It was a wonderful spring equinox day – sunny, dry and and warm for a change. The Mirror Garden looks lovely as it always does at this time of year. It had its first cut of grass. But I really don’t think I’ve ever seen the euphorbias and the hellebores looking so good. I think … Continue reading Wide Wednesday. 20 March 2024
There are gardening bloggers all over the world sending you good thoughts every day this week by posting photographs of the flowers that have made them smile during 2020. All at the suggestion of Cathy, at her blog ‘Words & Herbs’. Go on over for links to happiness! And join in yourself if you feel … Continue reading A Week of Flowers, Day 2
Cathy, a gardener in Bavaria who blogs at Words & Herbs, suggested that each day for one week we post pictures of flowers that have made us happy during this year. We all need a little lift at the moment, she’s so right. Here’s my contribution, looking back to May in the garden, with alliums, … Continue reading A Week of Flowers, Day 1
This is a bit belated – I’ve been struggling to find the energy to blog (or to do much else!). But it’s a new week tomorrow! Let’s hope I get my sense of humour back too. 1. My little miniature poppy meadow at the entrance to the Mirror Garden. When I walk up there in … Continue reading Six on Saturday. 23 May 2020
I’m nearly there … the last of the irises and then, in the next two days, the first of the roses. Hopefully we won’t be severed completely from the internet before then! Iris ‘Alizes’ is flowering full-on now. Iris ‘Comme un Oeuf’ is a rather frilly version of an egg. I like it! Iris ‘Ciel … Continue reading Rāhui Day 54
It’s VE day in Europe – the 75th anniversary of the liberation of France (with heart-felt thanks to Americans, Canadians & Australians, everywhere). I should be marching around with my 63-year-old eyes and playing the ‘Marseillaise’ on my flute (using a miniscule music stand on my arm, with tiny, tiny little notes that I can … Continue reading Rāhui Day 53
Taking my morning walk around the garden I was inspired to post a vase today by the sight of armfuls (you have to believe me – you won’t see them here!) of philadelphus (no name) … and Iris pallida. Perfect early May colours. I added Hesperis matronalis, Dame’s Violet … and two aquilegias (one pale … Continue reading In a vase on Monday. 4 May 2020
Everywhere the irises are starting to flower. (There’s even two roses unfurling – unheard of in April, apart from Rosa banksiae ‘Lutea’). On the Vine Terrace … In the Iris Garden … here you may notice that (after 41 days without rain), we had 2 hours of gentle rain this morning between 7 and 9am. … Continue reading Rāhui Day 41
Walking down from the Mirror Garden yesterday morning, doing my daily temperature checks over my three thermometers. Stopping at the Vine Terrace. The two vines are leafing out, but there’s not enough shade to sit there yet until it’s cooler in the evening. Then by way of the Iris Garden where all the irises have … Continue reading Rāhui Day 38
After the wild irises on the rampart walls, the next to flower is ‘Langport Storm’. Here it is a few years ago after a nice April shower (bring it on!). It seems to me that the colour was more intense that year. This is our 34th day without rain: I wonder if the drought will … Continue reading Rāhui Day 33
Garden Dreaming at Châtillon 