RESTFUL

Today I thought you might like a little tour of my garden, photographed this morning with the early sun casting long shadows before the temperature began to rise. I don’t often post such wide views, partly because when I want to take them intrusions such as washing hanging on the line, open shed doors and wind result in disappointment. Today, though, was perfect.

This first view looks down the garden. You will notice that the entire property slopes in two directions, which can be challenging – especially with photos!

Move in closer and you will see the lilac bush flowering beautifully this year. This bush has a mind of its own, is oddly shaped and needs support, but in May its blooms make up for everything.

To the left of the Lilac the 'second round bed' holds a mature Hebe and our old Deutzia, brought from Pilgrim Cottage in a pot where it had languished for many years. This plant seems to have been rejuvenated by its position in the ground,  surviving the 'Beast from the East' a couple of years ago, and spilling its gentle blossom across and into the smaller blooms of London Pride - a gift from my late mother, which I cherish. Both my parents were keen gardeners, and this (rather dated yet still relevant) little poem aptly illustrates their attitudes and philosophy towards their gardens:

'In a garden green and gay

All my troubles fade away

Sweet contentment here I find

Joy of heart and peace of mind.' - Patience Strong

The wooden 'arch' was one of the first structures we put into this garden, and I planted roses and clematis on each side. Once the roses bloom I will post more photos. Turn back to the terrace where our predecessor planted this red azalea which is just starting to flower. The photo is taken through my clump of Camassias which have just gone over.

Turning round now, the 'first round bed' contains our Japanese dwarf cherry - not so very dwarf five years since we planted it. In this bed I put Sweet Williams - also from my mother, in gorgeous shades of dark red and pink, together with the more unusual thistle-like Cirsium 'Atropurpureum' all of which are doing well. Later in the year the pink Penstemon will try to take over, but I pruned it quite hard and I hope it will be less of a thug this year!

This ends our first walk round, saving a few areas to show you in a subsequent post and as time goes on. I will leave you with a close-up of those lovely stems of London Pride, with a Forget-Me-Not encroaching on their space! I hope you have enjoyed a restful interlude with me in the garden, and I look forward to your company again soon. Keep safe and well.