tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14273906905550339002024-03-21T11:00:58.087-07:00Girls Gardening in FranceA regular monthly update on our small garden in South West France and its surrounding landscape/seascape of farmland, estuary and salt marsh. We're constantly trying out different annuals and perennials, growing mostly from seed, in what would probably be termed as an English cottage garden. The photographs are a reflection of our appreciation for individual plants and love of a country illuminated by those long hours of warm southern light!
Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-14321887296395147452017-11-24T08:47:00.001-08:002017-11-24T09:06:42.298-08:00mid-November<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"The tide rises, the tide falls</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The twilight darkens, the curlew calls..."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- H W Longfellow</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBY6xlUlIsEafIIOKzf8x2vC_CFbM5QfAIyXgkY-MULp8ZtEKTtHbt8SyHGYQLpqYgjtRDQWm4OTt9EmYS4lbPmcub75sBfE3wX9g6D0ohgCzOyyB0LvwSL5y7JZEsf-pRIf1nCmLM2zCp/s1600/estuary_curlews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sunset over Gironde Estuary" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBY6xlUlIsEafIIOKzf8x2vC_CFbM5QfAIyXgkY-MULp8ZtEKTtHbt8SyHGYQLpqYgjtRDQWm4OTt9EmYS4lbPmcub75sBfE3wX9g6D0ohgCzOyyB0LvwSL5y7JZEsf-pRIf1nCmLM2zCp/s400/estuary_curlews.jpg" title="Sunset over Gironde Estuary" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ebb tide on the Gironde near Meschers</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Winter evenings can often produce spectacular sunsets and even the mudflats become photogenic, dotted with grassy islets and silhouetted shore birds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The bubbling call of the curlew is particularly atmospheric and distinguishes it immediately from the similar-looking whimbrel, another bird with a curved bill which feeds along this coast.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbgWvM7Ij9VRyOQWAwz99Feti4GbgMtDAHBPxmoaTbBSlrehvVos-_IS5nmq3U0v8tKQaw-hipbD3D8IPxVsJxPNMkvkbTadFoa7LYq3QqZ4Tnvx2CDDacZGdHf33hyphenhyphenZoJ-NtWZICiwWk/s1600/garden_leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbgWvM7Ij9VRyOQWAwz99Feti4GbgMtDAHBPxmoaTbBSlrehvVos-_IS5nmq3U0v8tKQaw-hipbD3D8IPxVsJxPNMkvkbTadFoa7LYq3QqZ4Tnvx2CDDacZGdHf33hyphenhyphenZoJ-NtWZICiwWk/s320/garden_leaves.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A new carpet of ash leaves on the driveway</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Leaves</span> are falling thick and fast by the middle of November and I must admit to a slight obsession with sweeping them into piles and picking them off shrubs like lavender, to keep the foliage dry and their shapes defined.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I also find it's a useful warm-up task to get my arms and shoulders working before tackling more constrained jobs like weeding and planting that tend to give me neck ache.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmq-l9kp1K0nhRL6WGOGBVMordoMBopHB5hUZfQQ6J9hVrEE4-5NDkjxGvCl0XFu2a6zjmejp1qSS1aqqrIn3A4egL3SzFjTRVzFZEsIAKtcx5mZmufNDB5nEHZqPHEi9_S4VbTFlDhtjo/s1600/rake_leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Spring-tine rake " border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmq-l9kp1K0nhRL6WGOGBVMordoMBopHB5hUZfQQ6J9hVrEE4-5NDkjxGvCl0XFu2a6zjmejp1qSS1aqqrIn3A4egL3SzFjTRVzFZEsIAKtcx5mZmufNDB5nEHZqPHEi9_S4VbTFlDhtjo/s320/rake_leaves.jpg" title="Spring-tine rake " width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A good rake makes leaf-clearance a pleasure!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Early in the 'fall' season we managed to break the old spring-tine rake which was our main implement for sweeping leaves off grassy areas and pulling them off hedges (no leaf-blowers needed here).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We also have a useful rubber rake which takes care of leaves on the gravel driveway and in plant borders where you need a gentler action - and less sharp tines.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>It's not until you're forced to try a new version of an old favourite that you realise how much a standard tool can be improved over the years, especially as they tend to be more lightweight and rust-proof these days. </i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuEk7owyzZW3_kwPYLwhmjal3ME9CsbTW-IfhmmU8vGE2YOSfmh_w9KFuhAtHt0bHJFru7AWTo7F0uKiFWHk9qxvEMpon8I_dWOFP7kEL70ZT-EZn4ylNNuqgTzx5i1Rq4-7BduS5Fmpj/s1600/garden_leaves2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuEk7owyzZW3_kwPYLwhmjal3ME9CsbTW-IfhmmU8vGE2YOSfmh_w9KFuhAtHt0bHJFru7AWTo7F0uKiFWHk9qxvEMpon8I_dWOFP7kEL70ZT-EZn4ylNNuqgTzx5i1Rq4-7BduS5Fmpj/s320/garden_leaves2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Red leaves of <i>Cotinus coggygria</i> (left) and<br /><i>Physocarpus opulifolius</i> (right)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Wielding this new rake, I can clear our leaves in half the time and with much less effort than before, dumping as many as possible into a caged area to attract worms and become rich leaf-mould.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The remaining ash leaves, which are pretty small anyway, can be heaped up under trees and shrubs where they will rot down naturally over winter and provide a mulch to help alleviate some of the dryness.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9H5ALO_5ZZ10_1Wbcef_bZLUNfy29-EOkdFXJmgRiI6f0gwgSkN8D5XX7z2Z-rUTZUfmkUgiFjd2q0GT8-XOrcYEXZXQ2o_TGtBY3oDwLUVciP2dnGRCWBdKwoiKBH70KStat-U0eivnP/s1600/cotinus_leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cotinus coggygria or smoke bush" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9H5ALO_5ZZ10_1Wbcef_bZLUNfy29-EOkdFXJmgRiI6f0gwgSkN8D5XX7z2Z-rUTZUfmkUgiFjd2q0GT8-XOrcYEXZXQ2o_TGtBY3oDwLUVciP2dnGRCWBdKwoiKBH70KStat-U0eivnP/s320/cotinus_leaves.jpg" title="Cotinus coggygria or smoke bush" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Cotinus coggygria</i> or smoke bush is a must-have<br />for its dramatic leaf colour, in spring <i>and</i> autumn</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8O3VlraJkYhyPrpGVIliW8j_AxAuVqNktZTjlmERK6XFglLLMolb0gSZ8vmrWSCe84rYyvo_gm3FOs8fgHE01HJz5v1PnADc7A3SWOIxFYy2VlnDmr2t42MOGYDxCFd5_oEnuOcGD-mhd/s1600/maple_fog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8O3VlraJkYhyPrpGVIliW8j_AxAuVqNktZTjlmERK6XFglLLMolb0gSZ8vmrWSCe84rYyvo_gm3FOs8fgHE01HJz5v1PnADc7A3SWOIxFYy2VlnDmr2t42MOGYDxCFd5_oEnuOcGD-mhd/s200/maple_fog.jpg" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yellow field maple and<br />young liquidambar</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Contrasting </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">leaves inevitably make one reach for a camera at this time of year and I usually head off to our neighbour's lake and the stretch of river where he and his son planted a variety of colourful trees and shrubs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In addition to natives like the ash and field maple (left) he has recently transplanted a number of lovely young liquidambar trees which were growing in his nursery area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Sometimes these autumnal tints are so bright that I almost prefer photographing them on a foggy day when their colours are gentler and more painterly...</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfsb9Y9nRbIMpGEPf8lkI8_4KvV9vceKMk9Z42bo31UDIF_61FDIVCV-SPSk0ZzMiTiZTQRfbu3qOgJmlSYkpAlEMRUD3K8D2MTWm5m_4tBmJHJNCzhHkQ28rABX7x37Qr7crCUpRcwqQ/s1600/liquidambar_colour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Liquidambar styraciflua" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfsb9Y9nRbIMpGEPf8lkI8_4KvV9vceKMk9Z42bo31UDIF_61FDIVCV-SPSk0ZzMiTiZTQRfbu3qOgJmlSYkpAlEMRUD3K8D2MTWm5m_4tBmJHJNCzhHkQ28rABX7x37Qr7crCUpRcwqQ/s320/liquidambar_colour.jpg" title="Liquidambar styraciflua" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Liquidambar styraciflua</i> or Sweet</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Gum tree - dressed to kill</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Liquidambar styraciflua</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But if you want colour that will blow your socks off then this is definitely the tree for you!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once she puts on her scarlet ballgown, this lady doesn't keep her foliage for long and you have to be quick to get photo's.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even as a small tree, the shiny red leaves are eyecatching (see above) and resemble those of a maple in shape.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Its foliage changes colour dramatically from purple through to red, followed by a rich golden yellow - and then the leaves drop, rolling out a carpet every bit as luxuriant.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcbrOxyOVssq5WpKAqQLLWLdVq43gl7vTCEiOc1oODUU3ETQzqBPEApFlUYEJBy1RMZWxuIyv7xy5CU57ELEyyQ0pjw14T7rrL0S2Aj_HbcE08xAkEJfjvC3_F1eFxj-sj-KIZCa58ah8/s1600/liquidambar_colour2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Liquidambar styraciflua" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcbrOxyOVssq5WpKAqQLLWLdVq43gl7vTCEiOc1oODUU3ETQzqBPEApFlUYEJBy1RMZWxuIyv7xy5CU57ELEyyQ0pjw14T7rrL0S2Aj_HbcE08xAkEJfjvC3_F1eFxj-sj-KIZCa58ah8/s200/liquidambar_colour2.jpg" title="Liquidambar styraciflua" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Liquidambar leaves</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>This is a tree which can grow up to 20 meters tall and originated in the eastern US.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>There are now several named varieties, such as 'Worplesdon', as recommended by the RHS, and they will grow in any reasonably moist soil so long as it's lime-free.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The flowers are insignificant but it does produce globular, spiky autumn fruits which are left to decorate the bare branches once its leaves have disappeared.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Crabapple Trees</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJp_PBkg1kPEFy4KqRDf_-mcnVbESejjezeEpzQ010-Rzsake_qr_REjeZZhnaIJ_ic2l5e-xgMAqH8W7B2FOShRVrPQe3xuu635-1wDFVqsKRjvj8vPbGkrpOKQHeTCeUbeGSlrfECwu/s1600/blackbird_berries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJp_PBkg1kPEFy4KqRDf_-mcnVbESejjezeEpzQ010-Rzsake_qr_REjeZZhnaIJ_ic2l5e-xgMAqH8W7B2FOShRVrPQe3xuu635-1wDFVqsKRjvj8vPbGkrpOKQHeTCeUbeGSlrfECwu/s320/blackbird_berries.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Female blackbird samples some ripe crabapples</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Because of their more compact size, the flowering crabs or crabapples are more suitable for a small garden and I wish we'd planted one in our hedgerow as the fruits seem to be very popular with birds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As it blossoms quite early in spring, the nectar also attracts bees and other insects which help to pollinate any regular apple trees you may have.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wild crabapple, <i>Malus sylvestris</i>, is becoming rare in British hedgerows but it's well worth planting an ornamental variety in your garden.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GlpDwNOd8W-W4xffwRNrA6ZronTRKdltgrVQAy4ONTyaIsZ_Y8ESxPynWALKApJwopgJYCg4X89sa9VAIv7hmH9CMkw04b81tXZhMuMj4DA2O_LiI2UygxmVO7W2QHNiO7eZhryxEbOY/s1600/berries_crabapple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Malus floribunda or Ornamental Crabapple" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GlpDwNOd8W-W4xffwRNrA6ZronTRKdltgrVQAy4ONTyaIsZ_Y8ESxPynWALKApJwopgJYCg4X89sa9VAIv7hmH9CMkw04b81tXZhMuMj4DA2O_LiI2UygxmVO7W2QHNiO7eZhryxEbOY/s320/berries_crabapple.jpg" title="Malus floribunda or Ornamental Crabapple" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Malus floribunda</i> or Ornamental Crabapple -<br />beautifully tinted leaves and abundant fruit</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_qt9qyXVs5Wyy-K2TUmo7ZtKfPuTc9W7QQrXgxLWTIW1izzyTlIT6o_Xqkq3HE6ECVcsnD5YqL9bA6PJ6NXofY3v2ADlXhV2xOkyukDzzv_a3thTJJI4XE2fIcr5zN-koOnUm2jYXFlq/s1600/clouded_yellowR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Clouded yellow butterfly on Autumn hawkbit" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_qt9qyXVs5Wyy-K2TUmo7ZtKfPuTc9W7QQrXgxLWTIW1izzyTlIT6o_Xqkq3HE6ECVcsnD5YqL9bA6PJ6NXofY3v2ADlXhV2xOkyukDzzv_a3thTJJI4XE2fIcr5zN-koOnUm2jYXFlq/s200/clouded_yellowR.jpg" title="Clouded yellow butterfly on Autumn hawkbit" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Clouded yellow butterfly</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Butterflies </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">are getting scarcer now but a reliable forager at this time of year is the clouded yellow, seen here feeding on an autumn hawkbit (<i>Leontodon autumnalis</i>) which is flowering in many of our vineyards, together with the wild marigold whose pretty orange blooms brighten up many a misty morning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Other butterflies still on the wing tend to be species like the red admiral which hibernate during winter.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCCFsxM69Vwa0e3Qt1iWI-u4I5K1U-3KzNRfBRxaa1FMQVLJ5355-ObaplHUWS-sQiSOeFA5XevcWYk7GmEMLWRCEmrMW5SgXUM8cFG6i6tdFRPtvMwDgZ64xhToCXhjzAFJDtvW2Fn0p/s1600/mexican_salvia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha)" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCCFsxM69Vwa0e3Qt1iWI-u4I5K1U-3KzNRfBRxaa1FMQVLJ5355-ObaplHUWS-sQiSOeFA5XevcWYk7GmEMLWRCEmrMW5SgXUM8cFG6i6tdFRPtvMwDgZ64xhToCXhjzAFJDtvW2Fn0p/s320/mexican_salvia2.jpg" title="Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha)" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mexican Bush Sage (<i>Salvia leucantha</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Salvias</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We now have several varieties of ornamental sage which provide us with plenty of vibrant colour from early summer up to the first frosts.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of the last to come into bloom is the exotic <i>Salvia leucantha </i>from Mexico with its long, furry flower spikes resembling purple caterpillars!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although we mulch the plant with leaves, it can easily be killed in a hard frost so it's advisable to take cuttings and protect them over winter.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_rI3WJJWhF_saH7dA7ilIfjULHF8Ad_zx6HUECn1JVzeOH7P2HxlDjqCPPbmu0Xm9E0ImSsw8uU3gQYiyUh67RetaTZqg1q0nrR-Ol8q44gHLN1jZQO64x9JY2M_3DGdh6rfmUpXgeFt/s1600/iberis_flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Iberis sempervirens 'Snowflake' in November" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_rI3WJJWhF_saH7dA7ilIfjULHF8Ad_zx6HUECn1JVzeOH7P2HxlDjqCPPbmu0Xm9E0ImSsw8uU3gQYiyUh67RetaTZqg1q0nrR-Ol8q44gHLN1jZQO64x9JY2M_3DGdh6rfmUpXgeFt/s200/iberis_flowers.jpg" title="Iberis sempervirens 'Snowflake' in November" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Iberis sempervirens</i> 'Snowflake'</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Two other Mexican sages are still performing vigorously: the late-blooming <i>Salvia elegans</i> in our sunny front garden has been in flower for over a month; and the smaller <i>Salvia coccinea</i> in the back border has continued flowering for several months despite a distinct lack of direct sun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although this area is in permanent shade from late September until spring, we still manage to get colour from a few roses, the odd <i>Salvia microphylla</i>, and now some Iberis sempervirens has come into full flower.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8xlCWPW1Gt87jCkWw5UpVR_6IxG0epiFkztJxuzsICbEYT2j69oQbYUN-X0imvr2pRB1x6ZM0Oh0IAcLAF95wvyZL0-V-DK38FU_tj1MNJODN6YxQtSVrsT5COLBDq2q6IPvgn57wt_f/s1600/tree_reflection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ash tree and fallen leaves" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8xlCWPW1Gt87jCkWw5UpVR_6IxG0epiFkztJxuzsICbEYT2j69oQbYUN-X0imvr2pRB1x6ZM0Oh0IAcLAF95wvyZL0-V-DK38FU_tj1MNJODN6YxQtSVrsT5COLBDq2q6IPvgn57wt_f/s400/tree_reflection.jpg" title="Ash tree and fallen leaves" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our ash tree, generously dispensing leaves over<br />the car windscreen!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7BW0nCcHSi2fEJOf2igrzWmCPbLXzoiKLekoh43uTVI4Lu8JIT8z89-6lk7iSqrp5nQZzcUOGsBmTq-LKVQiBciw_y4qz-4lZ7LKrgl5DF7q0YNpc0HM0ErMe8pvCCPgKKiPcQYqnezw/s1600/ornamental_pears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pyrus calleryana - ornamental pears in autumn" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7BW0nCcHSi2fEJOf2igrzWmCPbLXzoiKLekoh43uTVI4Lu8JIT8z89-6lk7iSqrp5nQZzcUOGsBmTq-LKVQiBciw_y4qz-4lZ7LKrgl5DF7q0YNpc0HM0ErMe8pvCCPgKKiPcQYqnezw/s400/ornamental_pears.jpg" title="Pyrus calleryana - ornamental pears in autumn" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ornamental pear trees (<i>Pyrus calleryana</i>) holding onto their<br />vivid colours until the temperatures plunge</span></td></tr>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-22230579676064879832017-11-03T09:45:00.001-07:002017-11-04T00:54:34.593-07:00November<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"It is enough</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>To smell, to crumble the dark earth,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>While the robin sings over again</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Sad songs of Autumn mirth."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Edward Thomas</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oa919rH1S_iMlSVr1F_Kc4zR0NmWW5r6KrEtpXkwk1e5Yryz_zttaAlLzSqh7hWO7PlH0-OAslrzs8-JfUl8qR-8s2HbTQpQLA2xCv8ptFpcQ6CIFMeBYja8NIjklSP7MJJf4yomhiUD/s1600/trees_village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Autumn colour, Charente Maritime" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oa919rH1S_iMlSVr1F_Kc4zR0NmWW5r6KrEtpXkwk1e5Yryz_zttaAlLzSqh7hWO7PlH0-OAslrzs8-JfUl8qR-8s2HbTQpQLA2xCv8ptFpcQ6CIFMeBYja8NIjklSP7MJJf4yomhiUD/s400/trees_village.jpg" title="Autumn colour, Charente Maritime" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As long as the soil stays warm - and before all the leaves fall in earnest - it's an excellent time to divide perennials and plant fresh rooted pieces where there are spaces to be filled.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHc9jEKOqxUn2rhYeHW0gcvzSZQzlyuu8Qx-2_shgZAl2HmUmJpl8OJFos9npIPBfHv5NdNt7KqaMXETUC98JFT_z2sPccTLZ2MzRf5cs0E0mraWmLq6GjAwA2jVgIBu3Gunxxmlqa3nk/s1600/edging_stones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHc9jEKOqxUn2rhYeHW0gcvzSZQzlyuu8Qx-2_shgZAl2HmUmJpl8OJFos9npIPBfHv5NdNt7KqaMXETUC98JFT_z2sPccTLZ2MzRf5cs0E0mraWmLq6GjAwA2jVgIBu3Gunxxmlqa3nk/s200/edging_stones.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hibiscus underplanted with</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Geranium clarkeii</i> 'Kashmir' -<br />a white-flowering variety that</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">tolerates dry sunny sites</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This year we've concentrated on splitting up roots of established hardy geraniums to make useful ground-cover under trees and shrubs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The space under this bushy hibiscus plays host to some beautiful dark tulips but has now become congested with grape hyacinths (muscari) which produce masses of bulblets but fewer flowers as they get more compacted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I dug up as many of these tiny bulbs as I could, improved the soil with home-made compost and tucked in some rooted pieces of <i>Geranium clarkeii</i>, which has already proved itself in this location and will provide large white blooms in late spring - uninterrupted by all that stringy muscari foliage!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>In tidying up this area, I took the opportunity of pulling out lengths of couch grass which sneak in from what we laughingly call 'the lawn'. Although our edging stones won't deter it completely, they do help to delineate and protect the bed from invasive weeds.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVV47WMFYEMpgxXNGrHXE4DVgRi3qLdcecLE6dhPDuABtZNDI69GJUAZXeVN5u2phOHmAK-jw1EDVcwTh8C9X5EKSiJ7gIe0Xdx8T-OIh_FnajOhT8rBzIuNB1KznNj9UHWM4eVkv1dGfF/s1600/autumn_walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Vineyards in autumn, Charente Maritime" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVV47WMFYEMpgxXNGrHXE4DVgRi3qLdcecLE6dhPDuABtZNDI69GJUAZXeVN5u2phOHmAK-jw1EDVcwTh8C9X5EKSiJ7gIe0Xdx8T-OIh_FnajOhT8rBzIuNB1KznNj9UHWM4eVkv1dGfF/s400/autumn_walk.jpg" title="Vineyards in autumn, Charente Maritime" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Vines are turning yellow now - and what looks like a cypress<br />tree is actually a telegraph pole disguised with ivy!</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After a spell of back-breaking work in the garden, it's a relief to get out for a walk and enjoy the rapidly changing autumn hues. Once the early morning chill has lifted, days can still be surprisingly warm.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeaGbZ8ozAvn4oKXgGMN0LBHlpHtAOh3XixbfyMbZeAzJN2R1CDhkXXjBje6lJyKSucEvzbsKqMV-YHkbvmSy1yGjrqlWiwAkLfMXTMik4JGWLpZeCVTZaZc3qjug60y9eUoEFOKry6fd/s1600/cow_newborn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cow and newborn calf (Blonde d'Aquitaine)" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeaGbZ8ozAvn4oKXgGMN0LBHlpHtAOh3XixbfyMbZeAzJN2R1CDhkXXjBje6lJyKSucEvzbsKqMV-YHkbvmSy1yGjrqlWiwAkLfMXTMik4JGWLpZeCVTZaZc3qjug60y9eUoEFOKry6fd/s200/cow_newborn.jpg" title="Cow and newborn calf (Blonde d'Aquitaine)" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cow and newborn calf</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Out on the <i>marais</i> calves like this one are still being born, licked into life by a caring mother under the curious but protective gaze of other cows who have come to watch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Many of the cattle here are a breed called '<i>Blonde d'Aquitaine</i>', which are known to be hardy and docile, able to give birth and look after their offspring without help. They are often left out in the field until late December.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Many of them have wonky horns unfortunately, as does the cow in this picture who looks to be in imminent danger of poking herself in the eye!