Tuesday 16 July 2013

July 2013 - blooming marvellous!

 The recent sunny weather has done wonders for the roses, which have been lovely this year - not just in my garden but in everyone's, I think!
 Rosa Mundi has been beautiful but has been suffering from mildew as the soil has dried out so much, so I have been trying to remember to give it extra water.
Cottage Rose has done really well too.
My favourite (but don't tell the others!), Gertrude Jekyll, has been the best it has been for quite a few years.  You can also see Clematis 'Arabella' and Hydrangea Arborescens 'Annabelle' in the background.
The clematis (I think this is Etoile Violette, but if not, then it is Jackmanii Superba) has just started to flower and has helpfully draped itself across the trellis, disguising the fact that the trellis has seen better days!
 Beautiful!
 Finally, here is my first proper vase of sweet peas.  I know everyone seems to grow them and they are rather ubiquitous at the moment, but these are the first I have grown successfully from seed. I am delighted that after a very slow start when I planted them into their tub in June, they are getting into their stride now and looking fabulous.  These are Cupani and a mixture of fragrant ones.  I think I like the scent, but now and again, I'm not sure.
I couldn't resist a slice across the colours - the colours of July in my garden.

10 comments:

  1. I think the roses are particularly beautiful this year, so too the clematis.

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    1. Dear Anne
      Thank you. I agree - despite the odd Spring we had, things seem to be loving the weather now. Watering will be the important thing to do while this weather continues.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  2. I can smell those sweet peas from here - gorgeous! Jane x

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    1. Dear Jane
      Thank you. I am very excited to be able to cut sweet peas and bring them in. It is quite a new experience for me!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  3. Beautiful flowers Ellie - the very essence of the height of summer! E x

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    1. Dear E
      Thank you. The garden is looking very summery at the moment but the problem with all this warm/hot/sweltering weather is the amount of watering that needs to be done, especially if, like me, you have lots of things in pots! However, I quite enjoy pottering round the garden, watering can in hand at about 6.00 pm in the evening. It is quite a meditative occupation.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  4. What an exuberant garden, it is truly lovely.

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    1. Dear Toffeeapple
      Thank you. My garden does look quite exuberant at this time of year. I think it is mainly due to me squeezing a large number of plants into a small space!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  5. Your garden is so colourful! I am very jealous. My sweet peas have done nothing this year and everything is looking quite faded and parched in my garden. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous roses with us! x

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    1. Dear Gillian
      Thank you. My garden does go through stages of colour - pink and purple, white, blue - depending what season we are in and which bit you are looking at. I am a bit sneaky with my photos because they are only of things which look good at that moment (there are plenty of things which don't look good, such as the slanting shed which leans at a crazy angle, the trellis which needs re-making, the bare soil which is dry and horrible, the mountain of pots waiting to be put away in the slanting shed...need I go on?!) So I'm just going to focus on the good things! I have had to be watering every day at the moment, but am having a slight respite this weekend, before I start again next week when the temperature soars once more.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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