Whew! I have been kinda quiet, but I spent the weekend doing some heavy gardening – you know, with a lawn mower and a pair of sheers! It was so hot and I was an idiot. But, when I have a bee in my bonnet…… needless to say, I was completely exhausted today and enjoyed a photoshoot in Kalk Bay (I’ll send you some photos). My garden is one that needs little attention because it is not really a show garden, but it does get messy when I neglect it. I had to give the front lawn a mow and the protea bush was growing all haywire so I needed to cut some of the branches! The one lavender bush had a haircut! My next project will be the other lavender bushes and the rose bushes! I am sad to say that the roses were not that spectacular this year, so they need some loving! Will be back tomorrow with some more photos! It’s time to get some sleep! Night night!
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4 replies on “I’ve been in the Garden”
Ahh, so not that long to go when we see the proteas!
Hi Chris, I know that the lavender looks like a flattened beach ball, but I find that it needs to be kept neat and prevents the woody stems from becoming too visible. I have to cut all the dry stems underneath it to allow for air to circulate and prevent dampness so that the pesky mildew stays away. It is like a short haircut that looks weird, but it is worth it in the end. I would not cut yours yet. It’s still too young. My bushes are about 3 years old now. The protea has some funny marks on the leaves – I’ll have to take some up close shots to see what it is (a bug or a microorganism). But it was pretty in bloom. I’m deadheading it and now feeding it. I actually don’t remember when it flowers – I think in the winter because when my roses are cut back I have proteas in my vases. And the beautiful malachite Sugarbird comes every year! I love that!
PS: Your Protea’s were magnificent when they were in bloom. I think our foreign readers will LOVE to see the proteas in bloom. When will they flower again?
Oh Barbs, you were very brave to do all that in this heat! I managed to do some weeding and deadheading, but then flaked out. So much I want to do in the garden and just can’t stomach the heat right now …
The Lavender looks kinda odd, but I think this has to be done? Should I be doing mine now?