24th March

Pittisporum  

Tom Thumb

A fairly recent addition (12 Months) to the front garden, replacing the now defunct Ceanothus. 

It is a very attractive dark wine coloured evergreen with rounded habit, the new grow shows as pale green making it very attractive. I believe it is slow growing, which suits me fine these days, especially where it is situated. I try to create interest with the evergreens by planting different colours / shades, so the wine colour is added interest. So far it has proved to be slow growing and trouble free which is a bonus. I am considering putting one in  the back garden as another shrub has come to the end, more dead wood than good, so its gone to the green bin.

Wednesday 12th March

Well after all this time I have actually found the name of the Hellibore that is such a great plant, almost a small shrub- Hellibore Argutifolius.  Doesn't  look good  in this shot, but with its evergreen foliage its a winner.
The new Hellibore doesn't look as if it will be shrub like, but the flowers are lovely, the only fault they hang their heads downwards, its by the Bramley apple so in partial   shade which it appears to like.
I have planted some of the Dianthus seedlings close by to give a continuity of flowers, I hope.
With the last couple of weeks lovely weather spring really has sprung, its a pleasure to go into the garden, especially now that Scott has trimmed all the  common Fuchsia and shrubs for me.

The Compost is next to go on now everywhere is weeded.

Welcome Spring, I hope.

Monday 24th Feb.

What a joy to see all the Crocus and the few Snowdrops in full flower. The Crocus in the front garden have really multiplied, with Hellebore and Primroses also in flower quite a sight, really cheers me up.
One of the new Alstoemeria plants that I bought is actually in flower, it really is pretty, the others are not as far on, perhaps in the wrong place, will move later.
The seeds I sowed last week are showing, in fact the Cosmos are so far on I have transferred to the greenhouse. I haven't even bothered with the propagator this year, proof of the mild if rather wet winter. Have started to prune the shrubs as all are now bursting. 

Thursday 13th Feb

Well last night were the very worst gales I can remember , luckily we came off unscathed.
Sadly the garden at the foot of ours, whose lovely Pampas grass has been a joy to view over the fence, are now just a few broken sticks, we will miss them.
An older tree by the Hospice, that used to be Kew Woods, is no more, hope the road is open tomorrow when I take Jack into Hospital, as they are next door to each other.
I have now sown the Cosmos and Marigold seeds, am waiting for the Sungold Tomato seeds to come, couldn't buy locally so sent off for them.

Thank goodness the Primroses and Snowdrops are low enough to have survived, surprisingly so have the Hellebores, which are now in full flower.

With this winter being so mild, if wet, I thought the Daffodils would have been further on.

Saturday 1st February

Will it ever stop raining! a couple of hours of sun and off it goes again, so glad we are not in a flood area, wind, being coastal is our problem.
My only clump of  Snowdrops are now in flower and the Crocus are just starting to open, with the Primroses and Hellebore makes me feel optimistic, perhaps the better weather is on its way, hope springs eternal.
I delayed sowing the Marigold, Cosmos and Tomato seeds but now February is here I shall get started. Family health problems have delayed me.
 I have tub of Geraniums that I wasn't keen on and left out and they are looking very strong, if I had liked them they would have died, they actually have flowers forming!!

Sunday 19th January

Pottering this morning whilst it was still dry and sunny!! noticed the Arum Lilies , this is the first time ever that by December they have not died back, they are still in leaf, showing what a mild if wet winter it is. wonder what, if any difference this will make to the flowering next summer.
The first Snowdrop has opened. I have planted Snowdrops a few times, in different places, but only one little patch ever survives, no idea why.

Bought some Dwarf Cosmos seeds on the way to bowls yesterday, read about them, they should be great. It is far too windy here I found for the usual taller type, the winds just flatten them, they don't look good staked, I really love the feathery leaves.

Wednesday 15th

Well thats the Marmalade made for another year thank goodness, yes the little shop is still going strong.
Looking at Revival Gardening I picked up a tip on cuttings. Like me Christine Walker prefers not to use rooting powder, she says to put some Vitamin C  in water and pop cuttings in for while before potting up, must try this on a couple of the more reluctant Fuchsia like Deep Purple.
The Primroses are looking bright and cheerful and the Hellebore are all starting to flower, seems I hope that worst of the winter is over!!
Those Dianthus cuttings that I hardened off are still amazing me, they are I know in a very sheltered spot but beginning to flower!! Guess I shall have to pinch them out again.
Having left the Hydrangea and Common Fuchsia pruning I am sorely tempted to do it next week when Scott is on holiday. Need to stand over him or he goes mad with the trimmer.
The Daffodils are at last showing through, began to wonder if I had lost them.

Thursday 2nd January.

