Hard work followed by relaxing.

Mili and Hecate have the knack of helping or at least supervising and then chilling when the work is over. The new cottage garden beds are in the process of being planted up but this does not exclude time for a bit of R&R. After all it is what cats really do best.

With all these new tender plants going in we shall see if the nematodes are doing their job.

Wildlife in May

The encouraging of wildlife in the garden is one of the greatest joys of our outdoor space. Being all but adjacent to the open Pennine moors is of course a help. However, there is a huge catalogue of things the small gardener can do to entice the wildlife in, as well as help to maintain our marvellous indigenous biodiversity.
This past week I have seen two of the spring wildlife regulars.

The cotoneaster which divides garden space is just coming into flower. The bees adore this plant and next week the bushes will be teeming with hundreds possibly thousands of these industrious little creatures. With the decline in our native bee populations it is nice to think that the responsible gardeners can do a little to help



The flowers themselves are pretty in an understated sort of way and of course there will be no trimming of the bush/ hedge until the bees have all had their fill. The cotoneaster horizontalis which feature in our garden is a particular magnet for bees. However, some varieties van be rather invasive so care must be taken to not let it get out of hand or sprout in unwanted spaces.


By way of contrast the badger is one of the UK's largest native mammal species. We have regular visits attracted in part by the lower pond. The night time mystery of the garden is lit up when the badger makes an appearance. These shots were taken last week. Of course they can be quite destructive but who would not trade a prisitine lawn (they are extremely powerful excavators) for the chance to share the outdoor space with these iconic creatures.

Hardening Off

Although it is still mid May last week seemed a good time to bring out the plants from the conservatory. The warm days and frost free nights made it perfect conditions in which to acclimatize the plants to the outside, a process known as hardening off. I was especially careful to check the overnight temperatures as any frost would be severely damaging.

Ideally they would all fit into the cold frame, but as you might just spot in the far end of the photograph it is just a little small. So next best was to leave them close by the house and the relatively warm brick. However, given that many of them are quite tender I will not be planting out into position for a week or two yet.

The plug plants mentioned in a previous post seem to be doing very well.

Another plant looking good at the moment is the Solomon's Seal. This is one of my special favourites as it came from my wife's childhood home over 15 years ago as a small division courtesy of the mother in law; delightful, in an understated way. They have beautiful arching forms, delicate off white flowers and will grow in quite dark borders or under trees.

 

Finally, the sunshine is still being enjoyed by all the residents

But a hard day in the garden necessitates a good sleep at night!

Unusually Dry Weather

The past 5 weeks have seen well below the seasonal average for rainfall. This has been a bonus for me and the cats in that we have been outside without the need for extra layers.

Mili inpsecting the ornamental grass beds

It will not be long before the hose pipe and watering can will be needed. One essential task will be dampening the soil for the addition of  nematodes. This is the first year I have ordered these biological wonders in my fight against the slugs. In the past I have been a very reluctant user of slug pellets and similar chemical products. Despite the environmentally friendly labels I am never too certain and do not like the thought that poisoned slugs will be eaten by other wildlife. Consequently, I have lost many a specimen to the slimy blighters. Hopefully nematodes will provide me with an answer. I shall report back.

However, the fine weather has afford a chance to appreciate the Pennine landscape from the vantage points at the top of the garden. There is little I enjoy more then taking up a cup of coffee in the late afternoon, putting my spade down and waiting for Mili and Hecate to come and join me in a well deserved 10 minute sit down.

Finally, the sunshine has also brought the front clematis out, the cherry tree at the top of the garden is in bloom and a nice little tub of "black and white" tulips on the terrace.

Lawn Edging

There is nothing like the edging of a newly mown lawn for making the garden look smart again. A really useful half moon cutter is an essential if you have a lot of edges to keep tidy.

 

Now what under-planting can I manage here?

The stone work for the new cottage garden bed is also taking shape. It will soon be time to take off the weed suppressing mulch mat which has been down since the autumn. This will then reveal some weed free space. The retaining walls are yet to be finished but hard landscaping is definitely one of my favourite jobs.

This will be the new home of the plants being grown on in the conservatory. But I suspect the soil will need plenty of work.