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbDrUTxO7QSynsDdDEd089S-I5HeubyFoCAuhwsAsW77e-Vk7WqUOKVt2QliY4dZtewq-OQz6WtNXIU1G7cvHg4y_6zEUVCXUp512GgGPvkSeMumA8vr9YrqDbBJiCnqA38bwmYctmn6d/s1600/apple_harvest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbDrUTxO7QSynsDdDEd089S-I5HeubyFoCAuhwsAsW77e-Vk7WqUOKVt2QliY4dZtewq-OQz6WtNXIU1G7cvHg4y_6zEUVCXUp512GgGPvkSeMumA8vr9YrqDbBJiCnqA38bwmYctmn6d/s320/apple_harvest.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Apples</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>On another walk, we came across this small-holding with a flourishing orchard where the owner was busy harvesting his apples.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Several of his trees were weighed down with fruit so it looks to have been a good harvest despite anxiety over the effects of a late frost.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>It seems that those long hours of sun we enjoyed in the second half of September, and well into October, more than made up for our erratic weather in spring which ruined so many early grapes.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilL8peuo3THX0qwaoeY5OS7iGndWuPSBge5Hd738N9WubpxOjKvYnYz4ubvFTWmeLmHNi3VgSaZN809DCKNH9XRE132l8z3wZcIvafIG2CyaR5PAJ2sLF3RXOq706FWRB6Cei0u5wSF55-/s1600/goats_epargnes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Friendly Poitevine goats" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilL8peuo3THX0qwaoeY5OS7iGndWuPSBge5Hd738N9WubpxOjKvYnYz4ubvFTWmeLmHNi3VgSaZN809DCKNH9XRE132l8z3wZcIvafIG2CyaR5PAJ2sLF3RXOq706FWRB6Cei0u5wSF55-/s320/goats_epargnes.jpg" title="Friendly Poitevine goats" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Friendly Poitevine goats - not just pretty<br />but productive too</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Goats</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At the same small-holding there's a herd of attractive <i>Poitevine</i> goats - a breed which provides milk for the delicious <i>chevre</i> cheeses sold all over <i>Poitou Charentes</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We've been eating it for years now - usually the creamier, milder types - and find it's tastier and more digestible than the soft <i>bries</i> and <i>camemberts</i> from Normandy.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9WBUuWmqLHbGlEU60sH8cF2qUfQVcnaGrD8Mlqb0SYXL8G3wkrCsGEhpKK4T-XQoSXSU3mzemStyx_ZjH6mnODuOHgFLE4DDmwYObKwd8fnngfZ_80EEF7jJzqF-xrjC4C58bpJ6s-7C/s1600/acorn_carpet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fallen acorns" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9WBUuWmqLHbGlEU60sH8cF2qUfQVcnaGrD8Mlqb0SYXL8G3wkrCsGEhpKK4T-XQoSXSU3mzemStyx_ZjH6mnODuOHgFLE4DDmwYObKwd8fnngfZ_80EEF7jJzqF-xrjC4C58bpJ6s-7C/s200/acorn_carpet.jpg" title="Fallen acorns" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another testament to the ripening effect of our autumn sunshine could be the vast quantity of acorns which crunch underfoot whenever we walk along paths lined with oak trees.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Their abundance this year will provide the wild boar with plenty of carbs to see them through the winter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In other places it's easy to spot where they've been digging up meadows and verges in search of roots or bulbs to feed on. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0seBT5S2RNcfwJSs6E6MKuiq4b71sa9x_ERchR1TLB1srEWNi50pkRv0Oi5Jg4ZV5Qu4BRScbmnXL_29D-u3JSvBBM5iXSfi1j4veJ7ASNou05WYt2p7HOA5SEzW_kUzx-dmq3UE7Tfe/s1600/meadow_house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cosmos sown in a field, Charente Maritime" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0seBT5S2RNcfwJSs6E6MKuiq4b71sa9x_ERchR1TLB1srEWNi50pkRv0Oi5Jg4ZV5Qu4BRScbmnXL_29D-u3JSvBBM5iXSfi1j4veJ7ASNou05WYt2p7HOA5SEzW_kUzx-dmq3UE7Tfe/s400/meadow_house.jpg" title="Cosmos sown in a field, Charente Maritime" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Meadow of cosmos enjoying a second flowering in October</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /><i>At the end of our walk we paused to photograph the same meadow which I featured back in July when it originally came into bloom.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwu9HAFnuaXQlPj0ScQsrwC24EA6n84vPsKTpyLd6gEE28ptvZr0tw87KnY8OGSpE8FSLHBPUD6oEppvCntNT1bb1MV8jKWgfWGqsBcw2E-oOITvMOmlZJ1OShTozH4iLzkK6FSYqUzcU/s1600/meadow_tithonia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwu9HAFnuaXQlPj0ScQsrwC24EA6n84vPsKTpyLd6gEE28ptvZr0tw87KnY8OGSpE8FSLHBPUD6oEppvCntNT1bb1MV8jKWgfWGqsBcw2E-oOITvMOmlZJ1OShTozH4iLzkK6FSYqUzcU/s200/meadow_tithonia.jpg" width="200" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Tithonia - or zinnia, perhaps?</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>By September it was turning to seed and losing most of its colour when the sudden change in weather - from moist and cool to warm and sunny - provoked a resurgence of lovely flowers, including these tall and handsome tithonia (I think) which we hadn't noticed the first time around.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>When I recall how I struggled to grow a few rather weedy tithonia plants from seed a few years back, it's galling to discover how easily they take to being part of a prairie planting scheme in full sun...</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgV_rSAGck8XySpRy_Qu8dFo-E5vTs7-vwqzPOXsyMO2Dgau_kDO1T8i3unK7DjKgeweVWRGbQxUN0WHCZ-T0P5BxkJEuOUIsq2rNdc0sdnf3Fyxx0_PulmgZv3mL-2qF6AfaljGNW2L1/s1600/pheasant_berry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Leycesteria berries" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgV_rSAGck8XySpRy_Qu8dFo-E5vTs7-vwqzPOXsyMO2Dgau_kDO1T8i3unK7DjKgeweVWRGbQxUN0WHCZ-T0P5BxkJEuOUIsq2rNdc0sdnf3Fyxx0_PulmgZv3mL-2qF6AfaljGNW2L1/s200/pheasant_berry.jpg" title="Leycesteria berries" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Leycesteria berries</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pheasant Berry</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A small shrub which is easy to grow, I have mixed feelings about Leycesteria as it seeds itself rather too readily in our garden and isn't a thing of great beauty - apart from when the autumn sun shines through it, illuminating those pale leaves and </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">contrasting </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">dark fruits.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We've let this one stay in our dry front bed, which is a challenging environment for many plants, but I try and remember to remove the berries before they set seed!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41iFcY2OD8k7WUaV3uJ2YMWr2pCsTTS2V5jap7VC_6auJbmNMh27L0jT8ricsbfldxAdx8_VEE3NkxL_9RSQ4EkZEBs_e3XsCcn7Clu9KMaUzFdI0e8C70ZcRa_DArGxMBfMSxBJPLhXF/s1600/gleditsia_pods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gleditsia triacanthos" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41iFcY2OD8k7WUaV3uJ2YMWr2pCsTTS2V5jap7VC_6auJbmNMh27L0jT8ricsbfldxAdx8_VEE3NkxL_9RSQ4EkZEBs_e3XsCcn7Clu9KMaUzFdI0e8C70ZcRa_DArGxMBfMSxBJPLhXF/s320/gleditsia_pods.jpg" title="Gleditsia triacanthos seedpods" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Twisting seedpods on a <i>Gleditsia triacanthos</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Honey Locust</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This graceful tree, with its unusual seedpods that rustle in the wind, is popular in the US but less well known in Britain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our enthusiastic neighbour, Robert, is fond of any tree which provides good colour and has planted several of these near his lake. They are fast growing and the delicate leaves turn yellow in autumn. </span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZQA8Rj6lplGnymMA7t1gE8tEkXkL_GCA0LjuAySbha7G1LqaJw2v-7XNNwp6An0Qh4qyjA6ioPBkhKh5H_2AWlgudLPHuNOh6lTxe-aXak_Q0N1Gp5cKOOQ80cYEZTrwkUhH9tG1nymI/s1600/fuschia_gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="French country garden" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZQA8Rj6lplGnymMA7t1gE8tEkXkL_GCA0LjuAySbha7G1LqaJw2v-7XNNwp6An0Qh4qyjA6ioPBkhKh5H_2AWlgudLPHuNOh6lTxe-aXak_Q0N1Gp5cKOOQ80cYEZTrwkUhH9tG1nymI/s200/fuschia_gate.jpg" title="French country garden" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">French country garden</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Deep reds and pinks seem to be particularly eye-catching in many gardens right now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here, in the courtyard of a typical country house, a tree full of pomegranates lights up the front door, whilst a hardy <i>Fuschia magellanica </i>drapes its scarlet blooms over the picket gate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In our own garden the biggest splash of colour comes from our two meter tall <i>Salvia elegans, </i>which blooms in both sun and partial shade, <i>and</i> will carry on flowering until the first frost.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmTiQpYbQNAkV1SPJkXin4wJNELhpXPaBkkn97JOzBXj3PjYYCuKAJDBgeknvu-dN5VeuxS1Alet3Qkq-_oj9WATsEqLfDiFBUyw8rDeHEHo2wMxj4v6pXTiE8GlRbgEjU9WIdbIyv0xc/s1600/salvias_grasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Salvia elegans with pennisetum" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmTiQpYbQNAkV1SPJkXin4wJNELhpXPaBkkn97JOzBXj3PjYYCuKAJDBgeknvu-dN5VeuxS1Alet3Qkq-_oj9WATsEqLfDiFBUyw8rDeHEHo2wMxj4v6pXTiE8GlRbgEjU9WIdbIyv0xc/s320/salvias_grasses.jpg" title="Salvia elegans with pennisetum" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Red-flowered <i>Salvia elegans </i>with pennisetum</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUs_RFxJ9VofMgVELv9MkqjgNkqEiGAlnALKJsaUIctCCeQA-Z4U8yX86_gaBQHv9R2sHfmOgVjULPV3H41sDlL638jriKu4ruDE6YrS3_30j0tCjqpU1fzQCswL6JlXYfagTWi93xSrtA/s1600/trees_sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Autumn colours, Les Monards" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUs_RFxJ9VofMgVELv9MkqjgNkqEiGAlnALKJsaUIctCCeQA-Z4U8yX86_gaBQHv9R2sHfmOgVjULPV3H41sDlL638jriKu4ruDE6YrS3_30j0tCjqpU1fzQCswL6JlXYfagTWi93xSrtA/s400/trees_sky.jpg" title="Autumn colours, Les Monards" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Autumn skies can be as colourful as the foliage</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2eqbS2lsUU6mwZI31tDbSfKZIC5emQ1c1AIMMlXaGBPIqZlFdxXtvaPMeamQ8RGDJezuLhogtTA1hzfhB1CS0RYR1NSE4y27IXo1Ot9CpGXORxEIVKUdQVJXddSzR3cO7C4GqvKFc1sfs/s1600/asters_huts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Fishing huts on the Gironde Estuary" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2eqbS2lsUU6mwZI31tDbSfKZIC5emQ1c1AIMMlXaGBPIqZlFdxXtvaPMeamQ8RGDJezuLhogtTA1hzfhB1CS0RYR1NSE4y27IXo1Ot9CpGXORxEIVKUdQVJXddSzR3cO7C4GqvKFc1sfs/s400/asters_huts.jpg" title="Fishing huts on the Gironde Estuary" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fishing huts with a foreground of sea asters</span></td></tr>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-35737945190544697452017-10-13T05:33:00.001-07:002017-10-13T08:41:18.634-07:00October<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>as I have seen in one autumnal face"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- John Donne</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHeakdAN8oWVUtGiBC5p7FPm1wcG-QtSNb5zNzPDsOsC1YlRvyV5CdQnVd1aAQ4gBeuO-o7rgVU7KE8cE32goiyTnrplZDfz7JZ4XEadGcdvVw0a-341eweTtEndzRHeqDFSZQ0HGVhCH/s1600/barzan_autumn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Barzan, Charente Maritime" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHeakdAN8oWVUtGiBC5p7FPm1wcG-QtSNb5zNzPDsOsC1YlRvyV5CdQnVd1aAQ4gBeuO-o7rgVU7KE8cE32goiyTnrplZDfz7JZ4XEadGcdvVw0a-341eweTtEndzRHeqDFSZQ0HGVhCH/s400/barzan_autumn.jpg" title="Barzan, Charente Maritime" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">View across our valley to Barzan</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sNoipEdvAVlvN1mkv5NlMQ9dQr1tJDCVFGnN0t35iARGbDFnTyk9r2wAafd71_T4kJZwyfyBSB4ok4NlEPrWKsNsDSQvoXUsWynwytH-fBM3JLFVbZpzO4I5r1ZLDsDlX_I5h0yZBcFw/s1600/lake_cygnets2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Cygnets on lake, Les Monards" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sNoipEdvAVlvN1mkv5NlMQ9dQr1tJDCVFGnN0t35iARGbDFnTyk9r2wAafd71_T4kJZwyfyBSB4ok4NlEPrWKsNsDSQvoXUsWynwytH-fBM3JLFVbZpzO4I5r1ZLDsDlX_I5h0yZBcFw/s320/lake_cygnets2.jpg" title="Cygnets on lake, Les Monards" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The eight cygnets are still feeding at Robert's lake most days, but have now learned to fly and go out on daily excursions to explore the coastline and waterways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From our garden we can hear the frantic batting of wings as they drive a path through the still water, testing their strength in preparation for a flight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If we're really lucky, we can be there at the moment of departure when all eight line up under the watchful eye of Papa and then take to the skies, calling to one another as they swoop above the water and then disappear over the treetops.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PApVpVbwT7V80BzK3JoWIRv2tQoPD6w9EC-9F_hMdMc2rOpm0-32IpOPqGCaX6k_rWh2z62t4NpSvspwXO4A2IjL1oeMn0-VbHwG9lXQHZdpahq6WAJoJb5saejGWTyA_qqvG9ysRtoY/s1600/swan_flight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cygnets in flight" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PApVpVbwT7V80BzK3JoWIRv2tQoPD6w9EC-9F_hMdMc2rOpm0-32IpOPqGCaX6k_rWh2z62t4NpSvspwXO4A2IjL1oeMn0-VbHwG9lXQHZdpahq6WAJoJb5saejGWTyA_qqvG9ysRtoY/s320/swan_flight.jpg" title="Cygnets in flight" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cygnets in flight</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>On nights when it's still warm enough to leave the bedroom window open, you can occasionally hear that unmistakeable wing-beat and imagine their white shapes passing nearby, ghostly against a moonlit sky...</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBi5BSo82dJ8acC9FNNyq8gjrJGT0w_mjtaQqXOANR7-JnbZmGO8lFIoC5MAX_O6xHFJLJC27zgUN0xqrCyP75iuV5oNg49WQZFHapqsbkZ_AdzhqZ_hHtO7oFVTNsHGY9_E9Et7r9HMPv/s1600/froggie_echevira2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tree frog (Hyla arborea) in an echeveria" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBi5BSo82dJ8acC9FNNyq8gjrJGT0w_mjtaQqXOANR7-JnbZmGO8lFIoC5MAX_O6xHFJLJC27zgUN0xqrCyP75iuV5oNg49WQZFHapqsbkZ_AdzhqZ_hHtO7oFVTNsHGY9_E9Et7r9HMPv/s400/froggie_echevira2.jpg" title="Tree frog (Hyla arborea) in an echeveria" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A young tree frog<i> (Hyla arborea) </i>sheltering in an echeveria</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Froggie</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At a more down-to-earth level, the sociable tree frogs in our garden have also been providing us with photo opportunities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This little fellow, cunningly inserted between the padded leaves of an echeveria, is not much bigger than my thumbnail but manages a sizeable croak when in the mood.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Damp weather in particular seems to rouse them and we hear them calling lustily to one another across the garden. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Cyclamen hederifolium</i></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2KIeehA5ijPKhHmzQc73qbQLhSLZJFpO5ThYJjiDJvuO9pKE8YlaLt9tUEAW6He9bSoxkilsyRkNdtL9pB3We4cWBES-Fm9jkzoD-i90WrMOZT91PEwhugfp1N2fAM1MpPm-5qZZf5DC/s1600/cyclamen_clump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cyclamen hederifolium" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2KIeehA5ijPKhHmzQc73qbQLhSLZJFpO5ThYJjiDJvuO9pKE8YlaLt9tUEAW6He9bSoxkilsyRkNdtL9pB3We4cWBES-Fm9jkzoD-i90WrMOZT91PEwhugfp1N2fAM1MpPm-5qZZf5DC/s320/cyclamen_clump.jpg" title="Cyclamen hederifolium" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Cyclamen hederifolium - </i>glowing bright amongst<br />the falling ash leaves</span></td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This tuberous plant is happy to colonise the dry, sandy soil beneath our ash tree.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The pink ones seem to have spread more rapidly than the white but they're now starting to commingle rather prettily, catching the early light on a dewy morning.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>It's amazing how they thrive in such inhospitable areas and go on to seed themselves quite liberally.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEZa4VwnifpFPelAYz68SfKtvCkt8Csdd1fC-0gXMetYVLQYrsaHVP_H8J3JyvriCSjOLN1esVniJvzjly6Ha6bcdOkmpNoa7ZJufHwMR4C1JA7pwegLyJSTMoE5tvu9Jvcb_xRnMr5RM/s1600/amelancier_leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Amelanchier lamarckii - Snowy Mespilus" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEZa4VwnifpFPelAYz68SfKtvCkt8Csdd1fC-0gXMetYVLQYrsaHVP_H8J3JyvriCSjOLN1esVniJvzjly6Ha6bcdOkmpNoa7ZJufHwMR4C1JA7pwegLyJSTMoE5tvu9Jvcb_xRnMr5RM/s320/amelancier_leaves.jpg" title="Amelanchier lamarckii - Snowy Mespilus" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Amelanchier lamarckii</i> - vivid red leaf tones</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Amelanchier</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This little tree, also known as <i>Snowy Mespilus</i>, was one of the first to produce colourful leaves in our garden this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've sung its praises before when enjoying the lovely creamy flowers back in March, followed by a host of attractive dark red berries which are small but tasty<i> - why isn't this tree grown more often, I wonder?</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZ3rN8W1gexbMZGzZVEPDEXo2Ccy_WoByr8HVmueFPpXvUpoTnK9Nii5xStDMtWgg8PJckiGAHgJMyToN_rQbEwohXopqTW4qI_KpDJZm6jexYdee6OuDP1PPObZbNn4eWDR5j0WO-lwl/s1600/dahlia_bishops2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dahlia 'Bishop's Children'" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZ3rN8W1gexbMZGzZVEPDEXo2Ccy_WoByr8HVmueFPpXvUpoTnK9Nii5xStDMtWgg8PJckiGAHgJMyToN_rQbEwohXopqTW4qI_KpDJZm6jexYdee6OuDP1PPObZbNn4eWDR5j0WO-lwl/s320/dahlia_bishops2.jpg" title="Dahlia 'Bishop's Children'" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dahlia 'Bishop's Children'<br />- just one of the red/orange varieties available</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>And talking of red... </i>What could be more flagrantly scarlet than this dahlia from a seed selection called <i>Bishops' Children</i>?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ordered from <a href="http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/" target="_blank">Chiltern Seeds</a> in April, I sowed half of the packet into a tray which I pricked out and grew on </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">in May, getting about ten sturdy seedlings to pot on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Planted out in early July, these all developed beautiful bronzy red foliage with strikingly bold flowers and I was looking forward to lots of blooms for bringing indoors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Well, that did happen to some extent but - after a very hot dry spell - several of the dahlias succumbed to mildew that soon discoloured most of their foliage. Those that were planted in damper, more shady areas managed to survive without ill-effect and, because the flowers were so fabulous, I'm tempted to keep their tubers to grow again next year.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4elfph2kqgETBUqNwToX_WkIRSq-EfskY4PMMyikKYr4snvx8K2DYlhdAcg5Zdh1sZ9EkNvOSnWyoCtxk-rl9qZaEYF7Tk6YnSEkcFc0qf0vowX4FKO16c7CuZpsHByhVaUW7UzPJk_KB/s1600/vase_latesummer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Late Summer Vase" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4elfph2kqgETBUqNwToX_WkIRSq-EfskY4PMMyikKYr4snvx8K2DYlhdAcg5Zdh1sZ9EkNvOSnWyoCtxk-rl9qZaEYF7Tk6YnSEkcFc0qf0vowX4FKO16c7CuZpsHByhVaUW7UzPJk_KB/s320/vase_latesummer.jpg" title="Late Summer Vase " width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A late-summer vase showcasing orange and red<br />dahlais, yellow <i>Rudbeckia hirta</i>, blue caryopteris<br />next to <i>Salvia guaranitica</i> 'Black & Blue', and<br />the wine-red leaves of <i>Cotinus coggygria</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeh3uqQ0SJZt1m2q7Bf9ghVg1Ow9BaKo6IDE45x7g_3GnqXh2LWqkKvbCU2HqcH6Y4ZVRBxaskoxey3I9w-_kmP5OaKjawD5rVQOU7nNa4iMY86oYMtqt7wRZ8kCFzngnsejv-4TA0BYO/s1600/tuberose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Polianthes tuberosa 'The Pearl'" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeh3uqQ0SJZt1m2q7Bf9ghVg1Ow9BaKo6IDE45x7g_3GnqXh2LWqkKvbCU2HqcH6Y4ZVRBxaskoxey3I9w-_kmP5OaKjawD5rVQOU7nNa4iMY86oYMtqt7wRZ8kCFzngnsejv-4TA0BYO/s320/tuberose.jpg" title="Polianthes tuberosa 'The Pearl'" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Polianthes tuberosa </i>'The Pearl'</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tuberose</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's unusual to find much scent in the garden during October but last year we came upon this deliciously fragrant lily flowering in pots at <i>Ham House</i> near London.</span><br />
