This morning Aaron and Robin took out three mature self-seeded hawthorn stumps from the front garden, leaving a raked clear soil in situ; they pruned our side of the griselinia trees; and Aaron replaced a missing end cap on the front guttering.
The garden, on this balmy, sun-filled day, remains in full bloom. Autumn and Summer flora mingle happily, as the seasons merge.
Numerous chrysanthemums are in bloom. These recently acquired yellow ones have possibly been forced, but no matter.
Her skin may be showing signs of age, but the clematis Duchess of Albany, frolics gamely on the rose garden pergola, beneath which many roses, such as
Hot Chocolate,
and Margaret Merrill, are flowering profusely. Of a recent listing of the best ten autumn flowering roses Jackie read, we have five. One is Margaret Merrill.
We have forgotten what this dahlia is called, but it is very prolific.
Despite the heavy pruning required for the installation of the Monet Arch at the front, and a blight of black spot, a few pink roses are persevering.
Interspersed with watching two televised quarter final matches of the Rugby World Cup, I continued work on the garden album.
The matches were between Ireland and Argentina, and between Scotland and Australia.
We dined this evening on the other half of the Experiment Pie. It was still delicious. Fresh boiled potatoes, carrots, and green beans accompanied it. Jackie drank Hoegaarden and I drank Morlands Old Crafty Hen.
Beautiful flowers ! Hard to know it is late automn. What a healthy meal you had 🙂
Thank you, Sylvie
My idea of heaven is to have roses blooming for at least nine months of every year – I wonder if it is possible………. Jackie will know! Your man Aaron does a sterling job for you – it’s amazing how often he gets a mention and I realised I never acknowledge his contribution to the beautiful garden!
Thank, Pauline. Have a look at this one: http://derrickjknight.com/2014/10/08/islington/
The chrysanthemum is the Chinese symbol for Autumn, in art and in literature. I was in a nursery yesterday and saw Hot Chocolate amongst the roses. Yours are looking great.
Thank you, Mary.
Lucky me, I was at Twickenham for the Scotland Australia game; some match. Blimey. Almost as stunning as your garden.
Thanks, Geoff. What an amazing game.
Yes and what fallout after! Dare I actually feel sorry for the ref?
I’ve missed what’s happened there. Refs make mistakes. How they do their job, I don’t know. They can’t all be Wayne Barnes
And he was hated by the kiwis for missing a blatant forward pass by the french in 2007 quarters…. Yes they have an unenviable job
Those are some exquisite flowers you got there. It actually snowed yesterday out here. Crazy how you got such beautiful flowers growing to date.
– Lashaan
Thanks Lashaan – it is all rather crazy
oooh, I love that Margaret Merrill. And the nameless dahlia is gorgeous too. I love clematis in any flavour.
Thank you, Crystal
My brick red chrysanthemums are gorgeous this fall on my balcony–your garden continues to be a balm for the eyes and spirit!
Thank you, Cynthia
Lovely photos. We have had first frost and light snow flurries – thankfully the snow did not last, just Winter giving us a rude reminder.
Thanks, elmediat
The Old Crafty Hen… !
Do you know it, Bruce?
No – I don’t know it at all.. But I thought of the Head Gardener – not in a disrespectful way I assure you…
Of course not 🙂
I’ve missed your gardens Derrick, so happy that they are still gorgeously blooming in colors that are meant to dazzle the viewer.
Thank you, Mary. I haven;t really had much energy to ramble with the camera for a few days
I can finally relate to you talking about the weather – we actually have a cool front this morning! We’re only supposed to hit 80* today!
Thanks, GP. It’s been a funny old year
Amazing flowers. But it is not surprising that they repay you with such beauty considering the amount of hard work all of you put into the garden.
Many thanks, both of you
Lol…”her skin may be aging but she frolics gamely”. Delighted that I have something in common with a Duchess. Love it and all your beautiful pictures, as always.
Thank you Cynthia. You mean you can frolic on top of a pergola? I’m mightily impressed.
So beautiful…
Thanks, Julie
That was the word I wanted to use BEAUTIFUL…
Thank you, Sol
The dahlia is gorgeous, Derrick. We can’t grow dahlia in Texas, they don’t like Texas heat. 🙂
Thank you, Amy
Another beautiful post chronicling the fruits of labour! Thanks for sharing, Derrick. My compliments to the Head Gardener and her vision.
Thank you Oscar