Tuesday 6 April 2010

Early April in the Garden

I have a great shortage of colour in what should be a lovely spring garden. As in many places, we are about a month behind. I have taken pictures of what I have got. First, though, here is the new project.
The Pagoda Arbour was delivered this morning. It forms a long needed focal point at the end of the path between the herbaceaus borders. Before, along the wall was a Russian Vine. It was meant to hang over the wall, but first the East wind blew it in, then the snow came and flattened it to half its height. This was the trigger to my getting it out and doing a bit of re-designing. The second picture gives a good idea of the area it covered - from the left of the arbour to the conifer. It was kept in check by vigorous pruning. It did the task for which it was planted - it filtered the winds that hit the wall.

Now we come to the flowers in bloom at the moment.
This Helibore is one of several. There is a dark mauve one that is no good for photographing, as its heads hang down even more than this one.I thought I should include this picture of death! You have seen its wonderful sunny presence before, as it lit a darkish spot by the little gate from the stable yard to the main garden. I dare say it will come again from the bottom if I cut it back, but it would be more sensible to start again. I just hope the old tub that it is in stands up to the change-over





The little daffodils should have been out over a month ago. Today, two days after this picture they are almost making it.
A couple of clumps of crocus. I have very few left - I think the mice eat them. I must make a resolution to plant more, as I love them.















Last, but not least, we have these Hyacinths. They were grown for Christmases several years ago and this year they are better than ever. And really hardly late at all. Funny things plants!

11 comments:

Westerwitch/Headmistress said...

Wow real flowers . . .Thank you for the April trip to your garden. Has the vine really gone, or will it keep popping up . . .

Withy Brook said...

Fear it will keep popping up. We will have to work at it!

CAMILLA said...

Lovely pics Withy, thank you. Love the Helleborus plants.

Quite fancy one of those gorgeous Arbours myself Withy, lucky you.!

xx

Calico Kate said...

I do like Russian vine as it's flowers are so pretty but understand that you might not want it all over your pretty new pagoda. I love helibores so pretty and so shy.
Isn't it interesting how behind we are this year. What will you put in the wooden tub now?
CKx

Withy Brook said...

I might put the same again, CK, but have yet to decide. It did shine like the sun, even on dull days.

S said...

I love the tours you give around your garden at various stages of the year Withy...

Interestingly, my Mum who got married this week fifty something years ago...said that the flowers then were at exactly the same stage back then as they are today.

Tattieweasle said...

What a wonderful Arbour! It reminds me of the one we saw in Harrogate in the Georgian Garden. I am sure the flowers are all now bursting forth and soon the garden will be ablaze.

Anonymous said...

Fun tour Withy - thank-you. Hyacinths are my favourite flower -usually, rather than a clump of them, we see them singularly potted in florists shops for an exorbitant price. Perhaps I should search for a bulb and grow it placed on a jar on my windowsill.Wrong season here in Australia though. I like the structure you have for your focal point!

Rob-bear said...

If your garden is "is a little short of colour," mine is utterly devoid thereof. Trying to build a garden on silt is akin to building a house on sand.

Sigh!

But I guess I'm a "Bear" for punishment.

Friends of Jesus said...

wonderful flowers. God bless you

aj-opinionated101 said...

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