These redhot tulips were picked from my cutting garden - well, in real life they are more of a burnt orange - mixed with yellow archangel and cowslips - they certainly pack a punch.
I can never understand how these delicate Dicentra plants survive the harsh winters when I have lost so many other 'sturdier' ones.
The Cornflowers are beginning to flower - they, at least, come back every year without fail and make a welcome early addition to the borders.
This pale lemon Heuchara with its bright green leaves is a very understated addition to the borders but it is a good filler plant that grows well in shade and splits easily.
The same applies to the Lady's Bedstraw which has really taken off this year - apparently its perfume increases if picked and dried - it used to be used as a strewing herb.
The Solomans Seal has popped up not far from where is was planted it usually gets attacked by saw-fly and doesn't look this good for very long. You can see the Comfrey pushing its way through underneath it.
The Polyganum, I call it a bottle-brush plant, is planted in a large container where I can keep it well-watered. Originally it was planted in the bog-garden, which we no longer have - it just wasn't boggy enough.
A couple of weeks ago I was bemoaning the fact that we didn't have many Forget-me-Nots this year - well I was wrong, they have popped up everywhere - there is a sea of blue all over the garden.
And finally, the James Grieve apple tree with its lovely apricot coloured buds is putting on a great show. Praying for an apple crop this year.
Goodbye to Alfie and Eddie
It has been a sad week for me - my two grass-eating machines have gone.
I got up at 6.30 a.m. every morning for the last 10 years or so - come rain or shine to
feed and water them. Saving titbits, cabbage leaves etc. for them to enjoy.
I reared them by hand - they were pets who served no useful purpose except to keep
the grass down in the field.
I shall miss their little faces every morning waiting at the gate expectantly - I won't go into
any detail as to why they are no longer with me or I will get a bit emotional.
Stupid I know - they were only sheep after all.
 |
| Alfie |
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| Eddie |
Goodbye old pals.
spectacular cornflower your garden really has put on a growth spurt after your freezing weather recently, sad about Alfie and Eddie I think they were more than just sheep to you.
ReplyDeleteWill there be replacements for Alfie and Eddie?
ReplyDeleteNo, sadly not Mark - we will rent the field out to horse owners instead.
DeleteSad news. Jx
ReplyDeleteSad news, but at least they had a long and happy life. xx
ReplyDeleteBoy it sure looks like spring has sprung in your garden! So many beauties to enjoy. I've been seeing more and more dicentra this year. Hurray for a great crop of forget-me-nots.
ReplyDeleteTen years is a long time with your woolly companions. I'm sorry they're no longer with you.
Do you cornflowers end up sprawling and straggly after flowering? We have some on the plot that I cut right back after flowering and they have a second flush.
ReplyDeleteNot that I've noticed but I do dead head them and get second flowerings.
DeleteA lovely selection of flowers; I do love cornflowers and your fiery tulips look very striking. I am sorry about Alfie and Eddie; my three sheep are around the same age and I know what it's like to be so fond of them.
ReplyDeleteA lovely colourful post. I'm sorry about Alfie and Eddie but I'm sure that you'll remember them with fondness and a smile. Flighty xx
ReplyDeleteAwwwww.....so sorry that your wonderful old pals are no longer with you. You have EVERY right to be emotional, ten years is a long time and sheep are wonderful companions. I've really enjoyed hearing about them and seeing their gorgeous little faces,.......struth, now I'm getting emotional.
ReplyDeleteSome delightful blooms there. Hugs xxxxxxx
I expect 6:30 will arrive with a bit of a pang for a while. Hard to believe the sadness will fade and the good memories come to the fore but they will.
ReplyDeleteOh I love those bright orange tulips. Spring is so exciting. LOL!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are beautiful. I spend so much time looking at veg these days so your blog has been a welcome break for me. I do love flowers. Thank you. Also I'm sorry to hear about your sheep.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't matter that they were just sheep. You loved them and that's what matters. My heart goes out to you. Your garden looks beautiful. I love all that Bedstraw. My garden isn't moist enough for it.
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone for your comments about Alf and Ed - it made me feel a lot better.
ReplyDeleteI feel absolutely gutted for you about the sheep Elaine. I dont understand people who think you shouldnt get attached to animals.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you named the plant ladys bedstraw.Ours has really taken off this year and is a lovely sight to behold.
I always leave the sawfly to munch through the solomon's seal, Elaine. But this year I shall pick them off, I think. I read that otherwise once replete with my plants they fall into the soil below, pupate and emerge the following year to repeat the whole sorry process. Perhaps I can break the cycle? Sorry to hear about Alfie and Eddie and can fully understand your feelings toward them. Margaret (the local farmer) keeps a few old ewes for no other reason than she is fond of them, Dave
ReplyDeleteLove the flowers and colors Elaine!! I'm so sorry about Alf and Ed :(
ReplyDeleteYour late spring garden is looking great, Elaine. Your masses of Forget-Me-Nots are wonderful, a real carpet of them.
ReplyDeleteI'm sad to hear about Alfie and Eddie, They've obviously been a part of your life for a long time, it's no wonder you were emotional. I hope you can treasure all the fond memories you must have of them.
Lots of Spring colour there. I love the little Forget me nots. Sorry to hear about your animals. It's always sad when we lose our dear animal friends.
ReplyDeleteYou've alot of Spring colour in the garden. I love sheep and the little character personalities animals have so I would miss them too. Maybe a new pet is on the cards?
ReplyDelete