Saturday 19 May 2012

Seasonal Splendours - The Late Spring Garden

Before I begin this post I will just mention that it is one year since Ramblings from Rosebank was created.  I can hardly believe a year has passed and that I have written over 200 posts. Many thanks to all those who have shown interest in my garden and written such lovely comments.  I like to think I have made a few blogging friends along the way.  At times I have felt like giving up but your encouragement in the form of your comments has kept me going - here's to another year.

Clematis Montana
I have never seen such lush, verdant growth in my garden as I have this spring.  All the rain has worked wonders, and although the flowers are still a little scarce, the foliage well makes up for it.

As you can see from the photos the borders are full to the brim  and within a couple of weeks (probably whilst we are on holiday) they should be in flower.  I'd better remember to get extra batteries for the camera as I have a feeling I shall be snapping away to catch everything at its best.


Plants that normally flop about because it is so dry are now standing proud and erect, like this Tellima, and the different foliage shapes add interest to the borders.


The Aquilegias are just starting to bloom and the Alliums are waiting to pop open.  There are buds on the Sweet Rocket and the Cranesbill are slowly coming into their own at the front of the border.


In the raised beds at the top of the garden the sage cuttings that I took last year have burgeoned, along with the parsley and garlic.  As you know I leave self-seeders where they choose to grow, so there are lots of California Poppies and Nasturtiums scattered in amongst them.


The apple trees are a mass of blossom - last year the apples were pretty small because of the weather - maybe this year they will grow to full size.

Now the borders look like what I intended for them all along -  a true cottage garden feel with a friendly intimacy.

24 comments:

  1. Despite us all winging about the rain, it really has done spectacular things to our gardens this year. Congrats on your 1 yr blogging. It's an amazing place to meet new friends who share your passion. Your beds are looking very lush, can't wait to see the flower photos soon xxx

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    1. Thanks Jane I never realised how much I would enjoy linking to other gardeners.

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  2. wow a year already Elaine where has the time gone. Not quite sure if I've been following you every step of the way but heh what I've seen and read to date has been inspirational. Keep it up girl x.x

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    1. Thanks Ena - I have always enjoyed your comments on my posts.

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  3. Wow, the lushness is definitely apparent in your garden! Yes, here's to another year or five :-)

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    1. It's been a struggle to get this far without giving up - not sure I could manage another five

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  4. Happy blogiversary. Well done on doing 200 most enjoyable posts. We all struggle at times but don't you dare give up!
    It's looking very lush in your garden with the promise of lots of colour to come. Flighty xx

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    1. Thank you Flighty - I'll do my best to keep it up- at least for a while anyway.

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  5. I have enjoyed watching your garden grow and I have appreciated visits and kind comments to the Garden Spot. I will reach two years in early September. I think we all get frustrated, but then one of blogger friends leaves an especially nice comment and we get inspired to continue on. I love England and hope to return soon, so I will enjoy your garden and your blog. Happy anniversary.

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    1. Thank you Ann for your comments they have been most welcome over the year.

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  6. Hi Elaine, Congratulations on your first anniversary! It has been great to get to know you and your garden. It is especially nice that your garden is starting to look as you envisioned it.
    We have had some rain here as well and it has made a big difference in the garden. Everything is green. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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    1. Thank you Jennifer - it has been an interesting and rewarding year in many respects and one of them is visiting your blog for such interesting posts.

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  7. Hi Elaine, your garden is looking very beautiful.At least the rain has been good in some respects! I am amazed how much our garden has grown in the week we have been away, but at least it looks (even if it doesnt feel much like it) like summer could be around the corner.

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    1. I've heard it is going to be warmer next week - hopefully the flowers will come out of hibernation.

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  8. Good for you, Elaine. Gosh but I know what you mean about giving up .... But don't - I forbid it! You seem to be enjoying this 'spring' more than I - hardly anything flowering at the Priory. Still, who wants gardening to be predictable (apart from me). Dave

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  9. Your border are exactly how I want mine to look! I think the rain has been good for the gardens (although I am sick of it! )

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    1. I must admit the borders look fantastic - trouble is they have grown so much I can't get in there to weed - there's nowhere to put my feet without trampling everything and some of the smaller plants have just got swamped.

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  10. Congratulations on your first year of garden blogging. Really enjoy your posts. My garden is full of colour at the moment; just one colour, green.
    Like you, I'm looking forward to some flowers.

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    1. Thanks Crystal - it would be nice if they grey skies lifted - I am sure the garden would welcome a little sun - it just feels as though spring has come to a standstill.

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  11. Happy one year blog anniversary! I enjoy reading about your garden and your beautiful pictures. You garden now looks very green and lush, indeed. Hope you get some sun soon!

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    1. My prayers have been answered - the weather has changed for the better and looks set for the whole of the week - Hooray! Now I will be able to start planting my veggies out at last. Thank you for your kind comments.

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  12. I love your garden, especially the border along the fence. Thank you so much for sharing these photos.

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    1. Thank you Mary it's very kind of you to say so.

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