Everything's coming up roses...and alliums (part one)

Roses are a bit earlier this year, probably due to the very warm and dry Spring we had. I absolutely love my roses and often wander round the garden just to look at (and smell) them.  They are a joy.  On my wander round the garden this morning, I took my camera to capture the roses out at the moment. Above is Ferdinand Pichard.

This is Mary Rose, usually overshadowed by some miscanthus, but the grass is smaller than usual, which gives the rose more space.

Cottage Rose, about half way down the garden.

Here is one of the gorgeous alliums which is planted in the rose pot. It is sharing with rose Susan Williams-Ellis.  I think it is a Christophii, but it is huge!

Here is Susan Williams-Ellis again, on her own this time.

My favourite for scent, Gertrude Jekyll, looking and smelling wonderful.

Kew Gardens, which seems to be struggling a bit for some reason. I will be giving them a final feed this year soon, so hopefully that will help. 

Finally for now, William Shakespeare 2000, flowering earlier than usual and with lovely velvety petals. 

More to come in part two.

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.