<i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For our friends' special anniversary, we ordered some rhizomes and potted-up three for them and three for us, crossing our fingers that they would produce more than just foliage...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Sadly, that was literally all they got from their plants, which was rather embarassing - although, being gardeners themselves, I think they are used to Nature's vagaries!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We had a 50% success rate with ours and one rhizome resulted in the mass of flowers seen here, whilst another produced about half that number. Their perfume is strong, reminscent of gardenia, but not as pungent as some exotic fragrances.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Care instructions say you should give them plenty of water and make sure they receive lots of hot afternoon sun... (Memo to self: try harder next year!)</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6IiRMdvz8c2wLfCdClCN5k2TUkuSgcBEdDdz_lEIRbsJkZ-b8LsRRGSMyiXJZHJg_BGVCdcvKmxNoHJzc4yGqP6j3HL8hzz5TYqLfzeHBBPobX10oLekNWVXHaju9UrgotnVSS_AntxJ/s1600/Aster_amellus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aster amellus 'Veilchenkoenigen'" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6IiRMdvz8c2wLfCdClCN5k2TUkuSgcBEdDdz_lEIRbsJkZ-b8LsRRGSMyiXJZHJg_BGVCdcvKmxNoHJzc4yGqP6j3HL8hzz5TYqLfzeHBBPobX10oLekNWVXHaju9UrgotnVSS_AntxJ/s320/Aster_amellus.jpg" title="Aster amellus 'Veilchenkoenigen'" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Aster amellus 'Veilchenkoenigen'</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Michaelmas Daisy</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another 'find' from our trip to the UK was this striking little aster from Beth Chatto's, which forms a neat clump about 45cm high and flowers for several weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's an established type of Italian aster<i> - </i>despite a German name<i> - </i>and is called 'Violet Queen' in English, just to complicate things further!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>(Interestingly, whilst mildew might have been a problem when we grew asters in England, it's never bothered us here - although that may be down to the particular species we've planted.)</i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Taste comparison<br />- a plate of 'white' and black figs</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Autumn Fruits</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The grape harvest began in mid-September this year, the earliest we've ever known it happen here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our fig season also seemed to start earlier and go on for weeks... those dark, jammy figs we call 'black' (which shrink in size the longer you keep them) giving way to the more bready, textured 'white' figs (actually green) which I prefer as they're not quite so cloyingly sweet.</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="Tree frog (Hyla arborea) on walnuts" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIa7M4KMX9VNaNqhUCPObEVTJImVm5ZeMq0xEJ9qJQLcEy7uLp2rlYM__iQ6Emy_HD2iQnFxxy9xgEq8rw5UIFNoT-bMjj2zLQDVkNJ3O_DLCkRXdceJ0Zlm6iSbH3JduS7JYKrOtivlo/s320/froggie_walnuts.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Tree frog (Hyla arborea) on walnuts" width="320" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Oh, and guess who found the walnuts ...!</i></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9XSFX8tLNpSY1QBrHqqED04-GB-P97joQTEEDspPGtkEspdGq3qnnDw5Z4MKn8QWFu8i6GDWqZmrZzz_4U0UgbWDol16sUbAYIxmvLP27ypcRnXasudrXTcBmmem28G50reUYyJaevnX/s1600/lake_pumpkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Lake at Les Monards" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9XSFX8tLNpSY1QBrHqqED04-GB-P97joQTEEDspPGtkEspdGq3qnnDw5Z4MKn8QWFu8i6GDWqZmrZzz_4U0UgbWDol16sUbAYIxmvLP27ypcRnXasudrXTcBmmem28G50reUYyJaevnX/s320/lake_pumpkins.jpg" title="Lake at Les Monards" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Back beside the lake, Robert likes to grow a few eye-catching pumpkins, although he's disappointed they aren't a bit fatter this year despite generous amounts of beer and compost!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Talking of which, we find that now is the best time to cut back most herbacious plants and weed the soil, before spreading home-made compost all around. (Any later, and those falling leaves will have covered everything.)</i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Smooth landings have to be practised too!</span></td></tr>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-26667002227638710952017-08-23T08:58:00.002-07:002017-08-24T02:04:35.735-07:00August<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"Gardening is a game played with Nature"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Patrick Quibel</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMD9ZRe0x6uuDbFNrGmIQBF2y-6A-fEIKKIWwkHrOYWsN2XZ_X6Xm2G_u4o3EkI-D8m1Gj5ukBTgHtoe4JtPw6YBw8aukoWlH1TbswIPtPG8-N7Dq0kH39n1RBDi5ZyH2Rm8mG55ch-FSn/s1600/field_geometry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Farmland on Gironde Estuary, Charente Maritime" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMD9ZRe0x6uuDbFNrGmIQBF2y-6A-fEIKKIWwkHrOYWsN2XZ_X6Xm2G_u4o3EkI-D8m1Gj5ukBTgHtoe4JtPw6YBw8aukoWlH1TbswIPtPG8-N7Dq0kH39n1RBDi5ZyH2Rm8mG55ch-FSn/s400/field_geometry.jpg" title="Farmland on Gironde Estuary, Charente Maritime" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Patterns of surrounding farmland reminiscent of</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> the</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">graphic landscapes of American painter Grant Wood</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Agriculture, too, is a game played with Nature and I love the fact that here in South-west France these old patterns persist against the odds: vineyards and fields passed down through generations, sometimes intact with all the old rivalries, but still neatly delineated with few fences or hedgerows.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_Dph9yLX1E-xt58NJURFHFoa4WXOrXbqZJ8i6FvfSfUL_mzWX_hUX-7u850IdiFC4SjD2MK-LUdW-j0eyv2TlUoCrJ4em0IRineRWG3obXERt7A66BvAhDv_RTkOmjeBTZNzJYm3s3_U/s1600/olive_courtyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="charentefarmcottage.com" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_Dph9yLX1E-xt58NJURFHFoa4WXOrXbqZJ8i6FvfSfUL_mzWX_hUX-7u850IdiFC4SjD2MK-LUdW-j0eyv2TlUoCrJ4em0IRineRWG3obXERt7A66BvAhDv_RTkOmjeBTZNzJYm3s3_U/s320/olive_courtyard.jpg" title="charentefarmcottage.com" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our young olive tree underplanted with lavender,<br />white roses (in a pot) and <i>Cosmos bipinnatus</i> 'Purity'</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dappled shade is indispensible at this time of year, particularly in areas where you want to sit out and eat. Here on the coast where it's usually breezy too, a large parasol can be more trouble than it's worth unless you have an expensive one which can be anchored against the wind and angled against the sun.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEAqGPY1GPRUCqUVQCwe7Nttefz8YBGgWTq9fx5ISaJ2cNzC_YjKnkaosKScLbPbg4XcP1hUVxKY1HuOvpt342fzbAu7CEBuOGP6PqtbDtck-oTai_YsChgYbhhZpuvGHpWqQUbW9Af7U/s1600/cosmos_colour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="charentefarmcottage.com" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEAqGPY1GPRUCqUVQCwe7Nttefz8YBGgWTq9fx5ISaJ2cNzC_YjKnkaosKScLbPbg4XcP1hUVxKY1HuOvpt342fzbAu7CEBuOGP6PqtbDtck-oTai_YsChgYbhhZpuvGHpWqQUbW9Af7U/s320/cosmos_colour.jpg" title="charentefarmcottage.com" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shades of an Indian market with</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">these discarded blooms of</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cosmos </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">sulphureus</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cosmos</span> has also become indispensible to us as a source of late Summer colour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We noticed a particularly tall variety of the bright orange <i>Cosmos sulphureus</i> growing in a local park and I kept a few seeds last year which have now provided us with several stately plants.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They do need daily dead-heading however and, in the case of the white <i>Cosmos bipinnatus</i> 'Purity', a certain amount of dis-budding is also required as it keeps producing a small cluster of terminal flower buds when you really just want a couple of decent sized blooms!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>With its fine feathery foliage, the various types of Cosmos bipinnatus give your borders a light and airy feel on the hottest days. A wide range of colours is available from <a href="http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/" target="_blank">Chiltern Seeds</a>.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNey9hxU0aJQmv_ydowCadvFmumdfMXJgwmLymFPU7Yc8mqoe5NJcCDVOuneJ4S5cfQCGUuLJykKUmvHapm7Trut74lOCbq_LZu1s6cFg8aavtfT-wTK1ywUCXYO5NPcZHkEHMSkeMuxG/s1600/verbena_grasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Eragrostis trichoides 'Summer Strain' and Verbena bonariensis" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNey9hxU0aJQmv_ydowCadvFmumdfMXJgwmLymFPU7Yc8mqoe5NJcCDVOuneJ4S5cfQCGUuLJykKUmvHapm7Trut74lOCbq_LZu1s6cFg8aavtfT-wTK1ywUCXYO5NPcZHkEHMSkeMuxG/s320/verbena_grasses.jpg" title="Eragrostis trichoides 'Summer Strain' and Verbena bonariensis" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shimmering seedheads of<br /><i>Eragrostis trichoides</i> 'Summer Strain'</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ornamental grasses </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">and other prairie-type flowers like <i>Verbena bonariensis</i> move around in the breeze, adding to this effect of coolness and helping to make up for the fact that our small garden lacks a water-feature.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We could have created something simple with a pump and a pipe, just to enjoy the sound of running water, but we suffer so much from limescale that it would probably give us problems after a while so we decided not to bother.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are plenty of waterways nearby and the mixture of birdsong and rustling bamboo, as well as that cool wind through our ash trees, is enough to orchestrate a sense of calm.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpvf39FOzGkBz13CLurrU10sg2_ndfKs0YtGZn_TKGyBi_Pe5HKKg4fpJs5-xXKUlt2fo4-icUeyv5aWvQVeD4Sy1kx9Jh6jz3YSefQg3yTs9Bi4_Hrv_3Q41vazl_SVAFLRPhdkoV562/s1600/asters_nicotiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="charentefarmcottage.com" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpvf39FOzGkBz13CLurrU10sg2_ndfKs0YtGZn_TKGyBi_Pe5HKKg4fpJs5-xXKUlt2fo4-icUeyv5aWvQVeD4Sy1kx9Jh6jz3YSefQg3yTs9Bi4_Hrv_3Q41vazl_SVAFLRPhdkoV562/s320/asters_nicotiana.jpg" title="charentefarmcottage.com" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the part-shade of an ash tree, Michaelmas daisies<br />bloom alongside <i>Nicotiana alata</i> 'Lime Green'<br />and a red-flowering <i>Salvia microphylla</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Aster novae-angliae</i> 'Betel Nut'</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Asters </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">or Michaelmas daisies gradually come into flower during August and glow brightly through September as shadows deepen in the borders.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This particular variety called 'Betel Nut' was still flowering at Beth Chatto's nursery in Essex when we bought it in early October last year.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It grows to about 1.8m high and so far its blooms have been popping out gradually with plenty of buds still to open - very striking in colour and robust in habit, which is all to be welcomed.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiqHinLcnV89fSReX0c7RC4jB772YsODuZ1FD4t2aPelQxO3NR6Cp7d6GbA7EdEWbl1PI2-5GIMCivniTKuD8pcjCktshi8QqnSCic3xAS_SljTteJFYkB1Tx1xXX2kTXKAeqwKd_9lee/s1600/loosestrife_hawthorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Purple loosestrife - Lythrum salicaria" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiqHinLcnV89fSReX0c7RC4jB772YsODuZ1FD4t2aPelQxO3NR6Cp7d6GbA7EdEWbl1PI2-5GIMCivniTKuD8pcjCktshi8QqnSCic3xAS_SljTteJFYkB1Tx1xXX2kTXKAeqwKd_9lee/s320/loosestrife_hawthorn.jpg" title="Purple loosestrife - Lythrum salicaria" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Purple loosestrife - <i>Lythrum salicaria</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are vivid colours in the landscape too, especially along the water channels where bright patches of purple loosestrife stand out from the sere grassland.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our neighbour loves the loosestrife so much that he's planted up a whole tub of it in his driveway!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Berries have been forming since the start of August, with huge swags hanging from the elder trees, and sunflower seeds are attracting busy flocks of finches and sparrows.</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">This is when the pyracantha in our garden starts bursting into colour with its orange, red and yellow berries. </span><i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">We have one of each to liven up our hedgerows and birds love them! </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jIfPTrjF1cOWd5IvTpnFXH5wngScqRHoE_rUYbo8sm_vy9gw0jgoFcZJKnisYSUo0b_FdvS7cSJzqOQLsqe-vNNPDV1APFzYW-sltly7B18dVenDoqtbbVYskP1f-163dUGmAn9rwpa9/s1600/loosestrife_channel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Purple loosestrife - Lythrum salicaria" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jIfPTrjF1cOWd5IvTpnFXH5wngScqRHoE_rUYbo8sm_vy9gw0jgoFcZJKnisYSUo0b_FdvS7cSJzqOQLsqe-vNNPDV1APFzYW-sltly7B18dVenDoqtbbVYskP1f-163dUGmAn9rwpa9/s400/loosestrife_channel.jpg" title="Purple loosestrife - Lythrum salicaria" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Patches of loosestrife growing with marsh mallow (<i>Althaea officinalis</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcphDz2K7yc25srtIMlLNVn6kn50puPk7MLVMsBBoozAQeLXulbPfQCx0GFGXZrc-4t72lOIk7_WxPEhBLD6tl8pG6tRFLwCfOwHzXQLqs9D6rzHWBBhShoszKzO1M7gmlcHlyjzjAIUlY/s1600/hairy_willowherb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Seedheads of hairy willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum)" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcphDz2K7yc25srtIMlLNVn6kn50puPk7MLVMsBBoozAQeLXulbPfQCx0GFGXZrc-4t72lOIk7_WxPEhBLD6tl8pG6tRFLwCfOwHzXQLqs9D6rzHWBBhShoszKzO1M7gmlcHlyjzjAIUlY/s400/hairy_willowherb.jpg" title="Seedheads of hairy willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum)" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Clouds of hairy willowherb (<i>Epilobium hirsutum</i>) along the pathway</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Late Summer and Autumn are particularly beautiful on the salt marshes around these shores.</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEK6GKkunjNZambe7m0UmzGI7_9L665JQ4_gHLmWnmL1kf4ITlAyN_7t4k4EtkcuEj6R6pBFCd9VVfBddgIRq70I5HMLubWXSwLxVygt7mxD2YHnFo9tWmB-2I9IDb24Pl4JDoHjXj_8Jj/s1600/bulrushes_loosestrife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Seedheads of hairy willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum)" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEK6GKkunjNZambe7m0UmzGI7_9L665JQ4_gHLmWnmL1kf4ITlAyN_7t4k4EtkcuEj6R6pBFCd9VVfBddgIRq70I5HMLubWXSwLxVygt7mxD2YHnFo9tWmB-2I9IDb24Pl4JDoHjXj_8Jj/s200/bulrushes_loosestrife.jpg" title="Seedheads of hairy willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum)" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Willowherb billows around the<br />marsh bulrushes</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now I find it almost blinding to walk down the cycle path behind our house first thing in the morning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not only does the chalky track reflect light but the many thousand seedheads of hairy willowherb (<i>aka great willowherb</i>) shine like beacons against the shadowy woods beyond.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This picture of bulrushes lapped by glistening seedheads is almost abstract when you look into it and m</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">y wild flower book tells me that in the 18th century this hairy down was actually used as stuffing in bedcovers... not sure it would have lasted more than a few weeks! </span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKssUddQoOT3oNjWE7a4MST4PoJvfKKd9_Qj3BJ7x7mE-Ok0MSEjY0gKVwfEVkAt6ycWyqRKrjrfRp-QeDP0t6eE0G39LzhAYZQZq_3cHrrEXXBWXfTJSPSOAA7UVdCSZt_XyyT9R4f7gm/s1600/horses_marais.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="charentefarmcottage.com" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKssUddQoOT3oNjWE7a4MST4PoJvfKKd9_Qj3BJ7x7mE-Ok0MSEjY0gKVwfEVkAt6ycWyqRKrjrfRp-QeDP0t6eE0G39LzhAYZQZq_3cHrrEXXBWXfTJSPSOAA7UVdCSZt_XyyT9R4f7gm/s400/horses_marais.jpg" title="charentefarmcottage.com" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Marais horses also seem to shine more brightly amongst the mallows</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sedums </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">are providing smaller billows of colour in our borders and probably look at their best before they are fully out.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6w2OwqHLeVQxacf-r7FRX6XWuhAqGQjisT9bXzWCZ5ZBY4u9unK9Hbv3oDK2d2aG5h1x8vlhGx3Sw5c3Pjhd0edeL-cE8_Kz9TuN69L487khHY-cOUocna2rXstKZ21ghDgIEPYItxyPS/s1600/sedums_cosmos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="charentefarmcottage.com" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6w2OwqHLeVQxacf-r7FRX6XWuhAqGQjisT9bXzWCZ5ZBY4u9unK9Hbv3oDK2d2aG5h1x8vlhGx3Sw5c3Pjhd0edeL-cE8_Kz9TuN69L487khHY-cOUocna2rXstKZ21ghDgIEPYItxyPS/s320/sedums_cosmos.jpg" title="charentefarmcottage.com" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Sedum spectabile</i> - prone to splitting</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Each year we try to hold the bigger clumps together with wire or frames of some kind, but the pale <i>Sedum spectabile</i> always seems to collapse as it matures, leaving a rather unsightly gap in the middle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think it's one of those plants that needs lifting and dividing regularly so that you can just cut out the dead bit in the middle and start again with a compact offspring. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQpMEGs2uKdYKoGNgrP-AZYcwSWBNj-KtnqoPCsxamDo77-S55tVfGvBF9KgZGE89yiNkq4Y5AqGbfzNcVrqFjnZ4HgZaPpg7SCyH3urxebZhC6x79GHsdxrGqa1XyMu9Ym68TTsWPRI1/s1600/salvia_coccinea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Salvia coccinea" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQpMEGs2uKdYKoGNgrP-AZYcwSWBNj-KtnqoPCsxamDo77-S55tVfGvBF9KgZGE89yiNkq4Y5AqGbfzNcVrqFjnZ4HgZaPpg7SCyH3urxebZhC6x79GHsdxrGqa1XyMu9Ym68TTsWPRI1/s320/salvia_coccinea.jpg" title="Salvia coccinea" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Salvia coccinea </i>or Texas Sage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- a plant that goes on giving</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Salvia coccinea</span> or Texas sage is a plant I wrote about in early July when it first came into bloom.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Since then it has gone on branching out and producing new flower spikes, with each tiny hooded flower taking its time to open so you can go on enjoying the plant for weeks.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>It doesn't need dead-heading until the whole spike has run out of steam and, by then, it's possible new spikes will have formed.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>It's certainly easier to look after than our various cosmos which need constant attention, but I don't begrudge time spent on these tasks as they do leave you free to meditate and enjoy peering into all corners of the garden as you wander around with clippers in hand. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Earlier in the year I wrote about a family of swans which took up residence on our neighbour's lake and then moved on to new waters once their cygnets had all fledged.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Well I'm glad to report that they still come back for regular visits and we spotted them walking from lake to river the other morning.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The eight cygnets were all present and correct, waddling in a line behind their parents, and almost seemed to turn and greet us as they went past ...</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrkRpvL3lyb_3RucLb-O6PxgBC7aB7MDAjtrQdcevoifvOVSaWJnaz4wWWxVY50bqQKriPHypfUNMfXztyic3BQYth-Dpl4yRKPWHHKsvXnLycL7oD0sPZJLxO0FEMuLbZF9rKIeX9-gd/s1600/swan_marchpast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cygnets on parade" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrkRpvL3lyb_3RucLb-O6PxgBC7aB7MDAjtrQdcevoifvOVSaWJnaz4wWWxVY50bqQKriPHypfUNMfXztyic3BQYth-Dpl4yRKPWHHKsvXnLycL7oD0sPZJLxO0FEMuLbZF9rKIeX9-gd/s400/swan_marchpast.jpg" title="Cygnets on parade" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dance of the cygnets!</span></td></tr>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-14432162753829208972017-07-30T11:25:00.001-07:002017-07-31T00:38:20.140-07:00Late July<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"I don't really enjoy beds carved out of a lawn and</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">looking thoroughly self-conscious. Open jam tarts</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">my mother used to call them."</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Christopher Lloyd</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihO5u78PlMiNye0zd0uAe_AiqjZp9gFwGKik51fMpjUvfuuDzNHKOH3w_m2YKA1IBAiB_MakwdkIlTNnn7TROcRDjnAhHPMgNXAzGLptiNTpsKfOvxDLRcoXQEOLPDARoP0FMza-XHxEdz/s1600/meadow_mix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Flower meadow, Charente Maritime, France" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihO5u78PlMiNye0zd0uAe_AiqjZp9gFwGKik51fMpjUvfuuDzNHKOH3w_m2YKA1IBAiB_MakwdkIlTNnn7TROcRDjnAhHPMgNXAzGLptiNTpsKfOvxDLRcoXQEOLPDARoP0FMza-XHxEdz/s400/meadow_mix.jpg" title="Flower meadow, Charente Maritime, France" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An enterprising gardener has sown a meadow in front of her<br />bungalow on a rather unprepossessing new estate</span></td></tr>
