The weather today was overcast and cold, but mostly dry. A wander round the garden seemed to be in order.
The upstairs windows gave me a new perspective in which the rescued red Japanese maple gapes in awe across and above to the majestic copper beech; I could look down on the gazebo clematis; and in the Palm Bed the cordeline Australis bears buds.
The close-up of the maple began my lower level selection.
The red climbing rose, Paul’s scarlet, will soon be joining the wisteria beneath our bathroom window.
This hawthorn graces the back drive,
as do blue-tipped irises.
Ferns are unfurling as I write.
Enlarging this image of the Brick Path will enhance the West Bed with its lamiums, dicentras, and much more.
More aquilegias and a pieris on the grass patch are bursting into life; while an oak-leaved pelargonium with its scented foliage has survived the winter beneath the gazebo.
I have refrained from mentioning that last Friday evening we ran out of fuel oil. This was not a good week to be without heating. Today a new supply was delivered. This evening the excellent Ronan, of Tom Sutton Heating, reset the boiler.
We dined on Jackie’s spicy pasta arrabbiata with which she drank Hoegaarden and I finished the Pinot Noir.
Oh I would love to have this exact garden – but I will just savor it via your posts!
I almost brought home a Japanese maple the other day – had a sale at the nursery but just not sure where I’d put it and not in the mood to add anything these last couple years –
Glad the oil is all set now
Very many thanks, Prior
Sorry – Yvette
I like Prior too
🙃👻
Such a beautiful red Japanese maple.
And so pleased you will now have heating, as the temperatures are supposed to drop this weekend…. Not like May at all 🌞
x
So are we, Melanie 🙂 Thanks very much
Well worth staying at home to enjoy such a delightful garden. Thank you for the excellent photographs.
Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal
I know I would be unable to pull myself away from the upstairs window! And then that Brick Path view ….. sigh!! Such a beautiful garden!!
Very many thanks, Pauline
I enjoyed the tour of your lovely garden.
Many thanks, Flower
The garden is looking beautiful Derrick. So your heating runs on oil too, we have have run out on several occasions but usually in the midst of winter and it can get pretty cold up here in Yorkshire.
The gas line doesn’t come up as far as our place mores the pity or we would swapped a long time ago!
Exactly the same for us, Sue. Septic tank as well. Thanks very much
Yes Septic tank here too! Most people cringe and say “What! Really?” But we don’t notice the difference do we, well, as long as we get it emptied regularly!
Yes
I’m there with the both of you. Septic and an oil tank. We also have a well. When the electricity goes out we have no running water. Country living!
No well here, a couple of ponds on the farm and a stream! Fortunately, never needed them!
🙂
Oh wow, the garden looks gorgeous, Derrick. What is it about paths and lanes? I just love them!
Many thanks, Jill. I think they foster the imagination
It is such a pleasure to visit your garden. Thank you for all the work you both do to nourish my winter weary eyes.
Thank you very much, Susanne
Derrick, the blue-tipped iris is divine!
Thanks very much, Rosaliene
Such a gorgeous garden you have — and now, such a cozy home. I have all-electric heating and cooling. It rarely goes out, but when it does it’s usually in the summer, which is distinctly unpleasant. I’m glad you’re all set now.
I’m quite fond of wisteria, and once found a white variety growing wild in Mississippi. It was magical, especially when seen against the blue sky.
Thanks very much, Linda. We do have an open fire, too, but I’m not yet really up to managing that
My irises unfurl as I take this graceful view of your garden.
That’s good, Uma. Many thanks
Your Japanese maples are gorgeous. I’ve always had them in my yard up until the past 17 years in Mexico. I’m guessing they need colder winters than we have here.
Thanks very much, Judy. I don’t really know much about them.
What a gorgeous garden!
Thanks very much, Sheree
Beautiful as always!
Many thanks, John
I just never get enough of your virtual tours and that brick path and its surroundings is stunning. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks very much, msw.
Thank you to you, and Jackie, for sharing your garden with us! Beautiful! Those irises get me all teary-eyed…they are so beautiful and remind me of my dad….he grew stunning irises in so many colors.
(((HUGS)))
Many thanks, Carolyn. Good memories X
So beautiful.
Thanks very much, Lakshmi
I am thinking about the mix scent in your garden!!!
Many thanks, Rupali. Most of the scents are to come
Splendid, Derrick. You and the Head Gardener deserve applause!
Do you think wisteria would grow in our heat here?
Thanks a lot, GP. Even the Head Gardener doesn’t know about the wisteria
Thank you for asking.
The Copper Beech and the Red Japanese Maple are awesome – dare i say Rust-ic? (I dares!)
Love your Lilac Wisteria and Blue Iris too. We have a White Wisteria gracing our large pergola, but it will not flower for another 4 months down here.
Stay Warm!
Thanks a lot, Bob. Rust – ic is good. Heating back on
What a garden! Holy cats, there are so many beautiful pictures that’s impossible to single out one for comment.
Many thanks, Laurie. Our climate is rather easier than yours
That’s for sure. 😉 With your blog and Jackie’s skills, I can enjoy vicariously.
🙂
That view of the brick path is my favorite. I just want to wander about in there.
Thanks very much, Jodie
Ferns unfurling has to be the most apt of living metaphores for the season. 🙂
Indeed, Widders. Many thanks
Wow. Your flowers are first class.
Thanks very much, Sherry
What kind of tree is the one in the photo third from the top (not sure where it would be on a webpage but there are yellow flowers in the background and the tree looks like a yukka)?
It is a cordeline Australis. You may need to enlarge the picture to see the spray of buds at top right. They will produce powerfully sweet scented blooms
Interesting to see how the flowers come out at the top. It reminds of a shaggy dog 😁
I really missed your beautiful photography Derrick. So glad to be back and seeing the beautiful flowers and trees. It is really gorgeous!
Thank you very much, Geetha. Good to see you
Most welcome and thank you Derrick. I am glad to be back writing and reading a bit. Will do more of it after my exam
Good luck with that
Thank you 🙂
It’s hard to say what is more beautiful: your dreamy garden or your photos of it, Derrick!
Much appreciated comments. Thanks very much, Dolly
Very welcome, Derrick