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.

Gardening Plans

 I have been busy making plans for my little garden this year.  I have decided that I am going to attempt to grow a few more edible things so have bought two more blueberry plants (compact and designed for pots) called Blue Pearl, from Marshalls, which arrived safely and are waiting for the weather to be a bit warmer before being planted in their larger pots.  I have also been inspired by the RHS book Grow your own crops in Pots (which I bought very cheaply from The Book People ) ...

...and also ordered three autumn fruiting raspberry canes (variety Joan J) which arrived yesterday and I am considering braving the cold to get them in a pot too.  Apparently, according to the book, autumn fruiting raspberries will grow well in a large tub and should last about ten years, which is fantastic. 

 I am also going to have a go at growing beetroot too, because I discovered that I really like raw beetroot grated in a salad (but I do not like pickled beetroot at all!). 
Not forgetting the flowers, however, I have ordered phlox plants as I have two in the garden which did really well despite the awful summer last year.  I have also treated myself to an oriental Poppy, Plum Pudding, from Thompson and Morgan.  There will also be cosmos, sweet peas (my first time growing from seed) and a multitude of other things which are in my seed box.  I pruned my clematis and roses last Saturday, on a gloriously sunny afternoon, so got things underway.

I am really looking forward to this growing season and I hope it will be a successful one for all of us gardeners. 
In my excitement, I nearly forgot to mention the photos - the top one is a double snowdrop from my garden and the daffodil and hyacinth planter was a belated but extremely welcome birthday present which is reminding me that Spring isn't too far away.  There were also some Lindt chocolate rabbits and a Lindt carrot nestled in the moss as well! Chocolate and plants - does life get much better than this?