... here's how mine is coming along:
Above, the oft neglected front of Hexenhäusli Device looking quite colourful, for a change. I put the daff bulbs in back in the autumn, and the skimmias that went in last spring are just starting to flower. On the left is the most recent addition - a flowering cherry, which I planted last month (out of shot to the right is a hawthorn, yet to burst into leaf/flower).
And below, preparations for a circular paysho and adjoining pond are not hindered by the snow (I mean, it's April, for Christ's sake! We're not supposed to get snow in April!).
oOo
One more thing, kind of related to all this greenery: My other sister - Indescribable - has commissioned me to come up with a specific piece of art for her new step granddaughter. This is a quick sketch of my interpretation of her hastily garbled instructions.
(She's just popped round and conveyed her approval, so I can make a start on the proper one now. Or later. Or perhaps at the weekend...)
Your garden is looking wonderful! I’m sure the bush will flourish!
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, obviously I am distracted by the letter A - are you going to gild it? And there is a really easy way to save yourself having to draw the A, although you have drawn it perfectly! If you want any cheats, or tips, then you know where I am.
Sx
Thank you, Ms Scarlet. The back garden is not as I envisaged it - indecisiveness and interfering old busybodies put paid to whatever plans I might have come up with eventually, but at least something is happening with it.
DeleteAs for the A, no. No gilding - it's not in the brief (and I couldn't hope to do as good a job as you - especially as I'd just get my gold marker out and hope for the best). I'm intrigued about the "easy A", and may have to take you up on your offer of tips.
Oh wow! Your "Delargo Seeds" are looking more advanced than ours - our Ricin seedlings are massive, but we obviously planted our climbers later than you, and it has been rather overcast so they are somewhat spindly... They will get there in the end, of course. They always do.
ReplyDeleteLove the paysho in progress - are you going to have a gazebo, dear? I think you should. How else would you keep your crinolines away from the elements? Jx
I sowed the seeds as soon as I got them as I didn't want a repeat of last year - i.e. remembering at the end of May to do something with them and then having a pathetic display late in the year. However, I didn't think we'd get this extended period of cold weather, so after a Big Die Off (red greenhouse too cold at night) I brought the tray and remaining pots indoors and look what happened: Every single seed came up, is running rampant, and I've nowhere to put them!
DeleteA gazebo! Now there's an idea. Perhaps an understated little affair like this?
Oh, my world. I throw some marigold seeds in a hole and tell myself I'm a gardener. Way to raise the bar, bitch. Kizzes.
ReplyDeleteOh, it's nothing, really. Mwah, darling!
Delete(As long as those marigolds grow, you ARE a gardener)
Are you putting in that circular paysho just for me to lip synch and do strip numbers on??? I absolutely adore the front of your place! Move over and make room, I'm coming to stay with you for a while.
ReplyDeleteI have been getting behind with blogs lately. Too many projects lately.
Well, I had to make you feel comfortable during your stay. We couldn't have you trying to put on a show on the rather cramped front doorstep. Besides, the light is terrible out front.
DeleteOf course the ricinus communis is not to be confused with the fatsia Japonica, also called castor oil plant. Although here in the city we see more galinsoga ciliata.
ReplyDeleteI have thought of several comments about you paying more attention to your rear and neglecting your front but I can't choose between them.
I keep seeing paysho as psycho and have a wonderful picture of you keeping Hannibal Lecter on yours.
#@*&%***ing galinsoga! If I am not ruthless it will over run us all!(It might be edible, but taste is rubbish and it too weedy)
DeleteThank you, Hound! I thought I was going a bit peculiar, as I always read 'paysho' as 'psycho' as well. We must have some kind of dyslexia that makes us form disturbing words whenever we can.
DeleteSx
Ooh, hark at Percy Thrower at the top, there!
DeleteBut you're right of, one musn't confuse the Castor Oil Plant (R. communis) with the False Castor Oil Plant (F. japonica) as the former is quite, quite poisonous! And I've never heard of (or noticed) the Galinsoga - perhaps we don't have it around here (or maybe I'm just oblivious to it - it's not very showy, after all)?
When Maddie's not parading around on my psycho paysho in various states of undress, I'm going to keep Dawn French Hannibal Lecter in the over-the-top gazebo. If you visit, be sure to wear your Mum roll-on!
How could you, Inexplicable? Percy Thrower supported West Bromwich Albion!
DeleteIllI bring some chianti.
Ms Scarlet, please tell me you also see 'shoplifters' on shopfitters' vans!
It's coming a long fabulously! I like the look and feel you are going for. I can't wait to see further updates later in the year. I keep meaning to post about my work-in-progress, but I am so critical of it. All I see is what has yet to be done, its hard for me to appreciate what's already been accomplished.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Melanie! We are all (well, most of us) our own worst critics (or however the saying goes), but I hope you are taking photos of your work-in-progress so you can look back on it once the garden is flourishing and see how all your hard work shaped it? And for the Garden Photos Event, of course!
DeleteThanks! I got a pretty good shot of a pecker today. They're quite active right now. I like them, but if they keep going after my power pole I'm going to have to call to get it replaced. This is my favorite bird website which I occasionally donate to. I also donate to the Fox Project in the UK. Do you get foxes in your garden? https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pileated_Woodpecker/overview
DeleteOh, that woodpecker is quite a striking bird! A woodpecker often comes to our bird feeder, but it's rather more subdued.
DeleteAs far as I know, foxes stay out of the garden. There are some nearby as I can hear them barking and see their paw prints on the allotment (just over the embankment at the back of the garden).
Yes, they are lovely birds. I'm always surprised at how big the females are. We have tits here too (per your link), both Lesser and Great tits. My son finds their name terribly embarrassing. You must make friends with the English Foxes on my behalf! They like dog toys, firm balls or twisted rope tugs. I am kitsune.
DeleteWhat? No dressing room for Maddie?
ReplyDeleteWell, I didn't see the point considering that she plans to spend as little time wearing clothes as possible...
DeleteGosh Mr. D you have been a busy bee.
ReplyDeleteAll very impressive I must say.
Love the circular 'paysho' and am pleased that that the seeds have done well, even if they are better than ours.
Busy, yes, but I'd save the compliments until it's finished (I've just taken up all the slabs because they weren't level!) - if it ever will be. And the "Kniola's Blacks" got scorched lower leaves during yesterday's blazing sunshine (although the newer leaves seem to be okay).
DeleteIt's coming along beautifully. These in white, when fully grown would look absolutely stunning in your garden, I'll guarantee it, you'll be the talk of the neighbourhood!
ReplyDeleteI do like peacock or two. Until they start attacking (people, dogs, cars etc), that is.
DeleteNEVER, if you have a peacock, place small, valuable, breakable objets d'art below a height of 5' I speak from experience...
DeleteI now can't help but imagine a previous chez Dinahmow absolutely infested with peacocks!
DeleteAlthough, I suppose one would be all you need...
Oh. My. Goddess.
ReplyDeleteReally. This goes beyond anything I thought. This is SERIOUS gardening. Love the new tree in the front! And the daffodils. I should plant some. They're so cheerful
But the backyard takes the cake! It's coming along fantastically! Whoa.
And that sketch! Aren't we talented, now?
XOXO
Why, thank you, Sixpence! It could be much better though, as a lot of procrastination occurs before anything actually gets done.
DeleteA nice, clean & friendly parking lot is no option I understand - ?
ReplyDeleteI'm just asking for a friend.
Well, unless it is surrounded by a nice hedge and, maybe, a couple of flower borders, then no.
DeleteAlthough, you could stand a pot plant of some description in the middle of it - kind of like a small traffic island?