varieties adding their rich velvety burgundy to the border.