Category: Perenniels

Just call me Daisy

A few months ago I saw a little four pack of seedlings marked simply “Daisy” at a local nursery. They were really small, as seedlings go, but I liked them and brought them home. Not really knowing what they are (try googling ‘daisy’, you’ll get hundreds of results, none of which helped identify the seedlings I’d bought), I planted the four “daisies” in different spots, shade, semi shade and full sun. The ones in the sunniest position took off straight away and started to flower in winter, the others all appeared to be dormant, but were hanging in there.

A few weeks later I found a six pack of the same plant, this time labelled as “Argyranthemum” and so I had the name. Googling “Argyranthemum” reveals that there are hundreds of different ones and I still don’t really know what mine are – but who cares … they are pretty, fill in some gaps and seem to flowers for months on end as mine have been doing, with no sign of letting up. I have pink ones and white ones and I love them. I found a slightly larger one, labelled “Argyranthemum frutescens” and that one is doing well mixed in with the Heliotropium. The white and yellow flowers are perfect with the purple of the Heliotropium and the Dietes Grandiflora that are also flowering now.

[one_half]I have them in white …[/one_half]

[one_half_last]And I have them in pink![/one_half_last]

[one_half]Pretty with the Heliotropium[/one_half]

[one_half_last]In deep shade, filling a dark hole[/one_half_last]

[one_half]These are “Argyranthemum frutescens”[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Thriving with Salvia greggii in full sun[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Happy with Carex and Salvia[/one_half]

[one_half_last]A rare view of my Alley-way[/one_half_last]

In other news … after being away from my garden for almost four weeks there is quite a lot to do. Lots of pruning, cutting back and weeding required, but I’m thrilled that my garden has seemed to reach the “third year they leap” stage. Lots of the plants were planted three seasons ago and are now really coming into their own. Its a joy to behold. And I have very very few “holes” left to fill.

Here are a few things that make me happy …

[one_half]Dietes grandiflora and Heliotropium[/one_half]

[one_half_last]New leaves on the Liquidamber[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Petunias have started to flourish[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Yesterday, today and tomorrow[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The bugs have moved back in[/one_half]

[one_half_last]+/- 40 Agapanthus about to flower here[/one_half_last]

[one_half]My gorgeous boy, always helping me[/one_half]

[one_half_last]My roses are flowering[/one_half_last]

[one_half]My Birches are full of leaf and gorgeous[/one_half]

[one_half_last]I wish I knew what tree this is …[/one_half_last]

Happy Gardening
xxx

Tags argyranthemum, daisy

Annuals Barbie's garden Bugs & Pests Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Bugs alive

I guess with the sunshine and the great goodies the garden has to offer, it is not surprizing that I will be seeing more and more critters taking advantage of the flowers! But, I have seen less bugs, so far, than last year. The ladybird beetle is back and she loves the celery and coriander bushes. Aphids are still my archrivals. They are in the roses, lemon tree, brassicas and now I see them in the Artemisia Powis Castle. This is unusual because I thought that bugs don’t like the Artemesia plants. Well, that is where the Ladybird beetle comes in – go fetch!!!

My Calendula is something new to my garden. I read about the great benefits of this wonder plant – Calendula is has been used throughout history in skin preparations. Calendula is beneficial for dry or damaged skin and also promotes the fast healing and regeneration of the skin because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Applying calendula topically is effective for decreasing inflammation and promoting the healing of wounds, burns, eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. But the beetles swarm the flowers and the caterpillars are making a feast of it!

[one_half]Munch munch[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Little black beetles everywhere[/one_half_last]

I seem to think that the bugs like the YELLOW!! This is the first spring that I have so many ‘daisy-like’ flowers – this is Chrysanthemum.

My hero – the Ladybird beetle!! Go get em!!

Oops! sorry! I see you guys are busy!

A Dandelion in the meadow does not escape the jaws of these little critters!!

I am happy to see that my home-made bug spray is working wonders. I always start with a soapy solution for the Aphids, but this doesn’t seem to last long. I have to apply it frequently, so I tried a new solution. I take Tansy leaves and Artemesia Wormwood and make a tea of this. I have read in Margaret Roberts’ book of 1000 herbs that these two are excellent bug repellants. I fill a bucket half way with the leaves, pour boiling water until it covers the leaves. Leave to cool. Strain the tea and place in a spray bottle with a teaspoon on Sunlight liquid (dishwasher liquid).

