Readers’ gardens
A retired NHS consultant from East Lothian, learning that time, patience, wildlife and dirty hands make gardening an absolute joy.
This strip of east coast is often draped in a chilly sea fog when, just a mile or two further inland, everything‘s bathed in warm sun. There have been some gorgeous days though, and with much of the heavy work done, it’s good just to sit sometimes. Spring has always been a good time of year in this garden, but hopefully spending so much more time on it will yield results later in the year, too.
The tulips have gone over, but my attempt last year to create more of a drift effect with specific colours in different areas paid off. There are still some in the wrong place, but I’ve put coloured thread around their stems so I can identify which ones I want to lift and replant in the autumn.
Bluebells and perennial geraniums seemed very happy this spring. Their combination (to me) looks both strong and gentle. The crab apple blossom has faded, but for a few days the tree seemed to be audibly vibrating with bees and other insects. Above it were puffs of white Syringa vulgaris.
I’ve planted alliums in various parts of the garden in the past. They’re destined to be different heights and to flower purple or white. Results so far have been unpredictable. This year, just visible through the leafing stems of an old rose, there was a lovely display of half a dozen stems topped with bursting globes.
Clumps of bearded blue irises, growing well after I divided their parent a couple of years ago, are just coming into flower and seem taller this season. I’m willing the black iris I planted last autumn to flower soon.
Aquilegias are such a pleasure to look at and good self-seeders. I planted more varieties last spring, but was away when they flowered. I hope they’ll spread.
Tadpoles did emerge from the donated frogspawn and newts are back in the pond. There’s so much insect and invertebrate life in that little body of water!