Wildlife abounds and plants thrive
We’ve enjoyed hot, sunny weather for weeks now but after a while the garden flags – and so do I – and I find myself longing for rain! Thankfully, after spending time deadheading and cutting back straggly perennials, the following day the heavens opened to freshen everything up and fill the water butts.
Still on the tidying theme, my husband and younger son have cut the yew hedge in the back garden – one on either side with a hedge trimmer piece – it certainly got the job done quickly! I just need to finish picking up a few stray clippings that were missed with the lawnmower. The box balls edging the terrace have also been clipped and give structure
to the garden. Agapanthus seem to be the flower of the moment, with several clumps around the garden and in pots. They seem to enjoy our sandy soil and increase in number each year. It’s really satisfying seeing Campanula primulifolia growing well in the garden, covered in pretty blue, starry flowers. I grew them from seed and nurtured them from tiny plants into the strong and healthy stunners they are now. We love to watch visiting wildlife in the garden, with butterflies capturing our interest at the moment. There seem to be more of them this year, mainly gatekeepers and meadow browns, but also marbled white and common blue in the orchard. A flock of mistle thrushes has already visited the yew tree, although the berries aren’t yet ripe. Also getting in on the wildlife-watching act is our older dog, who watches molehills for hours. The younger dog takes a different approach – leaping into the middle of flower beds to see what comes out. Gardening is great fun with springer spaniels! Read more about the garden at www.talesfromacountrygarden @wordpress.com.