Dig and dig again

A busy week this week and lots of weather changes and some fantastic Autumn colours. Lots of interest with leaves turning and falling and the rain dripping on the river.

Bulb planting was our aim this week so when weather permitted we managed to complete the Dahlia bed and the final of four Parterres in the Peacock garden, phew!

We transported the Agapanthus indoors for the winter which was heavy work with huge terracotta pots to deal with. We lifted and stored more Geraniums, some in newspaper into boxes, some air dying in the calf shed.

I love the red vine with huge leaves draping over the wall along the walled garden at the mo and the crab apples which are little gems of red hanging from the tree. I found little Cyclamen hiding under a huge Plane tree down by the river, pink and white spikes of flowers pricking up. It is such a special place to be when quiet and you get a chance to take each corner of the garden in. I feel really lucky to be in it.

Sun, rain, wind it's definately Autumn

A differing week in weather, red sky sunrise and rain all day then wind and then sun. Tricky weather for planning what to do in the garden but we managed many things this week.

More clearing ready for spring bedding, means potting up Begonias and Spider plants and air drying more Geraniums (there are more too!). Persistent rain one day called for sorting out the potting shed, Lesley and I had our best go! It is full of pots of all shapes and sizes but now you can get to what you want in a hurry so a good job done.

We did some potting on of Cornflower seedlings which are going to have a claret double flower, so they should be gorgeous and checked on our Sweet peas which are shooting up to the sky!

Andrew and I planted up a parterre in the Peacock garden with pink, blue and white Hyacinths so that involved digging down to a depth of around 10 cm, sprinkling bonemeal for root food and planting, then putting the soil back. Tiring work but worth it.

Lots still going on in the long border, huge Dahlia's and pretty Sedums.

The trees are changing colour too and there is a feeling of putting things to bed. I love this time of year, the unknown aspect to it.

Patterns

Today was breezy and chilly, a day when you come in and feel windswept and invigorated. It was a great day for gardening.

Today we followed some weeding of the herb garden with preparing a raised bed for spring bulb planting. Lots of soil to remove (and old bulbs) and then a plan to be made as to which pattern to plant the bulbs in for best effect. We had Daffodils and white and blue Hyacinths to work with. We were to stick to 20cm spacing throughout and I fancied a diagonal pattern with yellow Daffs in the centre. After much thought we got on with it! and placed the bulbs in position. All that is left to do is sprinkle the soil back in without disturbing the planting. Job done!

Looking forward to seeing what comes up in Spring, the joy of gardening, you cannot guarantee what you are going to get. Two more beds to go......

Bulbs and a chill in the air

A beautiful sunrise this morning but by mid afternoon it was windy and a chill was definately in the air.

We took out summer plants from the barrels along the drive today and replaced them with spring bulbs. We kept the spider plants and Geraniums to over winter and replaced them with Forget-Me-Not, Hyacinth and Daffodil to add a splash of spring colour.

We also attempted some Winter colour by collecting and weaving coloured Cornus stems around the bulb planting. Much hilarity ensued as the stems popped off and wouldn't weave but we got there in the end! Only a few more barrels to go!

Sunshine and sunny side up

An unexpected sunny day, bookended with rain both ends so we were lucky. Apple and Pear duty this morning, many more plopping to the ground as you walk away! Just to taunt you......

Lesley was in today so we teamed up to keep tackling the Raspberry cage, more clearing and chopping back and finally tying in which is very satisfying. Some fruit to try today and it was delicious.

The beautiful Pheasant was pottering about whilst we worked, he has amazing orange feathers. He seems fairly happy with his newly cleared area, if a little spooked with us being there with him for quite a long time.

After lunch we learnt how to collect and propagate from Rose hips, Rugosa being rounder than the bullet shaped others (Rosa Moyesii). Gorgeous looking things and full of quite large seeds. We shall see what comes of our efforts.

We also took a walk to the Shrubbery to see some Mushrooms Andrew had spotted and to chat about the work needed there in the coming months.

A busy day with the garden looking great today and a bit of time to look around. This stunning yellow and white flower is poking through the long border and looks just like a fried egg - Romneya Coulteri - wonderfully pretty.

Our green manure is already showing quite a lot and we found this little fella in the Roses!