I sprayed my Roses last thursday and the Aphids are still gone. However, the new shoots need treating, so I will give it another splash of Bug Spray! This is the only plant that I spray – the rest I leave for nature to enjoy. I have so much to be thankful for, I can let it slide for now!

Happy Gardening xxxx

Tags aphids, Bugs & Pests, flowers, garden, plants, roses

Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Last October Days

After the heat of yesterday and the windy morning, I finally ventured out into the garden to see what needed tending. Besides the blown-over trellis and the build-up of weed, I was amazed to see lots of new growth and happy flowers. I am amazed at how much a garden can really give you when you offer some love and care. I treasure the surprises and the jump-for-joy moments, like the new Louisiana Iris in the front garden, the first new Rose or the Broccoli sprout and the sweet carrots.

My first rose bud. It is so sweet and gloriously scented!

[one_half]Dianthus in full bloom next to the Tea Tree[/one_half]

[one_half_last]New rose bushes with Powis Castle[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Salvia Hot Lips in the rose patch[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Some rose buds, Fuchsia growing tall[/one_half_last]

[one_half]What a beautiful colour-Louisiana Iris[/one_half]

[one_half_last]A single perfect flower-just lovely![/one_half_last]

[one_third]Artemesia[/one_third]

[one_third]My Auntie Henna Rose[/one_third]

[one_third_last]Fuchsia lush and green[/one_third_last]

The Grass Feature is coming alive. The grasses are in their 3rd Season, so this is the year for them to shine!

[one_half]The grass feature is amazing[/one_half]

[one_half_last]All grasses are in full growth[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The riverbed still looking good[/one_half]

[one_half_last]This will be so nice in summer[/one_half_last]

Well, the front garden is in full display. The Leopard trees are about to bud and within a few weeks will be rich and green with new leaves. Now let’s see what the back garden is doing …..

The Carnations are still blooming – together with the Yarrow. Both are new to my garden and seem to be happy in the new bed.

[one_half]Chamomile- great tea[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Sage – Salvia[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Calendula – my first ever from seeds[/one_half]

[one_half_last]A favourite medicinal flower[/one_half_last]

My first Fennel plant with flowers – from this one I will collect the seeds.

[one_half]Babiana are so pretty[/one_half]

[one_half_last]My first carnations that didn’t die on me[/one_half_last]

[one_third]Sweetpea up the ladder[/one_third]

[one_third]The new bed[/one_third]

[one_third_last]Buffy hiding from me[/one_third_last]

[one_half]My new apple trees in bloom[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Quinces are now starting[/one_half_last]

[one_half]New strawberries – I love spring![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Blueberry bush also producing[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Watering hole next to the Tansy[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Another watering hole[/one_half_last]

[one_half]My first Lily-behind the pineapple sage[/one_half]

[one_half_last]A dove in her new nest in the potato bush[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Blue Cornflowers in the meadow[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Don’t know what this is-but pretty[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Another unknown flower in the meadow[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Another non-name flower[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Wild growing Nasturtiums[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Meadow flowers coming to an end[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Best Lemons ever![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Loquats are nearly ripe![/one_half_last]

I have so many more photos,but I think I will post them on another day. There is so much happening in my garden right now and I haven’t even touched on the veggie patch.

Til next post – Happy Gardening xxxxxx

Tags dove, flowers, garden, gardening, grass feature, grasses, lemon tree, plants, roses, spring

Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Wet October day

Well, the sun is hiding behind dark, ominous clouds and the rain is coming down. I know my garden loves it and after a few warm days, I am quite happy sitting indoors. Just survived a bout of nasty flu and a quiet weekend inside with a great book sounds like a good idea. I did, however, take a quick walk around to see what needed my attention, but my plants all waved me inside. They are all happy. The Gardener can rest! xxx

[one_half]My Potato Sacks are looking great[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The raised veggie bed looking full[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Beautiful apple blossoms-how lovely![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Rose patch is filling out nicely[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The rain is being enjoyed by all[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The potato bush is heavy with blooms[/one_half_last]

The sage has re-grown from the old plant in the veggie bed. I am enjoying the flowers. The Chrysanthemums are also thriving.

