July 16th 2016

Rain is rewarding

Plants are relishing the plentiful rain and growing really well.  The recently revamped area behind the greenhouse is filling out nicely with Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’, delphiniums, anthirrhinum, dahlias and dianthus ‘Laced Monarch’ all looking good. However the spring borders are resembling a jungle, with weeds growing huge in the permanently damp soil.   As I was pulling out cow parsley, before it seeds everywhere, along with nettles taller than me, I discovered a flowering Cardiocrinum gianteum I planted two years ago.  I’ve cleared a space around it so we can enjoy the flower and hope I can propagate it because it dies after flowering.  Geranium phaeum ‘Samobor’ has self-seeded right along these borders and the flowers attract both honey and bumblebees.  Now that they’re nearly finished, I’m cutting them back to ground level to encourage fresh leaf growth.   Poppies self-seed all over the garden and we’re currently enjoying Papaver somniferum ‘Lauren’s Grape’ along with delicate pastel coloured P.rhoeas ‘Fairy Wings’.  Old fashioned roses seem to thrive in our sandy soil and ‘Tuscany Superb’ is a favourite with beautiful deep crimson blooms and a lovely scent.  I’ve managed to root some cuttings, which are growing strongly, and hope to plant them out in autumn.  In the vegetable garden, broad beans, courgettes and beetroot are cropping well and further lettuce sowings have been made.  I’m also harvesting the first strawberries and there are plenty more to ripen.