As I look around, I can tell you that I'm more than pleased with most plants. The last of the sickly (Cushion Scale) Rhododendrons have now been removed. To many of you my measures have probably been a bit drastic - I pondered long and hard on what to do. Apparently non-chemical control would only be practical on smaller shrubs. Chemical treatment using a systemic insecticide such as Provado Ultimate Bug Killer was not a road I wanted to go down. There is enough destruction to the insect and bee population without me adding to it!
Replacement plants have now been purchased. They come in the form of Actinidia kolomikta to grow up the fence, until recently I always thought these plants were tender - not so it seems. Hardy down to -40 according to Kew. Berberis thunbergii Rose Glow - it's foliage should compliment splashes of pink and white in the Actinidia. Cotoneaster x suecicus Coral Beauty a wee something for the bees.
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| New plants June 2013 |
The more observant amongst you will note 6 pots. What else did I buy? I hear you ask. A gorgeous honeysuckle, Lonicera Fragrant Cloud was screaming to come home with me. A spot has yet to be chosen. I keep changing my mind on where I want to put it. A little Philadelphus Manteau d'Hermine should be small enough to snuggle in the top corner of this border. It will replace the rather uninteresting Cornus that is currently growing there and a replacement Persicaria Red Dragon which has completely disappeared from the garden.
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| Top sunny border |
The top end of this border flooded last year - whilst there were many casualties - oddly enough the Beared Iris have survived despite being submerged in water for weeks on end. They have not flowered but are healthy enough to move elsewhere in autumn. This bed is a bit of a mish mash - I experimented with various plants - my dilemma is what to plan for. In the 6 years I've lived here, last year was the only time it has flooded. The Persicaria, Trollius and Candelabra Primula are suitable either way - the Astilbes are also coping with the dry sunny position. These were budget supermarket buys at the end of the year - an experiment to see what will survive. Anyway, a bit of jiggery pockery and purple foliage is all that it needed I think!
June weather here has continued to impress - with just the right amount of rainfall, mainly through the night ensuring the plants have had adequate water. It should be noted that although there has been a distinct lack of good insect activity there is also a marked reduction in slugs/snails and other pests. The bees visiting this last week have increased in numbers and as many more plants bloom I expect that to continue. Cabbage white butterflies have fleeted through but have not stopped - probably preferring what Jim next door has on offer (masses of veg growing in his plot).
Whilst many of the herbaceous perennials are on their way to catching up, flowering shrubs however remain weeks behind. Pyracanthus, Cotinus and Deutzia should be in bloom for bloom day. There are a couple of shrubs in flower and more than likely will not last the 2 weeks until then.
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| Sambucus nigra Black Lace |
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| Cotoneaster dammerii |
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| Hydrangea petiolaris |
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| Paeonia Mme Calot |
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| Mme Calot close up frilly and fragrant! |
Plenty more promise around the garden. The first rose buds are about to open - The Wedgewood Rose grows as a climber either side of my seated arbor. This David Austin rose is also known as Ausjosiah. I love it despite it's thorns!
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| Rosa The Wedgewood Rose (Ausjosiah) |
Of course, as many of you will know, I'm partial to the odd Primula and do strive to have at least one in flower every month. The middle of the month saw Primula japonica and P. bulleyana. Now at the end of the month we have P. aurantiaca, P. bulleesiana and P. vialii.
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| Black/Bronze stems produce a vibrant orange flower Primula aurantiaca |
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| Another candelabra type Primula P. Bulleesiana - a vibrant yellow |
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| Primula vialia - the Orchid Primula |
Primula vialii - otherwise known as the Orchid Primula is one of my favourites. It loves the conditions in my Scottish garden. These are supposed to be tricky to bring through winter but have survived in my garden for 3 years. They grow in both sun and shade in my garden. These in a sunnier position are first to flower. Others will follow as the month progresses. Incidentally, the bees love them!
I end my monthly review with a frothy mix of Alchemilla and Tellima - after tonight's wind and forecast rain, which is now battering off the windows - I doubt very much that they will still be standing in the morning!
I hope you have enjoyed my monthly review, if you have please pop over to Helen at The Patient Gardeners Weblog where you can join in or visit other garden bloggers' monthly reviews.
Thank you for visiting.
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| CAN YOU SPOT THE BEE IN THE PICTURE? A CLUE - IT'S NOT THE FAKE ONE ON THE WEE BEE HOUSE |
