Plotting, Planting and Recording

Planting has continued apace. As each plant is ticked off the planting list, we record the position in which it has been planted against the plan. Of course a GPS system would be more accurate but for our purposes the general position is all that is required.

Most of the plants are brown green clumps or straw-like sticks at this time of year so some imagination is required. However, in my mind I can see each and every one in full bloom at the height of Summer.

This weekend we planted:

• Euphorbia Baby Charm (a new variety I wanted to trial)
• Acanthus Spinosus
• Astrantia major 'Rubra'
• Penstomen 'Husker Red'
• Dwarf Sweet William in mixed form
• Geranium phaeum 'Samobor'
• Stachys 'Wisley White'
• Hyssopus officianlis Albus
• Aquilegia 'Black Barlow'
• Nepeta 'Walkers Low'
• Nepeta nervosa 'Pink Cat'
• Iris - Constant Waters, Indian Chief and Carolyn Rose

Thankfully I was able to avoid chopping through the many Tulip and Allium bulbs we have planted during Winter as I did plant the bulbs really deep.

We also managed to plant the remaining three Clematis in the lavender walk next to each rusted arch so this job is now completed.

Then it was back to barrowing more mushroom compost across the garden to the original garden bed that we have widened and will add planting to. This bed is full of Hellebores now, white and redish pinks. Many came with us as divided clumps from our old garden and have taken well.

We will now leave the remaining planting of the herbacous beds for a few weeks to let the bulbs show through and the plants we have in the ground develop a little. Meanwhile we will make busy with adding more structure and next week we have 9 yew cones to plant in the front garden. Then the focus will be the long border at the gardens southern boundary when more shrubs are needed and lighter colours are required so that they stand out against the hedge-line.

Thankfully the nights are now getting lighter and there is a general feeling that the corner of Winter is being turned as we head for Spring. I cannot wait!