Dark Skies, Mists, Snow and Winter Structure.

The winter structure in any garden is such an underestimated element. My own theory is that because we venture outside less in the dark months we have lesser expectations of our outdoor spaces. Of course, it might be less appealing to use our gardens for sitting and relaxing in mid December but the occasional brew on a garden bench or a little gentle tidying up can be just the tonic for a gloomy day. The garden can also be viewed from indoors by many of us, even if it is just from the kitchen window. 

Therefore to add that all important interest and the psychologically important elements of green then structural plants are a bonus, if not essential. Heathers, brooms, ivy and our Scots  pine are just a few of the green items that can be found in our Pennine garden. While non of these might be enough to entice us go outdoors and wonder at their individual beauty, together they can paint a pleasing vista to gladden any heart.

My top tips to help with a winter garden include 

~ take heed of the shadows and light levels that the low winter sun gives. They present an opportunity to give the garden a very different seasonal ambience, particularly if you are lucky enough to have some low level backlighting through some of your plants or even fading stems. For us this is best in the morning when the sun is in the East

~ try to have some structural elements across the garden, it will encourage the eye to link different spaces together, reinforcing the underlying sense of movement and interest.

~ utilize contrasting textures in your planting as well as as your hard landscaping.

~ remember the views, with no leaves on the trees, new vistas are opened up and might be enjoyed even more if seating can be rearranged

Below, recent December conditions and a contemplative Hecate stares through the mists. By contrast a less than happy Mili, who likes to follow me outside come what may, even into the snow.... then I get the blame for wet paws!

 

Make Hay While the Sun Shines?

The garden might have been somewhat neglected over the past few weeks, storms, snow and soggy ground have certainly restricted access. But the critical jobs have been completed, such as digging up the agapanthus (all of them!) and bringing them under cover. 

But at the same time the meteorological conditions have presented us with some beautiful, if sometimes foreboding, winter vistas. Make the most of the weather, when the opportunity presents itself, even if it is just to look and stare.

 

Success and Failure

Autumn is a a good time to take stock of what has worked in your garden. I have posted about successes and failures before but never have I posted about a feature in the garden that qualifies as both a success and a failure. Hopefully the two photographs will illustrate my point.

The top picture, shows the upper pond looking suitably autumnal. However, the pot of grasses just behind appears a little on the "tatty" side. It resembles an unkempt pot of stray weeds. In fact, it is a pot of squirrel tail grass, which I thought I would try for the first time this year. I have grown them from seed and they were easy to germinate and prick out . But I have been less impressed with the end product which only really shows its particular beauty with close inspection. The seed heads, as seen in the photo below, are really quite attractive in an ethereal sort of fashion.

I will have to decide whether to keep this type of grass next year but I am pleased I decided to plant it in a test pot before committing to the main ornamental grass bed. Even Mili doesn't give the pot a second glance! 

 

Chelsea Take Note

It is now a few days since the close of the Chelsea Flower Show 2021 and I must say how much I have enjoyed the BBC coverage. I am also of the opinion that having the "most prestigious flower show in the world" at a completely different time of the year has been most refreshing. The palate of flowers and plants has been different and it has compelled the designers and exhibitors to move out of their comfort zones and think a little bit more about how to accommodate the challenges of an autumn palette. These are considerations which every "real" gardener has to contend with on an annual basis. It is part of the fun that keeps us on our toes. 

Consequently, I have little sympathy for the designers who have ducked the challenge of the autumn Chelsea. It was a pity that there were the fewer main show gardens than there has been for many years. However, the gardens that did make it were a triumph, well done to each and everyone. I have spoken with numerous other fellow gardeners and we are of the unanimous opinion that a Chelsea in autumn must be repeated, maybe once every ten years? I am aware that this may not fit in with the annual social calendar of the London set but visitor numbers did appear healthy all the same?

Late summer and autumn interest are not difficult to achieve. For instance our pastel beds are now a little faded but still with plenty of interest and structure, thanks in no small part to the different shades of cosmos and the sea holly.

Top Tip 1: planning for year round interest is a challenge but if selected beds are devoted to different seasons it does make the task easier. The alternative is going for a much more trickier succession of plants that will flower in the seasons all  in the same area. Our Pennine garden was always intended to peak in mid summer, to coincide with the school summer holiday. However, since retirement season round interest has been much more important.

Top Tip 2: when planning year round interest, think carefully which parts of the garden you are most likely to be using/ sitting in at the different times of the year.  

A simple use of grasses are an easy way to extend some seasonal interest and when backlight by the sun are delightful, while pots which can be shifted around (as we do on our patio) are a fool proof way of ensuring the most floriferous plants are in prime position.

Garden Visitors

A few days ago I was tickling around in the borders when I noticed that something had caught my gardening companions attention. Both Hecate and Mili were transfixed by something at the upper end of the garden. Sat side by side they were not for exploring anymore closely but thy were clearly keeping watch with some intent.

Naturally, this peaked my curiosity too. First thoughts were it must be a bandit alert, another feline from a neighbouring garden. But not this time. Second thoughts a squirrel, there is one grey who in particular likes to wind up Mili. But no. 

