My gardening Diary
MONDAY Our Magnolia stellata has been be er than ever this year but sadly it’s almost over now. We’re sweeping up its fallen petals on the path beneath, thankfully though all eyes are focused on the exochorda which stands in front of it. Smothered in round buds (its common name is the pearl bush) that open to chalices of pure white, it makes a perfect backdrop to the brick garden.
TUESDAY Our field is full of dandelions. We’re hoping to have the whole field topped before too many ‘clocks’ can spread seed even further but when you look at one flower, it’s such a perfect piece of botanical evolution, you’re filled with wonder at the structure, let alone the seed heads.
WEDNESDAY The Prunus padus ‘Colorata’ that stands in the long bed next to the field is covered in its coppery foliage and clusters of pink flowers. Now that it’s clothed, you can see the true extent of its growth. Its branches are pushing through the cercis. Something will have to be done to curb its enthusiasm. It’s a cherry, so pruning in summer is essential to avoid silver leaf. For now let’s just enjoy it!
THURSDAY We don’t eat many brassicas but I’m sowing red cabbage and purple sprouting broccoli. We didn’t have enough to harvest from the plot last winter, so I need to plan and sow now so it doesn’t happen again.
FRIDAY Our new tunnel is gradually filling up. With any greenhouse or polytunnel it takes some time to get to know it, how fast it heats up, the variations in temperature at different times of the day and when to ventilate it. Most of our dahlias are living in there now, plus hundreds of young plants.
SATURDAY Planting out many of our Barnhaven primulas. Those that don’t go into beds and borders will live in the ground under redcurrants and blackcurrants to bulk up quietly. They’ll love the rich, fertile soil there and appreciate the shade later on.
SUNDAY No ma er how hard you try to eradicate pernicious weeds from your garden, there are always a few places where couch grass, ground elder and bindweed rear up. Every few weeks it’s a good idea to seek them out and get rid of them before they take hold!