We've had a spectacular spring for bulbs, both inside and out, largely thanks to J. Parker's who have kindly supplied us with a fabulous selection to trial this year. Bulb anticipation began in January when we planted the Hippeastrum with awed respect for the size of the bulbs. By late February, paperwhite daffodils were filling … Continue reading Bulbs To Light Up Spring
I started a cutting patch in the back garden last year. It was a disaster. I planted Echinacea purpurea, Monarda, Calendula ('Indian Prince' and 'Porcupine'), sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus 'Barry Dare', 'Cupani' and 'Arthur Hellyer'), Gladioli ('Flevo Cool', 'Flevo Flash' and 'Flevo Sylvia') and nasturtiums. It was a bit of an odd mix with little forethought, just plants … Continue reading Planning a Cutting Patch: Bulb Time
It's been a dreamy summer holiday. We've been swimming in the sea, learned to ride without stabilisers, lost baby teeth, wandered around maize mazes, explored woodland dens and returned from the allotment stained with raspberry and blackberry juice. Now, in the first week of September, there's school on the horizon for both my 7 year old and … Continue reading Banish the September blues with my top 10 tulips