Strawberry Frost

Published on by Catherine19 Comments

Friday 24th November was a still, sunny day and the overnight forecast of -3C had me thinking that we might wake up to a frosty Saturday morning. I wasn’t wrong. Saturday was glistening white in the garden and over the fields behind us.

The sun was rising as I ate my breakfast and looked for the warmest clothes I owned. By the time I finally got myself together, (I’ve been battling a nasty chest infection for five weeks, so I’m not exactly the fastest mover) the sunbeams were hitting the plants in the back of my garden. I knew it wouldn’t be long before those rays started thawing out the frosty leaves. Luckily, the paths were clear and dry, which was a relief because I’m always cautious around slippery surfaces. Eventually, I was ready to step outside to snap a few photos.

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One Productive Gardening Day

Published on by Catherine31 Comments

Monday was a day of gardening from morning until late afternoon with my husband doing all the heavy work (as usual) while I potted on seedlings in the greenhouse and supervised (not as easy as it sounds!) the removal or lifting and dividing of plants. In general, the borders were tidied up, weeds removed and the grass was cut and edged. Pots of summer bedding were emptied and made ready to receive winter and spring-flowering bulbs. That one productive day cheered me up and I felt we’d achieved a lot, though a quick glance at my list in the evening reminded me that there was so much more to deal with. But that’s gardening, isn’t it, it never ends.

I also managed to find time to take a few photographs and I’m glad I did because by Tuesday the rain was thundering down and it’s been wet every day since then, including today where we have an amber alert for rain.

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Dear Hellebore, don’t you know this is September?

Published on by Catherine24 Comments

It’s been a mixed week of weather again. We’ve had so much rain, blustery winds, a thunderstorm and just enough sun for everyone to get outdoors for short spells at a time. It’s been busy too. In this county, all schools were closed for three days due to a strike and I’m sure parents, grandparents and carers up and down the country must have been frantically trying to rearrange their week. My husband and I only had to reschedule two days though. Gardening was abandoned, but we still managed to spend time outdoors with the two grandchildren who were delighted to have this unexpected break from school.

I feel that we’re now settling into fairly normal Autumn weather patterns (though I’m seeing a couple of highs of 17C ahead), but in the garden, there is still some confusion among the plants. That of course brings me to the featured plant, the Hellebore.

But before going there, let’s take a look at the rest of this week’s selection for Six on Saturday.

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Gently Fading

Published on by Catherine27 Comments

Four weeks ago, the featured image was Hydrangea ‘Pink Annabelle’. Forgive me; I’ve used Pink Annabelle again today. The colour has started to fade to a pale parchment with hints of pink, but she’s still holding onto her beauty. Unless the lovely flowerheads become lightly coated with a glittering hoarfrost, this will be her final photo call.

Yesterday I was assured that the wasps that banned me from the garden have finally gone. I’ve been able to cautiously start working outdoors again. The forecast tells me it’s going to be dry and sunny today so I’ll be able to head out to pot up some spring bulbs! Bulb planting begins – exciting!

There are also a couple more repeats on here today simply because they’re still showing their fabulousness while others are not. The recent rain has caused many of the roses to shed their petals, making them unworthy subjects for the camera! The hostas have been devoured by garden nasties (I said a few years ago that I was done with hostas for that reason, but I found I couldn’t be without them) and I’ve started lifting and binning this year’s poor and non-productive dahlias. I’m also planning to cut back a few perennials that are taking their last gasp and pull up annuals. This will give me space to plant the tulip bulbs later in the season. Winter preparations are underway before the weather gets bad.

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Blending of the Seasons

Published on by Catherine27 Comments

From the window, and it’s window viewing only at the moment for a couple of reasons, it looks as though the summertime fairy has touched the garden with her flower wand. Most of the roses are in bloom right now, opened out by the recent heat and rudbeckias, dahlias, fuchsia and asters add to the show. It’s a mix of autumn and summer. I know this won’t last too long, but at this moment in time, it’s there to be enjoyed.

But why window viewing? First, it’s pouring rain, secondly (and more importantly) there’s a large wasp nest in the garden. I won’t go near the garden right now, it’s September, they’re active and very aggressive. I’m keeping my distance until the nest has been removed. My husband had a double sting this week, and that’s enough of a warning for me.

As for the weather, our temperatures dropped to a very cool 13C yesterday and autumn sweaters are back in style. Summer has moved on until next year.

So this week’s Six on Saturday selection relies on a few photos taken earlier in the week, before the sting and the nest discovery.

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