Sprouting Time

I almost feel the last few days need to be bottled. That turn of the season when greens outweigh the browns. Yes we have had plenty of April showers too, but that just adds to the fresh green smell that exudes from every corner.

My walk this afternoon took in views of new spring growth every which way. The Alexanders seem to have a strangle hold on the roadsides these day. Another of those invasive plant species that recently has smothered our more native species. This is its season and very smelly it is too.

Hawthorns are turning emerald green and their creamy flowers won't be long in following. The blackthorn blossom is still to be seen too. In the hedgerows bluebell spears thrust from the soil, giving a blue shimmer to the fresh greens.

At home the job of potting on baby seedlings continues. Tomatoes have moved up a pot and runner beans are now attached to bamboos in the veggie patch. This week's warm weather should hopefully bed them in nicely.

The warmer weather has caused a few foggy days. Walking round the harbour it felt like a time in limbo. A few late Easter visitors were out exploring Elizabeth castle, waiting for the amphibious transport to take them back to shore.

Bees have been enjoying the warmer weather although going to places they shouldn't . One ventured in to the conservatory, no doubt spying the orchids. It then seemed to take forever to find the door back out, despite help from us. He must have been exhausted.

Another walk saw us venturing round Samares Manor. It was a very short walk as the heavens opened just after we arrived. At least that gave us an excuse for afternoon tea in their cafe. Plus the opportunity of capturing the Japanese gardens just before the deluge.

My aerial goldfinch, that visited last week, finally made it to the bird feeder and found the niger seeds. Birds have been increasing this week, with so much birdsong in our garden trees. They too are happy that Spring has finally arrived.

Many thanks for all your lovely wishes on my last post. Hopefully Spring has sprung in your corner too.

Barbara xxx

Samares Manor : January 2017

So much for good intentions. So much for my late autumn visit to the manor. Originally I was hoping for a late November/early December visit, to catch the last of the autumn colour. Travelling, volunteering and Christmas are my excuses. Not good enough, I know.
Finally during a lovely cold, crisp spell the bicycle was wheeled out and here I am. So many changes, the biggest is that it is people free. The manor is closed from October through to March, but if you are a member you are allowed to wander. Oh the delight of having the gardens to myself. A little eerie, but beautiful.

Autumn colour has gone, except for a couple of leaves on a fruit tree. Down to skeletal beauty. Camellias are in full bloom and the viburnum is bringing much needed colour.

The land is boggy at the moment; no wonder the willows grow well here. The sun highlighting the bare trees.

The Japanese garden lies dormant and reflections on the lake have a haunting beauty.

The herb and sensory garden are also in hibernation mode. Just the red stalks of the chard, some milk thistles and of course hellebores.

Everything was so pared back that I noticed a little wooden bridge with a sign post next to it. It seems that in 1695 the lady of the manor was granted rights to a further area of land, on which stood a house lived in by Phillip Fauvel. He had the ability to use the bridge and gather reeds and wood from the manor. The bridge now standing looked too pristine to be original. It led to a field with an apple orchard and sheep grazing. Very pastoral.

The beehives were silent. No doubt sleeping winter away. All around gnarled old fruit trees waited patiently for spring to return.

The colombier stood sentinel over a very wintery scene.

I will be back next month, when no doubt a little more colour will be emerging. How are your gardens faring in all this cold weather?

Barbara xxx

Samares Manor : October

Time for a trip round Samares Manor now that October is in full swing. The pampas grasses are well and truly out and looking spectacular in the sunshine.

Agapanthus have finished flowering, but their enormous seed heads stand out against the Japanese Pagoda.

Trees are still very green with just the odd autumnal leaf here and there.

The enormous magnolia grandiflora is having more flowers. So beautiful.

This Red Sentinel Malus has recently been planted and is already looking good near the Japanese garden.

The Rudabekias  are still flowering away.

In the herb garden lots of borage looking good and a purple leafed basil.

Dahlias and asters stealing the show at this time of the year.

My sweet peas finished some time ago but here they are magically still flowering. Maybe its a perennial variety.

The bee hives were still very busy with lots of comings and goings.

On the edge of the manor I came across this archway. It leads to lady walk. In the past after the lady of the manor produced a child, she was taken on horseback along the lady walk to the seigneurie path. This path ended at the parish church where the lady and her child would be blessed. 

Lots of apples and pears looked almost ready for harvest.

The colombier looked stunning with Jersey lilies around its base.

The manor is closing for the season at the end of next week. Fortunately for members you can continue to visit through the winter months. I look forward to reporting back to you very soon.

I wonder which was your favourite plant?

By the way you can see lots more flowers at Flower Wednesday organised by Riitta. Do click on the link

Barbara xxx