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!