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Today I was mostly digging up brambles and pruning dead branches from a yellow Japanese maple in the Palm Bed,
seen here beyond the Cryptomeria Bed stepping stones.
The red one was looking rather splendid in the morning light.
The magnolia Vulcan, one of a row of shrubs lining the fence shared with Mistletoe Cottage, is about to flower for the first time. Like the others this was choked by the jungle that was the garden when we first moved in.
Similarly a poor, spindly, little rhododendron that Jackie brought back to life, now shines its beacon in the middle of the Palm Bed. The roots of this were, like those of so many shrubs we inherited, pot-bound, and not properly planted.
The pink rhododendron
and the yellow tree peony, have tied in the race to full bloom.
I am happy to say that my weeding of the Back Drive borders has freed rows of irises.
The viburnum plicatum is now brightening the West Bed shrubbery,
and weigela drapes the south fence.
Today’s final example of our efforts at regeneration has been affected by the light frosts we have been experiencing recently. The apple blossom suggested the tree has benefited from pruning, but the petals are now somewhat charred.
Hardly credible in April, the traditional month of showers, Jackie has today performed a considerable amount of watering.
The Raj is the current incarnation of the Indian restaurant constantly changing hands in Old Milton. Tonight we dined on their good quality takeaway food. My main choice was prawn Ceylon with special fried rice. We shared poppadoms, paratha, and onion bhajis. I drank Château Plessis grand vin de Bordeaux 2014.
I know how satisfying it is to bring half-dead plants back to life. I often buy plants from the ‘plant hospital’ at nurseries at a fraction of the full price and nursed them back to health. Your garden is looking glorious.
Your garden looks so wonderful, Derrck. I’m sorry the frost hit you, you did a very good job! Ahhh, your lovely menu including wine gives us an appetite now. 🙂
Have a great weekend! x
Many thanks, Dina
Many thanks, Mary. Our garden is full of Jackie’s hospital purchases.
Great minds… 🙂
Bloomin’ lovely!
Many thanks, Donna 🙂
The regeneration of those once fading and strangled plants, bushes and flowers is a wonderful outcome to your hard work, Jackie and Derrick. 🙂 Something like~ “You will reap the benefits from all the pruning, digging and removing neighboring plants for Years to Come!!”
Very many thanks, Robin. Lovely comment.
So glad this comment brought a smile and compliment back to me, Derrick. 😀 I may be “caught up,” now! Take it easy.
Your garden looks just beautiful, a credit to both of you, good job.
Many thanks, Rob
The magnolia photo is breathtaking!
Many thanks, Lynn. I’ve never seen one that colour before.
Oh, Derrick! So much beauty. You’re so lucky 🙂
Mo-hugs <3
Many thanks, Mo. X
xo
Very pretty
Many thanks, Jim
That Rhododendron looks wonderful. I can’t believe you have irises already!
Thanks a lot, Susan. There are loads of buds ready to burgeon
Wow – excellent word, burgeon. I had only before heard “burgeoning”. I think this is the conjugating of verbs I barely remember from school.
I think so 🙂
Your garden is looking beautiful Derrick. xxx
Thanks very much, Sue
Vibrant colors, beautiful flowers!
Thanks a lot, Karen. I hope you are fit again
I’m not surprised to hear you are having few April showers Derrick – April turned out to be the best month of our ‘summer’ despite the carpet of fallen, golden leaves proclaiming otherwise.
Thanks very much, Pauline. I don’t think we’ve had any showers worth talking about.
I’ve never seen a yellow Japanese maple, Derrick…it’s beautiful! The garden is so lovely.
Very many thanks, Jill
The iris with the purple trimmings is my favourite. I want a rhizome!
I’ll have a word with the Head Gardener. Thanks very much.
The garden looks great, but you’re making me jealous. Winter is setting in here.
Sorry, Peggy. You’ll be able to return the favour in 6 months – the magic of blogging. Many thanks
We are perking up a bit here. i need to put down my weeder stick (what IS that thing called??) and pick up my camera. Your garden is fabulous.
Hoe? Many thanks, Jodie
LOL – no – I know a hoe. It’s a 12 inch thing with a forked edge and a handle grip. I just looked it up and they call it a weeder. Brilliant
So you were 🙂
I think you’ll find Jackie’s weeder id called “Derrick”.
🙂
🙂
The jungle has been tamed! And the magnolia photo was brilliant. (The narrow depth of field effect)
Many thanks, John. I tried a few of that one before getting it right
You have such a lovely garden Derrick!
Very many thanks, Arlene
I love the fusion of colors
Beautiful garden. The yellow tree peony is a favorite of mine.
Many thanks, Cheryl
That iris is fabulous!
Many thanks, Lisa
What a wonderful garden you have. I love the photo of the iris and also the magnolia buds. It must be a delight to spend time in such a lovely place.
Many thanks, Suzanne. It is rather
Wonderful regeneration–though I know it takes constant work. The photo of the iris is beautiful, but I like that yellow tree peony.
We’re getting your April showers–and even thunderstorms early this morning.
Your dinner sounds delicious. 🙂
Very many thanks, Merril
Absolutely beautiful. You make me want to get out there and give my green thumb a whirl. 😊
Many thanks SAH
I think it is time that your garden is featured in the English Garden magazine – what you have developed here is a stunning marvel of colors, textures and gorgeous little nooks of surprises. Love my morning visit Derrick.
Very many thanks, Mary
Photos are great – particularly like the iris.
Thanks a lot, Quercus
So beautiful! This together with your older posts during winter makes me regret not being in a country which knows the passage of seasons
The seasons are our greatest gift. Thanks very much, Geetha
Welcome Derrick, they are!