[one_half]Beautiful sage[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Buds closed on this cold day[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The Grass patch is looking amazing[/one_half]

[one_half_last]All grasses are in growth-mode[/one_half_last]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

Well, I thought I could pack away my fuzzy blankets – 🙂 The cold is still creeping in this October month. Well, I’m gonna wrap up warm now and will see you all in the week.

Happy Gardening xxxx

Tags flowers, garden, gardening, grass feature, grasses, organic garden, plants, vegetables

Annuals Barbie's garden Christine's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Mid-Spring in Two Gardens for Garden Bloggers Bloom Day

Post author By Barbara
Post date October 15, 2012
16 Comments on Mid-Spring in Two Gardens for Garden Bloggers Bloom Day

My Japapanese Crabapple (malus floribuna)

The sun is up early and the earth is warming up day by day, now that we are midway through Spring. Some blooms have come to an end but this only makes way for bigger and brighter flowers. Trips to the well-stocked local nursery are frequent to get all that is needed for a burst of colour with new seedlings and flowering plants.

Here’s what’s blooming in Christine’s garden in October 2012

The warmer days after all the rain means I have a garden full of beautiful colour, lots of buds already in bloom and loads more about to burst into flower. At last it feels like spring and I am again loving all the surprises in my garden. My pride and joy is the Japanese Crabapple which is in full bloom. To me it is the most exquisite of flowering trees.

My biggest surprise of all came today when I spotted the Japanese Cherry – it was a gift from a friend last year – just a twig. And guess what? It has started to sprout buds and one new shoot has started to flower. In about two weeks time the entire shrub should be covered in blossoms. A preview of the blossoms below. Here is my mid-spring show …

[one_half]My Japanese Crabapple (malus floribunda)[/one_half]

[one_half_last]One of the Lilies (Lilium longifolium)[/one_half_last]

[one_half]This Dahlia is massive – but looker closer![/one_half]

[one_half_last]House guests in the Dahlia[/one_half_last]

[one_half]A lovely new creeper (Clematis montana)[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Asiatic Lilies flowering in the Alley way[/one_half_last]

[one_third]Yellow flag iris in the pond[/one_third]

[one_third]Murraya exotica in full bloom[/one_third]

[one_third_last]I love the Salvia ‘Mystic spires’[/one_third_last]

[one_third]Louisiana Irises going strong[/one_third]

[one_third]Another look at the Crabapple[/one_third]

[one_third_last]I love the Salvia greggii too[/one_third_last]

[one_half]Babiana are a favourite indigenous bulb[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Another South African beauty – Ixia[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The awaited Japanese Cherry blossom[/one_half]

[one_half_last]A lovely yellow Asiatic Lily[/one_half_last]

That’s it from Claremont in Cape Town, lets see whats happening in Barbie’s garden in Philly …

Here’s what’s blooming in Barbie’s garden in October 2012

My garden is looking so bright and colourful with all the new blooms. All the hard work and attention given to my garden during the year is being rewarded with gorgeous new growth and flowers galore. My idea of adding flowers in amongst the vegetable garden, has given it a burst of colour as well as a host of good bug-a-boos. The butterflies, bees and birds are a welcome sight and enjoy the many treasures – come have a look…….

[one_half]The Purple Patch-lavender, borage and Irises[/one_half]

[one_half_last]My beautiful Irises-the show stoppers![/one_half_last]

[one_half]Lobelia hiding under the Lavender[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Lilies nearly there![/one_half_last]

The Babiana are just my favourites this month!

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

[one_half]Strawberry blooms -can’t wait for the fruit![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Lobelia as ground cover works well[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Love my lavender[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Cornflower in the meadow still stands[/one_half_last]

The Quince tree is in full bloom – such a pretty tree, but I don’t eat quince!

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

[one_half]Sparaxis coming to an end but still bright![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Delicate Viola next to new Calendula shoots[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Jasmine hanging on the fence-delightful![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Ixias cascading over the raised bed[/one_half_last]

More Sparaxis growing in the veggie patch.

