Hedge Trimming

Today the autumnal weather has been a little kinder and the shears have been out to trim back the berberis and the laurel which frame the upper seating area. This is a good time for hedge work as the birds have nested and the growth is now slowing.

As you can see the rowan is in berry and the plants in the dazzle beds to the left of the photo are still doing their best. This year was my first time for cosmos, they came as a free packet of seeds with an edition of the Gardeners World magazine. I had not really appreciated what a marvellous little plant they are; colourful, easy to grow, not too fussy about situation and very long lasting. I will definitely find a place for these little beauties in years to come. If you know a plant that is more versatile and might do equally well in a Pennine garden then please let me know.

Top tip: give cosmos a go!

This time of the year when blooms are in ever shorter supply the value of foliage become that much more apparent. The monochrome beds by the terrace are still holding their own. The mouse eared chick weed does a very good job of adding the lighter/ whiter leaf colour, and the flax, hebe and ophiopogon 'Nigrescens' give the contrast. Of course, a little sunshine does help, make the most of it while we can.