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A Herby Haven for Lodging Ladybirds
Last week, I wrote about planning with excitement for lots of little projects I wanted to undertake in my garden this autumn, my ‘tinkering season’ – a process that I look forward to every year. One of those little projects involves re-designing an ornamental herb bed...
A Time to Reflect
I deliberately took some time away from social media over the past month, to focus on my family as the summer weeks flew past and before I knew it, our beloved Labrador turned 14 years old and my lovely daughter began high school. I wanted to cherish those last few...
Allium sphaerocephalon (‘drumstick’ allium)
My daughter’s entry to our village’s flower show junior division ‘a photo of your pet’- 🤎 sweet Teddy looking very handsome in front of a cluster of Allium sphaerocephalon (‘drumstick’ allium), awash with bees & beloved by pollinators (the flowers, not necessarily...
Evening primrose ‘Silky Orchid’
Evening primrose ‘Silky Orchid’ - now in full flower, its sheer flower power is astonishing & I can’t rate it highly enough! This very resilient perennial form creates a lovely loose, romantic feel to edges - I love the way it tumbles across & amongst other...
Big Butterfly Count
This year’s ’Big Butterfly Count’ closes on 4 August. Download the app, it’s a fun & interactive way to get children involved. You can also upload more than one count, so try completing it at different times of day or during different weather conditions. Our...
It’s been a good year for clematis!
(1) Clematis texensis ‘Princess Diana - I love the vibrant tulip-shaped cerise pink flowers & healthy dark green foliage (& it’s an American variety 🇺🇸🤩). I’ve only ever seen it once before, many summers ago, looking spectacular in an allotment at the...
One of our 6 Buddlejas looking forward to participating in the Big Butterfly Count
One of our 6 Buddlejas looking forward to participating in the #bigbutterflycount next week when we have a bit more sunshine here! My daughter & I take part every year 🦋. Download the Big Butterfly Count app on your phone & never miss out! And our sweet boy...
Verbascum ‘Snowy Spires’, busy bees foraging. 🐝
Verbascum ‘Snowy Spires’, busy bees foraging. 🐝 A few weeks ago, I posted a couple of photos of the Verbascum just coming into bloom. It’s been such a grey summer & not great for our garden insects, that it was a real joy to see how busy the bees have been on the...
Agapanthus at twilight & at sunrise
Agapanthus at twilight & at sunrise. Blue is my favourite colour in the garden 💙 I always know that summer school holidays are upon us when the agapanthus is in bloom. These agapanthus die back every year, so are not evergreen but are hardy for our British...
Buddleia Buzz ‘Hot Raspberry’, a striking compact variety that is great for containers & small gardens
Buddleia Buzz ‘Hot Raspberry’, a striking compact variety that is great for containers & small gardens. Magenta blooms up to 6-8 inches long with little orange ‘eyes’ are a magnet for bees & butterflies for 4 months - remember to deadhead regularly to prolong...
Oenothera speciosa ‘Silky Orchid’
Oenothera speciosa ‘Silky Orchid’. I started growing (from seed) & using this beautiful, unusual Evening Primrose last year, placing it in beds/borders where a softer edge is desired. ‘Silky Orchid’ has a wonderful tendency to spread itself & spill over edges,...
A newly planted Gilia capitata (Blue Gilia)
A newly planted Gilia capitata (Blue Gilia) - first time I’ve used this cracking little plant (reminds me of a pincushion) packed with dozens of tiny gentian blue flowers attractive to pollinators like butterflies & bees. I especially like its pretty fern-like...