It was, most unusually for the mid afternoon, a bold pair of deer who decided to stop by for a snack. They were picking off some of the few blackberries that are still left.

Of course knowing that they were now being watched they silently slipped away into the undergrowth behind the top boundary of the garden. Their ability to merge into the background helps them thrive in the valley and I suspect the population is blossoming. It is a pity the same cannot be said for the aforementioned borders. They are in full colour the the blooms are looking a bit beaten down by the unseasonably wet August rains.

Top tip: even though the weather might be somewhat inclement try to keep on top of the deadheading. The more fastidious you are the more blooms you will have when the summer sunshine returns. The sweet peas must also be picked regularly or they will set seed and your display will be over weeks before it should be.

Alstromeria Update

Earlier this year I posted about how to plant an Alstromeria, more specifically Alstromeria Indian Summer.  It was a donation from a good pal who had divided his plant to invigorate the parent. I had coveted this plant for a long time and was delighted to be given a very good size division. It is in the blue and orange bed and is now looking its magnificent best. What is particularly pleasing is that it has, as part of the back drop, a Verbena Bonariensis which was also a generous donation. It came from an ex colleague who has a enviable knack for propagation. 

Shown below are close ups of the key plants in this part of the border and despite the heavy rains of the past week are looking cheerful and summery. I even caught a little bit of the wild life in some shots!

the Alstromeria

the buddleia

the Verbena Bonariensis

the Lavender Hidcote

Of course, when the camera is out a certain feline, aka Mili, just has to get in on the act.

Water is for Relaxing Around

A recent running theme in the blog has been the art of relaxation. I have made reference to how difficult it can be when you know that there are jobs you can usefully be getting along with, or better still, ticking off your list. By contrast our feline friends have the knack of making idleness seem effortless. At this time of the year it is the shady spots which are most favoured for the restful moments and when the garden umbrellas are shifted around on an hourly basis for the maximum comfort levels.

The shady spots will change with course of the day. It is critical that the gardener understands his aspect and how many hours of direct sunshine each part of the garden will get each day. This will also change with the seasons and the planting schemes really must take this into account. There is very little point trying to grow sun loving plants in deep shade and it is equally fruitless planting your woodlanders out in the open.

Top tip: before making an expensive mistake and investing in serious plant purchases make sure you understand the aspect of your garden, it is as important as knowing your soil type and depth.

It is for this reason that the planting around the lower pond, in the shade of the neighbours property (for much of the afternoon) has been restricted. The theme is mostly foliage but this does not preclude some splashes of colour and I particularly like the muted deep reds and pinks at the far end of the pond. The photographs show how the petunia (Tidal Wave Red Velour) and the astilbes work well together and give a nice lift to the far border.

The colour scheme at the pond end of the patio is muted and restful. The bench by the pond is one of the most popular spots in the garden and with the calming sound of the moving water it can be quite blissful. But a glance to the left will reveal the multi coloured containers and dazzle of the summer pots. These take advantage of increased light levels, which might only be a couple of extra hours per day in summer but it does make a difference. 

The water lily just gets enough daylight hours

Bench and conservatory door can be seen on the right

Light and shade

Summer Days Really are for Chillin'

In the last post I made reference to my inability to relax in the garden. Of course, this is something of an exaggeration as it would be silly to not find some time to kick back and chill. Our two furballs on the other hand have got it down to a fine art. I have much to learn, obviously!

Mili snoozing under the shade of the canopy

Mili again in the shade of the pot

Hecate slowly emerges from the shadows

Mili, especially, seems to have mastered the knack of finding the cool and sheltered spots, but her sister is rarely too far behind. As the temperatures have soared over the past few weeks the shady and quiet spots are at a premium. But if it one thing that cats understand, it is how to make yourself comfortable.

Summer Nights

For the busy gardener daylight hours are mostly devoted to jobs, whether they be major tasks or just tickling around. I confess that I am not very good at just sitting and chilling (see future post) and when I do stop for a brew or a breather my train of thought is too often broken by the hidden weed that I have just spotted or the flower that simply must be deadheaded. The Lady of the House is frequently exasperated by my inability to sit still and to just stop and enjoy the garden. I have my suspicions that the job list, which is always kept on the pad in my back pocket, has a way of talking to me in that seductive and alluring way that only job lists can do. I know this is not an uncommon problem and is just about the only thing that I have in common with  Elon Musk, who when asked what he usually does after work, said: “Usually work more”.

However, towards the end of the day when the bones are that bit more weary there is always the strong temptation to breathe deep contented breaths and simply enjoy!

As the light begins to fade the birds head home to roost, a sure portent for  the hungry gardener.

Monochrome Magic

  

The recent damp weather has been most welcome for the garden. However, the downside is that time spent relaxing outside has been minimized. So while we have hardly used the terrace during July the plants are flowering and producing a lovely display. As you can see from the accompanying pictures the roses are in full bloom, the hebe has its gorgeous purple flowers and the sambucus is equally pretty when in flower.

