The sweet smell of spring

15/9/10

Today I went for a walk and the air smelled sweet because of the jasmine and other spring blossoms. On Monday I planted some pansies, verbena and greeny-creamy petunias, which should complement my little 'seafoam' roses.

This afternoon I sowed some seeds that had a best before date of 2008-Queen Anne's Lace and white cosmos. We shall see if they germinate. I also sowed some red and pink cosmos-"red dazzler" and "Sensation" and some alyssum. Finally, I planted a punnet of basil as companions for my tomato plants.

Miscalculating

5/9/10

I walked for an hour with T today, then tidied up the garden by the driveway. I pulled out some scrambly native violet and planted a variety of succulents. I chose succulents because whatever is in that garden must survive on rainfall and cosseting isn't on. I also planted some red pelargoniums (from cuttings, as were the succulents) and mulched the agapanthas. I planted those about two years ago and they are thriving.

My broad beans are vigorous and I fear they will topple under their own weight once they heavy with beans. I miscalculated when planting them and placed them near small pyramid supports. I have had to tie to the support with string and the plants now tower above the pyramids. I should have known better.

Whenever I visit a good friends place, I take a few cuttings. The succulents I planted today are cuttings from three different gardens and whenever I look at them I think of my friends.

On our walk today I found some beautiful grass seed-heads. I have also posted two photos of two very different coloured broad bean flowers.

Daffodils and fitness

2/9/10

Here are some photos of my daffodils. Today I planted a groundcover, Iberis sempervirens-candytuft, which is described as an evergreen, spreading, herbaceous perennial. It is supposed to be a v. good edging plant. Should be pruned back by 1/3 after flowering to maintain its compact habit and it should be fed annually. I also planted Argyranthemum marguerite daisy 'rum and raisins', which is a lovely dark pink.