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<i><br /></i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Of course, one way of avoiding the 'jam tart' effect is to plant your very own meadow ...</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Alas not all of us have enough space in our gardens, but it's becoming popular around some of our neighbouring villages where there's an unused field or a vacant lot which needs prettifying - and cosmos seems to be the 'go-to' plant.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJx6OUqsvKY4x8b8qOzlPENCddna-U-YvXcbnWUtiX1XQovZe3j5M5mhPugwJGtZ2qxvFoChKRhpL5tAy8h1P4SpCPvfV3jc49OUmfweZZuZ7tAu1e7VjVj0LPF6-6ygZGL_eSyCSPfk9/s1600/marjoram_ragwort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare) growing with common ragwort" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJx6OUqsvKY4x8b8qOzlPENCddna-U-YvXcbnWUtiX1XQovZe3j5M5mhPugwJGtZ2qxvFoChKRhpL5tAy8h1P4SpCPvfV3jc49OUmfweZZuZ7tAu1e7VjVj0LPF6-6ygZGL_eSyCSPfk9/s200/marjoram_ragwort.jpg" title="Wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare) growing with common ragwort" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wild marjoram (<i>Origanum vulgare</i>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">growing with common ragwort</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Elsewhere nature has done the job for us, spreading carpets of mauve and yellow across fallow hillsides and clifftops.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This seems to have been a particularly good season for wild marjoram which normally comes into flower in August. D</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ecorative though it is, I can't say we have much use for this mild type of oregano as a culinary herb, though maybe it has more flavour when dried.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>So many plants and crops are early this year due to the scorching weather we had in June, followed by lots of rain and further lengthy bouts of sunshine.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sunflower Season!</span></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFmHB4AJKGPzLUcS-KjPdLImRHk8gMIIXiiqxEEc-0zntE0Y6dCNSdqvoH2L0CnWI0H9Ti2JpkqDPmcxIkV15n10P0sjfY0zSPTopnoA2NLv-rJVU5oryTyjr3c6Vf8misCmPCZsRd3UO/s1600/sunflowers_bluegrass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sunflowers with blue fescue, France" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFmHB4AJKGPzLUcS-KjPdLImRHk8gMIIXiiqxEEc-0zntE0Y6dCNSdqvoH2L0CnWI0H9Ti2JpkqDPmcxIkV15n10P0sjfY0zSPTopnoA2NLv-rJVU5oryTyjr3c6Vf8misCmPCZsRd3UO/s320/sunflowers_bluegrass.jpg" title="Sunflowers with blue fescue, France" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blue fescue - grown as a weed<br />suppressant perhaps?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We noticed sunflowers were already </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">blooming</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> in June and many are inevitably going over now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>In a normal year, July is the best month for photographing them - the green lines of our neighbours' vineyards are broken up with streaks of vivid yellow.</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Above us on the hill here I notice that the field margins appear to have been planted with blue fescue grass which, from a distance, looks exactly like the foliage on my garden pinks.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This grass seems to do well on chalky soil and pops up in various fields locally, but I've never seen it growing so uniformly as edging which makes me think it must have been sown deliberately.</span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMuimSnVCaEQTlDjhRmsVYDjMbvhA8TVEhC3SR9eSQC9D8XhyphenhyphenhUN_iH_8Vs6yiH8gamMUBHqqIPL_69kPv5IxORl01vMc4rG4jpBwTu-3K5cRdIHnLqrm29XW1j_EHviBfxbnR31r9iQb/s1600/sunflowers_vines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="village of Barzan, France" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMuimSnVCaEQTlDjhRmsVYDjMbvhA8TVEhC3SR9eSQC9D8XhyphenhyphenhUN_iH_8Vs6yiH8gamMUBHqqIPL_69kPv5IxORl01vMc4rG4jpBwTu-3K5cRdIHnLqrm29XW1j_EHviBfxbnR31r9iQb/s400/sunflowers_vines.jpg" title="village of Barzan, France" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">View over our valley to the village of Barzan</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For me, the word <span style="font-size: large;">Gladiolus </span>instantly conjures up an image of our suburban garden in the 1960's, when my brother delighted us by planting lots of gladioli corms supplied by a local nurseryman.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCMne5Mh8Aq0lc8gAO7vakdcvGkBGEKk8wMXjbYQYoSMW4kwntPNgdj_8Yyaa-YeJDscFj8QNTy_Yi8ria9SWIHOnwSVWMigkM784imyMXfmris4jeRBSP33V8nbBE1v9V1yaNo0OH2UC/s1600/gladiolus_physocarpus2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gladiolus papilio 'Ruby'" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCMne5Mh8Aq0lc8gAO7vakdcvGkBGEKk8wMXjbYQYoSMW4kwntPNgdj_8Yyaa-YeJDscFj8QNTy_Yi8ria9SWIHOnwSVWMigkM784imyMXfmris4jeRBSP33V8nbBE1v9V1yaNo0OH2UC/s200/gladiolus_physocarpus2.jpg" title="Gladiolus papilio 'Ruby'" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><i>Gladiolus papilio</i> 'Ruby' next to<br />
a dark leaved Physocarpus</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>He grew them in the veg plot, in neat rows for cutting, where mother could do her Constance Spry bit and choose from subtle shades of yellow and salmon pink, or the less than subtle tones of vivid orange and scarlet. (I think all colours were in vogue until Dame Edna made a mockery of them!)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I daresay many are back in fashion now but we find it hard to look beyond the species types like <i>Gladiolus papilio</i> 'Ruby' which began flowering a month ago and is still providing welcome splashes of deep magenta amongst surrounding greenery. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Looking at Beth Chatto's website just now, I see the original <i>Gladiolus papilio </i>has drooping bell-shaped flowers similar in its colourway to<i> Helleborus niger.</i> I think it might be another must-have for the late summer border, growing up to a meter tall with narrow grey-green leaves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Echinacea</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0Qe1490f-aVTTfGCbq74ROb4sRkx6eYVSv9yFCYF3z1UaCgFaTBHHhvsYUbriIQplAGF-ycKw1FW066hsHa-YcX-FuEfZm9D3XpXZacyCGq3mxYlFRuR9lDSY0YAg45V4VrJq5qAHXu1/s1600/echinacea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Echinacea purpurea - pink and green forms" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0Qe1490f-aVTTfGCbq74ROb4sRkx6eYVSv9yFCYF3z1UaCgFaTBHHhvsYUbriIQplAGF-ycKw1FW066hsHa-YcX-FuEfZm9D3XpXZacyCGq3mxYlFRuR9lDSY0YAg45V4VrJq5qAHXu1/s320/echinacea.jpg" title="Echinacea purpurea - pink and green forms" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Echinacea purpurea</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There's certainly no shortage of pale pink in the garden right now and I'm glad that echinacea flowers over a long period, especially in the semi-shade under an ash tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As with many such 'coneflowers' from the prairies of North America, these blooms develop in shape and hue as they mature, creating interesting subjects for photography as well as for indoor display.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">'Green Jewel' is a more compact variety of <i>Echinacea purpurea </i>and was developed by plantsman Piet Oudolf in The Netherlands.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It stands out in shadier locations and is definitely one of our favourite plants when it comes to stems for cutting.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzn2Cp-YZ0jkN4KDanuInZei-Swfv9p-OWaeugB9XidGqCRosrexn3ZhUPtELM8K3ZgqIOFB30SK9pyJKytacnybweJcVnszQFvi_DGTP7pWrunHnNwFC0J_3PKX8QgnRXi7qL7F4vKaS/s1600/nicotiana_limegreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzn2Cp-YZ0jkN4KDanuInZei-Swfv9p-OWaeugB9XidGqCRosrexn3ZhUPtELM8K3ZgqIOFB30SK9pyJKytacnybweJcVnszQFvi_DGTP7pWrunHnNwFC0J_3PKX8QgnRXi7qL7F4vKaS/s320/nicotiana_limegreen.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Nicotiana alata</i> 'Lime Green' looking fabulous with<br />orange <i>Cosmos sulphurea</i> and a mauve geranium</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">New Plantings</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As usual this spring I sowed a number of different seeds to produce some quick growing annuals, like lobelia and cosmos, as well as a few half-hardy annuals which can produce flowers within about three months.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFotDBWFdk5I1KRC3ZoAhXEjL59d8HQ2mLDEPKN4EptcUlEoosD97QN8KrahVWKLe7tGUixtPkH_PavXJ9Ts4MtF1v0MiOo9RSztPkrtkazoIjhvn1BsolGZEePkc3ucPf8-pUwclKr47C/s1600/antirrhinum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Antirrhinum majus 'Appleblossom'" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFotDBWFdk5I1KRC3ZoAhXEjL59d8HQ2mLDEPKN4EptcUlEoosD97QN8KrahVWKLe7tGUixtPkH_PavXJ9Ts4MtF1v0MiOo9RSztPkrtkazoIjhvn1BsolGZEePkc3ucPf8-pUwclKr47C/s200/antirrhinum.jpg" title="Antirrhinum majus 'Appleblossom'" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Antirrhinum majus<br />'Appleblossom'</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Having had great success with the <a href="http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/" target="_blank">Chiltern Seeds</a> antirrhinum 'Black Prince' last year, I checked their latest catalogue for another variety to add contrast to our summer bedding.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Antirrhinum majus</i> 'Appleblossom' is destined to grow even taller than its cousin 'Black Prince', which earlier this year produced substantial bushes about 50cm tall and has now been cut down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've dotted several of the new plants in different areas to see what works best and so far they're all fairly small but still managing to produce robust flowers with pale-pink petals and yellow throats.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKP3POdGz81sRLlfdiN1iv-6kaRRIQ6IaC1S_jbl_tW11A8UtTewQm70xhODvIc09eqUYScGWMvlK5xOhO98-zpvtjHWVX79Lm27dU-4x_S-Xm2kyYphFVl0zVfBCQCV9nN91KeysqvQR/s1600/knapweed_cosmos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Volutaria muricata 'Desert Star'" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKP3POdGz81sRLlfdiN1iv-6kaRRIQ6IaC1S_jbl_tW11A8UtTewQm70xhODvIc09eqUYScGWMvlK5xOhO98-zpvtjHWVX79Lm27dU-4x_S-Xm2kyYphFVl0zVfBCQCV9nN91KeysqvQR/s320/knapweed_cosmos.jpg" title="Volutaria muricata 'Desert Star'" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Volutaria muricata </i>'Desert Star' with the<br />orange petals of Cosmos</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Morocco Knapweed</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> is not a plant I've come across before and, looking at it, you might assume that it's part of the </span><i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Centaurea </i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In fact it's now designated as <i>Volutaria muricata </i>and this variety was in a packet of seeds which came with a recent gardening magazine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's easy to grow, with thankfully less foliage than most centaureas, and has reached a height of about 50cm, blooming rather sporadically but still quite effective against contrasting flowers like <i>Cosmos sulphurea</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As it's from Morocco, I'm hoping it will be drought-tolerant!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6pxHA6ZaLzygGtWUhjHHmUjB9TOfoWtkHNp07YqjD-C2uA3Ye7GzCEIYqp8f1_QEUk7PYH-9X9UH23JDm7dWFu7vTWu8QTDAwrpe2HAeoGSZuF4Lop7cW-psIL0nrMjYN13F5Vb3BkI2/s1600/aster_lutetia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aster pyrenaeus 'Lutetia'" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6pxHA6ZaLzygGtWUhjHHmUjB9TOfoWtkHNp07YqjD-C2uA3Ye7GzCEIYqp8f1_QEUk7PYH-9X9UH23JDm7dWFu7vTWu8QTDAwrpe2HAeoGSZuF4Lop7cW-psIL0nrMjYN13F5Vb3BkI2/s320/aster_lutetia.jpg" title="Aster pyrenaeus 'Lutetia'" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Aster pyrenaeus</i> 'Lutetia'</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Aster 'Lutetia'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another starry plant which is lighting up a shady corner is this pretty Aster which we found at Beth Chatto's nursery last autumn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I associate Michelmas daisies with late summer but I'm glad to see this one already looking so at home in its new situation and hope the dainty little flowers will keep on coming.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To quote Beth's website, this variety will make a bushy mound "smothered to the ground with pale lilac-blue flowers" - and what's more, it doesn't suffer from mildew!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixT8jTIBgB7EfKPCeN1m_9mp2ppXWqUlef4W-xvj7uYzsEJfO2sRmCaQab-RzC0YXG73toICeT0BeSxWZRLmR3SnAUTE4fi1VCoTh82XLNrwspYXP2DmUrBaFDJCQMsM88jCzZa7Q8_JFD/s1600/capricorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cerambyx cerdo or Great Capricorn Beetle" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixT8jTIBgB7EfKPCeN1m_9mp2ppXWqUlef4W-xvj7uYzsEJfO2sRmCaQab-RzC0YXG73toICeT0BeSxWZRLmR3SnAUTE4fi1VCoTh82XLNrwspYXP2DmUrBaFDJCQMsM88jCzZa7Q8_JFD/s200/capricorn.jpg" title="Cerambyx cerdo or Great Capricorn Beetle" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Cerambyx cerdo</i> - impressive,<br />but rather a saddo really</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Capricorn</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A somewhat scary-looking longhorn beetle called the Great Capricorn Beetle appeared on the wall of our garden shed the other day and was disinclined to move, even when prodded.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We looked him up online and discovered that he's another of those endangered species sometimes mistaken for a pest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They usually live in the dead-wood of oak trees (which might be why he appeared next to our log store) and emerge during summer to mate, surviving for just a few weeks and mainly active at twilight. <i>Not quite such a scary beast after all ...</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLxqT9EiIWROmA3jdzbWGJBli7oeoijDUn6pdJp6iLynDyD3Z3vH64ISVS8vDTsqzsL3gaRJir0drZSz7RkOThGj4wei-IDhxzledsDD5BjhWA7_FZtdxHThQxf1IFaH0C5473xASnl3g/s1600/garden_july.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLxqT9EiIWROmA3jdzbWGJBli7oeoijDUn6pdJp6iLynDyD3Z3vH64ISVS8vDTsqzsL3gaRJir0drZSz7RkOThGj4wei-IDhxzledsDD5BjhWA7_FZtdxHThQxf1IFaH0C5473xASnl3g/s400/garden_july.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back garden at the end of July, with crocosmia starting to peak</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Changeable weather</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvqXWgXqcVitOyQTlD12Dx1tEsmxHsEDPRZZ0QG2Sjv1EbZkoDXkOHHaLXTN6Wi77HgO1PTqFnChhMq8jxE4WKvA7IHk7PBYvv1-ol5Wy3m4pJ6FPice05QEZJtnkDJALcgLk0FwutAma/s1600/talmont_storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Talmont-sur-Gironde under a stormy sky" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvqXWgXqcVitOyQTlD12Dx1tEsmxHsEDPRZZ0QG2Sjv1EbZkoDXkOHHaLXTN6Wi77HgO1PTqFnChhMq8jxE4WKvA7IHk7PBYvv1-ol5Wy3m4pJ6FPice05QEZJtnkDJALcgLk0FwutAma/s400/talmont_storm.jpg" title="Talmont-sur-Gironde under a stormy sky" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Talmont-sur-Gironde under a stormy sky</span></td></tr>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-11414529985225462002017-07-12T07:44:00.000-07:002017-07-13T06:50:08.009-07:00July<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"We all leave traces of ourselves behind</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>and they </i></span><i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">remain,</i><br />
<i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">like a strand of wool on a thorn."</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Monty Don</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnxi-6Lg0QXd3mTjzgH3NYeftuIH0-taPfk2qAPeqZGBHuQn7CSt9bvXkOWF2fVF7bYmX2JlXqqj7GZCqMILwadOJsRzeMlSx90o8Gim1QZVt93tVUk2VRzDr0SFpAVhdPIMemf9NVf3f/s1600/garden_wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="French garden charentefarmcottage.com" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnxi-6Lg0QXd3mTjzgH3NYeftuIH0-taPfk2qAPeqZGBHuQn7CSt9bvXkOWF2fVF7bYmX2JlXqqj7GZCqMILwadOJsRzeMlSx90o8Gim1QZVt93tVUk2VRzDr0SFpAVhdPIMemf9NVf3f/s400/garden_wide.jpg" title="French garden charentefarmcottage.com" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A few torrential downpours later, the grass is green once more</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's certainly proving to be a summer of extreme weather: the earlier heatwave ended in violent storms but all that extra water soon revived our plants and I found myself happily digging holes to plant out the rest of this year's seedlings - <i>not something I'd normally recommend in July!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-llEt-dpXlX4C-xfFKxBIJj0Ckdz1MmUf3vErYr6dtUwhpmHA2zg25eiWxI3taIlXzGzWwbJUgszMvSPYKXknsTSFMLrEHWvlUzX3zFiDz5HxTAO9jwbl25iIxEbORMB4VyjAlc1YaoyW/s1600/cat_hydrangea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-llEt-dpXlX4C-xfFKxBIJj0Ckdz1MmUf3vErYr6dtUwhpmHA2zg25eiWxI3taIlXzGzWwbJUgszMvSPYKXknsTSFMLrEHWvlUzX3zFiDz5HxTAO9jwbl25iIxEbORMB4VyjAlc1YaoyW/s320/cat_hydrangea.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An attractive corner for a snooze</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hydrangeas </span>thrive in damp places and the one in these pictures is now in its third year, rewarding us with a host of exquisite blooms which start out pure white and gradually turn pink with age.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's the first of three types of <i>Hydrangea paniculata</i>, planted in the shadow of a high wall, which comes into flower in July - living up to its name 'Early Sensation'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All of these tend to suffer from yellow leaves as they're putting up with heavy chalk soil, so we need to dose them with a solution of chelated iron (like Sequestrine) as soon as the first leaves appear. This normally restores their greenery in a few days, although a follow-up dose is sometimes required later on.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hSvB4NB7HfaOVORBiC0fBMGgaaDHHMSzU9R51YMMjCUBRxAztForESkEvfYve-3L7uaBIarBM-24VgN_hasc5dYobrRafe5_tt8qbIFEA1WTOZ1hRj1jS6DazsqzYRoVq9xKU6dbhxm_/s1600/courtyard_evening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Courtyard garden charentefarmcottage.com" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hSvB4NB7HfaOVORBiC0fBMGgaaDHHMSzU9R51YMMjCUBRxAztForESkEvfYve-3L7uaBIarBM-24VgN_hasc5dYobrRafe5_tt8qbIFEA1WTOZ1hRj1jS6DazsqzYRoVq9xKU6dbhxm_/s320/courtyard_evening.jpg" title="Courtyard garden charentefarmcottage.com" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Our gravelled courtyard was awash with water each time it rained but fortunately the underlying chalk soon soaked it up like a sponge, helping to keep shrubs and trees - like the young olive here - well hydrated during the many hot days to come.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Pots</span>, though, still have to be watered regularly and it's important to do this with a watering can rather than a hose: not only is this gentler on plants but it allows you to gauge exactly how much you're giving each pot. Sprinkling with a hose can have a surprisingly superficial effect - just stick your finger in the soil afterwards to see how far that dampness has actually penetrated!</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWG-o_TID8H0eL6PYuBhgry1TWiHYyOOsDGIZZdBo_Bewh1f1O_j1bU5aowKFSszAf-BzEhzACMUK9rrBfBvjBwsu3AQ1KyaprDhvEYRUJbRtLgBqRewIRmIdtM2XWhw5o_Jxn1DX3KKg/s1600/lavenders_topshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Courtyard garden charentefarmcottage.com" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWG-o_TID8H0eL6PYuBhgry1TWiHYyOOsDGIZZdBo_Bewh1f1O_j1bU5aowKFSszAf-BzEhzACMUK9rrBfBvjBwsu3AQ1KyaprDhvEYRUJbRtLgBqRewIRmIdtM2XWhw5o_Jxn1DX3KKg/s320/lavenders_topshot.jpg" title="Courtyard garden charentefarmcottage.com" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lavenders and <i>Verbena bonariensis</i><br />growing out of chalk and gravel</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Every year we say we're going to cut down on the number of pots we have to keep watering - and every year we still end up with numerous containers, although some of our woody herbs are now planted directly into the chalk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Shaping Lavender</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Christina loves her lavenders, particularly when it comes to cutting them back after flowering ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is a job she relishes (using battery-fired shears or clippers these days) as the warm climate allows for them to be hard pruned to a nice tight sphere and there's little fear of them not being able to re-sprout from old wood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>If we leave their flower heads too long, they will easily seed themselves in the surrounding gravel.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv50zBPGm9EyWXu2xuPUp7TJPwt-eJstje0Lpq_rYKruF5xw0eUepSUthTAIMjjPuwQwWPuYSKgL2GWHHX-vHcLRn9il5Ie2bX5Y5m81YAwat_X1BAMmVBoJv8QrZb3P71LwVLFeEerE_F/s1600/rosemary_shaped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rosemary officinalis" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv50zBPGm9EyWXu2xuPUp7TJPwt-eJstje0Lpq_rYKruF5xw0eUepSUthTAIMjjPuwQwWPuYSKgL2GWHHX-vHcLRn9il5Ie2bX5Y5m81YAwat_X1BAMmVBoJv8QrZb3P71LwVLFeEerE_F/s200/rosemary_shaped.jpg" title="Rosemary officinalis" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Rosemary officinalis -</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">nearly as good as yew!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>And Rosemary</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This little column of rosemary has been grown from a cutting we made a couple of years ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was taken from a sturdy bush we happened to walk past one day, notable for its dense habit and resinous leaves - <i>great if you want to distil essential oil but it can make your hands very sticky.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Christina trims it to shape once or twice a year and it has now reached a full meter in height.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzWeeBhjPQx6BP6BuC-msPwo5pHPQFYFmAdZIBgSsdwIBreIDtDUHvhip3HNgwisdIh6Qjwgsl-ujThYFcM1y456z0It-IEL9mYR4WjELWtPpc-qUVvzltFtJmsG9KDNJrJuOn5gUMpoP/s1600/lavender_romneya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lavender flowering" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzWeeBhjPQx6BP6BuC-msPwo5pHPQFYFmAdZIBgSsdwIBreIDtDUHvhip3HNgwisdIh6Qjwgsl-ujThYFcM1y456z0It-IEL9mYR4WjELWtPpc-qUVvzltFtJmsG9KDNJrJuOn5gUMpoP/s320/lavender_romneya.jpg" title="Lavender flowering" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lavender flowering freely along the driveway, with</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">remaining heads of <i>Romneya coulteri</i> on the right</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Insects</span> of all shapes and hues come to visit in July; the hotter it gets, the more varied and exotic they tend to be.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wvPPOvHZdXN6upnE458QwRqhrOI9T0YdutTLQj7qS_jdlxI3xTCpw-PM11g_VuRJUzL-VlmoyIKe-rVCnrA85oI7z1Pc6aD3VvOsTOQo41ptRjKioue8nDVFJ9F1K4EfrOfUQN0N8FZN/s1600/demoiselle_agrion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Calopteryx virgo beside water course, Charente Maritime" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wvPPOvHZdXN6upnE458QwRqhrOI9T0YdutTLQj7qS_jdlxI3xTCpw-PM11g_VuRJUzL-VlmoyIKe-rVCnrA85oI7z1Pc6aD3VvOsTOQo41ptRjKioue8nDVFJ9F1K4EfrOfUQN0N8FZN/s320/demoiselle_agrion.jpg" title="Calopteryx virgo beside water course, Charente Maritime" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Beautiful Demoiselle (<i>Calopteryx virgo)</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The so-called 'beautiful demoiselle' is decidedly the most eye-catching of the damselflies that we find around here.