Of course all this growth means that deadheading is a regular activity. The roses are feed regularly and while there are signs of blackspot (despite a rigorous hygiene routine) the aphids seem to be much reduced at this moment in time. 

Top Tip: roses are hungry plants and remembering to feed them regularly will always pay dividends.

The range and variety of roses is so vast I would not dare make any firm recommendations but the variety which does best for us is simply "Claire Austin" an English climbing rose, with the added bonus of being a repeat flowerer.

Black and white can also be spotted elsewhere in the garden, even on rare occasions when the weather is inclement!

Alstroemeria Indian Summer

There are certain plants which, for reasons that are not always readily explicable, capture our own personal imaginations. The Alstroemeria or Peruvian lily is one such plant that I have wanted to put in our garden. Indian Summer has dark green, virtually purple leaves and an exquisite orange flowers with delicate brown markings. I envisage it growing alongside some of our agapanthus and irises, the blues and oranges potentially combining to stunning effect. 

It is supposed to be suited to growing in a container, which I duly tried last year, with a view to putting into its permanent home this season. Sadly, I was without success. I suspect the harsh damp winter proved to be too much for a still young plant and by March there was clearly no sign of any Alstoemeria to be found.

I resolved to try again. 

Fortunately, I was helped by a generous donation of a sizeable division of an Alstromeria Indian Summer from a gardening buddy. He has successfully grown these plants for years and, being local, was able to offer encouraging advice. So last month I carefully planted my soon to be prize specimen into the ground (this time forgoing the first year in the container idea). It is now a question of fingers crossed. However, I was very careful to try and provide it with the best possible start and some of the best drainage my garden can offer. This I was assured would be the key. So I used the system of laying small drains directly below the planting holes, a technique I have used before when planting the lavender (Hidcote). I have shown this below.

the ingredients

plastic drains laid on top of a base of grit

the drains are wrapped in weed suppressing fleece to prevent the drainage holes clogging 

the finished planting, it will grow much bigger

 

Anticipation, from the wisdom of Winnie the Pooh to Aristotle

“Well," said Pooh, "what I like best," and then he had to stop and think. Because although eating honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called.”

 A. A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

It is abundantly clear that the garden is about to spring into life. I can practically hear the blossom about to burst forth. The anticipation is palpable and the plants overwintered in the conservatory are simply aching to get into the soil. They have been given regular daytime hours outside on the patio but the cold nights have necessitated them being brought back indoors. But patience must prevail over the sense of anticipation. It would be a shame to leave the half hardy and tender plants outside to suffer the ravages of our unusually cold spring. So I will leave the top tip to Aristotle

“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” 

Spring Foliage

Foliage is an element in the garden which should never be underestimated. Colour is undoubtedly eye catching but is frequently ephemeral and sometimes elusive. A fickle spell of weather can scupper the best planned flower schemes. However, foliage is far more often, reliable, longer lasting and with an infinite variety.

The little raised bed by the upper bench is dominated by the laburnum tree but it is underplanted with an eclectic mix of shade loving plants. Admittedly, there are some primroses in bloom but for me the star of the show has to be the contrasting leaf shapes, sizes and hues. What I also appreciate is the different leaf textures. Rough, waxy, hairy, ridged, smooth they can also be very tactile. They do coincidentally, at least in the Pennine garden, provide a convenient feline hiding place where a watchful eye can be kept for neighbouring bandits looking to invade their territory!

A garden designed with foliage as a first principle will prove to be a less fickle mistress and virtually guaranteed to deliver. 

Top tip: when designing or replanting a patch of your garden think about the impact the foliage can have, either the stand alone effect of the plant leaves or the intriguing combinations which can be created.

Heuchera Green Spice

 

April Snow

When snow falls in the middle weeks of spring it can cause of few concerns. Accumulations on plants with new growth can be damaging, so this morning I was out brushing away the snow piles from the more delicate plants. Of course, I did have two helpers, both of whom needed a human to show how to negotiate a path through the cold wet white stuff.

Top tip: It’s always wise to remove heavy snow that accumulates on your plants before it freezes and breaks or deforms the branches. Gently lift branches upward (if need be with a broom) and shake the snow off, starting near the top of the plant. If snow has already frozen on the branches, or if there’s ice, it’s best to wait until temperatures rise above freezing.

Trees and shrubs with horizontal branching tend to be less susceptible to snow and ice damage. Most conifers, including juniper, yew, spruce, and pine, have relatively flexible branches and are well adapted to shedding snow before it becomes so heavy that it breaks branches. Multistem shrubs and trees, and those with narrow upright branching, can be seriously harmed when heavy accumulations pull branches apart. Some gardeners go further and tie the stems of such shrubs together which can reduce winter damage. But prevention is a better approach: prune properly, and maintain your plants so that they develop strong branching that resists winter injury.

However, not much can be done for some spring flowers, the daffodils have taken a bruising.

     

So while today there was a temptation to linger outside and enjoy the sunshine the indoor jobs were calling.