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!