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>This vivid metallic blue-green denotes the male of the species, with the female being a less notable dark brown - yes, it was ever thus!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Whilst they haven't actually come into our garden, we do spot them along nearby water courses.</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HlUX2K-ALGCbMOBLOjjRL0Cv7wF76V4FoQ8735ntSFc3a_MWjBOpbV0SVsFbGSca3sydmMntYmpjJp4IivHjANSlDAUbzEOuxUqQNIOCcrpdylwPoTFelg5da6B-Bm5seo2lYyalWivR/s1600/swallowtail_scarce2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HlUX2K-ALGCbMOBLOjjRL0Cv7wF76V4FoQ8735ntSFc3a_MWjBOpbV0SVsFbGSca3sydmMntYmpjJp4IivHjANSlDAUbzEOuxUqQNIOCcrpdylwPoTFelg5da6B-Bm5seo2lYyalWivR/s320/swallowtail_scarce2.jpg" title="Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) on hydrangea" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Scarce Swallowtail <i>(Iphiclides podalirius)</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rather confusingly, the butterfly known as the Scarce Swallowtail is actually quite widespread in central and southern Europe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Its main foodplants are blackthorn and cherry, both of which grow wild in these parts, and it's attracted to the flowers of <i>Verbena bonariensis, </i>buddleia<i> </i>and hydrangea in our garden (as seen here).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The other Swallowtail (<i>Papilio machaon</i>) is darker, with a short tail, and much less common. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But both species are undeniably handsome, adding a welcome bit of decoration to our flowers.</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gY9DhJv2jMYB4ruHKXYNVTw6WYuFkNxp5dfr74RbQGKcMbTD2SHadPWAEyjhsKYA9zMrX3Gw9rjXoELidO3OjD0TjRbMKDFuQTYmeHA4pHzUEU6NpVnhMES3zYDwcH7o6Xcm8nW_AKAS/s1600/echinacea_spider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Echinacea purpurea with spider (Misumena vatia)" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gY9DhJv2jMYB4ruHKXYNVTw6WYuFkNxp5dfr74RbQGKcMbTD2SHadPWAEyjhsKYA9zMrX3Gw9rjXoELidO3OjD0TjRbMKDFuQTYmeHA4pHzUEU6NpVnhMES3zYDwcH7o6Xcm8nW_AKAS/s320/echinacea_spider.jpg" title="Echinacea purpurea with spider (Misumena vatia)" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Echinacea purpurea -</i> good for bees, hoverflies<br />and elegant white spiders<i> (Misumena vatia)</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dyFEUFURBk8eubo-ejBKKON5pn_E1pDmMQmH_PIcWtcnmD2blVZ3tpHhRaMRr-MrJdG2S0Kfx6KAlCVnQkvGxmkTmwOlEyIBPMsBrV_Dx0sfEsQa6TEolNNRF8cQdt1bca83VH_yPYgA/s1600/oleander_pink2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nerine oleander" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dyFEUFURBk8eubo-ejBKKON5pn_E1pDmMQmH_PIcWtcnmD2blVZ3tpHhRaMRr-MrJdG2S0Kfx6KAlCVnQkvGxmkTmwOlEyIBPMsBrV_Dx0sfEsQa6TEolNNRF8cQdt1bca83VH_yPYgA/s320/oleander_pink2.jpg" title="Nerine oleander" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Nerine oleander -</i> its flowers can be<br />picked but all parts are poisonous!</span></td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Talking of things exotic, our <span style="font-size: large;">oleanders</span> have been blooming profusely for the past month, none more so than this pink one which was a cheap supermarket purchase last year.</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Luckily we had a mild winter and all three oleanders came through unscathed even though we didn't bother to protect them. (</i><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why go to the trouble of wrapping them up when fresh plants are relatively inexpensive?)</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We did feed them with a bit of home-made seaweed juice earlier in the season, but this plant has done particularly well and I think it's probably a new, improved strain.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Despite the fact that it doesn't attract much insect-life, it does serve to remind us of happy holidays in Greece.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YgfOpCY8C8e61oePFMoXkCAuaJJ_62A38UG0Zuk2jJ3m2KkyGJQnc2b1pKAbPCqgu_DH7IwzzEGVlSxkXe3nTf3nywxgEQ3_A82wxWtOdF36S_B64OHCcc99iVMOCSL3OEs371JQvxbL/s1600/nigella_hispanica2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nigella hispanica" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YgfOpCY8C8e61oePFMoXkCAuaJJ_62A38UG0Zuk2jJ3m2KkyGJQnc2b1pKAbPCqgu_DH7IwzzEGVlSxkXe3nTf3nywxgEQ3_A82wxWtOdF36S_B64OHCcc99iVMOCSL3OEs371JQvxbL/s320/nigella_hispanica2.jpg" title="Nigella hispanica" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Nigella hispanica </i>(from<a href="http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/" target="_blank"> Chiltern Seeds</a>)<br />Love-in-the-mist with an interesting twist</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Colour Combinations</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I've said before that too many blue flowers together can be tedious. Scattering touches of pink or white (echinacea, cosmos, achillea) can help to break them up in a soft, muted way. Splashes of scarlet (geum) or orange (calendula) are even more striking and make blues and purples appear more intense.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nsR-bK_2xW6K_5OcfuhMkK_xgEMmjCUs4T5gxnid49oSbpRdMqB15AEAAcrjOJHMIQl6Cwdp9BBLDuFaAhm5WO37IDDeagtljEEnK81_cq1feF0VaKmdXF9RUEdt6HhxxtaElU5vj7hi/s1600/salvia_marigolds3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Salvia patens with Calendula officinalis 'Indian Prince'" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nsR-bK_2xW6K_5OcfuhMkK_xgEMmjCUs4T5gxnid49oSbpRdMqB15AEAAcrjOJHMIQl6Cwdp9BBLDuFaAhm5WO37IDDeagtljEEnK81_cq1feF0VaKmdXF9RUEdt6HhxxtaElU5vj7hi/s400/salvia_marigolds3.jpg" title="Salvia patens with Calendula officinalis 'Indian Prince'" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Gentian blue <i>Salvia patens</i> with <i>Calendula officinalis</i> 'Indian Prince'<br />- both available from <a href="http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/" target="_blank">Chiltern Seeds</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QPsVS1TqfZpYjkxcwdRjGRc758WXG6Evk4RKcogjMnhyphenhyphen_rM95adQtshjVimxgNB0Jz2Umr9GiW3qOaHo-v9FDBTp2A1rtsXExUK6Nug0RnxjvjsvEKtqmuveN3dxs-pnb8dU1ttK2h6b/s1600/salvia_coccinea2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Salvia coccinea 'Coral Nymph'" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QPsVS1TqfZpYjkxcwdRjGRc758WXG6Evk4RKcogjMnhyphenhyphen_rM95adQtshjVimxgNB0Jz2Umr9GiW3qOaHo-v9FDBTp2A1rtsXExUK6Nug0RnxjvjsvEKtqmuveN3dxs-pnb8dU1ttK2h6b/s320/salvia_coccinea2.jpg" title="Salvia coccinea 'Coral Nymph'" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Salvia coccinea</i><br />the bi-coloured Texas Sage</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Salvias </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">have become an indispensible part of our summer borders as they provide fabulous blooms in a range of bright tones.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Many of the more colourful ones come from Mexico and are not always fully hardy in a severe winter, but you can always treat them as bedding plants and grow them afresh from seed in the spring.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This <i>Salvia coccinea,</i> for instance, was sown in March from seed gathered late last summer when we spotted it growing in a local park.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was pleased that the pink and white flowers came true from seed (not always the case) and believe it's a variety called 'Coral Nymph', which can be invasive in certain climates. <i>Here it has established very quickly so I'll keep an eye out!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Summer Reading</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Being somewhat starved of English language books in our corner of France, I was pleased to come across a paperback by Monty Don at a recent brocante. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's called <i>"The Road to Le Tholonet - A French Garden Journey" </i>and I'd highly recommend it to anyone interested in France and/or it's invaluable contribution to the history of horticulture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I tended to think of Monty as a TV presenter first and gardener second, but this well-researched and entertaining assembly of meditations on gardens both vast and small, formal or avant-garde, has definitely made me think again!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In exploring the aesthetics and practicalities of gardening through the ages, he reveals as much about himself as he does of the French national character.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bXE8CxO5LgavsmtQaOy0bCxzEbEgwqcMpAq9zyfkAA8MykXXLZ78Ws63fhvSR36SEh39ZpnHH9pv-T_AgtKbUkyu6mb8-Rbuuna-QSrg5UbiWiM8AU6L-N-6YbxoJ3v29fKZwRuzCimv/s1600/hollyhocks_evening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hollyhocks in a courtyard, Charente Maritime" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bXE8CxO5LgavsmtQaOy0bCxzEbEgwqcMpAq9zyfkAA8MykXXLZ78Ws63fhvSR36SEh39ZpnHH9pv-T_AgtKbUkyu6mb8-Rbuuna-QSrg5UbiWiM8AU6L-N-6YbxoJ3v29fKZwRuzCimv/s400/hollyhocks_evening.jpg" title="Hollyhocks in a courtyard, Charente Maritime" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A cheerful Charentais courtyard garden</span></td></tr>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-66305185462811114972017-06-25T06:06:00.001-07:002017-06-27T07:09:58.227-07:00June<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"The swallows are chattering</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>around the house. All night</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>you sweat it out waiting for a breeze</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>to collapse you to sleep."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Jo Shapcott</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmtMEECzFnBPOriWLnpE7HnOV2C91IprKTZqjpqggYIFbaY7oJyW-xW01r7Uq_l5HeKSpD3dxukWx61IPed3Ztnpb_52ONVs3fD2qftSl6CKXeqS12Zc03bsghHMPGTSBIpbmRdQOB_HW/s1600/fields_vines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fields and vines, Charente Maritime" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmtMEECzFnBPOriWLnpE7HnOV2C91IprKTZqjpqggYIFbaY7oJyW-xW01r7Uq_l5HeKSpD3dxukWx61IPed3Ztnpb_52ONVs3fD2qftSl6CKXeqS12Zc03bsghHMPGTSBIpbmRdQOB_HW/s400/fields_vines.jpg" title="Fields and vines, Charente Maritime" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fields and vines in early June, <i>before the heatwave!</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By the end of May it was becoming apparent that this had the makings of a hot summer, with several hay fields already cut and baled. Foxgloves and aquilegias were soon went over in our garden; heleniums were in full-flower by the middle of June.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZ9fWiUlr2fv_lLv3Z_225hAK1I-12_meNxabqTffRbdFG_40EBAecRWqf_CauLeYBgQvW2WXD2y9oNy9B4F77cX78G9ajGjjXG3w2TzM2aL3yaN66YPN_iyX-T7FsH_wAnUHKitx9eou/s1600/cherry_tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Laden cherry tree" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZ9fWiUlr2fv_lLv3Z_225hAK1I-12_meNxabqTffRbdFG_40EBAecRWqf_CauLeYBgQvW2WXD2y9oNy9B4F77cX78G9ajGjjXG3w2TzM2aL3yaN66YPN_iyX-T7FsH_wAnUHKitx9eou/s200/cherry_tree.jpg" title="Laden cherry tree" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ripe for the picking</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Still, it's been one of the best years we can remember for cherries - even birds and foxes would have enjoyed their fill without depriving the rest of us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our neighbour came by with his little grand-daughter one humid evening to present us with a bowl full of ripe red <i>cerises</i> that she had enthusiastically picked from their tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>They looked so delicious that I put some on a plate to photograph with a few David Austin roses, culled before the rain and wind could come and ruin their perfection.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9HvMiOx_1302sWyBOufUUpH8a4ZkoBXcLINTRVsAfbTNUpZjNu8fuV1KHV7_IpLIweqtohH1iVJrLkNap8Lrua86Bt1N1_6Y-UazP9zJgYdYmfJ9ksrclw1SrRom-i7vNpxkJZIh5E9g/s1600/cherries_roses2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rosa 'Shropshire Lad' and cherries" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9HvMiOx_1302sWyBOufUUpH8a4ZkoBXcLINTRVsAfbTNUpZjNu8fuV1KHV7_IpLIweqtohH1iVJrLkNap8Lrua86Bt1N1_6Y-UazP9zJgYdYmfJ9ksrclw1SrRom-i7vNpxkJZIh5E9g/s320/cherries_roses2.jpg" title="Rosa 'Shropshire Lad' and cherries" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A jug of 'Shropshire Lad' roses</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Flaming June</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although we've had a couple of rainstorms to provide much-needed moisture, the afternoon temperature has been steadily rising to 30'C - and beyond - which makes it hard to do more than a bit of dead-heading in the garden.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now our rain-water butt is empty again and we hide indoors during the hottest part of the day, venturing out at sundown to fill watering cans and slake the thirst of our most vulnerable plants.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I still have seedlings waiting to be planted out, so these have been potted on and kept partly in the shade, getting watered twice a day and developing rather too quickly!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wMNesJ0WiZ3xWg30uF32GvzeyybZKhFtIkVn-Znfh-XfINCGwMYNZmLY9eKLVmXn-NUnI_FP3TwwmU4hyphenhyphenokoSbbpJ6TQ1lEJWADkpt8kT2YscU4RxO2fo3ZyLBq0J97Iiud2foMSoO3C/s1600/hawkmoth_flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Oenothera speciosa 'Siskyou' and Hummingbird Hawkmoth" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wMNesJ0WiZ3xWg30uF32GvzeyybZKhFtIkVn-Znfh-XfINCGwMYNZmLY9eKLVmXn-NUnI_FP3TwwmU4hyphenhyphenokoSbbpJ6TQ1lEJWADkpt8kT2YscU4RxO2fo3ZyLBq0J97Iiud2foMSoO3C/s200/hawkmoth_flower.jpg" title="Oenothera speciosa 'Siskyou' and Hummingbird Hawkmoth" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Oenothera speciosa</i> 'Siskyou'<br />and Hummingbird Hawkmoth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">with trapped proboscis</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hummingbird hawkmoths </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">are frequent visitors to the garden, drawn by early flowers like aubretia and then to the wide blooms of evening primrose which beckon invitingly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This variety 'Siskyou' is a small rockery plant we found at Beth Chatto's in England, recommended for well-drained soil in full sun, and it's been flowering profusely for the past month.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On a couple of occasions I've had to rescue the poor moths when their proboscis apparently gets stuck inside the pistil, as shown in this photo, and they almost exhaust themselves trying to escape.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I'm not sure if it's the sticky nectar which traps them so firmly but it does give me the opportunity to snatch a photograph when they pause their desperate fluttering. Happily they fly off immediately once extricated!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWG8KOw1ALXwLXep7Jk_AMpucC1wHBEbt-zxHwMk7EIVOn5rmvUuLpXu5KHRENwYR7JbYilUKYpIisxMmyL1OLPh558D923Wwlm5HLgL82sbTg57KXzxbRN3e5VeJIK3eNvR9BbzhFdvjh/s1600/anchusa_dragonfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore'" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWG8KOw1ALXwLXep7Jk_AMpucC1wHBEbt-zxHwMk7EIVOn5rmvUuLpXu5KHRENwYR7JbYilUKYpIisxMmyL1OLPh558D923Wwlm5HLgL82sbTg57KXzxbRN3e5VeJIK3eNvR9BbzhFdvjh/s200/anchusa_dragonfly.jpg" title="Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore' with dragonfly" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Anchusa azurea</i> 'Dropmore'<br />with hovering dragonfly</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another popular plant for visiting insects is anchusa, whose bright blue flowers attract butterflies like the swallowtail or, occasionally, a passing dragonfly like this one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These are very welcome in the garden as they devour mosquitoes, amongst other things, and often arrive with damselflies when our plants have enjoyed a good drench from the watering system. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By midday the borders are positively dancing with butterflies, mainly drawn to the twenty or so lavenders in full bloom.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37ye8SUDKyHPkX4unra2JJTMIseRlMrestG7PiI-YwX129wxCcJtCj1RJurUQtOYDzNKaEsthkZuRuUJstPrKg7BDUPjRNXHXBKDoEaFJ5a49WCMf23VaI2eLgrZVQ1bL2NEKNd5P8X50/s1600/anchusa_frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Echium vulgare" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37ye8SUDKyHPkX4unra2JJTMIseRlMrestG7PiI-YwX129wxCcJtCj1RJurUQtOYDzNKaEsthkZuRuUJstPrKg7BDUPjRNXHXBKDoEaFJ5a49WCMf23VaI2eLgrZVQ1bL2NEKNd5P8X50/s320/anchusa_frame.jpg" title="Echium vulgare grown inside a supporting frame" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Echium vulgare</i><br />- plenty of flowers to keep the<br />insects happy</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Plant supports</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Back in April Christina used our neighbour's willow offcuts to make some useful supports for taller plants - like this echium which has a habit of spreadeagling over its neighbours.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>These willow wands were bright yellow when we first stuck them in the ground but have since matured to a less eye-catching brown.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>She also put one around our peony, which was similarly successful in helping the plant to stay upright - although it didn't help the plant to flower, maybe because we'd carefully mulched it in spring and covered up too much of the crown which needs to be kept exposed.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Either that, or there was a dry spell at the point when buds should have been forming.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7yZLhQGIAWGIAH4gnRB74LfTbSvEh_r-EUvOj5q9ygSdPBc8UxspG13cQbxIjzQnrHbd85BNmLLqxR3B9fcG8IlMhHSIyHaeRDe71GkL7rzMyC7tZAWGdamMhqHQdAhWz2QBo8Vgs-aC/s1600/larkspur_trio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Delphinium consolida - a colourful trio of larkspurs" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7yZLhQGIAWGIAH4gnRB74LfTbSvEh_r-EUvOj5q9ygSdPBc8UxspG13cQbxIjzQnrHbd85BNmLLqxR3B9fcG8IlMhHSIyHaeRDe71GkL7rzMyC7tZAWGdamMhqHQdAhWz2QBo8Vgs-aC/s320/larkspur_trio.jpg" title="Delphinium consolida - a colourful trio of larkspurs" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Delphinium consolida</i><br />- a colourful trio of larkspurs</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Larkspur</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Like foxgloves and pinks, this is one cottage-garden favourite that I wouldn't be without because it's so adaptable and easy to grow in this climate. Also, by and large, it doesn't require any staking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By the end of June I'll have collected seed from all three colours, to be distributed in various corners of the garden in autumn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's hard to predict exactly where they'll come up of course, which is part of the fun, <i>but what are the chances of finding pink, white and blue growing together in what looks like a single plant?</i></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafs90bhhvSCsZjx9odfwEyFf6c-RUedl2J5mxtm7-Qr0U2NRqOcsbg2kpoyH6c6sGFXlHAlEh6ABxBPxhcLByG-YDUEIWs5-6LZHToj5On1zC_IvR-yIZ5MqIkduYdyrI53QcaAtf4fd6/s1600/insects_umbellifer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Graphosoma lineatum or striped stink bugs" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafs90bhhvSCsZjx9odfwEyFf6c-RUedl2J5mxtm7-Qr0U2NRqOcsbg2kpoyH6c6sGFXlHAlEh6ABxBPxhcLByG-YDUEIWs5-6LZHToj5On1zC_IvR-yIZ5MqIkduYdyrI53QcaAtf4fd6/s200/insects_umbellifer.jpg" title="Graphosoma lineatum or striped stink bugs" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Striped stink bugs or<br /><i>Graphosoma lineatum</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">More insects ...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Umbellifers like this giant hogweed (</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Heracleum sphondyleum</i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">) have been growing tall along the waysides and had already set seed by the beginning of June.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Every season we come across unusual creatures which we've never really noticed before: these striped stink bugs were observed partying atop the seed heads and made an interesting pattern for the camera.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_waWKbO-7qZH-F8V9B15l2TMD9Kssv44xNT0Q4H1sOkUznxhefE6hlB-l4T9ZYZreycB_tZSNP67BVYem7xQPS5OvNqo4co8a1UvPu9KTZdKfSGQtKr_fYNQ1Jd7E9LZtHL6qpMreKGmR/s1600/coreopsis_grasshopper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Coreopsis with grasshopper" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_waWKbO-7qZH-F8V9B15l2TMD9Kssv44xNT0Q4H1sOkUznxhefE6hlB-l4T9ZYZreycB_tZSNP67BVYem7xQPS5OvNqo4co8a1UvPu9KTZdKfSGQtKr_fYNQ1Jd7E9LZtHL6qpMreKGmR/s320/coreopsis_grasshopper.jpg" title="Coreopsis with grasshopper" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A fat grasshopper hanging out on a</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> Coreopsis flower</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>and feathered friends!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Readers of previous blogs this year may have wondered what happened to the eight cygnets which hatched out beside our neighbour's lake in early May ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHnGULCzeif2hNHUbOJFPyJ8i5LtfM3ZQSjm5ew6wrqeJWTpaZmIKwSGy0z53aAuzMEEKMeaQnjZ0VyiQhF31xOS-b2hxyyEGaMHSj5xRosWJUpIxgz1Bu5pY4tEar3T1ZbJHxP1rjIz5/s1600/swans_sheep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Family of swans and cygnets preening" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHnGULCzeif2hNHUbOJFPyJ8i5LtfM3ZQSjm5ew6wrqeJWTpaZmIKwSGy0z53aAuzMEEKMeaQnjZ0VyiQhF31xOS-b2hxyyEGaMHSj5xRosWJUpIxgz1Bu5pY4tEar3T1ZbJHxP1rjIz5/s400/swans_sheep.jpg" title="Family of swans and cygnets preening" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Swans mingling happily with ducks and goats</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although the whole family disappeared upriver for a while, they've now started spending time beside Robert's lake once more - douobtless tempted by the fact that he feeds stale bread to his ducks every morning!