29th june

Well just in time for the heat wave thats promised the garden is now up to scratch, must admit not being 100 per cent this last 3 weeks I had let things slide.

The Arum Lilies are better this year than ever, maybe like a lot of things they preferred the cool spring.
I really feel that though many plants are later flowering they are making up for it now.
The tall Alstroemeria in the back Garden are in the wrong place, I  thought they would be much shorter, whilst looking good will have to be moved into the back of the border at the end of the season, even thought of moving now as I have cut them for the house!
The dark red Peony that didn't flower last year has made up for it , and believe it or not I actually staked early so really have  had the full benefit.
Have decided that the Strawberry pot, whilst supposedly the correct thing, is also going to be dumped, the water just flows out of the side holes and the strawberries I put in do not do well,  perhaps someone knows a way to stop this as I can't.

5th June

I really thought summer was here, but after one and a half days back to nothing again.
Thank goodness I went out early whilst it was sunny to weed the front garden, which is now spot on, by noon it had clouded over.
Yesterday was glorious for the Aussie Pairs League (bowling) and we had a great win, what a good game it was, have to make the most of the good weather when we can.
The Apple Trees are setting fruit and it looks like it could be a good crop, we were really delighted with the John Downey Crab Apple It looks like it has finally grown up it really has filled out and is full of buds, as is the Bramley but then it never lets me down.
With all the rain lately the perennials that I split have taken well.
The baskets are all beginning to look good, must admit everything has been so slow I was thinking I had wasted my time, keeping fingers crossed we are now on the right track.
The one failure could be the Mahonia that  we cut back, Think it may have turned up its toes, but needs must, it was rather painful for the window cleaner!!!
I read about the trial of Tomatoes, grow bags- pots and ground. So i tried some in grow bags, but being a doubting Thomas also put some in pots as usual. What a good thing, as the ones in grow bags are not looking good, the ones in pots are great. still its always worth trying these things.

May 9th

After all the horrible gales last week it is surprising that anything survived.
Fortunately the blossom on the Apple Trees had not opened so all is well there.
I had a couple of days earlier put my Fuschia baskets out to harden, as I hadn't actually hung them they are all okay thank goodness.
The Rhododendron flowers have survived thank goodness. It really is well worth waiting for.
I am well on the way with the planting out of the annuals, seem to have more this year somehow.
I took the Bull by the horns and had the huge Yucca in the front garden removed, it was becoming a danger to passers by, has such fierce spikes at the end of the leaves, it has impaled me for the last time. at the same time had the Maple removed, it was a very sorry thing , just didn't like where it was, it has made a big difference to the front garden, so much less work.
The Pieris,  I guess like everyone else's are simply splendid , I love all the Spring colours.
Am trying the Gardeners World trial with my Tomato plants, in grow bags as apposed to pots, supposedly to give a better yield, but being a none believer have hedged my bets by doing both. So far the pots are well ahead!!!.
The Fuschia and Mop Head Hydrangea cutting's have all taken well, though Lord knows where I will put the Hydrangea when they need planting out.

Couldn't resist these one, Spring at last.
The scent when I walk onto the Patio is well worth waiting for, so many plants today do not have any, I am trying hard now to grow plants with a decent fragrance, wish me luck.
The Camellia is also the best for years, love the glossy leaves, make such a good background after the flowers have gone.
Having a quiet day as overdid it yesterday, blame all that lovely sunshine.

29th March

I love Spring when the garden begins to come to life again, so miss the colour in Winter.
I have now almost completed the hoeing and trimming so set now for mulching with the compost.

The Camellia is looking extra well this season, must have got the ericaceous feed correct.

The Hellebore below as ever really good.
next job is protecting the Apple Trees from grubs, did rather well last year


The Rhubarb plants are growing fast, can't wait for the first pies.

Seedlings etc. in the Greenhouse look good, have just started to pot into the baskets etc. the Fuschia.

Decided this year the triple  basket holder - towards the end of the garden will have Begonia, a change from Fuschia, though I may regret this, still must have a change now and then.

February 7th

Well today is much milder and stroll around the garden revelled the Primroses, Snowdrops and Hellebores are just beginning to flower, so good to see the garden coming into life again.

I have just also watered in the greenhouse, the Fuschia and Geraniums are all well along, will take some cuttings shortly.

Decided to try some other strains of  Fuschia, one or two I have had in the past that for whatever reason didn't continue with, need more pink so thinking of Marcus Graham and Pink Galore, also an old favourite Dark Eyes.

If I only believed the frost was over I would split and transplant some of the perennials, maybe better to leave a while.

Also decided to buy some new Marigold seeds as I have been collecting seed from the same lot for years. I usually say 'if its not broken don't mend' so will do both.

31st January

Despite this very cold weather, fortunately no snow, the spring bulbs are all well up, I love Snowdrops and the first sign to me means Spring isn't to far away, I hope.
The Hellebore flowers would have opened but for this cold spell. Viv have you got or want some of the seedlings? these are the ones you gave me years ago.
I am amazed to find that a pot of Geraniums that I forgot to take into the greenhouse, in a corner by the garage, are still flowering, okay they are a bit pathetic but who cares, just goes to show they are not as fragile as we are lead to believe.
Have decided that after the poor showing last summer I shall remove the Hostas in the front bed, I have a lot of Geraniums in the greenhouse so will fill that bed with these for a change.

Sunday 25th Jan 2015

Well at last the frost has gone fortunately we haven't had snow, were able to trim the grass which was rather long, which means wet feet when going to the greenhouse etc.
The tubs of Hyacinths and Tulips are well along now so will be moving to the Patio shortly, at present they are in a sheltered spot by the greenhouse.
The Daffodils are also about 7 inches high, all makes me feel hopeful that Spring is on the way. The small bunch of Snowdrops, the only ones that survive in my garden, are looking good. Never worked out why the others vanish.
I am well along with plans to change the planting of the pots and baskets, decided to introduce a few changes, as good as they have looked last couple of years a change is always good.

January 3rd.

Well its all over for another year, can now get back to normal, though seeing all the great grand children was great, and as ever Ashton the only boy still has holes in his toes, no other explanation as to where all the food goes, "Gran have you got anything to eat?.
The garden is tidy-ish, never looks great with all the wind etc.
The Arum Lilies that thought December was spring are still in leaf, for how long I wonder.
After the disappointing second season with the Foxgloves Illumination Pink I have decided to move them to the back of the border on the left hand side, listed as perennial wonder if in fact they rest alternate years, we will soon see.
All the spring bulbs that I left in pots are now showing, so will move them into their flowering place on the patio.
The greenhouse plants are all chugging along, I am getting ready now to sow seeds, just browsing seed catalogues to see what takes my fancy.

Just in case I do not have time to write before Christmas Best wishes everyone hope you all have a lovely time.

Thursday 11th December

Amazingly this last couple of weeks the group of Arum Lily think its spring and are growing away, this vile weather will no doubt send them off to sleep, I hope not a big set back.
The Mahonia outside the kitchen window are still in flower and such a joy at this time of year, as are the Alstroemeria in the front garden, not for long now though.
Like everyone else we have gales that are bent on wrecking anything in flower, can't wait for Spring.
Love the Cotoneaster at this time, what are left of the leaves are a lovely red. The berries are long ago eaten by the birds.

Saturday 8th November

Oh well winter is now well and truly on its way, someone said we would get bored if it was always summer, who are they kidding, the older I get the less I like winter.
The Garden is now all prepared for winter just the edges to trim.
My neighbours Pampas Grass has survived the winds well and still wafting about, long may they continue.
The hardy Fuschia are still looking great.
This Year the Mahonia is flowering early which is sad I like it best when it flowers in December to cheer me up. It sits outside my kitchen window and is a joy.
I am having second thoughts about the Hosta I put in the front garden, wasn't very pleased with them this last summer, though maybe it was just too hot for them, still thinking of moving them and filling that bed with Geraniums or annuals.
The greenhouse having been bubble wrapped is now lovely and cosy.
I did think of putting a couple of fruit tree / bushes in pots on the patio, but after trying to buy suitable sized ones have changed my mind, just think they wouldn't give enough fruit to be worth the while.
In the front garden I have an Acer  Brilliantissimum which doesn't like its position, and to be honest is a bore, I grow sweet Peas up it to add interest. Thinking of having it removed and putting a Damson tree there.

Monday 27th

Well we didn't miss last weeks gales and they have really flattened my Dinner Plate Dahlias.
Next season I must stake individually with strong stakes not canes, and keep my fingers crossed.
The plug Primroses I planted a week ago are looking very promising.

Most of the pots of Petunia are now empty, just the last 3 baskets of Fuschia to clear when they finish. They as ever never let me down and are still in full flower. Can't believe they withstood all that battering as they are in the most exposed spot on the Patio.
I often say how Dancing Flame and Kit Oxenby can withstand even the very hot sun, seems they can also withstand the gales.

