THE RETURN
It's been a long time since I've done a Six on Saturday but I'm back! The reason is entirely selfish. I like looking back at photos of the garden, but without the deadlines of this blog I just wasn't taking any. The year was zipping by and I was missing it.
Everything is flowering early and at once so it has been impossible to keep to six items in any meaningful way, so I've just copied over all those that took my fancy.
 |
| Allium Gladiator and Verbascum phoeniceum 'Violetta' |
Somehow we have the Knot Garden which is full of May flowering plants like alliums and iris in full swing at the same time that the Rose garden is flowering away at the same time that the weeds have gone mental and are swamping everything.
Moan alert...
I have literally pulled up two wheelbarrow loads of weeds EVERY DAY (rain permitting) and there are still a seriously embarrassing amount left to tackle. This does not matter a jot I hear you say. It is your garden and you should embrace it dock, nettle and bl**dy rosebay willow herb and all. A weed is just a plant in the wrong place etc etc etc.
BUT WE HAVE VILLAGE OPEN GARDENS ON 23rd JUNE and the paying public are coming.
Never mind. Lets look at the lovely plants instead without moaning about how everything has been eaten by slugs.
 |
| Peonia Clare de Lune |
Bought as a substitute for the appallingly expensive Molly the Witch, Clare de Lune has the same pale yellow flowers. It's a shame it doesn't last longer as I think it was over in a couple of weeks.
Over in the Rose garden this David Austin once flowering rose is absolutely covered in wonderful crimson magenta flowers. It didn't get pruned in January which I think was the right decision, although I must remember to give it a trim once it finishes flowering. I love this mixed with the paler pink roses and some bright pink geraniums.
 |
| Rosa Chianti |
 |
| Rosa Chianti |
Another fab David Austin rose is Olivia Rose Austin. So covered in flower that it's lolling over the box hedge (which it won't like of course) but it looks too generous and romantic to tie it back.
 |
| Rosa Olivia Rose Austin |
 |
| Rosa Olivia Rose Austin |
Also flowering it's socks off is Madame Alfred Carriere. It has seriously outgrown its space (a garden arbour)
 |
| Rosa Madame Alfred Carriere |
 |
| I don't even have space to mention the Rhododendrons |
Another Peony to round up this weeks Six selection. It is Bowl of Beauty's petite sister, 'Bowl of Love'.
 |
| Peony Bowl of Love |
 |
| Peony Bowl of Love, Iris, Foxgloves and Allium |
Thank you for stopping by. Perhaps you'd like to check out the other Six on Saturday posts hosted by Garden Ruminations ? Happy Gardening!
It all looks splendid, especially the roses. Allium 'Gladiator' is new to me - I may have to get a packet later in the year. I must admit if I spot weeds/wildflowers in the wrong place in a National Trust Garden it allows me to point and & say quietly "look - weeds!" feeling a little smug but also secretly relieved! Welcome back.
ReplyDeleteGladiator is one of those expensive but worth it ones. The bulbs are now sending up multiple flower heads and they last longer than purple sensation. Just buy 3 and give it a go.
DeleteLovely to see you back again Catharine! Over the months I've wondered if you would be making a return so today is a pleasant surprise. I have rose envy - only one rose in bloom here, but I'm sure that will change as the weeks go on. Your Rosa Chianti is the most delicious colour and Olivia Rose Austin is another beauty. There's so much colour in your garden, I'm enjoying gazing at it - particularly the image with the rhododendrons.
ReplyDeleteThe roses are so early here they've quite taken me by surprise. Chianti is growing in quite a shady spot too, but I think the once flowering varieties are better at coping with that.
DeleteNice to read you again after this long time. The slugs here have been very, very greedy... unfortunately. Lots of photos this week : more than six? 😅
ReplyDeleteRosa Chianti is stunning !
Hi Fred. It's good to be back. I've been following you on Instagram so I've seen a few of your garden highlights.
DeleteGreat to have you back, and especially that you have fessed up to being a 'regular' gardener whose garden is not perfect every day in every way! Just think what good those weeds have been doing as soil cover during all that rain, and I hope they are now in a compost heap. Thanks for showing the glorious roses.
ReplyDeleteMy garden is far from perfect, but your comment has really helped me look on the bright side. I should have plenty of compost next year.
DeleteIf I ever get around to another attempt at growing a rose, 'Chianti' is without doubt the colour I would want. I'm envious of your peonies too, it looks like I'm going to get two blooms from my five plants.
ReplyDeleteI think it has been in four or five years from a bare root, so it has taken a while.
DeleteWhat a lovely romantic cottage garden. The irises and alliums are wonderful and I'm very tempted by a rose called chianti! I have been considering a peony and Peonia Clare de Lune came up as one suitable for a windy garden. Just a case of where could I put it! Nice to see you back on the blog Catharine.
ReplyDeleteI got mine from Trevor White roses, as they sell it a bit cheaper (if you do find the room that is).
DeleteGood to see you back again! Your roses are amazing, especially Chianti, such a gorgeous colour, does it have a perfume to match? Love the last photo of all your beautiful flowers.
ReplyDeleteI checked it out and then forgot to reply! It has a traditional rose scent, medium strength I would say.
Delete