POST HOLIDAY BLUES

You haven't heard from me for the last two Saturdays because I've been away in Devon and the Wi-Fi and even mobile signal was non-existent so I couldn't post.  My first few pictures are from Castle Drogo where the garden was looking very good indeed.

The herbaceous borders have these delightfully shady arbours made of Parrotia persica underplanted with harts tongue ferns.  Simple and very stylish.

Here's Mr B admiring the Serpentine borders which flank a central sunken rose garden.

Now I'm back home I have a bad case of the post holiday blues.  The garden has missed my attention while I've been away and that feeling that it's all getting away from you is very dispiriting.  On top of that I've had to paint the exterior of the windows while the weather holds, all the time looking at the roses that need deadheading and the lawn that need edging.  So that's all by way of apologising for my offering this week, which has not been lovingly primped and preened as much as I would like.

My first one from my garden for this week is another moan (sorry).  This is a Pelargonium 'Deerwood Lavender Lass'.  I mistook it for Ragged Robin once, it's that underwhelming.  I just wanted to share that so you don't make the same mistake and buy one too (apologies if this is your favourite Pele).

On a much brighter note - a recommendation if you are thinking of getting a new rose come bare root season.  I think 'Roald Dahl' has been the finest performer in the garden this year.  It really is delightful.  Good shape, healthy and covered in flowers.  It's just occurred to me that you'll want to know about the scent and now it's gone dark I can't go and check.  It's not in an easy position for me to get to (atop a wall surrounded by other plants), but I will try to check tomorrow. - Update - it's a light slightly fruity rose scent.

This corner of the Rose Garden is looking rather good at the moment so that's my reason for including it.  Persicaria 'Red Dragon' in the foreground with Persicaria 'Firetail' in the rear (and trying for world domination).

In the Long Border the perennial Sweet Pea is mingled with the perennial Sunflower 'Lemon Queen' and the hugely tall Rudbeckia laciniata 'Herbstsonne'.

The edibles are going along well as I am finding time to water those at least.  Cut and come again lettuce.....

and tomatoes.

San Marzano

Black Russian

 That's all for this week.  Thank you for stopping by. and don't forget all the Six on Saturday posts can be found on Garden Ruminations where Jim collates all our garden ramblings.