Saturday 4th October

Well its the first day of Autumn here, we actually had daytime rain, the first for weeks. I know others have had rain in August but not us, 5 months of lovely summer, we a little rain at night occasionally, just enough to top up the water butt, it has been heaven.
I have now cleared all the baskets and pots that had Petunias and Geraniums, also the cut back the Hostas and various other perennials in the at the back of the garden, every where is looking tidy but rather empty _ sad.
Must admit the back border wasn't as weedy as I though, the mulch certainly helped,
The Fuschias are still going strong and should be okay for a couple of weeks.
Today the Primroses arrived and as the rain stopped I planted them out into the empty pots for a little winter cheer.
Also bought a Snowdrop tree/shrub, never heard of it before but as I love snowdrops couldn't resist.
Just remains now to finish off the main bush trimming, and then weed the other borders, before moving onto the front garden.
We do not have a large garden but at this time of year we do have masses for the green bin, even so we  have  had to fill 4 bags and to take the tip. Wish we had a second green bin, no room for a compost heap, to be honest i am now beyond digging so its a good thing.
Our new neighbour is happy to receive plants as I divide, thats a blessing.

Saturday 30th August

Well Autumn is certainly on its way, today I have started cutting back the Sungold Tomatoes in the greenhouse, very sad but mustn't complain we have had a massive crop.
My niece Julie over from Nairobi really loves the Sungold and has had a field day eating them like sweets. Last year she bought seeds to take home,  but she says they do not taste the same, must be something to do with the different soil.

Just tied up the hot Chilli's in the greenhouse, look like Christmas decorations. This is the first time I have grown so hope they do last for use in the Autumn and winter. The sweet peppers are slow to ripen or is it me that expects to much to soon.

The rest of the garden is now showing signs of the end of summer, all the baskets are still in flower but not now as profusely.
The Pyrocantha  both red and yellow are in full berry, wonder how long before the birds devour them.
The Dahlias that survived those winds are looking okay, as ever the second flush are not quite as large, perhaps this is a good thing, they should withstand the winds that we are bound to get, though next week is supposed to be hotter.
Weather wise we have had a great summer, second in a row, wow, even with that windy week.

One of the great things about gardening you can swop and change things at will, just as nature does, it always amazes me the things that pop up that I haven't planted.

One thing that hasn't done as well is the Alstroemeria in the front garden, wonder if it was just to hot for them. I shall split them next month and hope it reinvigorates them. The other thing that hasn't done as well - the Hostas, sadly the slugs had a good feast, even slug pellets didn't seem to do the trick, must rethink the pots for next year.
The hard work now starts, sorting the Bramley Apples for  for freezing, jelly making and wrapping to store, starting tomorrow our great granddaughter  Jaymie is going to help me, quite a job there are so many.

Saturday 9th August

Well the Stargazer Lilies are now drawing to the end and I have been trimming back, they have been glorious, I think they are due to be repotted, I am sure its 3 years since I did them last.
Thank goodness we didn't get all that heavy rain that was forecast as my Dinner Plate Dahlias are now in full display and huge, heavy rain would decimate them.
We are beginning to trim back the Pyracantha that is now bush shaped by the greenhouse, like so many things has grown hugely, I pruned the front of it a while ago and berries are beginning to set already.
The grass at the back still looks good, could almost call it a lawn.
I have made a space near the Pyracantha to transplant that new Rhubarb, Timperley early, it is still going strong and deserves a place in the garden, keeping it watered is a twice daily job or it flops, it has really done well and so tasty.
Have made the first of the Apple Jelly from windfalls, will make more after  we harvest the main crop.
Also made some Chutney for Jack as the Sungold Tomatoes have also gone mad, first time I have ever made Chutney, looks good, the recipe says to leave 2 weeks before eating!!.
Must admit I planted 2 extra Tomato, never again, as delicious as they are there are only so many you can eat, any one who visits goes home with Tomato and Apples.
Next month is the time to start the Apple harvest and the freezing begins, have already frozen some Rhubarb.
Can't wait for the Peppers Sweet and Chilli,  to ripen, will do as I read and cut into pieces lay them flat and freeze for an hour then scoop up into bags, they will then stay separate like frozen Peas I believe!!!! Watch this space.
I am sure everyone is like me and delighted at the display in their gardens this year and not a single cry about water shortage, wow.
Will take more Fuschia cuttings  next week, like everything else they have been great, though that week when it was humid and 29 degrees I feared for them as they are in full sun until 3pm.
The Australian Restio that I bought at the Southport Flower Show, one plant was for me pricey £10, but it was money well spent, this is what I read about it so i got it right:-
Restio’s do best in open sunny positions with good air movement – they like the wind! Free draining soils with a PH of 7.5 and below are preferable – thats neutral to acid. Thats us in Southport,
(Being mostly from mediterranean climates they are well adapted to summer drought however, during long dry periods the plants will be greener and more lush with an occasional watering. Restio’s look very different as young plants having a juvenile growth form of fluffy green, fairly lax stems. In the third year they start to send up more mature culms turning into their elegant adult selves) Must find out how to propagate.

