The problem with aging....

...is that the mind and body often clash.  The mind suggests that this needs an overhaul or that needs attention.  The body stands, hands on hips, with an attitude and says hell no!

I do love a bit of a clash in the garden however. 

The two gardens that for me have really surpassed my expectations this year are the Yen (above) and Mugwart's Retreat (below).  The plants have really settled in since they both had an overhaul and I'm really enjoying the firm shapes with pops of colour in the Yen.  The serenity continues in Mugwart's Retreat but with a more relaxed vibe. 

Since this photo was taken of the Retreat however, our neighbour has removed the high hedge so the light has changed a little.  We shall soon find out the impact on the plants on this once shaded area.

Sadly the impact has already been felt with the loss of habitat for the sparrows that had called this large expanse of evergreen hedging home.  There has been a marked decline in feathered visitors to our bird feeders, as they have flown further afield in search of shelter. 

A little solace was discovered today in our tiny pond.  The miniature water lily has produced a single bloom!

Warm Spring Sunshine

Each season I find something that makes me happy.  In spring it's the speed at which everything comes together.  The sun becomes brighter and warmer, the days longer.  The birds fill my heart with their song, the leaves unfurl and as each flower swells and bursts open, I cannot imagine wanting to be anywhere but in the garden.  

These three photos show just how quickly acer Aureum leaves explode from tightly wrapped buds when the warm spring days arrive. 

In the Yen Garden, crimson rhododendron flowers are about to bloom.

The pruning of this Japanese cherry blossom, prunus serrulata Kanzan, has paid dividends as it is now smothered in sugary pink, nectar rich clusters that are a magnet for bees.

Above, acer palmatum Sango-kaku is now in full leaf, as is the rich deep tone of what we think is a. dissectum Garnet. 

Sitting beneath the wisteria laden arch that leads to the Yen Garden, sat a large green glazed pot containing cannas.  Today I dug these up and repotted them into a smaller container of the same design. 

The larger green pot is required for a greater purpose, which be revealed at a later date.

The increasingly rare sighting of our very own Bumblebee. He doesn't often venture into the garden, however the lockdown has caused many folk to behave in unusual ways, and the wildlife are thriving as a result!

In the meantime, The Man That Can has been a busy bee also.  Last week I removed the rotting log roll from either side of the arch on the patio.  This week, TMTC has removed all the concreted stones along the edge of the left hand side and along the Long Border.  This has created a trench of around 7 or 8 inches in width. 

He then filled the trench with a mixture of old compost and top soil, before removing the rotting log roll. In the coming weeks I shall bring some of the lower growing plants forward into this new space to blend it all together.

Hard work over for now, it's time to enjoy the garden.  A pleasure for all the senses. 

Easter

It's relatively easy for me as an introvert to cope with the lockdown as I don't feel the urge many people do to be out and about. I'm happy to spend time in the home or garden with my family.

Mother nature blessed the 4 day weekend with good weather so out came the cushions for the patio furniture so we were able to enjoy it.

There has been an explosion of foliage on the trees in the garden. The Tibetan cherry has even put on a display of tiny white flowers.

Before the serious business of relaxation could begin, there were a few tasks to attend to.  I removed the rotting log roll from the Terrace border and both sides of the patio borders.  TMTC cleaned the pond pump and the water butts, and between us we cleaned the trunks of the birches and Tibetan cherry, along with the seating in the Yen, Mugwart's Retreat, and on the patio.  Everywhere was watered really well and mulches applied for the roses with manure and the acid lovers with old ericaceous compost mixed with some slow release fertiliser. 

  

Time to sit and stitch in the sunshine. 

The blackbirds aren't afraid of us and come very close.

Tulip time.

And....Ellie.  She is such a sun worshipper.  Angel rarely sat in the sun and actively sought the shade, preferably inside.  Ellie is the opposite.  She will follow a shaft of sunlight around and if the door is open will sit outside on the terrace alone if she has to.

However, if she can sit on the sun lounger, pushing you into the shade cast by the parasol then she will.

She's such a diva.

Taking a breather

The weather has improved a little and the sun has inspired bulbs to emerge and bloom all over the garden.  

I'm taking a couple of weeks off work and it's so comforting to hear the birdsong in the mornings, from the tawny owl in the neighbour's eucalyptus tree before dawn, to the urgent chirping of the sparrows as they squabble over the prime positions on the feeders. 

As I take Ellie for a walk, I am so aware how lucky I am to have fresh air to fill my lungs with.  I'm a country girl at heart and never happier than being outside amongst nature.  I guess I have a little something in my blood as I come from farming heritage.  I reckon if I won the lottery, I would buy a house further into the countryside - perhaps on the edge of a village.  I don't think I would go the whole hog and have livestock but a small wood would be just perfect.  

I can just imagine sitting on a fallen log, listening to the birds and watching the sunlight filtered through the leaves moving in a gentle breeze.  Ahhh. And relax...

Gardening never stays still.  There's always something to trim, tweak or titivate.

Clematis Armandii has almond scented flowers. This has definitely found itself at home in the Terrace Border and with this warming sunshine, will soon be smothered in blooms.

Time for the cornus spring snip.  The vivid red stems are cut back hard to ensure next winter's display. 

In the Yen Garden, rhododendron Christmas Cheer is in full swing.  It clearly wasn't fazed by being moved into the ground last spring. 

The wisteria already has swelling buds all along the stems.  Last year we had a single flower and oh boy did that bring pleasure to the senses.  The plant has had a light winter prune to shorten the previously pruned stems (using the 7s and 2s process).  The very ends of some of the training stems had died back so they also received a nip.  This year I reckon the wisteria will reach the other side of the pergola.  Then it will be a case of filling out and keeping it healthy (and hopefully increasing the amount of blooms).

Pausing for a moment in the tranquility of the Yen Garden, the cherry tree also has new buds swelling.  Below the cherry is the young acer Sangokaku showing off its vibrant stems.

Over in Mugwart's Retreat, clematis Alpina Constance is waiting in the wings for its moment in the spotlight. 

Spring is almost upon us. I can smell it.