Hope every one has had great festive season, if so probably as tired as me. Wouldn't change it for the world.
The Garden is looking neat and tidy, thank goodness we are  not in flood areas.
I wasn't successful with the Chives I put into the  greenhouse, must look into this more carefully, breaks my heart when I have to buy same.
Our Grand daughter is now starting to be interested in gardening, this means another home for excess plants.
This next week is the Marmalade making time, hope the little shop in Birkdale, I get the Seville's from is still open, no answer when I called today. Strange but we do not have a green grocer here in Marshside or Churchtown, the Seville's from the supermarkets come far to late, and are not firm enough, here's hoping!!
The Fuschia's in the greenhouse are beginning to break now, just hope we do not have any heavy frost, though I do have a heater.
Must now think about seeds, makes me think Spring is on the way, this also means the bowling season, always good to look forward to this.

18 December

Christmas is upon us once again, they say not to be white, sorry kids.
A very quiet time gardening wise.
The Mahonia is still flowering as are the primroses, this splash of colour is so welcome at this time of year.
Amazingly those little Dianthus still have some flowers, what a revelation they have been.
Have moved some of the Herb planters into the greenhouse in the hope they will carry on through the winter, time will tell.
Doubt I will get around to write again as like everyone it is mad busy so-

Happy Christmas and a Healthy Happy New Year

6th December

Well winter is well and truly here, the Pyracantha and Cotoneaster have all had their berries stripped by the birds. Good news the Cotoneaster leaves are now a glowing red, really quite a sight, makes up for the lack of berries.
The Dianthus I planted in spring still have flowers, and the seeds I took and sowed are also in flower. The family are all in for a treat next Spring when I pass them on. They make a great edging with no maintenance required other than de-heading.
I haven't  pruned the Common hedgerow Fuchsia or the Hydrangea as they, until this weeks frost, have still been in flower, will now do in spring. I will take more cuttings of the Fuchsia then as friends have asked for them.
I have decided to make a few changes next spring so hope we have some decent weather, mainly moving things that have outgrown places.
The new Tulips are now in a large planter and when the delayed Hyacinths arrive some will go on top, This particular planted will then be moved during summer and not disturbed, the other Hyacinths will go into other planters just for this winter.
Everything in the greenhouse is okay, the Sweet peas have been pinched out and bushing well, never planted them in Autumn before so we will see how they get along.

11th November

Well just in time all the work in the back garden is now done, everywhere neat and tidy and now the rain as forecast, once it starts doesn't know when to stop.
I have ordered Hyacinths and Tulips and created spaces for them. Must admit I forgot the Daffodils. they can be layered with the Hyacinths, will order today.
The tip on Gardeners World re cleaning off the plant name tags didn't really work for me, my son used my nail polish remover and hey presto I now have a lot of newish ones ready for use. Glad I didn't do my usual bin job on them.
The front garden is still very colourful, have removed the Marigolds and Sweet peas, so am leaving until all the rest die down, some of the Dahlias are still going strong, the yellow Dinner Plate didn't survive those winds and rain, poor things the heads being so large couldn't take all that battering.
Must find something that is evergreen and flowers, but not tall, for that large planter by the porch. The Rhodadendrum which was getting quite large, had to be removed as it was forever being blown over, it is now on the back Patio in a much heavier planter, keeping my fingers crossed. Our ground is Alkaline so the borders are not an option, even when planted with a large bag of Ericaceous compost, after a year or so the flowers become nothing. I proved this with a Camellia, though it still looks healthy the flowers are a shadow of the original.

Sunday 27th

Well they promised rain and boy is it raining, good thing I did a few jobs early.
I have been splitting some of the perennials and bagging them for our daughter Jackie's new garden.
This heavy rain will finish off my Fuchsia, they have really done so well.
The baskets of Petunia finished last week, must not complain they have been excellent, flowering none stop since end of May.
We have transferred the Rhody in that large pot from the front garden to the back Patio, it was being blown over with the recent strong winds, it is now rather large, hopefully it will be okay in its new place, also now in a larger stone pot, we can but hope. No use putting it into the ground as we are on Alkaline soil here.
I am well under way with dividing the perennials though it looks like it will be a while before I can carry on if the weather forecast  is correct.
The seedlings in the greenhouse are ready for larger pots, quite amazed how good they are.
I still have a few, very few berries on the Cotoneaster and Pyracantha, the birds are having their usual field day.

Well thats the hard work done, the greenhouse and staging are now all pristine, the bubble wrap has also been washed in Jeyes fluid and put up, so we will be off to a good start.
Delighted that the seeds I took from the Pinks have germinated so freely, I have transplanted them into trays and will keep in the greenhouse until spring, as these were a compact a variety should make good edging.
This last two weeks my neighbour at the back has the most terrific display of Pampas Grass, the fronds have never been so large and feathery, must have loved the hot dry summer. Think we have a better view of them than they do, they must be over 8 feet tall, a great sight from our lounge.
The Cotoneaster and Pyracantha are in full berry, wonder how long it will be before the birds strip them!!
The Dalias are going strong and will last well into Autumn. Hate this time when we are trimming back the shrubs, makes me think of winter. The Hosta are flowering for the second time.

Monday 26th Aug.

As this lovely weather continues I am making plans for the Autumn.