Thursday 24th July

Mustn't complain about the lovely hot weather but O how we could use some gentle rain.

Two hot summers in a row is unheard of these days.
If it comes you can bet it will flatten all the Star Gazers and the Dinner Plate Dahlias, which are a delight at present,  everything else i feel would stand a chance.
Jack is enjoying lunch in the garden, even trying to dead head the Petunias etc. along side our eldest grandchild Jaymie, we will make a gardener of her yet.

This will sound like nonsense but I have Stargazers at the bottom of the garden, in places I definitely did not plant them. They are not quite the colour of my others, a much paler pink. 

I have always understood that they did not seed, it however seems to be the only explanation, carried by the birds perhaps!!! Will get Scott to take a photo or two as he does.

Those Pineberry plants, which were a gift have done nothing fruit wise, lots of healthy green leaves and what appeared to be fruit forming, I must admit I am disappointed, something different is great, however didn't seem to have work. 

The Rhubarb Timperley is cropping very well, its a family favourite. The new one is now in a large pot and appears to be happy.

What can I say about the Sungold Tomatoes other than terrific, seem to be cropping even better in this hot weather. Must admit I water twice daily, morning and evening and as ever feed weekly along with everything else.

The Sweet Peppers and the Chilly Peppers are also in full swing, shouldn't be long before we are picking some.

July 14th

One of the mistakes this year was over mulching around the Peony, thought it would wash in more, sadly it has now raised the levels at the base of them and they have not flowered. Must admit I wondered why, then remembered, they do not like the roots covering more than a touch, ah well, you live and learn, I hope!!.
I am so pleased with the garden generally  I could become quite a bore.
Does anyone know what you use Quince for, other than jelly, must look it up.
The Bramley Apple is loaded so will freeze some and repeat the Apple Jelly as last year, it was soon used up.
The John Downey Crab Apple is also looking good, keep telling myself to be patient as it is only a young tree, my mind keeps going back to my old large one. Perhaps its a good thing as I was making jelly for the whole family!!!
At the foot of the garden just in front of the revived Laurel, the Crocosmia Lucifer and the White Marguerites are giving their usual show stopper.
I forget at times about the front garden, the Queen Elizabeth rose is covered in flowers, likes being transferred to its new spot.
Have just potted on the Fuschia cuttings I did earlier so will be well on the way for next year.

Saturday 5th July

I have just staked the Dahlias, idiot that I am I had forgotten to do them, as ever broke one stem. Each year I promise myself I will do it very early but somehow leave them "just a little longer" and pay for it.
After not having much rain for a very long time last night it made up for it, sadly the weeds will also love it.
First pull of the Rhubarb that I planted last year and thought wasn't very tasty, well it must just have been too young as this is great, also found the label Timperley Early. Shall do as I read and leave this year to mature.
The photo of the back garden enclosed makes it look smaller than it really is, shame about the ramp hand rail. The Hydrangears especially the Mop Head in the front garden have benefit from the winter rain and sunny spring, plus all the lovely mulch I put on.

Saturday 14th June

Arum Lily- Spectrum Mixed.
This is an advance part of my birthday present, and yes from a car boot, scott is the original car boot kid, comes home with some amazing things.
These are from a chaps stall who Scott has had some great plants from for me. The only problem as in the past there are no labels, good thing I knew what they were. Looked them up and there are only half hardy, need a dry frost free place in the winter, so can't put them in the garden by my white Arum Lily. They are a great addition to the garden. I love the speckled leaf.
The White Arum Lillies are looking even better as the red Asiatic Lillies along side them are just open.

Every where is looking great, I love this time of year.
Just sown the Dwarf Alstroemeria seeds he also got for me, plus some Chive seeds. For some reason my  Chives have lost their onion bit, they were growing like mad but no flavour so they have gone to the green bin, I shall start over with the new ones.
The Common White Fuschia cuttings I took a couple of weeks ago have taken very well I'm delighted to say.
I have repotted and taken so many things and taken so any cuttings that I am running out of space, would be lost without my potting bench by the greenhouse. At this rate I shall need a bigger garden!!