Time to do something ridiculously British and talk about the weather! It’s actually been very kind to us so far this year with lots of sunshine interspersed with rain showers. As a consequence the garden has sprung to life. This being our first Summer here I was feeling quite wistful about my previous garden, though small it was an Edwardian walled garden where everything seemed to grow (including grapes). When we came here I loved the fact that we had a larger space, but it was sparse and unloved. Certainly not the English country garden that I longed for and it still wont be for quite a few years. Although over the last few weeks we’ve seen flowers opening and some colour appearing at last so I know we’re on the right path.
For my wedding I chose a deep red tea rose called Romance. I dearly wanted to grow it myself, but it isn’t available as a home plant so I looked for the closest Rose I could find and grew a couple of varieties in pots. They have a velvety soft look to the petals which I adore.
I’ve also developed a fondness for proper English flowers and planted hundreds of seeds. Unfortunately not everything has grown but the Cornflowers are a triumph. They look wonderful in vases along with Lavender sprigs and poppies.
This rather amazing candy coloured Rose came from a pound shop, I’m not sure it looks like the packet but it’s got a wonderful pattern to the petals.
We’ve also had a go at growing Lilies in pots, these are by far my favourite, they’re so dramatic with their deep purple centres.
Unfortunately the end of the garden is resolutely refusing to grow anything much, which I think is caused by too much shade from a nearby tree. We’ll find the right plant to go there though I’m sure 🙂
Good Luck!
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