What I’m Doing: What haven’t we done this ….! It’s been such glorious weather in the UK this week and I think it’s safe to say that all of us over here have been busy, busy, busy all week. Nipping out in the morning before work and then that extra hour at night has been so welcome. Most excitingly this week I’ve had a delivery from Harts Nursery of some summer bulbs (Dahlias and Lilies) which I cannot wait to see BLOOM!
I know what you’re thinking…Dahlias? I’ve said time and time again that I’m not growing them but these will be perfect with the Cafe Au Lait I’ve already got! And I’ve never grown lilies (left) before so this is something new for our little garden…
This brings the total Dahlia count to four! The Cafe Au Lait (from The Rose Press Garden) is being joined by a beautiful Caribbean Fantasy, a spectacular Catching Fire and a real BANG of a yellow from the Bishop Of York! And the Lilies are going to be really something special, the collection (Hot Red Bed) is a real mix of moody reds and dark crimson tones!
The daffs are out in full force and are putting on a show! Some of the ones in pots are the tallest (right) I’ve ever seen and I think that’s all down to the fact that they’re being watered well. Don’t forget to really give your pots a good drink, especially tulips – it helps them grow up and up and up! Otherwise you’ll end up with really short stems…
What I’m Sowing/Planting This Week: I’ve changed the heading to Sowing/Planting because it feels like there is more planting right now, rather than sowing. So…this week we’ve planted Gladioli bulbs in pots, Lupins from Wilko (finally!), the Harts Dahlias in pots and a Peony in a pot until I can decide where its final placement will be.
We’ve also had an Erysimum Bowles Mauve for a few years now and it’s been one of the stars of the garden. After a few years they need to be replaced as they tend to get very woody so I’ve finally dug it up and replaced it with some of the same. If you’ve never grown it then please make it one to try this year…its very special! Tonnes of purple flowers for months and months on end!
I’ve rarely shown full photos of the whole garden, mainly because I’m never happy with it but…I took this over the weekend and for a brief moment, I was really happy with what I was seeing. Sometimes we have to make sure we celebrate our little wins.
In other news…? My podcast is back for a new season!! The first episode came out on Monday and there will be a new episode every Monday for at least the next 8 weeks…maybe longer!
The first guest is Danish Gardening Legend, none other than Claus Dalby. King of container gardening and an absolute wealth of gardening knowledge. I’ve started this season with a real highlight of an episode. You can listen here!
Long update this week! Hopefully you’ve made it this far!
View From The Potting Bench 