Friday 17 May 2013

Friday Flowers . What's in Bloom and Goodbye to Alfie and Eddie

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


Eddie


Goodbye old pals.

22 comments:

  1. 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.

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  2. Will there be replacements for Alfie and Eddie?

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    Replies
    1. No, sadly not Mark - we will rent the field out to horse owners instead.

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  3. Sad news, but at least they had a long and happy life. xx

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  4. Boy 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.

    Ten years is a long time with your woolly companions. I'm sorry they're no longer with you.

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  5. 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.

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    1. Not that I've noticed but I do dead head them and get second flowerings.

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  6. A 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.

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  7. A 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

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  8. Awwwww.....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.

    Some delightful blooms there. Hugs xxxxxxx

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  9. 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.

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  10. Oh I love those bright orange tulips. Spring is so exciting. LOL!

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  11. Your 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.

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  12. It 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.

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  13. Thanks to everyone for your comments about Alf and Ed - it made me feel a lot better.

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  14. I feel absolutely gutted for you about the sheep Elaine. I dont understand people who think you shouldnt get attached to animals.
    I'm glad you named the plant ladys bedstraw.Ours has really taken off this year and is a lovely sight to behold.

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  15. 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

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  16. Love the flowers and colors Elaine!! I'm so sorry about Alf and Ed :(

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  17. Your late spring garden is looking great, Elaine. Your masses of Forget-Me-Nots are wonderful, a real carpet of them.

    I'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.

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  18. 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.

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  19. You'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?

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