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All eight cygnets appear to be thriving and, oddly enough, the adults seem less territorial than before, calmly sharing their turf with ducks and goats.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Robert says that he's even observed a swan nibbling the wool of one of his rare-breed sheep as if it's helping to remove parasites -<i> odd indeed!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPsbjftn8nT0rl_nXFpJKTfSpbcrKX1IfBZ_cXi1y54LRYike696WeQophyx5dHc4O3nrjIbRS4EUYPXXh1dtRDXm-H9GPB-HbxIokeg_3nDbP4-wo30ZhmZM13hpKtJ7pTZK4xLhTAhU/s1600/catanache_evening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Catanache caerulea" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="822" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPsbjftn8nT0rl_nXFpJKTfSpbcrKX1IfBZ_cXi1y54LRYike696WeQophyx5dHc4O3nrjIbRS4EUYPXXh1dtRDXm-H9GPB-HbxIokeg_3nDbP4-wo30ZhmZM13hpKtJ7pTZK4xLhTAhU/s320/catanache_evening.jpg" title="Catanache caerulea" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Catanache caerulea - </i>a sun worshipper<br />which seeds itself over our gravelled driveway</span></td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Catanache</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is a plant which apparently relishes lots of heat and sun, although its blue petals close up during the hottest part of the day, hiding behind papery bracts that reflect - and deflect - the strong light. A clever strategy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Their petals look a darker blue-mauve when closed, as in this picture, but by morning they open up again, a clear cerulean blue.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UKeMM-ZpbM7mtJlZpLwq-hOJ1MUUUlpF1JtBX6kDIwiZsbJIzIh333vV7LmnbhKUwRgRXltqwAzxggfoJyV9oYYKwlFF7Y7vTh-idujpsVh4Dfm7O8AX1y58nIE06mm9Q0eMimsTFe9K/s1600/scabious_atro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Scabious atropurpurea 'Fata Morgana'" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UKeMM-ZpbM7mtJlZpLwq-hOJ1MUUUlpF1JtBX6kDIwiZsbJIzIh333vV7LmnbhKUwRgRXltqwAzxggfoJyV9oYYKwlFF7Y7vTh-idujpsVh4Dfm7O8AX1y58nIE06mm9Q0eMimsTFe9K/s320/scabious_atro.jpg" title="Scabious atropurpurea 'Fata Morgana'" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Scabious atropurpurea</i> 'Fata Morgana'<br />available from<a href="http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/" target="_blank"> Chiltern Seeds</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>By way of contrast to all those azure flowers in our garden, I've started looking for plants with orange or apricot tinted blooms. Scabious is easy to grow in our chalky soil, so I picked this tall variety which stands out well against the larkspur behind.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Unfortunately, its leaves are rather scappy and call out to be camouflaged by other plants which will grow to at least 80cm. Larkspur, too, looks very dishevelled after a week in the baking sun and many will have to be pulled up even though there are still a few flowers to come.</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGZlJ2EwchJOojNTGhNnr2szUOLlNhckHNt_QvZtSJPsLioTXjsfn6Asg11dCPNlpo4XWIffBljqWv6U3YT2FVpyie9AxQ9Rwyo47gGZIoAI0xOER32fup8tjKAkKFuKWLkY99pxsxUp8/s1600/potager_herbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGZlJ2EwchJOojNTGhNnr2szUOLlNhckHNt_QvZtSJPsLioTXjsfn6Asg11dCPNlpo4XWIffBljqWv6U3YT2FVpyie9AxQ9Rwyo47gGZIoAI0xOER32fup8tjKAkKFuKWLkY99pxsxUp8/s400/potager_herbs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A cool spot for late afternoon</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhelKroU-yHWm2qJemXP6bLaMo7mj9Ee1jScKBbEQs5YmJn8wTqtstnYY2_0Aud9zZBc9ldVqBFsGyz5vEch2ZlN0MRZbmUj02LisjYb86zkcpSL8T85obLUeiQz_2rQWOl6SzlWRQ_w02/s1600/swans_river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Swan and cygnets at Les Monards" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="822" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhelKroU-yHWm2qJemXP6bLaMo7mj9Ee1jScKBbEQs5YmJn8wTqtstnYY2_0Aud9zZBc9ldVqBFsGyz5vEch2ZlN0MRZbmUj02LisjYb86zkcpSL8T85obLUeiQz_2rQWOl6SzlWRQ_w02/s400/swans_river.jpg" title="Swan and cygnets at Les Monards" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Good at gliding, but can they fly ... ?</i></span></td></tr>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-44498385447823718472017-05-19T09:42:00.001-07:002017-05-19T09:42:05.719-07:00Mid May<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>"Splendor of ended day, floating and filling me!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Hour prophetic - hour resuming the past!"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Walt Whitman - Song at Sunset</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvA2MoIIP5b9dR8itriD6w8_sSgJtZozh6P3XUP3BqRE_Wjbx4iCmzVHZFvCBS2hcLv0dlI49q0p4gY4poExUhkaOmSpHtaBQAR24-Zdfk_AjszfFrakKWeoS5tFGoliXjy4dxeEFShZ0w/s1600/wide_tricolour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvA2MoIIP5b9dR8itriD6w8_sSgJtZozh6P3XUP3BqRE_Wjbx4iCmzVHZFvCBS2hcLv0dlI49q0p4gY4poExUhkaOmSpHtaBQAR24-Zdfk_AjszfFrakKWeoS5tFGoliXjy4dxeEFShZ0w/s400/wide_tricolour.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A welcome for the new French president perhaps ...?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've departed from my usual gardening quote for two reasons: one strirred by the accidentally patriotic image I came across amidst all our brightly flowering dianthus (yes, we hope it's an<i> 'hour prophetic' </i>this time!), and the other being that <i>'splendor'</i> of sunny evenings, when stems and flowers are highlighted in a golden wash, irresistible to the camera.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Garden pictures</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hQT1kYPrGlMm77LLHk7GAPqD8z95MCpVR3JH4UDShrWAX7al1IsN9BDDa1ReN8y4RH-9yq5es9RNkm6TFsi6Y3qnN6mmYrjKJa80wdeJKe61YgVmzh4r-_89_-8XVwkOJ0Ug74CB5S6u/s1600/dianthus_armeria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hQT1kYPrGlMm77LLHk7GAPqD8z95MCpVR3JH4UDShrWAX7al1IsN9BDDa1ReN8y4RH-9yq5es9RNkm6TFsi6Y3qnN6mmYrjKJa80wdeJKe61YgVmzh4r-_89_-8XVwkOJ0Ug74CB5S6u/s320/dianthus_armeria.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">White <i>Armeria maritima</i> providing<br />a foil for pink dianthus</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">White and blue flowers stand out well in late afternoon but it's important to use the right camera setting in order to expose for subtly shaded petals and not for those shadows behind, which become less distracting when they appear darker.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Sunlight can be so intense here that plants simply merge into one another in the middle part of the day - a particular problem when your garden is bursting with flowers, all jostling for pole position!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The bright blooms of geum, geranium and dianthus are spread throughout our cottage-style bedding and they each come to prominence at different times of day, making it important to stroll around and appreciate a new picture every few hours.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxf_Rz95rsbKV_-NT0ibQRTua3b0e5OsxS8kZakou5blijM8f45svWR1y6cwBuaFYinfFz1fu3PG82U59eTBPl8CzU2JZ7NWp6bpZaazJv4FCHOkAyQSpEHZTvFf52YBVgjvS5NWfSnRQZ/s1600/cygnets8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxf_Rz95rsbKV_-NT0ibQRTua3b0e5OsxS8kZakou5blijM8f45svWR1y6cwBuaFYinfFz1fu3PG82U59eTBPl8CzU2JZ7NWp6bpZaazJv4FCHOkAyQSpEHZTvFf52YBVgjvS5NWfSnRQZ/s320/cygnets8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After their first outing on the water, maman<br />encourages them back to their nesting site</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Swan song</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In between, it's also necessary to check on the progress of local wildlife, like the pair of swans I've featured in recent months.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They began nest-building </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">beside Robert's lake</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> in early March and we finally saw the female brooding on 24th March.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Her mate seemed to keep his distance most of the time, flying off every evening to spend his nights elsewhere... <i>the cad!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After many visits to check on her progress, we were getting worried that she could well die of starvation before any of the eggs hatched. Eventually, we got a late night email from Robert to say the babies were out and we should make haste to take pictures and videos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By then it was May 3rd, yellow flags were out making a pretty picture beside the lake, and the male swan actually deigned to come and visit his new brood.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKSFyBM-Iwn7qfdnKbwav1kKVLkP0rmflpfmIc4tsqRqxGYdc3IfMGjpOhvFOaHSkLN6fvetq8zzAD1Omjy1B7ykzOWmpGAMMUXp03a2ryEgSdd8Q5AgDAFYDD8yQtRXmN6Al2RvFyHr4/s1600/wide_cygnets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKSFyBM-Iwn7qfdnKbwav1kKVLkP0rmflpfmIc4tsqRqxGYdc3IfMGjpOhvFOaHSkLN6fvetq8zzAD1Omjy1B7ykzOWmpGAMMUXp03a2ryEgSdd8Q5AgDAFYDD8yQtRXmN6Al2RvFyHr4/s400/wide_cygnets.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Eight cygnets paddling furiously in their mother's wake</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>But, sadly, that was the last we saw of them all! According to Robert, the whole family disappeared upstream soon afterwards and we can only assume that papa swan had been off finding a new - and hopefully safer - abode for his chicks.</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUJDPU3GleSj-EqptA-fbYDbscsLRkn_Zzt25PcO4ucFYm-eAqrYD-dWz-9XAPxtg9hBG2E-5CAU54nRvD6NJgemhfKa3yoFjYzj0WP3eHPj6AtVsSagPe70gWvaX-u_I7uHXWFxD-aQ_/s1600/foxy_aquilegias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUJDPU3GleSj-EqptA-fbYDbscsLRkn_Zzt25PcO4ucFYm-eAqrYD-dWz-9XAPxtg9hBG2E-5CAU54nRvD6NJgemhfKa3yoFjYzj0WP3eHPj6AtVsSagPe70gWvaX-u_I7uHXWFxD-aQ_/s320/foxy_aquilegias.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Foxgloves with blue aquilegia</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Good companions</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think we must have at least half a dozen varieties of <i>Digitalis purpurea </i>on display now, although some of them have fared badly due to a sudden hot, dry spell which left them with tiny flowers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hate to see a plant in distress - if it's too late to help with water, best to cut it down! In the case of foxgloves you might be lucky and get more flower spikes if there's some decent rainfall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Christina took similarly drastic action with some of the aquilegias which were producing masses of foliage earlier in the season. She chopped them back, flower stems and all, with the result that they came up with more blooms and less leaf second time around!</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNVfSUaG5pVtrdJSj6Ht7TrGIRbzH_lzIX0nDoMKQuExQqZWEmtZ-hGpU2Ovbw9WWYMZQgYBQohhphQ3eWP37JICxdU7A7dPfBTvkjkG2FQ2SFsLUtyTdsgNiqaQ0sR00yo3DwKsdy1Ne/s1600/geranium_rozanne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNVfSUaG5pVtrdJSj6Ht7TrGIRbzH_lzIX0nDoMKQuExQqZWEmtZ-hGpU2Ovbw9WWYMZQgYBQohhphQ3eWP37JICxdU7A7dPfBTvkjkG2FQ2SFsLUtyTdsgNiqaQ0sR00yo3DwKsdy1Ne/s320/geranium_rozanne.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Geranium 'Azure Rush'</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We also have at least ten types of cranesbill geraniums in various parts of the garden, many of the taller varieties combining well with climbing roses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some are better in part-shade, like this pretty and prolific flowering 'Azure Rush' which makes excellent ground-cover under a cistus bush.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Its blooms are very similar to those of the popular 'Rozanne' but it's more compact and lower growing.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgko3oVU8_PIIuCAEsLHvKB6_twqfmxzTqfLW4e6kjXOWDoCjG2BKI2fAXvAFGRgqocGFS-B19NU5ZMoNTc5uxG5eqCWq_e8ekCcvhe52WNIRvMJEkXq86SsB95UHRI94egtVtoFZ6GRJYQ/s1600/geum_borisii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgko3oVU8_PIIuCAEsLHvKB6_twqfmxzTqfLW4e6kjXOWDoCjG2BKI2fAXvAFGRgqocGFS-B19NU5ZMoNTc5uxG5eqCWq_e8ekCcvhe52WNIRvMJEkXq86SsB95UHRI94egtVtoFZ6GRJYQ/s200/geum_borisii.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Geum coccineum</i> 'Borisii' with<br /><i>Oedemera nobilis</i> beetle</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And where there's a preponderance of blue flowers, as in our garden, it's always a good idea to fleck the ocean with touches of yellow and orange.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some people grow English marigolds like weeds, providing lots of zing amongst the greenery; in our soil we seem to have more luck with geums and I love this one called 'Borisii' which is floriferous without being rampant. Unlike some others...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I've just had to cut down several stems of Geum chiloense 'Mrs Bradshaw' because her scarlet blooms were in danger of eclipsing everything else! </i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pyViVA_xVmMfrS1AS4JhIZE9CYa1kaWk1LkL2F2n73fI8NoD1R9hWdesERtalUp7ovgXu3hWovUIWggD9oZRqckUiA-MJIJ_WlrgnBFT_v08kD1YBAJjF1fXhUWd3TrM7Bo5qy2hSMle/s1600/pink_primrose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pyViVA_xVmMfrS1AS4JhIZE9CYa1kaWk1LkL2F2n73fI8NoD1R9hWdesERtalUp7ovgXu3hWovUIWggD9oZRqckUiA-MJIJ_WlrgnBFT_v08kD1YBAJjF1fXhUWd3TrM7Bo5qy2hSMle/s200/pink_primrose.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Evening primrose</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Moving on to more pastel shades, I love the flowers of this evening primrose because they're so luminous and delicately painted inside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I grew this one from seed found in a friend's garden but unfortunately the foliage is rather limp and weedy so it can easily collapse in heavy rain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Better I think to cultivate the rockery version,<i> Oenothera speciosa 'Siskyou', </i>which has very similar big flowers but a more creeping habit. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil in full sun.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2znwGe74HUXFZnJyh5nqAfsyb55rGHdlkJPc5U60LIPz36U4ySNhwLQkBRZKed48pYBhRrnUJMrm93vBT1_A4-gWAGURGuHaY08qK5bZHlrOeG-5tDyssnwcvZ807dUwe61OuBVDpetOv/s1600/sedum_auricula.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2znwGe74HUXFZnJyh5nqAfsyb55rGHdlkJPc5U60LIPz36U4ySNhwLQkBRZKed48pYBhRrnUJMrm93vBT1_A4-gWAGURGuHaY08qK5bZHlrOeG-5tDyssnwcvZ807dUwe61OuBVDpetOv/s400/sedum_auricula.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Evening light on terracotta, with Echeveria <i>'Perle von Nurnberg'</i><br />in foreground and a <i>Primula auricula</i> flowering behind</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Combining subtlety of colour with architectural shape, it's hard to beat sedums and echeveria hybrids, like the one above given to us recently by friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After a visit to Beth Chatto's Essex garden last year, we were inspired to resurrect some of our old pots to plant up with a selection of succulents. They provide interest throughout the year and are easy to manage in a courtyard garden<i> - not much weeding required!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Since coming here and taking regular walks in the countryside, I've come to appreciate just how many plant shapes are based on the dandelion principle.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8L7SceFqxcXWVTj8y_Cdub6waN06oGOHKNF6yG0xW2t9NcOQD0kPJxjxzlwSN2mb6Kc7dnPVb6Cjbp8FCl6fqexErKTRHNVNtOq1C300It3a-gu7rEwEbUahtfepescqR0PKvwGFSTLyT/s1600/tragopogon_pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8L7SceFqxcXWVTj8y_Cdub6waN06oGOHKNF6yG0xW2t9NcOQD0kPJxjxzlwSN2mb6Kc7dnPVb6Cjbp8FCl6fqexErKTRHNVNtOq1C300It3a-gu7rEwEbUahtfepescqR0PKvwGFSTLyT/s320/tragopogon_pink.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Tragopogon porrifolius</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tragopogon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Perhaps the most stately of these roadside weeds is a plant commonly known as Salsify, originally planted as a root vegetable in central Europe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Its beautiful flower head only opens in the morning and has also given it the name 'Purple Goat's Beard', although I think it's more of a two-toned pink myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There's also a yellow version which is more abundant in our verges.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Both strains have magnificent seedheads and deserve to be even more widespread.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgOb_2_h4lss8802VyCGcRhOJZKC2ePmVqAKzGmUq919m0_p1owiakvHmlYu_GZR9FwF-nylF7KMsr9jrDFQJR3RgZSzKu8Grvk6ikGMWgbG3BhJaK06xIBXpjwlGnS_fgwkg3nU7ti69/s1600/tragopogon_yellow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgOb_2_h4lss8802VyCGcRhOJZKC2ePmVqAKzGmUq919m0_p1owiakvHmlYu_GZR9FwF-nylF7KMsr9jrDFQJR3RgZSzKu8Grvk6ikGMWgbG3BhJaK06xIBXpjwlGnS_fgwkg3nU7ti69/s400/tragopogon_yellow.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Tragopogon pratensis</i> - three stages of a single plant</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAy_Xkd0wIWt_UuDCoS5XcBXwhdkJjjmIoKq77dSK5nCXIhCfqY5Yy1t_Y7fVUNac0wf9cF9kLaPI6Hf-wGC4jDbqsbBEagq9JjoIx6I3koT8Czagc1W6jNHHfCV7oo9WJqyq44zTtx2wy/s1600/viburnum_sargentii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAy_Xkd0wIWt_UuDCoS5XcBXwhdkJjjmIoKq77dSK5nCXIhCfqY5Yy1t_Y7fVUNac0wf9cF9kLaPI6Hf-wGC4jDbqsbBEagq9JjoIx6I3koT8Czagc1W6jNHHfCV7oo9WJqyq44zTtx2wy/s320/viburnum_sargentii.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Viburnum sargentii</i> 'Onondaga'</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Shrubs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There's such an abundance of shrubs doing wonderful things in May that it's hard to pick out a favourite.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But every garden should have at least one member of the viburnum family and this was a cultivar I'd wanted to try for a long time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We finally tracked down a small plant at a fair three years ago and it's now reaching maturity, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">about 1.5m tall and covered with exquisite lacecap blooms which later produce berries.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The only thing it lacks is scent and for that you need the early-flowering types like <i>Viburnum carlesii.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYxbTxE-SezWQ8FNxKdPbfCa6vOU2oz1i1Ue3DiZucBi7KLI2AW4Y020uU5XWN7NWkCYCizVe7LxeLYL0DpP3PiXHMv43DYOdP6MPFfHr5apfVtmscgxse9JKYqkgk-y1S7dskOAKZ0c6/s1600/alium_double.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYxbTxE-SezWQ8FNxKdPbfCa6vOU2oz1i1Ue3DiZucBi7KLI2AW4Y020uU5XWN7NWkCYCizVe7LxeLYL0DpP3PiXHMv43DYOdP6MPFfHr5apfVtmscgxse9JKYqkgk-y1S7dskOAKZ0c6/s320/alium_double.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Allium christophii</i> a star emerging from its chrysalis</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Alliums</span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">It's taken a while to get alliums established in our garden and now they seem to be popping up everywhere.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not so much in sunny open spaces, as you might expect, but in slightly shaded areas under shrubs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although we've tried a few different sorts, it's the 'Star of Persia' (<i>Allium christophii</i>) which is particularly at home in our soil, recklessly spreading its seed close to other established plants.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MDnEk9UrVZy8jE6fCV2Q8KowOV10IxRE0h2u67_fRmiaZA8HlljO9rlmmMubE6I55YElTIIPh_kmLKQq86gC5Dvm5ONG64qnUVUIpjU26khUgAdq4HNUVVKjV5xclHMUVAKaOHM6RqB-/s1600/allium_primrose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MDnEk9UrVZy8jE6fCV2Q8KowOV10IxRE0h2u67_fRmiaZA8HlljO9rlmmMubE6I55YElTIIPh_kmLKQq86gC5Dvm5ONG64qnUVUIpjU26khUgAdq4HNUVVKjV5xclHMUVAKaOHM6RqB-/s320/allium_primrose.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Allium christophii </i>sharing the stage with yellow<br />evening primrose and blue geranium</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">As with many bulbs, it's interesting to watch the flower head emerging from its tight bud and acquiring its spherical shape.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Amazing that such complexity can be folded so neatly into a small space... it's true of all seeds, of course, but rather more spectacular to observe in an allium like this.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And those flowering 'stars' have a metallic sheen which reflect light and tempt one to take yet more photo's!</span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RwCzt81YL4zqpaiXityM6reGpQTruBA14pObvdt4AOqh7O8jbWzUcWAOEzcuo4HKaGsjsK7ZpsYKPXu8EkERZ6wwFlq-B9JOTndR5X9HOXy5bX06imkL8hI7AMBOqnrRBUbmIZp1IDMr/s1600/baptisia_australia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RwCzt81YL4zqpaiXityM6reGpQTruBA14pObvdt4AOqh7O8jbWzUcWAOEzcuo4HKaGsjsK7ZpsYKPXu8EkERZ6wwFlq-B9JOTndR5X9HOXy5bX06imkL8hI7AMBOqnrRBUbmIZp1IDMr/s320/baptisia_australia.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Baptisia australis</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Baptisia</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you have trouble growing a flower that you're fond of, don't give up altogether but look around for another variety that might be more compatible with your soil or climate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We managed to overcome the difficulty of raising lupins, which kept being eaten by snails, and turned to cultivating the perennial <i>Baptisia australis</i> instead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Its blue pea-like flowers have given it the name 'False Indigo' and it's easily raised from seed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These days you can get different coloured varieties, ranging from cream to yellow to apricot - very much like lupins really.