The flowers are nearly over and the new foliage is taking full advantage but don’t cut the flowers off and throw in the compost just yet, look how lovely they are, as cut flowers, in a vase right now with some flower heads of Tellima grandiflora or ‘Fringe cups’
Hellebore flowers/seedheads look fab in a vase
I’m no expert in flower arranging, but the colours are just gorgeous.
In the early years of gardening for me it was a challenge to get to know my plants – their names, habit, tolerances and when they flowered, why they died and why they flourished, and then, did I really really like them anyway and why?
The next stage is planning good planting combinations where it is all about timing, structure and colour. When your flower border has reached it’s pinnacle for the year and looks fabulous. This is often planned, but of course can be quite by chance.
If you are extremely clever, with a good size budget to match, the third stage is for the border to hold its interest for all four seasons – Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter with wonderful successional planting. For that we have to turn to the great plants men and women such as Christopher Lloyd and Beth Chatto who were quite brilliant at it.
Back to me and a chance happening. The Tulip Lilac Wonder that, whilst I admired the beauty of its form, the colour, let’s say surprised me a little! But now the Clematis montana is out and stunningly covered with blooms, the match is perfect. A chance meeting but one that will be repeated I’m sure…
Clematis montana meets Tulipa Lilac Wonder. Cool.
(Unfortunately the photo doesn’t do it the justice it deserves 🙁 )
This was the scene on May 18th 2013… The bluebells are out a whole month earlier this year.
Cardamine pratensis. It is here in abundance this spring. Have you got it near you?
Also known as Lady’s smock and Cuckoo flower – look out for it with it’s head above the rest
Queen of night.. stunning by the front door
Tulipa Merlot with Cummins, forget-me-nots and grape hyacinths
Bottom right a close-up of Tulipa Cummins – just gorgeous
Tescos mixed pack of 50 bulbs… never again. No sophistication.
Tulipa lilac wonder. Is it me or is that colour combination just wrong?
Fun like fireworks??! Not quite hitting the spot
This one here and that one there, yet I can’t guess one!
But this year I’m going to have a go..
Narcissus ‘Kilworth’
-Div 2. large cupped
Narcissus – I’m not sure which?
Narcissus ‘Grand Soliel d’Or’
Paperwhite narcissus
Narcissus ‘Ambergate’
-Div 10, the wild species
Narcissus x odorus ‘Rugulosus’
Div 7 Jonquil, Small-cupped sweetly scented, 2 or more flowers on stem
Narcissus ‘Ice Follies’
Div 3, Small-cupped
Narcissus ‘Tahiti’
Div.4, double
Narcissi ‘Portrush’
Div. 3 Small cupped
To enjoy the Fritillaries blowing in the wind