I did something that could turn out to be against my better judgement at the weekend. I've been procrastinating for a while since I spotted the first bulbs, in the front garden bed, not only pushing through but, in the case of at least a couple of iris reticulata, actually flowering. (See Martyn's blog here)
The bulbs in this area are mostly short growing and later in the season the patches of ground that they occupy is covered over by heuchera and geraniums. These are cut back early in spring to allow the bulbs to flower in peace.
I knew that the bulbs were now demanding headroom but it seemed too early to be cutting back especially when we may well still be hit by a cold snap. What to do? Either way the flowers from the bulbs could be spoiled but leaving them to push through the other plants would mean that they we not only spoiled but would be unseen. So the bullet was bitten and two bags of debris later it looked like this.
Not all the perennials have been cut back but at least the bulbs can see daylight.
Can you spot the small plant growing at the edge of the paving? It's not a weed but a self sown verbena bonariensis.
Not the best choice of hole but I can move it later and at least it makes more sense than this.
It can't be familiar with the parable of the sower. I think it is beyond rescuing.
We have various miniature daffodils in the front bed.
Dutch irises and miniature irises.
I think that I also planted some scilla. Either they have more sense and are still under cover or I haven't recognised their shoots.
There are some ragged mini tulip leaves that I forgot to photograph.
The snowdrops as in the back garden are just carrying on as normal. They seem to not understand what all the rush is about.
The aconites too that I have always thought of as one of the earliest flowering bulbs are just pushing their noses through the soil.
I did take a photo but it is just a green blob on a patch of earth.
Now what shall I do about the back garden?
We have various miniature daffodils in the front bed.
There are some ragged mini tulip leaves that I forgot to photograph.
I did take a photo but it is just a green blob on a patch of earth.
Now what shall I do about the back garden?
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Well Sue, with all your recent eye problems I hope you are being extra careful about which plants you snip and which ones you leave! :)
ReplyDeleteI am fairly safe with the new glasses, Mark
DeleteI am so amazed by the things coming up in your garden as I am in the midst of a blizzard. That's one of the best parts about blogging---I get to see a garden no matter what time of year!
ReplyDeleteI have been trying for YEARS to get Verbena to seed in my garden. No such luck. I'm envious!!!
Wait until you see the photographs that I took last night and this morning, Sue I'd already schedule to the post and didn't want to download the photographs last night as it was too near to my bedtime. The verbena in the garden all came from seedlings on the allotment plot that had popped up in all sorts of places. They are a bit like weeds in our garden. Have you tried sprinkling the seeds into the seed tray or plant pot?
DeleteHa ha, I know what you're talking about in the comment above. Hmmm, perhaps you were a little on the eager side cutting back. Glad to hear that you got your glasses sorted out, what a relief for you, and not only that but the refunds too. Just goes to show that you should always voice your displeasure about things. I hope Tivvy is now on the mend, it sounds very nasty and must have been very frightening for you all. Archie's been running round like a mad thing this morning, ha ha.
ReplyDeleteTivvy had most of her stitches out on Friday and has to have the rest out hopefully next week. The stitches were irritating her. Her blood test was fine but the poor thing has a shaved bottom which isn't good in this weather - otherwise she is her old self again. It was an anxious day or so.
DeleteI agree about needing to complain my two emails were worth quite a lot and will pay for the other glasses, contact lenses etc.
I maybe was premature but the bulbs were really spoiling under the leaves and I'm sure they will be OK.
Like your amusing reference to the parable of the sower ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks mw :-) A few plants in our garden are unfamiliar with it.
DeleteIt's amazing where seedlings appear Sue. It's nice when they are considerate enough to let us transplant them easily. I have irises in flower unusually early too but my snowdrops in the garden are in no hurry to flower either.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that the snowdrops are sticking to their internal clock, Anna - as too it would seem are the aconites
DeleteYou have been busy, and there's lots of new spring (?!) growth appearing isn't there.
ReplyDeleteThere. Is likely to be a stalling if the forecasts are correct, CJ.
DeleteI'm surprised with your bulb plants, Sue. But be careful, working in the garden, remembering your problems.
ReplyDeleteThe bulbs have had a shock this weekend, Nadezda. I manage OK with my new glasses thanks.
DeleteI'm anxious to see what happens - looks like you will be enjoying some of those flowers by the end of January! Will that be first for you?
ReplyDeleteI think the growth may slow down, Margaret if this weekends' weather continues.
DeleteBulbs in snow? That's survival bulbs! ;)
ReplyDeleteThat's common here, Malar I've often seen daffodil flowers covered with snow
DeleteI need to do some cutting back in my garden - thankfully it's not a desperate job. It took years for verbena to self sew in my garden.x
ReplyDeleteI have beds in the back garden that still need tackling, Jo
DeleteOh....I've just read about the snow.....I do hope all the plants survive!xxx
ReplyDeleteI think they should be okay, Dina. I think it will be more of a problem if we have a prolonged hard frost.
DeleteI imagine that your perennials will be fine, despite the snow, they are tough plants, and lovely to see the bulbs, however premature the show. I'm thoroughly enjoying my little display of dwarf iris, particularly since I planted then really late!!
ReplyDeleteI need to plant the new irises too, Janet they are beginning to flower in their pots.
ReplyDelete