Thursday 6 May 2021

Early May in the garden...and what’s occurring?

 




These delightful plants are Dodecatheon Meadia but they are often known as Shooting Stars. They bloom in late spring time, for about a month, and then they die down when the summer arrives. I’ve had these for a few years and I grow them in pots but I think I’ll plant them in my garden, in a partly shady place, for the future. As long as they sit in moist, well drained soil, during the growing season, they will be happy. They prefer dry conditions when dormant.




Meanwhile, some more of these lovely yellow ‘Antoinette’ tulips have bloomed. I’m enjoying these as they provide a jolly splash of sunshine, here and there.




And then... the one we’ve all been waiting for...I call it ‘Wisteria Hysteria’. Coinciding with some very windy weather, it has remained intact and not been blown to goodness knows where! We are fairly sheltered and so don’t get the wind damage that often.




The sweet perfume is a joy.







What I love about Primulas is that they are all so very unassuming; they don’t make a song and dance but  just sit contentedly in their place, quietly waiting to be admired. This pretty Primula Japonica sits neatly in a small rockery. 




Not too far away, sits another pink delight...Dicentra spectabilis (or Bleeding Hearts as it is commonly known.) Such a popular plant with gardeners, this one oozes elegance, I think! 





Finally, I’ve been nurturing these Sweet White Violets. I split one plant which I have had for a couple of years and now I have four. These are exquisite little plants which prefer part shade. My plan is to collect the seeds and go into mass production! 😁

So what’s occurring in your garden?

Tuesday 4 May 2021

Mr Cuthbert’s Guides...and strange coincidences!

 




As with the ISpy books, these little books take pride of place on the gardening shelves of my bookcase. They say that the best things come in small packages...and this is proof! Measuring less than 5 ins x 4 ins, there’s so much packed into them that is just as valid today as when they were published... and some of these were first published in February 1953! (The month and year of my birth! And they are probably in better condition than I am! πŸ€£πŸ˜‚πŸ€£)

There’s a lovely message inside each book....




Now here’s a strange coincidence!

I did my second teaching practice in that very place..Goffs Oak! And I had the most wonderful time too!

But there is another stage coincidence....

At my first teaching practice, in nearby Cuffley, my teacher was actually called....

Mrs Cuthbert!






Back to the books...

Inside each are so many hints and tips...












And of course, the real appeal of these lovely books is that each has a beautiful cover..back and front.



  
        Nothing short of gorgeous! Very inspiring!




     
     I’m sure that you will agree!