Winter Turns into Spring

Winter turns into Spring. It is sometimes hard to believe how quickly things can change. The photographs, both taken this year, show the transformation between March and April. The wonder of the British climate is how variable and inevitable it will always be. There is a great joy in witnessing this timeless progression. The anticipation has turned to a reality. The garden is now alive with fresh colour and the grass needs to be cut.

There is a scientific reason we enjoy this anticipation. Most people tend to imagine positive events in their future. When an individual anticipates something good happening, the neurotransmitter dopamine is released, resulting in positive feelings and decreased painful ones, along with increased arousal and excitement that can also feel good. 

Perhaps this is why gardeners are generally a more happy bunch, we are always planning and anticipating the next round of the eternal climate roundabout?

But do cats feel the same? They certainly enjoy the extra outdoors time. Just ask Hecate and Mili.

Top tip: Always think ahead and be proactive not reactive. Enjoy the anticipation but tackle those weeds now because the soil is beginning to warm up. Weeding now will save so much effort later.

 

 

Time for Action

The blog has been dormant for a while but this has only been a reflection of a lack of opportunity to get outside into the garden. I would like to blame the BBC for setting the trend of hibernation, taking Gardener's World and Beechgrove off our screens for the duration of the dark months but the reality is a combination of bleak weather and being largely confined to the indoors has limited my activity.

This is not to say that I have been idle but rather taking it a little easier. Key jobs have of course been done. The shed has been tidied, tools sharpened, the conservatory deep cleaned and the first seeds have been sown. 

However, inspired by some beautiful late afternoons and seeing the buds beginning to emerge will undoubtedly re-energise the horticulturalist in me. It certainly seems that Hecate and Mili have missed the big outdoors. So roll on spring.

 

The Upper Bench

The bench covers have come out this week and the furniture on the patio now has its winter protection. However, the bench at the top of the garden will remain uncovered until the start of December. We will be very unlucky if there is any snow before winter proper, but who can really predict in these changing times. 

The upper bench is a favourite spot for everyone who visits the garden, the views and the proximity of the upper pond are major attractions. It also offers a tempting resting place when a break from forking, digging, weeding or trimming is needed. But it also seems to attract feline attentions and competition for a seat can be fierce. I have to remind Hecate and Mili that there are two seats on the bench and we can all share. But they like a rest too, patrolling, scent marking and chasing flying insects must take it out of them!

     

Mili has claimed her spot

 Hecate closes in, she seems intent on a seat....

......but we all share in the end

 

Am I just security for Hecate and Mili?

Hecate and Mili have not featured a great deal in recent posts. This might be partially because they visit the outdoors noticeably less, as they are becoming a bit more cautious with age. However, when it suits they still enjoy the garden. Hecate will always seek out a comfortable spot, while Mili prefers to be somewhat more vigilant. In fact, I am sure if Mili could help with the weeding then she surely would do, as she is a constant shadow when I am working at ground level.

Of course having the two cats around is a symbiotic relationship. They provide me with a valid excuse to sit down and take a break. In return my presence makes them feel more secure and able to enjoy the outdoors without anxiety.

 

A Canopy of Blossom

We are very lucky having enough room in the garden for a small selectin of trees. At this time of the year their beauty is pronounced by the lovely blossoms, none better than on the cherry trees which mark the top boundary.

The canopy of the leaves makes for a very different feeling to the top level of the garden and the varying levels of shade present a whole variety of alternative planting opportunities. The border beneath the cherries is currently home to a hedge of predominantly, hawthorn and, beneath this a selection of low ground cover. The latter will be reviewed this year as it becomes invisible behind the beds of grasses in front of them, which is a pity. Consequently, I have already put two clumps of Solomon's Seal (lifted and divided from elsewhere in the garden). This is a taller plant and hopefully its white flowers will stand out in the shade during the early part of the summer.

The Rowen tree presents a similar planting challenge but because the beds beneath it are south facing they do  receive that bit more sunlight. Also being beside the upper bench, lower, ground cover plants are much more readily visible. 

In fact this section of the garden has proven attractive to plenty of self seeders, the forget me nots and honesty being very welcome. Providing that such plants do not become overly dominant they are a perfect example of "right plant right place", as they have chosen the site for themselves.

Top tip: if rogue plants and flowers find their way into your planting scheme do not be too hasty to discard them, many are very attractive and, of course, a bonus for the frugal gardener. You can also consider digging them out and moving them to another spot in the garden.

   

 

Of course, the dappled shade also attracts other life forms into this part of the garden, particularly when the bench seat cushions have been put out for the season. Mili knows how to make herself comfortable!

 

Spring Time Again

 A little bit of spring sunshine brings out the best of the garden, and brings the beast into the garden. 

It is so rewarding to see the bulbs emerge and enjoy them with a little warmth on your back. The colours seem so vivid following the muted tones of the winter garden. Clearly I am not alone in these thoughts as Hecate and Mili have also been venturing out once again. For months they have been self confined to the hygge of the cosy indoors. The pleasure is multiplied by the presence of others, be it a pair of increasingly elderly cats or be it an increasingly wise missus. A shared plate of fruit at the top tier of the garden was a March treat with little compare. Hopefully the first of many this year.

Spring also awakens the rest of the animal kingdom and the birds, bees and amphibians have all been evident and active. There is comforting reassurance that blossoms and blooms are on their way. 

   

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!

 

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.

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.

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!