Wintersong

Eucalyptus Tree

Eucalyptus is the only tree that can shoot from any part of its trunk so I dare say it shall do that. Was probably just set back by the flooding which lets be honest, in its natural habitat, would be as often as hell freezing over

Ceanothus dead

I have two and both shoot from old wood quite happily.

Bottle Brush Shurbs

Hi Brian 6,

 Bottlebrush plants are not that hardy although I see from your coastal location the garden centre may have assumed they would fare better.

My Callistemon is two years old now and got left outside in the border with a label that told me it was fully hardly. It then got snowed on and was left for dead until I dug it up and discovered it was still alive below ground, so I potted it up and it grew back that summer although not enough to flower. Leaving it in the pot for a second winter, it again looks dead possible due to me leaving it in a spare room for protection where it promptly dropped all its leaves again.

So..there is hope yet for yours.It does take a bit of time for them to start showing new life although I'm not sure about the winters outside. My Dad had a lovely one in his garden for a number of years that wasn't too effected by winters but I don't know if some varieties are better than others or if we just have harsher winters now.

I'm going to be overwintering mine in my unheated greenhouse next winter (when I buy one) in the hope that I might eventually see some top growth get further than new shoots.

Be patient and good luck

Garden Gallery 2013

Garden Gallery 2013

Work in progress at the bottom end, but I am happy with the changes I've made and shall see how it grows in me, excuse the pun

Great pics everyone! Thanks for sharing.

nesting blackbird

TinaTurner wrote (see)

Was doing the edge this afternoon and there he was again.  Watched as he pecked at the ground for a while then I'm sure, wifey was calling him.  Would that be right?  He flew into next door but one's garden and disappeared.  So am now assuming the nest is there.

 

 

Yep that's right. The female blackbird will do a chuck-chuck-chuck sound that is calling for her mate. They are territorial birds, the male marking his domain that can cover several urban gardens.  

Last year I saw a Magpie with his head right inside a blackbird nest in a neighbourly garden and the female was squawking in defence of her eggs/chicks whilst the male could do no more than trot up and down on the lawn trying desperately to mark his territory. It was sad but nature's way I suppose.

nesting blackbird

My Blackbirds are nesting for second year at my garden. I can see the nest inside the ivy but its well situated. Mr Blackbird is omnipresent with mouthfuls of grubs, Mrs Blackbird makes random appearances to stretch her legs.

What's the weather like in your area?

Kent was a beautiful gorgeous spring day, warm winds and hot sun all afternoon. Got stonking loads done since I'm work next five days  and took delivery of breeze-blocks, bark chippings and gravel for retaining wall and mulching.

Blackbirds nesting same as last year, robins underneath them, blue-tits somewhere tho I haven't yet discovered where, loads of bees buzzing around and a tom cat who looks at me as though I'm on his turf !

All I need now is a hedgehog or some toads and I'd be all set for a slug free summer  

P.S and the best news of all, I just got an allotment that I'm going to be sharing with me dad. I'm so happy.

Where have all the hostas gone?

Patriot and Blue Angel still sleeping, Wide Brim and Blue Cadet just starting to peek above ground. Frances Williams looks dead

Wisteria never bloomed in 2nd yr

I wouldn't prune yet, although I'm no expert on Wisteria, mine is still hanging around in buds.

I'd give it some time, you can re-pot if you like since they are vigorous growers, and a feed after flowering if it flowers.

Mine's a 4yr old seedling so I have about 10-15yrs to wait until it flowers

Before and After

June in Your Garden!

Chelsea!

Chelsea Chop

What's it like in your garden?

Ooh ooh so excited!

Talkback: Informal planting

Why Miss Bateman?

Phormium newbie