Last year I washed the greenhouse but this year I am going to give it a really good clean with some Jeyes fluid, feel sure that all this lovely sunshine will have given the beasties a field day, just to be sure a good scrub will put my mind at rest.

I am under way now with cuttings of the Fuschia etc. so all is well.
The Bay tree/bush has been well trimmed also the red Pyrocantha and Holly so the Autumn work will be easier, especially fitting every thing into the dreaded green bin, last season it was nearly Christmas before we were clear.
The Apples are continuing to drop, some quite large so have started to freeze them.
The Surfina Petunias in a basket by the garage are still terrific, they must have been in flower for 12 weeks, you really cannot ask more of a plant than this. I have decided next season in the triple basket at the end of the garden, to plant up with the same Surfina Petunia, they are dearer than the others but well worth the difference. 

Saturday 17th August

This is the first wet day in a long time, it usually rains at night here thank goodness. Hope its as forecast dry tomorrow as I am bowling all day.
Went to the Southport Flower Show yesterday, lovely weather so able to stroll around being tempted to buy plants. This is really a very good show and there are plenty of places to stop and have a seat for a while, to Jacks delight.
Treated myself to a floaty type of thing, not a grass, sturdier, called Baloskion Tetraphyllum - Tassel Cord Rush, from Australia. Just what I was looking for to place amongst the Fuschia.
Another stall had a great display of Alstroemeria and a good display of the cushion type so have decided to order some.
The display of dahlia tempted me and shall order a rather lovely pink one -  Can Can.

Tuesday 6th Aug.

Well I just knew it would happen, the dratted heavy rain has flattened some of my lovely Star Gazer Lilies, I hate this much prefer them in the garden than in vases. The worst affected strangely are the ones in a sheltered spot, doesn't make sense.
Quite amazes that the Dinner Plate Dahlia are still upright.
One of the good things this rain is certainly swelling the Bramley Apples.

Sunday 4th August

Today was forecast to be very wet, but thankfully it rained during the night.

The Dinner plate Dahlia are opening now, just praying that we only have normal rain so as not to spoil them, with the large heads they soon hang and break if the rain is heavy no matter how well I stake them.
I am still amazed to see so many Bees in the garden, still feel it is the Foxgloves that have brought them.
I am now cutting back the stems on the Foxgloves that have finished flowering, there are many smaller branches bearing flowers, so looks like they will continue for some time yet.
 Pulled some more Rhubarb today, will freeze most of it as I have now used all the apples I froze last season, must admit a family favourite is Rhubarb and Apple Pie or Crumble. Must make some for my niece Julie when she comes over from Kenya next month, they do not grow Rhubarb around Nairobi.

Tueday 30th July

As this lovely weather continues it has made me settle down to taking cuttings, our eldest girl is moving into a small bungalow which needs the garden sorting out, hence extra cuttings and later on plant divisions for her.
The Fuschia cuttings I am taking for both of us, I always take far to many, I already have two hardy ones ready, also a Hydrangea, knowing she was hoping to move I did them last year.
Looking at our garden in general she will not have to buy much if anything.
I have been reading about the Foxglove Illumination Pink that are doing so well. On some Blogs there are those who think it may not be fully hardy, though the grower T & M say they are, so I shall hedge my bets and over winter some in the cold frame. As the Foxgloves are finishing the Stargazer Lilies next to them are just coming into flower, quite by chance they are both in the perfect spot to give a spectacular  long show.
I have asked Scot when the conditions are right, to do another photo of them showing the raindrops hanging from the leaves, this always fascinates me, small things and small minds comes to mind.

Sunday 28th July

Really can't believe July is almost over, guess it was the late start that threw me out.
One thing that has made me rethink for next years planting, the Deep Purple Fuschia has not looked as happy with this excessive heat, it has in the past been happy in full sun, guess this year was just too much of a good thing for it, must give it a little more shade next year, though you can bet we wont have this heat to contend with. Dancing Flame really takes the brunt of all the sun and is fine thank goodness as are the others.
I have just made room for and planted two Roses a gift from my son Scott, the white/pink Margaret Merill is said to have a great scent along with being repeat flowering, hope so.  The Yellow Rosa Karessia is said to flower all summer, well we will see. Must admit I do not have much yellow in the garden at the moment. Wish someone would breed a yellow Fuschia.
The Bramley is still dropping Apples, thank goodness it is laden, as a family we all rely on it.
The lilac Lupin seedling I swopped a Hellebore for with Sam last year are flowering well.

Friday 26th July

I feel very lucky 3 nights ago that torrential rain didn't do any  damage, really thought that I would get up to find things flattened. Thank goodness I had well staked up all the tall things.
The corner of the end bed looks great now that the white Marguerite's and the red Crocosmia Lucifer are in full flower and despite the storm still upright, both are  4ft and 5ft tall. I guess its asking a lot for them not to be flattened if we have another rain storm.
The Star Gazer Lilly  are ready for opening, they always give a great show with the wonderful perfume as an extra.