Alpine Update

The alpines have come on a treat since I first planted them up in April.  See here for a before shot. I can't believe how far they have spread in such a short time!

Out With the Reds

I grew this red Penstemon from a single cutting at Capel Manor College 2 years ago.  A success story in propagation but a failure in pleasure!  I was given the cutting by the course tutor and had no idea what the flowers would eventually look like.  The truth is - I loathe red flowers!  I like deep rich and plummy reds but have a distinct dislike of scarlet reds.  They have their place in certain types of garden but not in mine!

 It took just one swoop of the garden fork to dislodge and uproot this plant.

 I gave the flower bed a quick trim around the edges and forked it over.

Plants that remain are sorrel, cat mint, a small green leaved Heuchera and a lemon balm. I took out an invasive ginger mint that had spread itself about.

The two new replacements are a Heuchera 'Midnight Bayou' which can be seen in the centre and an Agastache 'Kudos Silver Blue' that can just be seen to the right of it.  I am so happy to be shot of the jarring red of the Penstemon and hope to add plants with white flowers to fill in the bare earth.

Aquilegia

Stunning example of an aquilegia in my garden. I really love this two tone drama.

Alpines

I purchased some alpines today for some added interest in the garden.  Hopefully they will be long lasting and I will be able to divide them up over the coming years.

The First Cut

The back and front lawns got their first cut of the year yesterday.  The first cut never looks good- a bit like the first pancake made out of the pancake mix - and usually discarded.  I know as the season progresses the lawn will green up and after the first few trims will look like a lawn worthy of a picnic once again.