What a wonderful time we have had in the garden these past few weeks...the weather has been lovely...But once the temperature got to near the 90's, it was too hot for me and a little to hot for the garden too! I have lost a few plants in this heatwave...I was going out there everyday dead heading and watering, but then I just couldn't manage the heat and I stayed inside, in my Birthday suit! with the fan pointed directly on me! It was all I could manage to get myself a drink and all we were saying was 'Cor ain't it hot!'
This is what the garden looks like at the moment...ok so this was taken a few weeks back, but you get the drift!...The grass was beginning to look very pale and straw like, but I concentrated on watering the plants rather than waste it on the grass, as I didn't want to waste any water...we didn't have a hose pipe ban in Kent, but I was expecting one, so I tried to conserve water where I could.
The Sumach plant just behind the ladder is no more!...we had some very strong winds and as the branches are very frail...they were blown down, so I sawed most of it back...it has never done very well, as the wind on that corner is really strong and is always doing it some damage. Behind it I found a virginia creeper from my neighbours garden and I have now trained that to grow around it...I know they can be quite vicious, but I am quite a dab hand with the shears, so I won't let that get the better of me and plus I like the way it goes a kind of red colour in the winter.
There is lots of things going on in that corner...I am trying out a few different plants...but my dream is to have a corner shed there, which I would like to turn into an art studio for my Hubby!...Eventually Perhaps!
I have managed to grow a passion flower! Yay! I am so pleased with myself...It has grown quite a few foot this year, so I can't wait to see what happens to it next year!
Freddy bought me a few nice plants at the bootsale near us at the start of the season. I have not gone to any Bootsale's this year...I have been so tied up, what with one thing and another and actually I don't want to bring any more junk back into our home, as I feel I still have so much to get rid of myself...but I do miss buying plants there!
Soon though I should be self sufficient and will be able to divide my plants up and grow some from my flowers that have gone into seed! I now know which plants do well in my garden and which don't! It's all been trial and error and would have been easier to of bought a soil testing kit, but that would of ruinned the fun of it all.
You must all know by now that I am a bargain hunter...well the bargain hunter in me loves going to garden centers and looking in their bargain corners...Yes every garden centre has one! so you can imagine my delight when my eyes feasted upon this gorgeous hanging basket for £5.00 reduced from £40.00! I had to have it! Ok so it was a little sad, some of the plants had seen better days...but I bought it home with me and gave it a good old tidy up and a little feed and hey presto! Look at it now!
We have had a couple of celebrations in the garden...we had a Father's Day Garden Party and a Happy Birthday Rosie Barbeque, which was enjoyed by all the family...so of course I had to put up some bunting and pretty paper chains.
For about a week now it has been raining on and off, so I haven't been out there much...I am currently getting my Mums garden in order too! I took a hedge trimmer out into her back garden! lol! but that is a story for another time!
I know once I go back out there I will spend all day gardening! It has become my new hobby...I love it so much and to think that this garden is just a little over a year old since we started planting everything in it...check out what it used to look like HERE.
I know once I go back out there I will spend all day gardening! It has become my new hobby...I love it so much and to think that this garden is just a little over a year old since we started planting everything in it...check out what it used to look like HERE.
I am loving growing all kinds of plants, especially Hydrangeas...My Grandad's Favourite plants and now one of mine...I am also looking forward to taking cuttings of my favourite plants and putting them in my little plastic greenhouse to see how they fare...
How have you been spending time in your garden this summer?
How have you been spending time in your garden this summer?
Did you like the heat or are you glad to have a break from it?
Have you lost any plants?
Have you lost any plants?
Hello there! I was recently visiting England during that heatwave! It was sooo hot! I thought about contacting you while I was there. It's on my bucket list to meet you since you designed my blog and all! Maybe next time I'm there! I did not make it to Kent but did get to the Isle of Wight, Brighton, Richmond and London of course! I love being in the country more than the city. Your garden is lovely! Christine - Reclaim Yourself Retreat
ReplyDeleteWell, in spite of the heat wave and the grass not being the greatest, your flowers and plants look like they have survived beautifully (save the sumac which lost its battle). You have done a wonderful job with your garden there, Happy! xo Diana
ReplyDeleteLove that post. I have been naked and in LA heat all summer. I just hop in and out of a cool shower every now and then. I live in a 1929 apartment which has no air conditioning. I have cieling fans and floor fan and that helps. Thanks for sharing your lovely garden.
ReplyDeleteYour garden is looking lovely. I water late at night right now. We have had 90s for quite some time. 3 more days of it and then it will drop down to the 70s here where I live on the west coast of USA. Have not had any rain either since mid June....sigh! Well I hope you are enjoying these last few weeks of summer and will get to enjoy sitting outside in your garden a bit more before it gets too cold or wet.
ReplyDeleteErika