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gFj8tsbSt2tsrJ8t_KvuGUgctT24srBMC3mAnEBqMMUGzsuMSM1eWCW9ztR5SHH6i-yigsbPh3FW8Ptjb9CWjtdl0Fs02jU16iyB9dGBcCkSTn8f-3hqH0O2VONquxXyucoOOR5HjZ8j/s1600/cottage_verge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gFj8tsbSt2tsrJ8t_KvuGUgctT24srBMC3mAnEBqMMUGzsuMSM1eWCW9ztR5SHH6i-yigsbPh3FW8Ptjb9CWjtdl0Fs02jU16iyB9dGBcCkSTn8f-3hqH0O2VONquxXyucoOOR5HjZ8j/s400/cottage_verge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our lettings cottage <i>'La Marée'</i><br />with magenta lychnis, blue larkspur and numerous pinks</span></td></tr>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-49981015909702627322017-04-24T08:19:00.003-07:002017-04-24T08:19:50.044-07:00Late April<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"Time ceased, as if the spring</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Had been eternity...</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>For ever, as of old,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The sunlight and the darkness and the singing."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Ruth Pitter</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQzb0bVUkwk0YQZNzt8D7bLxAU2i-op3320_68vCnfZii5zL3zHvO0gUobXSTsorH5asKKYaUmX8G4gBn6faA-XhyphenhyphenGJ89K1IBOsDAACXz5IuWuFnKls_Svq7s520mLfH4FGfWntYJSKaM/s1600/asphodels_verge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQzb0bVUkwk0YQZNzt8D7bLxAU2i-op3320_68vCnfZii5zL3zHvO0gUobXSTsorH5asKKYaUmX8G4gBn6faA-XhyphenhyphenGJ89K1IBOsDAACXz5IuWuFnKls_Svq7s520mLfH4FGfWntYJSKaM/s400/asphodels_verge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Asphodels on the edge of woodland</span></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's that magical time of year when we pick a warm evening to visit the asphodel woods and I add to my picture files yet more images of these mysterious, ghostly figures haunting the shadows. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the distance, there's usually a nightingale's song or a cuckoo's call lending further enchantment to the scene.</span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrwlwJ5uqVwGI01wf7w1HFhWbjFVA3If5gCDVGQ7y9YsQukQin2_JVRUIB3jArzar7PibbDmJq1UKnEIDNplZnJaKDXFTTJ4ZW9CwOA2NjmOq9h7lWCyXiofuWctiil7mmGEpH3l5mQDv/s1600/hawthorns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="charentefarmcottage.com" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrwlwJ5uqVwGI01wf7w1HFhWbjFVA3If5gCDVGQ7y9YsQukQin2_JVRUIB3jArzar7PibbDmJq1UKnEIDNplZnJaKDXFTTJ4ZW9CwOA2NjmOq9h7lWCyXiofuWctiil7mmGEpH3l5mQDv/s320/hawthorns.jpg" title="A bi-coloured hawthorn tree" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A bi-coloured hawthorn tree</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A flush of warm weather at the beginning of April eventually gave way to days of piercingly bright sunshine and an equally eye-watering cold wind, thanks to the relentless north-easterly which scoured the fields white and tore young leaves from their branches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Luckily most of our native blossom was tenacious enough to hang on, making a blinding display against blue skies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The 'may' trees come out early here, decorating hedgrows and scenting the air with a slightly astringent tang that enlivens the senses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Each day brings new surprises as soil spaces gradually fill up in the beds, lessening the opportunity for weeds to grow, and we struggle to recall exactly what is planted where.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzhwsbMf6u3nnjYIZXQLZwur0QtdZVBxTR3uNjfWeZeETDujqmTpIXE_czwqvJZ42rxgWJO4MS5spPcj_O00IQ7s9D5AGMUqiD6E_Nrt8fvIFdiVtpfwkrgUlSX0iOJoqWjNnRX0zITz7/s1600/paulownia_blossom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Paulownia tomentosa aka the Foxglove Tree" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzhwsbMf6u3nnjYIZXQLZwur0QtdZVBxTR3uNjfWeZeETDujqmTpIXE_czwqvJZ42rxgWJO4MS5spPcj_O00IQ7s9D5AGMUqiD6E_Nrt8fvIFdiVtpfwkrgUlSX0iOJoqWjNnRX0zITz7/s320/paulownia_blossom.jpg" title="Paulownia tomentosa aka the Foxglove Tree" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Paulownia tomentosa</i><br />aka the Foxglove Tree</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our friends from a neighbouring valley, whose garden I photographed in March, rang to say that their paulownia was in full bloom if I wanted to take its picture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is already a tall tree with slender spreading branches and the brown buds have now opened to reveal downward pointing 'fingers' of lilac flowers, which are faintly scented.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Its leaves, too, are well-shaped with heavily etched veins adding to its exotic appearance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nearby was an ebullient lilac tree, covered in flowers of an almost identical shade. Last year our lilacs were noticeably lacking in blooms but they've more than made up for it this season and we've filled a succession of vases to enjoy the heady scent indoors.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82hOt6cJj4CzaRPKO6jMwLsY98is9ChpoXEjf8jx2UIn_SyE-0nwKVD9PwkfULCWw2TrIbzUpCl1B6fn0pontHeb1d_SNQhXAAWW_i17d-imb6J6i5Eu4ZWjSqI2C_SR3GEPX8K2hUGgd/s1600/lilacs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82hOt6cJj4CzaRPKO6jMwLsY98is9ChpoXEjf8jx2UIn_SyE-0nwKVD9PwkfULCWw2TrIbzUpCl1B6fn0pontHeb1d_SNQhXAAWW_i17d-imb6J6i5Eu4ZWjSqI2C_SR3GEPX8K2hUGgd/s320/lilacs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">More swags for the sitting room</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhMUhKTF0xMmPwZHa25KVDk1n61hYr-VwmW6UxOJw3o9TUhYUn6ndSQjZ0Wh1AWGEVuw4LQ-YBduyX3z8yrhK1N3CrC5rIl5_vPRBN3owM90PzVCABu5d7X8vXHHA7ZcjsysizLRbIO_m/s1600/rose_chafers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rose chafers (Cetonia aurata) on lilac" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhMUhKTF0xMmPwZHa25KVDk1n61hYr-VwmW6UxOJw3o9TUhYUn6ndSQjZ0Wh1AWGEVuw4LQ-YBduyX3z8yrhK1N3CrC5rIl5_vPRBN3owM90PzVCABu5d7X8vXHHA7ZcjsysizLRbIO_m/s200/rose_chafers.jpg" title="Rose chafers (Cetonia aurata) on lilac" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rose chafers (<i>Cetonia aurata</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rose chafers</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our garden has always had an abundance of insects, including these emerald-green chafer beetles which buzz quite loudly when they're on the wing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They don't appear to do any noticeable damage to our roses but we used to worry about the huge number of rose chafer grubs that were resident in our compost bin, having been told they were a pest which would eat through plant roots.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSzaZlNGjpS8KgIXlASFCPauWfDevoKiwjx_AS9x8P9J9s03yXPvIzqCNbuJraps1PjZcjKrHBoG-b33sPYm2A-g5Az_gYgiV29bJ2ME-DhHtGUFMqgq12oxC0ytcLMVQFzAiCCA4F4va/s1600/compost_grub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSzaZlNGjpS8KgIXlASFCPauWfDevoKiwjx_AS9x8P9J9s03yXPvIzqCNbuJraps1PjZcjKrHBoG-b33sPYm2A-g5Az_gYgiV29bJ2ME-DhHtGUFMqgq12oxC0ytcLMVQFzAiCCA4F4va/s200/compost_grub.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rose chafer grub - a good guy!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>In this regard, we're indebted to Chris Luck of the Anglo-French website <a href="http://www.planetepassion.eu/CONSERVATION-IN-FRANCE/Stag-beetle-Rose-chafer-and-Cock-chafer-in-France.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Planetepassion</a> for putting us right some years ago when he featured pictures of this useful grub, allowing us to identify it and appreciate how it benefits the garden.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although our soil is extremely fertile, it's odd how few worms seem to live in it. Back in England we were used to digging up worms with every clod of earth. Not so here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What worms we do have seem to originate in the leaf-mould bin, perhaps because it stays damp there whereas the flower beds are apt to dry out quite quickly in summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Chafer grubs, on the other hand, relish all the green waste in our compost bin and reward us by producing finely sieved 'black gold' for recycling in the beds. </i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnUfEEcB5qBqd4S41sBNzCHQsbeYSSVXgOxGmGcIG8WXQFQ450eusDrB7_aqWohnt2tjwjvFy5fvGvpcZQIcG5HW-VEehpGTsrBET-ShRgROtOFy5xvohaSmzo47WgftCkUxjPkacnhRc/s1600/compost2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="charentefarmcottage.com" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnUfEEcB5qBqd4S41sBNzCHQsbeYSSVXgOxGmGcIG8WXQFQ450eusDrB7_aqWohnt2tjwjvFy5fvGvpcZQIcG5HW-VEehpGTsrBET-ShRgROtOFy5xvohaSmzo47WgftCkUxjPkacnhRc/s320/compost2.jpg" title="Maturing compost" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Maturing compost, turned and mixed, with some<br />water added before being returned to the bin<br />(with grubs) for another few months of<br />natural break-down</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Compost</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Christina always dreads the moment when I suggest <i>'turning the compost'</i> as she does most of the heavy forking, while I busy myself chucking out stones, walnuts, thick twigs and potatoes, which tend to grow shoots rather than break down efficiently.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It may take us a couple of days to finish the sorting process but it provides us with great satisfaction when we shovel the completed, crumbly compost into a fresh bin!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Walnuts</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78i0sJ4sh2eaazgw2GCHxow94A0TTET0zdocMAC2kJXWPjWkEdQgsH7vOVV_Hy10hXPJPJ1gCm7weEDtyfG4kp646RalLGelYWhofS2uYz5QzinOYIl6TCTGxmMrSyExb-_SCbQ4Z0M-K/s1600/wide_lane2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="charentefarmcottage.com" border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78i0sJ4sh2eaazgw2GCHxow94A0TTET0zdocMAC2kJXWPjWkEdQgsH7vOVV_Hy10hXPJPJ1gCm7weEDtyfG4kp646RalLGelYWhofS2uYz5QzinOYIl6TCTGxmMrSyExb-_SCbQ4Z0M-K/s400/wide_lane2.jpg" title="Cycle lane, Chenac St Seurin d'Uzet" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Plenty of greenery now but walnut trees are slower to come into leaf</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mbbF0c7pcaOBZgK5yc76_wN9cycTiA_VVk-xXd3sV2SDDnklzzyYDRkXuLUDcLfg2VGJwA4_eCwA-QDtiXPiwcUg9yUihTKqmr7kMIXeviWmMca_tT_UVHOQJY-RXfuvvawxurTXLD2k/s1600/walnut_leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mbbF0c7pcaOBZgK5yc76_wN9cycTiA_VVk-xXd3sV2SDDnklzzyYDRkXuLUDcLfg2VGJwA4_eCwA-QDtiXPiwcUg9yUihTKqmr7kMIXeviWmMca_tT_UVHOQJY-RXfuvvawxurTXLD2k/s200/walnut_leaves.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Early walnut leaves</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If it wasn't for having a digital camera with a telephoto lens I might easily miss some of the finer details that nature provides when plants are waking up again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I first noticed the colour of these emerging leaves when I was trying to focus on dangling walnut catkins which were then more obvious.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>These striking tonal effects last but a day or two and need strong sunlight to show up the full range of tints. By next week they'll probably have succumbed to a uniform shade of green!</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vjqAthR9GX6soZi8lYCCT7lBVuMULQuNP3dSxZX8LSJBG0bJNLJqjOqsAK6mGMS6wQHWijjaskLcVZUqt1wo43ziCKZvCY7qGjpn0TSn1IOTMh27hIpZuXnsHN1f1aCW1ooXyQIrzAT6/s1600/quince_blossom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vjqAthR9GX6soZi8lYCCT7lBVuMULQuNP3dSxZX8LSJBG0bJNLJqjOqsAK6mGMS6wQHWijjaskLcVZUqt1wo43ziCKZvCY7qGjpn0TSn1IOTMh27hIpZuXnsHN1f1aCW1ooXyQIrzAT6/s320/quince_blossom2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Quince blossom - <i>Cydonia oblonga</i><br />found in orchards or even growing semi-wild<br />on the edge of local woods!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Quince</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not to be confused with Japanese flowering quince (aka japonica or <i>Chaenomeles</i>), this is a tree of the rose family which produces exquisite cup-shaped blooms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Gardening writer Anna Pavord describes finding these blossoms for sale in an achingly trendy Fifth Avenue store, where they could be purchased for a mere $40 a branch!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here in rural Charente Maritime they're usually grown for their pear-shaped fruits which are high in pectin and traditionally used for making quince jelly. They're also delicious when cooked up with apples.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXrPzobb-_iQbzxSBB_6YEaGjTAcZap8C-sPEZ3LMCRsi_C62eX-AMhXNqt7GGIHq-92eqg5_h2PFIqbJIRGO0mLOhYhTyHWrSc3YDjmB-MCBoGrjpCByq0CzzQo5etIWMfIbkeXM8ZuB/s1600/caterpillar_blight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXrPzobb-_iQbzxSBB_6YEaGjTAcZap8C-sPEZ3LMCRsi_C62eX-AMhXNqt7GGIHq-92eqg5_h2PFIqbJIRGO0mLOhYhTyHWrSc3YDjmB-MCBoGrjpCByq0CzzQo5etIWMfIbkeXM8ZuB/s320/caterpillar_blight.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Box hedge blighted by caterpillars</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Caterpillars</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Much as I love our insect friends, there are occasional infestations which prove they can sometimes be <i>too much</i> of a good thing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Having avoided box blight over the past ten years, our little hedges have been quite badly affected by a moth caterpillar which spins webs between the branches and feeds off the leaves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The RHS has a useful page on this particular pest, <i><a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=760" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cydalima perspectalis</a></i>, which we first noticed last summer. We sprayed it with a product from our local store but unfortunately it came back this year, worse than ever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>So we've resorted to carefully spraying with Rose Clear Ultra, bought in the UK recently and probably banned in the EU... Controversial, I know, but something I've used successfully on roses and other plants, in very localised situations. It may call for two applications to really eradicate the caterpillars this time.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhko30Czh3owhplK6c9c9QzW1Gwn1hF9Gmtgq9feh5LGEYtL-8_BVupKiIewz5HnwSPpLlfuRPZOxOaPf_ysrKIndws__I7ZeONrcjSZSb8tdBYztthFrKDc8BjPlVF73Qihk3r7t-iwec/s1600/caterpillar_nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Euonymus Caterpillar - Yponomenta cagnagella" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhko30Czh3owhplK6c9c9QzW1Gwn1hF9Gmtgq9feh5LGEYtL-8_BVupKiIewz5HnwSPpLlfuRPZOxOaPf_ysrKIndws__I7ZeONrcjSZSb8tdBYztthFrKDc8BjPlVF73Qihk3r7t-iwec/s200/caterpillar_nest.jpg" title="Euonymus Caterpillar - Yponomenta cagnagella" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Euonymus Caterpillar<br /><i>Yponomenta cagnagella</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We had a graphic illustration of just how bad these infestations can get if you don't intervene early enough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Walking past a nearby hedgerow, where we regularly admire the bushes of spindleberry in autumn, we saw with horror how they were festooned with white webbing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Closer inspection revealed that the webs were full of caterpillars with black spots, later identified as larvae of the European Spindle Ermine Moth, a well-known pest which can cover euonymus shrubs over a huge area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Check out Google Images for some very scary photo's!!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNk1Txh05sKgFLP-XdL1-kFw41J-DtNy7SZxBialV7Zv_dTzWrw5wqrwJjZ_d7tOXPCHozWUlxbf6uiCcXZtLt5oTc_CsCOdOOBzLfc0mwYtCNrxGXzlsBLyHo2HRb4v3LFCX5S4O4ubd/s1600/rosa_astronomie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rose 'Astronomia' bred by Meilland" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNk1Txh05sKgFLP-XdL1-kFw41J-DtNy7SZxBialV7Zv_dTzWrw5wqrwJjZ_d7tOXPCHozWUlxbf6uiCcXZtLt5oTc_CsCOdOOBzLfc0mwYtCNrxGXzlsBLyHo2HRb4v3LFCX5S4O4ubd/s200/rosa_astronomie.jpg" title="Rose 'Astronomia' bred by Meilland" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rose<i> 'Astronomia'</i> - a newcomer<br />bred by French growers <i>Meilland</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Roses</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On a calmer note, it's lovely to watch the first roses appearing in various parts of the garden, not just in sunny areas but also in semi-shaded spots beneath trees.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is where the hedging rose, <i>Rosa rugosa, </i>comes in useful because it flourishes in sun or part-shade, tolerant of dry soil - and even, dare I say it, a certain amount of neglect!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQJoExIA5VZefi6Or_vxwLZ6iF_2BwO6n_Pf3IuxJWr16931BpB6DIVBPoW_OMj-0pxrKdZ6D-RcDDUEKj3sR9Q1aY1FQD_0rErN-JnmxZaml_8Fsz7vPsMRGunfNYfbBf5SgeaoPqJxU/s1600/rosa_rugosa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rosa rugosa" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQJoExIA5VZefi6Or_vxwLZ6iF_2BwO6n_Pf3IuxJWr16931BpB6DIVBPoW_OMj-0pxrKdZ6D-RcDDUEKj3sR9Q1aY1FQD_0rErN-JnmxZaml_8Fsz7vPsMRGunfNYfbBf5SgeaoPqJxU/s320/rosa_rugosa.jpg" title="Rosa rugosa" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Rosa rugosa</i> - robust, good for mixed hedges<br />and easily raised from rooted suckers</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've noticed a few aphids on some of its tough little leaves but they are soon shaken off and its buds don't tend to attract greenfly like other, more highly bred roses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can almost tell from looking at this flower that it will be beautifully scented... we have at least three varieties of rugosas and they are all strongly perfumed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>If I have any gripe, it would be that these velvety blooms just don't last long enough.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Popular</i></span> on the seasonal menu... a tranquil early-morning scene!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNmOKu2PfEijfdNJ1gRcR5bS4gKuo9P6SVVcWlXUFlE0oz9IOCL_dng32SPRUAdnmnk9bnVT159or6HqIQTA1WtTR6lPJp4Ynq7hCIZA8qETh5Ezdz_5okBM6hX-gfskwtLRKtC8IMMQz/s1600/sheep_marais2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="charentefarmcottage.com" border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNmOKu2PfEijfdNJ1gRcR5bS4gKuo9P6SVVcWlXUFlE0oz9IOCL_dng32SPRUAdnmnk9bnVT159or6HqIQTA1WtTR6lPJp4Ynq7hCIZA8qETh5Ezdz_5okBM6hX-gfskwtLRKtC8IMMQz/s400/sheep_marais2.jpg" title="Marais lamb on Gironde Estuary" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Marais lambs bred on salt marshes along the estuary</span></td></tr>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-88129061062580486992017-04-13T08:24:00.001-07:002017-04-23T06:40:42.674-07:00Early April<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"When daisies pied and violets blue</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>And lady-smocks all silver-white</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>And cuckoo-buds of yellow hue</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Do paint the meadows with delight..."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Shakespeare</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGvoXNqLQv_jiUr5u6wRGYQinUbkWCCJph8dgnXhcJBAye-HuStnDSco69PWL5hfk-6Lc8lWhYgob-JGQA69UiSUVSn13rqhB-wMfcpx4DGStDusR2BvRBRxmflvopLf85ZO5seu-umLk/s1600/wide_path.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bank of oil-seed rape in countryside" border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGvoXNqLQv_jiUr5u6wRGYQinUbkWCCJph8dgnXhcJBAye-HuStnDSco69PWL5hfk-6Lc8lWhYgob-JGQA69UiSUVSn13rqhB-wMfcpx4DGStDusR2BvRBRxmflvopLf85ZO5seu-umLk/s400/wide_path.jpg" title="Bank of oil-seed rape in countryside" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Would the Bard have known about 'cuckoo-buds' of oil-seed rape?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>What could be finer than setting out on a bright April morning, with the dew wet underfoot and leaves just beginning to unfurl their Spring green?</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNARqZELOFU2Hs30GRM0-xKQavrSfoJqHjA-Vq4vCBe9zB2-aEpcZ70F5puknyDqZTWewy1NbQJVB8X5uA80oMfGnXZVBZFf5lLWI6H4hwxNoe8UWc7jZ1JlryoHBD8-b50tq-c8BDQ0r4/s1600/cardamine_pratensis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cardamine pratensis Lady's Smock" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNARqZELOFU2Hs30GRM0-xKQavrSfoJqHjA-Vq4vCBe9zB2-aEpcZ70F5puknyDqZTWewy1NbQJVB8X5uA80oMfGnXZVBZFf5lLWI6H4hwxNoe8UWc7jZ1JlryoHBD8-b50tq-c8BDQ0r4/s200/cardamine_pratensis.jpg" title="Cardamine pratensis Lady's Smock" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Cardamine pratensis</i><br />Lady's Smock</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Whilst some countryside plants will have changed since Shakespeare's time, many are reassuringly familiar - like the Lady's Smock or Cuckoo Flower on the right, which favours damp meadows and has been much in evidence these past three weeks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's common in wetlands throughout Europe and our local variety has a subtle tinge of mauve to its petals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Certainly it's less obtrusive than the almost fluorescent blooms of rape seed, happily colonising banks and waysides from last year's crop!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9hFlPYMmEdNY3fKzE562f5buxjbHEvhDGrXGC08ErmlJSWBC4Y7jExur0YqNWq4WdIPCA8OhD4LfnHmTr5lB40RTKcthytRl_ovbdLqUYV3Ujv4GdFj7nfkxCzFi3gofbmgY-Y3uteSn/s1600/common_fumitory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fumaria officinalis Common Fumitory" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9hFlPYMmEdNY3fKzE562f5buxjbHEvhDGrXGC08ErmlJSWBC4Y7jExur0YqNWq4WdIPCA8OhD4LfnHmTr5lB40RTKcthytRl_ovbdLqUYV3Ujv4GdFj7nfkxCzFi3gofbmgY-Y3uteSn/s200/common_fumitory.jpg" title="Fumaria officinalis Common Fumitory" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Fumaria officinalis</i><br />Common Fumitory</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Despite its name of common fumitory, this fragile wildflower is less ubiquitous in our verges and vineyards but rather endearing once you look closely at its little spurred flowers in two-toned pink.