[one_half]Ixias are so pretty[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Dianthus in bloom – last years purchase[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Flowers in the grass bed[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Hot Lips Salvia now in bloom[/one_half_last]

The next Iris group is now in full bloom – how gorgeous is this yellow!

[one_half]Roses are budding – it will be a colourful spring![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Feverfew or Crysanthimum?[/one_half_last]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

The colour in my garden brings magic and happiness – this is the colour of Spring. I love taking a walk around and taking in all the beauty.

About Garden Bloggers Bloom Day

Join Carol and friends over at May Dreams Gardens to see what other gardeners around the world have blooming in September! And if you haven’t joined yet and have some blooms you’d like to show off, please join in the fun of showcasing your blooms! We’d love to see what YOU have blooming in your garden right now!

Thank you for joining us!

PS: Please join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter – we’ll be so happy if you do!

Happy gardening xxx

Tags garden bloggers bloom day

Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Spring Splendour

Never have I been so enamored with a flower as I have with my Louisiana Irises. I think that the first specimen has been so magnificent that I have placed this flower on top of my Most Have To Have list. It is so tall and is so perfect that any other Iris will have to bend in its shadow. I wake up in the morning and open my back door and there she is!

[one_half]These are so tall!![/one_half]

[one_half_last]and so perfect![/one_half_last]

I have another 4 patches where I have buried the Iris rhizomes and they are all looking close to blooming.

[one_half]These are in the Blueberry patch[/one_half]

[one_half_last]All the flowers here are purple/blue[/one_half_last]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

The first 2 photos are the Irises in the front garden rose patch. I am not certain what the colours are, so this will be a surprise!

Thanks again, my friend, for this special, special gift!

Happy gardening xxxxx

Tags flowers, garden, iris, louisiana irises

Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Front garden cleanup

It has been an eventful week in my garden – with my first Louisiana Iris bloom and with the warm sunny days we have had all week, the energy is there to get the garden looking spiffy! Out came the lawnmower and the big job to cut the knee-high grass! Oh boy! What a job.

[one_half]This took ages to cut! Whew![/one_half]

[one_half_last]But it was worth it-looks great[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Rose bushes with their new leaves[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Healthy growth[/one_half_last]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

As the sun sets on a productive day, I look out over my front garden and am happy! I will be able to see the new expanding plants, grasses, trees, flowers and veggies.

Now I need to plant all my seeds … my job is far from over, but I am smiling!

Happy Gardening xxx

Tags garden, lawn, spring

Annuals Barbie's garden Christine's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Spring in Two Gardens for Garden Bloggers Bloom Day

Post author By Barbara
Post date September 15, 2012
20 Comments on Spring in Two Gardens for Garden Bloggers Bloom Day

Spring has finally arrived here in the Western Cape, South Africa. As if Mother Nature flipped a switch, the days are warm and the sun is melting the snow of the far mountain pecks. The gardens are excited to get going and we can feel the rush of spring.

“Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love! ” – Sitting Bull

Here’s what’s blooming in Christine’s garden in September 2012

It’s wonderful to be able to walk around outside again, barefoot and warmed by the suns rays and admiring the plants as they wake up from their rest. Every day brings new surprises like the tiny first blooms of the Ipheon, the Azaleas loud statement in bright pink and the more subtle blooms of the many white flowers I have all over the garden. And I’m happy as a lark being able to rush off to nurseries to see whats new in store. Happy Days!

[one_half]All the pretty Hellebores are this colour[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The pretty little daisies are flowering[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Solanum jasminoides is flowering again[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Viburnum tinus is heavy with flowers[/one_half_last]

[one_third]Strelitzia reginae is new[/one_third]

[one_third]Buds on Dutch Irises[/one_third]

[one_third_last]Pretty white Delphiniums[/one_third_last]

[one_third]Jasmine is in full flower[/one_third]

[one_third]Pretty purple flowers[/one_third]

[one_third_last]And pretty white ones[/one_third_last]

[one_half]Clivia In all my deep shade corners …[/one_half]

[one_half_last]And Osteopermum in the sun[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Azaleas in light pinks and whites …[/one_half]

[one_half_last]And in bright pink (or is it cerise?)[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Impatiens are still flowering[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The sweet Dietes bicolor here[/one_half_last]

