SPRING POTS AND ROSE TAMING

There's been some lovely sunshine this week, and not too much rain, so I've managed to switch into full on gardening every day mode.  It's just as well really, as there is plenty to do.  Not quite panic stations yet, but there are still some roses to prune and they are beginning to put out their new leaves.

Round by the back door there are pots filled with a mixture of Spring flowers that are giving me lots of pleasure at the moment.  It's the first time I've grown Hyacinth 'Woodstock' and they are just beginning to open, and its always exciting to grow something new isn't it?


Up on this windowsill is Narcissus 'Tete a tete' growing in a mixture of pots.  



The big task this week has been training, or rather taming, this rose.  It is Madame Alfred Carriere of course, and being a fool I planted two of them, when one would have been quite sufficient.  The first picture is before I started, obviously, but it is just one seasons growth.



And now for the after picture.  Order is restored.  I had to take the whole thing off it's supports though to get some coverage lower down.  There is a central arbour with a bench in it and then chains extending to either side fastened to upright posts.





In other rose news, I planted Rosa 'Gertrude Jekyll'  who arrived last week.  There can be problems with rose replant disease, as you know, so I followed the advice of Bunny Guinness who recommends planting them in fresh soil a wine box.  The idea being that the box prevents the rose coming into contact with the contaminated soil and by the time the box has broken down the rose is well established.  (Fun fact - I found out today that Bunny Guinness is David Austin's niece.)


Most of the floral interest in the garden is provided by the daffodils at the moment.  There are double yellow ones (Narcissus Telamonius Plenus) in the orchard ...



and 'February Gold' continues to open up in the woodland.




I was surprised to see this aubretia in flower already.   The rest of them are sensibly waiting a little longer.




That's my six for this week, but there are plenty more over on the Propagator, who kindly hosts Six on Saturday.


Comments

  1. This set of spring flowers in the first photo is very pretty! I do like the dark colour of the primroses

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I chose the ones with darker edged leaves and luckily they turned out to be that gorgeous deep colour.

      Delete
  2. Well done with the rose, and the planting tip is great.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your pot combos look lovely, it's a nice idea to have the different sized pots lined up on the windowsill like that. I think your roses are keeping you very busy! Great tip re the old wine box - any particular vintage or year? ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I can sympathise with pruning Mdme alfred Carierre, she grows far too strongly for a lady!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I shouldn't grumble as I suppose it's better than the ones that sulk and won't grow at all .

      Delete
  5. Just imagine in just a few weeks time Madame Alfred will be covered in glorious blooms. I grew her once a long time ago, and loved it. No room in this garden, unless I turf something out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's flowers are very pretty. I have one on the end wall of the house too, which is still waiting for my attentions.

      Delete
  6. I'll have to remember that rose in a wine box/cardboard box tip. Those dusky purple primulas are lovely and well done on taming the roses.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I shall make sure to report on whether the wine box trick works.

      Delete
  7. Lovely pots. I’ve grown Hyacinths outside for the first time and am very pleased. Well done with the Rose pruning - that was quite a challenge.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts