| It's now January 2010 and the weather has not
improved. Still snow falls and severe frosts with grey skies from dawn
to dusk. With temperatures down as low as -5 Deg.C, we are hoping the
more tender plants will survive. Plants from the tropical garden have
been lifted and over winter in the polytunnels with help from gas
heaters.
The garden continues to look cold and uninviting. |
 |
 |
| Well, the garden really took a hard knock
this year. As spring arrives at last we survey the damage and the many
dead plants. Mature shrubs completely burnt by the wind chill. Virtually
all the Phormiums are dead, the cold wet snow for such a long time has
simply rotted them away. Only the perennials seem to have survived
safe under the earth and somewhat reluctant to push their heads up
again. Perhaps we all need to re-learn a lesson we seem to have
forgotten with all the mild winters we have enjoyed. If we want to hang
on to some of the more tender plants then that extra winter protection
if going to be needed. It's now the beginning of May and not all gloom,
the weather has turned and the Garden is beginning to flourish again.
Here are some snaps of what can be seen now. After the harsh winter, we
really are now praying for some rain as the new plants are struggling in
the daytime heat and the lawn, the subject of so much attention last
Autumn is beginning to go brown. Gardeners - will they ever be satisfied
! |
Fresh growth from the Heuchera in the shady border. |
Looking over the potted Acer at the perennial borders. |
In the setting sun the new growth of the perennials is vibrant. |
The Alium provide a spectacular display |
Hostas and other water loving plants putting on a good show. |
The spring flowers in the wood . |