[one_half]I’m loving the gorgeous Salvia[/one_half]

[one_half_last]And tiny flowers on the Strobilanthes[/one_half_last]

That’s it from Claremont in Cape Town, lets see whats happening in Barbie’s garden in Philly …

Here’s what’s blooming in Barbie’s garden in September 2012

This is my favourite time of the year! The fields are teeming with wild flowers and the farm fields are bright with Canola yellow! But the best part is that my little garden has finally woken from its deep sleep. The thrill of new sprouts and shoots and blossoms …. there are old bulbs that have come up again and looking as fresh as ever!! Buffy will guide you through the garden…

[one_half]Ixias are back![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Barrow full of Sparaxis[/one_half_last]

[one_half]A pretty bloom in the Grass patch[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Alyssum a great pal in the garden[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Love my raised bed[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Nasturtiums a common site now[one_half_last][/one_half_last]

[one_half]Jasmine is about to burst![/one_half]

[one_half_last]My lemon tree is looking its best[/one_half_last]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

[one_half]The meadow coming to an end[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Blueberry flowers – so delicate[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Such Bold colours![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Love the Sparaxis[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Raspberry Lavender[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Fleabane flowers – a ground cover[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Azaleas – keeps blooming![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Wild daisy flower[/one_half_last]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

There is so much colour – I am surprised! I was never a big flower gardener, and now I am loving all the bright blooms! Guess we all evolve.

About Garden Bloggers Bloom Day

Join Carol and friends over at May Dreams Gardens to see what other gardeners around the world have blooming in September and then pop over to ‘Garten Blogger Blüten‘ over at Seepferds Garten for the German version of Garden Bloggers Bloom Day! And if you haven’t joined yet and have some blooms you’d like to show off, please join in the fun of showcasing your blooms! We’d love to see what YOU have blooming in your garden right now!

Thank you for joining us!

PS: Please join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter – we’ll be so happy if you do!

Happy gardening xxx

Tags garden bloggers bloom day

Christine's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Azalea love

I was asked in the comments section on a previous post for some advice on how to grow and care for Azaleas. I am definitely not an expert, far from it, but I admit that my Azaleas are probably the most reliable and prolific of all the flowering plants I have in my garden. Every spring they surprise me when they start flowering and continue to do so for what seems like weeks on end.

[one_half]I ♥ the Azaleas in my garden[/one_half]

[one_half_last]What’s not to love about them?[/one_half_last]

[one_half]A wonderful mass of colour[/one_half]

[one_half_last]They really pop in this bed[/one_half_last]

In my experience, they are fairly easy to grow and trouble-free. That is, provided they are planted in the right position and not unnecessarily disturbed. They like shade (dappled shade seems to work better than full shade – the ones in dappled shade flower earlier and longer than the ones in deeper shade) although I have two which are in a sunny location (more sun than shade). They do well but they can get a bit scorched if the weather gets really hot. In full sun delicate flower colors bleach quickly even though the plants grow well.

In my garden they are used as background evergreen shrubs, the spring flowers are an amazing bonus on a plant that remains green and lively throughout the year and is rarely attacked by anything ((in my experience that is – I’ve yet to see any insects on them). According to everything I have read, they prefer acidic soil and the same growing conditions as Camellias.

[one_half]Mostly, I have them in this pink[/one_half]

[one_half_last]I added three white ones this year[/one_half_last]

[one_half]I have a few in this soft pink[/one_half]

[one_half_last]… and just one like this[/one_half_last]

My experience with Azaleas and what they require:

Grow well with: Camellias, Lilies (Asiatic), Carex evergold

They like it: Under tress, amongst lots of other plants, in shade. I’ve read that they need wind protection – that has not been my experience. My Azaleas have survived wind storms better than most plants in my garden, but then they are not massive plants yet.

Time commitment: About an hour or so each a year. I spend a fair amount of time dead heading them and pinch-pruning or dead-heading them as they finish flowering. Some people (books) say it is not necessary, that they will flower again next year anyway, but I’ve tested it – the ones I do do it to, flower earlier and longer and a whole lot more profusely. So it seems worth doing, to me! But it is important to remove the flower stems on as soon as flowering is complete. Failure to do this will reduce flowering the following year. I break off only the dead flower cluster, not the young buds clustered at its base.

