Happy New Year!

A grand clear up was in store for me in the garden, as not only was there the last autumn leaf debris to deal with, but also I had to prepare for the builders. To spur me on, I couldn’t help noticing that several clematis refuse to sleep though winter and are flowering now. So pretty.

Whilst tidying up the dry-river bed rockery, I realized that a little more care and love was required. It needed some fresh pebbles and I had an idea of using white hyacinth ‘Antarctica’ as they are in bud at the moment. The visible bulb tops look just like pebbles plus the bulging green buds promises a good show later. I have kept the colours white to represent white wintry water. For the spring I have blue Muscari bulbs already established here, so I was extra careful whilst planting the hyacinths. I couldn’t resist several delicate little hellebores ‘Verboom Beauty’ to finish it off.
Obviously a real dry riverbed would be flanked with drought liking grasses. I have plenty of Ophiopogon black grass and used a few plants here too. A small blue-green fluffy ornamental variety looks great against the rocks too.

I’ve moved all my tulip-packed containers out of the builders’ way and a quick tally has had me wondering how I have ended up to so many. They are all full of bargains at the garden center. Bulbs that were already sprouting in their packets were half price. I couldn’t resist black, orange and purple. I’m not sure how they will fare but look forward to seeing them in spring.

I found some purple heather that matches my front door so these were duly planted into the rack and compliment my succulent wreath at the front door.

I’m harvesting leeks, parsnips and carrots at the allotment. My Brussels sprouts, broccoli and kale have all been a complete failure. Last year I grew all of the veg for Christmas dinner but this year it I failed with the Brussels. Next year it’ll be different again, and there will be more nice surprises to come that will out-do the disappointments. That I can guarantee.