Finally the temperatures have lowered and we've had some useful rain. It's still warm...but that normal "British summer warm" and far more comfortable to sleep at night.
Taking advantage of the cooler weather with rain guaranteed for the weekend, the Terrace Border needed some attention.
The plants except the sambuccus nigra "Black Beauty" and the clematis Armandii were removed and masses of garden compost added to the soil.
First in is the new hydrangea Bumblebee rescued, along with some of the irises which now repositioned in spots that won't be smothered by herbaceous perennials might get to bake their rhizomes enough to perform.
Ernie the Easter Island head was completely hidden in the patio borders so he's found a new slightly loftier position on a tree root.
A really deep and wide hole was dug, All the soil replaced with rich homemade garden compost and after a bit of a tidy up, rosa Lovely Daughter was replanted. It really didn't do very well in its previous spot, but I've found that roses are pretty tough and forgiving so with a bit of TLC it should bounce back next year. I've added a little patch of cottage pinks to pick up the dusty rose once it flowers.
A couple of patches of sun loving ground covering sedums should bring the bees and butterflies in, along with the taller sedum spectabilis. Beside this is an evergreen ball of Viburnum that had self layered a couple of years ago and I potted up until it was large enough to plant out. It's hidden just now by the sedum but they're quite speedy to put on growth so will soon fill the corner nicely.
Clumps of foxgloves have also been repositioned and will join others that have self seeded in this intersection of two borders.
The purple flowering grass had perished, but the tall stipa gigantica looked well enough to be replanted in a more open spot, along with verbena bonariensis, Perovskia Blue Spire and the now dry seed heads of Eryngiums which will hopefully provide plants for coming years as they drop their seeds. This is the only part of the Terrace Border that didn't receive a hearty helping of garden compost.
Everything was well watered and in the evening and the following day it rained...properly.
A self seeded viola nestled in among the strappy foliage of Agapanthus seems very happy. It would be a shame to shorten it's moment by weeding it out.
Further self seeded violas and tiny primroses saved from the drought.
This Japanese anemone is not ours, but since its in flower it can show off on the patio before it is relocated to our friends new garden when we next get together.
The large potted Viburnums are beginning to flower.
Osteospermums had a good trim midway through the heatwave and are beginning to relish the cooler temperatures, as are the roses.
r. Special Anniversary above.
r. Gertrude Jeykll has now reached shoulder height and is happy to share her fragrant blooms again. The potted hydrangea Blueberry Cheesecake at her feet however has exhausted itself and although it started off well, the blooms lost their blue colour due to having to be watered with tap water as the butts of rainwater ran dry.
Coming to the fore now are Phlox above and sedums below.
It's been a difficult summer on the whole for the garden this year, but hopefully if this year becomes the norm in future, my young trees will provide some very useful shade for both garden and gardener!