On the subject of actual pruning – There is little need for hard pruning azaleas. If growth becomes uneven or even excessive, I control the size with very light pruning and I do it quite regularly. Azaleas sometimes branch poorly and form a loose, open shrub. When this happens, the plants’ shape can be improved by pinching out the soft, new shoots of vigorous growing plants. It makes for a stronger, bushier plants if you do this from time to time.

They get a dressing of compost once or twice a year and are mulched quite well.That is all I do – I told you they are easy plants!

Fertilising: I use a combination of fertiliser in my garden. Every six months or so I apply a 4-5 month slow release version of Osmocote and sporadically, maybe three times a year I use Neutrog’s Bounce Back – both are organic and don’t contain harsh chemicals so there is no danger of fertiliser burn. They seem to thrive on this treatment.

[one_half]I pinch the spent buds out[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Regular dead-heading = more flowers[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The shrubs grow quite tall[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Every flower is beautiful …[/one_half_last]

Great as: Investment and backbone plants. As evergreen shrubs they will give you years of flowering pleasure, growing each year to fill in a little more space.

Negatives: At a certain time of year they do not look very attractive. My solution to this was growing Asiatic lilies in and amongst the Azaleas in one of the beds. This works well for me. As the Azaleas stop blooming so the Lilies start and seem to hide the “tired” looking foliage for a few weeks. (When the lilies start to decline … well I only have one bed with this combination and admittedly, for about 4 weeks it looks absolutely awful because I let the lilies die back naturally so that they come back the following year. That is four weeks of dyeing lilies and tired looking Azaleas at the end of summer). But in my opinion it is a small price to pay for a garden bed that looks fabulous for the other 48 weeks of the year).

Soil preparation: Azaleas must have soil that is prepared carefully and thoroughly. I find the roots of azaleas are very delicate and do not like to be disturbed (they may not flower for the next season if I “dig around” the roots too much and when I have transplanted them they don’t flower as well for a season. But thereafter they make up for it by growing well and flowering profusely the next Spring. Because the delicate roots of azaleas are easily destroyed, excellent drainage is important.

Mulch: Azaleas are shallow rooted and need heavy mulch to conserve moisture around the roots, to minimize winter injury, and to prevent injury from cultivation.

So that is my (novice) experience with Azaleas. Have I left anything out?

Tags azaleas, white azaleas

Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Another rainy day

Oh well, the spring sun was covered with clouds today and the rain came tumbling down – again. But Spring is all about the warmth and the rain – the flowers and the showers, right? So here is my garden today – wet and warm. The Spring feeling is in the air and the blues have melted and the spirits are high. I’ve been in the garden all day yesterday – pulling, clearing, weeding, cutting……..

I wonder what colour this Iris will be??

[one_half]I have groups of Irises all over the garden[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Going to be a glorious Spring!![/one_half_last]

[one_half]Sparaxis in bloom[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Festuca Glauca a strong favourite[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The Blue Bed – all the flowers blue or purple![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Azaleas loving the rain![/one_half_last]

[one_half]More Sparaxis, heavy with rain[/one_half]

[one_half_last]My Raspberry Lavender, lovely colour[/one_half_last]

A single Freeshia – what a delight!

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

[one_half]Veggie patch all wet – again![/one_half]

[one_half_last]View from the front porch[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Newly cut grasses – waiting for the spring growth[/one_half]

[one_half_last]View from the back porch[/one_half_last]

[one_third]Front lawn needs mowing[/one_third]

[one_third]Rose bed clipped[/one_third]

[one_third_last]Erigeron creeping furiously[/one_third_last]

[one_half]Getting my seeds planted, while weather poor[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Took Thyme clippings – growing very well[/one_half_last]

I am quite surprised how much I managed to get done this weekend, despite the rainy weather! My garden is budding and growing in leaps and bounds. The rain is always welcome in my neck of the woods – only not days of it!

I hope my next post is on my Irises blooming!! 🙂

Happy gardening xxxxxx

Tags flowers, foliage, garden, grasses, lavender, plants, spring bulbs