Sunday 21 April 2013

Sunday April 21st

Can't believe all this sunshine, it really has made such a difference. The Apple trees are bursting into life and the Hosta are popping up nicely, began to wonder at one spell as I had split them to plant around the edges of the front raised bed, this will save me planting annuals, have had to face facts and admit that I need to reduce the work in the garden. Must admit I really like the Hosta, they give a great display all summer and other than keeping the slugs away are trouble free, in the centre I am planting Geraniums as a change.
In the back garden I have now thoroughly weeded and cut the edges. Spring is when I usually do this then in the Summer the basic trimming is all that is needed.  Whilst amongst the shrubs in the back garden I got tangled up and ended flat on my back, more bothered about the the plants than me, we all survived except an old Hydrangea, this was in the wrong place any how, so it had to go to the great compost in the sky, or rather the tip.
Every where looks good and the Daffodils, Primroses, Hyacinths etc. are really looking so colourful, really cheers the soul. Good that all is ship shape as the Bowling season is now upon us. Hope the good weather continues, make the early bowling season a joy.
Took a chance and planted out the new Alstroemeria, Hellebore and Foxglove, which I have I hope, hardened off properly, they all look okay, just hope the frost is well and truly over.

Thursday 11 April 2013

Thursday 11th April

Well what a month March turned out to be, thank goodness its over.
Went to a garden centre to see if there were any new Fuchsia I could be tempted to try, there were not. About to leave sitting in the car park and a man reversed into my car, said he didn't see me, by the way I was static!! He however did admit fault, but the ensuing month was stressful as my son would not except the repair, its taken just over a month for the job to be completed satisfactorily.
I have during the month now planted up all the baskets and all but two pots, they are all doing well, I also plant up baskets for the family, "Gran will do it".  What would I do without the greenhouse and the portable one that I use each spring to start the hardening off.
As spring is so late I have planted some more Primroses to add more colour, the Crocus and Hyacinths and latterly the Daffodils are a such a cheer at this miserable time.  Can't believe that it is so dry I have had to water.
I have decided to grow more Herbs and my husband and son have added a set/ tower of herb planters, in advance of course, as part of my birthday present, have decided to have it by the back door, so much easier than trailing down the garden.
A new mower as the cost of a complete service was so high, good excuse to give my old one to my youngest Grandson, who is just starting his first garden.