Aaron’s main task this morning was taking shrubs in hand.
He began with the camellia beside the Dead End Path. He pruned lower branches to lift the plant which has continued to bloom for at least two months.
The prolific Compassion rose has persistently refused to drape the arch spanning this path. Our friend from A.P. Maintenance therefore staked it up enabling it to continue in the direction in which it is determined to lurch. Here he discusses the finished project with the Head Gardener.
Finally he tidied the viburnum Plicata.
Last autumn Aaron had heavily pruned the roses in the Rose Garden, except for Rosarie de la Haie which is the only one currently fully in bloom. The host of heucheras brighten the borders and buds adorn the other specimens.
Elsewhere rhododendrons, phlox, honesty and aquilegias thrive; white clematis Marie Boisselot is opening out and diurnal yellow poppies demanded dead-heading.
This evening we dined on tempura prawns followed by Jackie’s spicy pork paprika and savoury rice with which she drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Merlot Bonarda.
I’ve got now two year old lilac bush that had shrunk a foot each year as I’ve had to prune away deadwood. It is now about 36” tall. This spring I decided to put it out of its (my?) misery and rip it out, but Thor begged me not to because he likes its (only) purple blossom. Argh. Okay, it now has a 12 month reprieve.
It now has an incentive to put on a growth spurt. Thanks very much, Karen
Your garden is a work of wonder. The rhododendrons, phlox, honesty and aquilegias are my favorites. So beautiful! In our Montana yard where only the daffodil and a few crocus plus one lonely tulip add any hint of color, the proliferation of color from your garden feeds my needy spring senses. Thank you!
Thank you very much, Jan
Beautiful garden Derrick.
Many thanks, Cindy
I treated myself to new secateurs this weekend. Im desperately trying to steal a few hours to prune the errant bougainvillea in particular.
Prawns… A good supper Derrick. I made a lamb curry.
Thanks very much Kavitha. It won’t be long before we have another lamb curry
You document so well the progress of your garden (as well as your meals). 🙂
Many thanks, Merril
My mother was a keen gardener and she’d have loved your garden, as do I. Congratulations to your Head Gardener.
Very many thanks, Sheree
I wonder why the rose won’t grow in the direction it is supposed to!
It has been there a long time – since before we came
Thanks very much, John
Derrick, it’s wonderful that you and your Head Gardener have found such reliable maintenance support in Aaron!
Thanks very much, Rosaliene. We really couldn’t manage without him
Yes so great! He has come into his own this spring, I have really needed him !
Pruning is definitely essential and results in better blooms afterwards, do well with the time to do this.
Thanks a lot, Gary. I hope you are not too stir-crazy
Your weather looks so much better than ours. We’ve had a stormy weekend. The camellia is perfection! That top photo would make a beautiful greeting card.
Thanks very much, Jill
Derrick, Your garden is a dream. Nothing is growing here,
Thanks very much, Micheline. I hope your weather improves soon
Everythign looks so much neater for a good old prune!
Thanks very much, Sue
Such a beautiful garden must take slot of work. Good to have some help.
Until I get back into the action we couldn’t do without him, Laurie. Thanks very much
Your gardens are so amazing! <3
Thanks very much, Dorinda
Welcome!
Jackie should open a restaurant in your garden!
She says she would if younger. Thanks very much, Luanne
I totally understand that. Sometimes we just miss pulling together all the right elements at the right time.
So tempting, but a bit late I fear!
Hah! Imagine how many people would love it!
Aaron is Professor Snape of your garden who sees to it that the denizens conform to rules and designs.
Thanks very much, Uma. He would like that
Looks delightful Derrick. Hard work pays off!
Thanks very much, Andrew
Beautiful Camelias… and i love the lone, lingering Bluebell in the bed with the heucheras and rose.
Tempura prawns! – one of my very favourites… now i feel hungry!
Thanks very much, Bob
The flowers are as gorgeous as they are flamboyant!!
Have a nice week Derrick!!!!
Aaron is such a wonderful helper! I know he and The Head Gardener teach each other and work together and, OH! their results are beautiful! Marie Boisselot is lovely! And you captured her portrait well!
Does Jackie use a tempura mix (from a box) or does she have her own recipe? I love tempura but have never attempted it from scratch. I should google some recipes.
Sunday was Cinco de Mayo in our neck of the woods, so we celebrated with our dear Mexican friends and had Mexican food.
HUGS for all!!! 🙂
After killing rose bushes all my life, I dared to purchase a peach-colored on about a week ago. Due to heavy rain, the flowers have disappeared and my better-half is nervous about me pruning the now dead remains of those flowers. What do Aaron and the Head Gardener say about me doing this now that we are nearly in our summer weather?
I’d say just dead-head the remains of the flowers, but leave the stems. Thanks a lot, GP
Thank you all!!
I’ve learned over my gardening years that pruning is probably the most important care you can give a plant. And just look at the results! I’m looking forward to another summer of mouth-watering pictures of your garden!
Many thanks, Diane
So beautiful
Thanks very much, Cinnamon
You’re quite welcome
Tending a garden must be a lot of work, but the results are so worth it.
Thanks very much, Drew
So lovely, Derrick!
Thanks very much, July
Lovely images Derrick.
Summer will be beautiful.
Thank you very much, Rupali
The garden is looking lovely Derrick.
Thanks a lot, Lindsey
I LOVE camellias! Unfortunately, where I live now does not have a climate conducive to the gorgeous shrub. I shall enjoy them through your photographs.
Thank you very much, Gael
Good pruning is such a combination of skill and knowledge. I’m always cautious with it, but it’s nice to see it done well!
Thanks very much, Lisa. I’m like you 🙂
I used to enjoy prunes and custard when I was a boy.Wonder if I still would……..
I do wish you could try, Brian. Thanks very much