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It would be great to find a taller, more stalwart version for the garden but the closest we've come is to grow the cultivated toadflax, <i>Linaria purpurea</i>, which is usually available in purple but can also be found in a pale shell pink; this variety is known as 'Canon Went' and has delicate foliage which easily fits between other stouter plants.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Wildlife</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVa5UPv28VjzbxXoUogt_MHbrzsOvFqLFSRX7zliBcTKX5bRRxUfprXHWGuQZnSO6yJypgNS7-h0H0Yv360SFkLOAZsSemfMt0Z6-8H5sxsPvPjGpGTwUB2GtMIHqpQX2URoaooQDI5dGh/s1600/donkeys_play.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVa5UPv28VjzbxXoUogt_MHbrzsOvFqLFSRX7zliBcTKX5bRRxUfprXHWGuQZnSO6yJypgNS7-h0H0Yv360SFkLOAZsSemfMt0Z6-8H5sxsPvPjGpGTwUB2GtMIHqpQX2URoaooQDI5dGh/s320/donkeys_play.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Also full of the joys of Spring, our neighbour's newest donkey - Balthazar - decided to get frisky with his stable-mate, Baladin, who is a Poitou donkey almost twice his size.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Never mind that they're both males, it looked like simple horse-play despite all the biting and at one point little Balthazar ended up square underneath his friend... hours of fun and frolic!</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNs_u-J9GD4yvlGmDK-ujoGqIqwqXIMG1vLS5d3_WVJW6UFyAnQeNQPhHhok_ZtWEYT2sKW-XoypIsVBTphD2dNGO3yA0MY-YRmt7b_0eSyL8xplurwx4YFdDaCyJp0c8tcXqPEAj2FrU/s1600/ewe_lamb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Racka ewe and lamb" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNs_u-J9GD4yvlGmDK-ujoGqIqwqXIMG1vLS5d3_WVJW6UFyAnQeNQPhHhok_ZtWEYT2sKW-XoypIsVBTphD2dNGO3yA0MY-YRmt7b_0eSyL8xplurwx4YFdDaCyJp0c8tcXqPEAj2FrU/s200/ewe_lamb2.jpg" title="Racka ewe and lamb" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An elegant Racka ewe<br />poses with her lamb</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Meanwhile, our local lambs have been growing up fast and there seem to be few left to gambol amongst the daisies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One exception is our neighbour's rare-breed ewe, a Hungarian racka, which has just given birth to a curly-coated lamb with rather coltish legs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wikipedia tells us they are a multi-purpose breed, used for milking, wool and for meat, whilst their 'quiet disposition' makes them suitable for amateur</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">enthusiasts. (Over here, a local lady spins their wool to make some very appealing soft toys.)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJx1307kIeycx7hKOp7quWPPFi7DQvKg5Tq3dvdfinny2M0wlB2pxdOgriHBd1DrUnporKvHuWKsyhhR8NI86k8_qa8MYfpCLD2PVz6w3o9Nw1r1K3gch-jY3kwyMgEgXWSZIhMvhCtJb/s1600/dicentra_edging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dicentra spectabilis or bleeding heart" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJx1307kIeycx7hKOp7quWPPFi7DQvKg5Tq3dvdfinny2M0wlB2pxdOgriHBd1DrUnporKvHuWKsyhhR8NI86k8_qa8MYfpCLD2PVz6w3o9Nw1r1K3gch-jY3kwyMgEgXWSZIhMvhCtJb/s320/dicentra_edging.jpg" title="Dicentra spectabilis or bleeding heart" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Dicentra spectabilis</i><br />or Bleeding Heart</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Perennials</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This year our dicentra has obligingly produced its flowers so that they arch gracefully over the path, catching the early-morning light and creating an irresistible photo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When you look closely, their blooms appear to be sewn from softly cushioned satin, and that little white drop at the bottom of the 'heart' often holds a bead of moisture, adding to its jewel-like effect.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We also grew a white version of the plant which is pretty but not nearly so eye-catching.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the background are mounds of white iberis and mauve aubretia which provide useful edging.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdTyJWSww6v0GjUwTovPafOBtH5HD6uJxKC3ytKaG5aNefr2TlzTVtq92yY-A_EquIWE_0SQXRy8JgoS572goMYuHPnPsWC9w6rBcQAhn-G9WcP3O_szWF0VDB5TzoQ3umo_4n-op0Pve/s1600/lychnis_penstemon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdTyJWSww6v0GjUwTovPafOBtH5HD6uJxKC3ytKaG5aNefr2TlzTVtq92yY-A_EquIWE_0SQXRy8JgoS572goMYuHPnPsWC9w6rBcQAhn-G9WcP3O_szWF0VDB5TzoQ3umo_4n-op0Pve/s200/lychnis_penstemon.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Penstemon digitalis</i> contrasting<br />with<i> Lychnis coronaria</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>One of the best things about early spring is watching the emergence of bright new foliage on perennials which may have become a little ragged and browned-off over winter.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Lychnis is a plant which seeds itself all over the garden and I spend time removing many of its babies before they reach adulthood.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>But here there's a happy combination, where it's found itself next to the claret-coloured foliage of penstemon 'Husker Red' and I can't bring myself to pull it out just yet!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgDDH581sPWcllK3Nm-q5h65mkqXvFM8_SjOUOvRCEE0Xz4NXs63gRxfIQqOrhqm0oVHswwpCDkgcLSNwvZR0C-1cFKX0zgo1LlTb7hI_3HvbQvCIzSQ6JjC2nEMg0jjLOvf2LrcOvxtf/s1600/brunnera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Brunnera macrophylla" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgDDH581sPWcllK3Nm-q5h65mkqXvFM8_SjOUOvRCEE0Xz4NXs63gRxfIQqOrhqm0oVHswwpCDkgcLSNwvZR0C-1cFKX0zgo1LlTb7hI_3HvbQvCIzSQ6JjC2nEMg0jjLOvf2LrcOvxtf/s320/brunnera.jpg" title="Brunnera macrophylla" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Brunnera macrophylla -</i><br />probably the variety 'Jack Frost'</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Brunnera is an understated perennial but no less valuable for that as it stands out in the shade under trees.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ours is currently blooming alongside annual myosotis, or forget-me-not, and you'd be hard put to spot the difference between their blue flowers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But this brunnera has the added advantage of shapely silver-blotched leaves which still look pretty long after its flower-sprays have gone over and the dried up clumps of myosotis have been dispatched.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Plant Supports</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRiZRj8CewtMkMWJztxu1Zz7V8p68jl1wHCUh5jTttXfHbIa_TtGqW0vWfJdf9lLcQALoz8dJyD-Wwni8csPW2AZGmRVRS4wSkn3guteQJzCN-oxTeNbw33OZ-BHkvk4oyyIBw7-XUqjQ/s1600/plant_supports.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRiZRj8CewtMkMWJztxu1Zz7V8p68jl1wHCUh5jTttXfHbIa_TtGqW0vWfJdf9lLcQALoz8dJyD-Wwni8csPW2AZGmRVRS4wSkn3guteQJzCN-oxTeNbw33OZ-BHkvk4oyyIBw7-XUqjQ/s400/plant_supports.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From left to right: Peony, <i>Anchusa azurea</i> and Lavender</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The willow supports that Christina wove together last month are starting to prove their worth now that perennials like peony and anchusa are growing fast.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>We've also tried a simple version on one of the lavenders to try and keep its branches from splaying out. This happens quite often when a cat - not necessarily ours - decides to jump into the middle when giving chase to some luckless mouse.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The other option is to stick a thin bamboo into the middle of the bush but this might be dangerous if your feline gets carried away and fails to see it!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGGSdU5AnD356FkWteDj-0tsXNIudIdecnAXIHxbj02hLSRhWLaLYRf1bGFV2slJ5t7L9AMqxOvYNWQQvFuClLuqeJm6kKz7tHFgf5DZZW45lxQwqcmkrc6P9bvRLNCvb6kqLjuXw_1_v/s1600/garden_tripods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGGSdU5AnD356FkWteDj-0tsXNIudIdecnAXIHxbj02hLSRhWLaLYRf1bGFV2slJ5t7L9AMqxOvYNWQQvFuClLuqeJm6kKz7tHFgf5DZZW45lxQwqcmkrc6P9bvRLNCvb6kqLjuXw_1_v/s320/garden_tripods.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you don't have enough walls, use tripods for<br />those roses which tend to have lax growth</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDEta56wlyNU5Pm62w55P29N2Up_MnvVfUoSEuo5D-Owe0lDZThBIiCjQU2jj57zPNbusy_3-QvA-iUX2nXHNZMAWz2iUzEb1XK9rv8EJQrUkNE3RTLKOqRemlZfZ1CSplnWM-yFt7wt8/s1600/tulip_ballerina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tulipa 'Ballerina'" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDEta56wlyNU5Pm62w55P29N2Up_MnvVfUoSEuo5D-Owe0lDZThBIiCjQU2jj57zPNbusy_3-QvA-iUX2nXHNZMAWz2iUzEb1XK9rv8EJQrUkNE3RTLKOqRemlZfZ1CSplnWM-yFt7wt8/s320/tulip_ballerina.jpg" title="Tulipa 'Ballerina'" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tulipa 'Ballerina' - still flaming brightly</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tulips</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>A sudden flush of hot weather has brought all the tulips out together, none more flamboyant than Tulipa 'Ballerina' which is in its third year now.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>We've kept these bulbs in the same copper container through summer and winter, without doing much except giving them a feed and water from time to time.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Other bulbs which thrived in their first year haven't done so well in the second season and this might be because they sat in poorly drained soil during winter.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1kmzjNHkXUOB6rDDSv2eDBVbJDveXEsrQUGMswW78O8EV9rR-JhigY_PHNHGxYk5gpurERy42BT2Ku8XbAzPqBgtH8BA2OlXwCjkcTCb9pH4X3N6qSKDQwfgcIUg7GVvDhyphenhyphenXt-l6wSa9/s1600/tulip_clusiana2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tulipa clusiana 'Peppermint Stick'" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1kmzjNHkXUOB6rDDSv2eDBVbJDveXEsrQUGMswW78O8EV9rR-JhigY_PHNHGxYk5gpurERy42BT2Ku8XbAzPqBgtH8BA2OlXwCjkcTCb9pH4X3N6qSKDQwfgcIUg7GVvDhyphenhyphenXt-l6wSa9/s200/tulip_clusiana2.jpg" title="Tulipa clusiana 'Peppermint Stick'" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tulipa clusiana<br />'Peppermint Stick'</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If the bulbs have small flowers but are still basically intact and healthy, it's always worth drying them out and replanting them in a sunnier, better-drained spot, giving them some fertiliser (like blood, fish and bone) to build up their vigour once more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The species tulips, like <i>Tulipa clusiana </i>here, are meant to be petite and that's really the essence of their charm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Being so small, they can easily be accommodated at the edge of a sunny border and just left to naturalise, returning at the end of March without fuss or fanfare.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIO6HgqXC0YBm8SCTjo7BKlgfuiX6_VxCGbWbtrr_Hy3UO2yaqUQydLC3ubiqxfXIZVu5OT2tHBqvvWrbYEU4NN70uvly4fyUVuTlmziizI7LRtIekiZnhAX-gBQwimnqrRPy7-QGQE5g7/s1600/deer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIO6HgqXC0YBm8SCTjo7BKlgfuiX6_VxCGbWbtrr_Hy3UO2yaqUQydLC3ubiqxfXIZVu5OT2tHBqvvWrbYEU4NN70uvly4fyUVuTlmziizI7LRtIekiZnhAX-gBQwimnqrRPy7-QGQE5g7/s200/deer.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Out and About</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With days getting longer and evenings staying light until after 8 pm, there's more reason to go out walking and absorb all the sights and sounds of the burgeoning countryside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The danger of stray hunters taking a pot-shot in the gloaming is thankfully past and animals like this normally shy roe deer are emboldened by the growth of lush grass to camouflage their movements.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYl9ypE2NA3OyscbC8kMRop2zgNbu3LczakZgOA6ChNwF5noxOKo0cU7jKTYP7BCsxZegMBTXkblIoicGFcRK3j3r_pGJvIM2NgXixBRpLMEdtspeYzua0I5vakd45zWTEfHRrNaxE6xN7/s1600/vines_unfurl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Vines just breaking into leaf" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYl9ypE2NA3OyscbC8kMRop2zgNbu3LczakZgOA6ChNwF5noxOKo0cU7jKTYP7BCsxZegMBTXkblIoicGFcRK3j3r_pGJvIM2NgXixBRpLMEdtspeYzua0I5vakd45zWTEfHRrNaxE6xN7/s320/vines_unfurl.jpg" title="Vines just breaking into leaf" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Vines just breaking into leaf</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Vines have reached that lovely stage when the first buds are breaking and downy leaves are fanning out to catch the sun.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>It seems the red grape varieties are slightly in advance of the white and there's even a touch of pink in their buds as a foretaste of what's to come.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>What started as a cold wet spring has developed into something full of promise for the weeks to come. </i></span><i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Fingers crossed it lasts!</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGE0eonGwAZUNpdV6xWhc7no3XDv_oJA9TDeWqxf81xRmz5IDMcVz3TzxNMdvXa7Yg7mIDdGL6-jqcV_ILViGOI3HrRfe6cJN5m0Fr3vDshfBguZfNnCW-tSnoT00ymoXYNfpIQRQV3Gv9/s1600/seurin_ploughing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGE0eonGwAZUNpdV6xWhc7no3XDv_oJA9TDeWqxf81xRmz5IDMcVz3TzxNMdvXa7Yg7mIDdGL6-jqcV_ILViGOI3HrRfe6cJN5m0Fr3vDshfBguZfNnCW-tSnoT00ymoXYNfpIQRQV3Gv9/s400/seurin_ploughing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Perfect weather for sowing... will it be sunflowers this time?</span></td></tr>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-23378991674973027552017-03-25T07:23:00.001-07:002017-03-25T07:23:17.385-07:00March<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"And since to look at things in bloom</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Fifty springs are little room..."</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- A E Houseman</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW028uHpR39E_oH3bSaJLesd9OYUChC2oOt5nONm5YIYLqU-BYn3XMnFNc5nIy1fALTUewaAxXMmegiBXaUaGHYO207RoF36iZNIazW9WCRyk_TumC60wlwOtFZfYjr2sGLX9W14LCAvW5/s1600/amelanchier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Amelanchier lamarckii" border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW028uHpR39E_oH3bSaJLesd9OYUChC2oOt5nONm5YIYLqU-BYn3XMnFNc5nIy1fALTUewaAxXMmegiBXaUaGHYO207RoF36iZNIazW9WCRyk_TumC60wlwOtFZfYjr2sGLX9W14LCAvW5/s400/amelanchier.jpg" title="Amelanchier lamarckii" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Amelanchier lamarckii - </i>a graceful harbinger of Spring</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Amelanchier</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">According to the RHS, this poetic-sounding tree is more generally known as 'Snowy Mespilus' thanks to its display of airy white blooms in late March.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrhp-0ofPVkHfDVIf5aDyMy2w7wQndiM7xGWGdL6oq_8LJG7HiNghu79FAZDuH-vmK1890kLTa9td6FbZTpBxPDnzraCu_llL9FR9UvLyLfL-ACZSxzkeFes-7LjVLzTeMKN7FaJ6kCKo/s1600/amelanchier_viburnum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Amelanchier lamarckii" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrhp-0ofPVkHfDVIf5aDyMy2w7wQndiM7xGWGdL6oq_8LJG7HiNghu79FAZDuH-vmK1890kLTa9td6FbZTpBxPDnzraCu_llL9FR9UvLyLfL-ACZSxzkeFes-7LjVLzTeMKN7FaJ6kCKo/s320/amelanchier_viburnum.jpg" title="Amelanchier lamarckii" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Amelanchier lamarckii </i>with wine red<br /><i>Viburnum sargentii</i> behind</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In our garden it's a multi-stemmed shrub rather than a tree, which means you can watch each stage of development in close-up; not just that early froth of flowers but the unfurling of downy leaves which gradually progress in colour from copper to green to scarlet in autumn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even the delicate shape of its outline invites poetry: a haiku perhaps, or the fluid sweep of a Chinese brush dipped in ink. Those slender branches and flower pannicles seem to possess a dynamism that other blossoms lack.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>And if that isn't enough to charm you, it also produces edible fruits like small berries which are quickly eaten by birds when you don't get there soon enough!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNH0QXz6UBs27lobSv7LcwCEFnTvXlwVhu4rQHLhpvvIAFv9QuCgpSNwuNmIb7uFDLveyOyLUIEp4h14Tog7UnffezdOZUxmuralkZsC978bgBCBvJDxfK57ukYTaq_FHvpYH-JoMYlhW2/s1600/willow_swans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Swans on lake with weeping willow" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNH0QXz6UBs27lobSv7LcwCEFnTvXlwVhu4rQHLhpvvIAFv9QuCgpSNwuNmIb7uFDLveyOyLUIEp4h14Tog7UnffezdOZUxmuralkZsC978bgBCBvJDxfK57ukYTaq_FHvpYH-JoMYlhW2/s320/willow_swans.jpg" title="Swans on lake with weeping willow" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Weeping willow or <i>Salix babylonica</i><br />- first tree into leaf around here</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Useful Willows</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Around our neighbour's lake grow a number of different willows, both shrubs and trees, which have provided decorative stems of red and yellow throughout winter but now call for a sharp prune.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some of the prunings from pollarded trees are at least two meters long and Christina has found them handy for weaving into plant supports.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although the guides she looked at online suggested soaking these stems or 'withies' beforehand to make them more pliable, she was able to bend them into shape without doing so - perhaps because they'd only recently been cut.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnwB1cJx5qh07oXRXAW53u2_bvD69e0RzI6yJo8es424vf-oWdHAEGQlGp5wNrQYekzmEF9WqFcyJoU91gpsub1LZjGiFu5OAyyuiKZ0SwsB6dOBUEGG0nGsLlbquobLP8md1MW97kkvJ/s1600/plant_support2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Plant support made from Salix alba var. vitellina" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnwB1cJx5qh07oXRXAW53u2_bvD69e0RzI6yJo8es424vf-oWdHAEGQlGp5wNrQYekzmEF9WqFcyJoU91gpsub1LZjGiFu5OAyyuiKZ0SwsB6dOBUEGG0nGsLlbquobLP8md1MW97kkvJ/s200/plant_support2.jpg" title="Plant support made from Salix alba var. vitellina" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Salix alba</i> var. vitellina<br />- a very bright shade of yellow</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />This one was made-to-measure for a peony which grows quite big and tends to flop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Obviously the uprights need to be long enough so that you can push them securely into the earth, particularly if you have a marauding cat like ours who indiscriminately scratches deep holes in flower beds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Being fresh willow does also mean that they might well take root... watch this space!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsMX6-Q3817uLtgFDxa1loo1AkkAx_cGZB01Wk-uSC5see-KCAVCgm_NdB_uy7mjb7TZkBPO_pr-qttcjN3DVhanriPZDhn_3FBUJF0VuVQJICyGljhJlmGyEh35UwZVvJBvqxufugl_0/s1600/driftwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Driftwood washed up at Talmont-sur-Gironde" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsMX6-Q3817uLtgFDxa1loo1AkkAx_cGZB01Wk-uSC5see-KCAVCgm_NdB_uy7mjb7TZkBPO_pr-qttcjN3DVhanriPZDhn_3FBUJF0VuVQJICyGljhJlmGyEh35UwZVvJBvqxufugl_0/s320/driftwood.jpg" title="Driftwood washed up at Talmont-sur-Gironde" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Washed ashore in a winter storm</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Flotsam</span></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From time to time we scour the shore for pieces of driftwood to take home and decorate the garden, thereby supplying Couscous with a handy scratching-post for his claws.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This piece was certainly artistic but I'm not sure that even ten strong men would be able to lift it. <i>Amazing how such huge pine trees find their way down the Gironde Estuary!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7q4xkeEQ2rz3445aTU43rIoRkDcO5BmhwXOq_0dXVjWNvH-RnTJVKIH9PDH1eekajURcMcO2VgKT_i5XTj4LsK_9ak2RvshEwAZ7cZSGgnGlScCNaQ8VTJCeX4QPm-nedDNLFgq4XmmAM/s1600/sanderlings2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sanderlings and ringed plovers" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7q4xkeEQ2rz3445aTU43rIoRkDcO5BmhwXOq_0dXVjWNvH-RnTJVKIH9PDH1eekajURcMcO2VgKT_i5XTj4LsK_9ak2RvshEwAZ7cZSGgnGlScCNaQ8VTJCeX4QPm-nedDNLFgq4XmmAM/s320/sanderlings2.jpg" title="Sanderlings and ringed plovers" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sanderlings and ringed plovers</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Since mid-March we've also been scouring the coast for newly-arrived birds such as swallows, but rainy weather and blustery winds appear to have delayed them this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We've had to content ourselves with watching flocks of sanderling and plover as they skitter back and forth at the water's edge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Their white breasts catch the light beautifully as they turn en masse against a dark sky.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1ZYox-L4M64kGa7QDLHUBsxq6g1ozMS4L_MxMvEHFo6vz5tzjjWBMLuqdBlk0g9hY_xXgnKeFwZqzeUgPXidznhCgBXPjlSTSmQZMOJrzRtHuTKas-0k84DkfGLcZKpvFkNvOpmy6EaD/s1600/storks_blossom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stork platform near Les Monards" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1ZYox-L4M64kGa7QDLHUBsxq6g1ozMS4L_MxMvEHFo6vz5tzjjWBMLuqdBlk0g9hY_xXgnKeFwZqzeUgPXidznhCgBXPjlSTSmQZMOJrzRtHuTKas-0k84DkfGLcZKpvFkNvOpmy6EaD/s320/storks_blossom.jpg" title="Stork platform near Les Monards" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Storks checking a platform on the marais</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Storks arrive!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There was a window of opportunity this morning when the sun came out and we took a walk across the rather boggy<i> marais </i>behind our house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My aim was to photograph the lovely pear trees planted by our neighbour, Robert, most of which are in full bloom. Christina, meanwhile, was on the lookout for a nice bit of birdlife...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvjnpzv9SfNbjVed9yAAgZ3r92bzXSB4YVDY71SwXi0Uajjl6KvjktXw4OfXlbxE_wNfotF4JgQKHK_iJjc6BZpVFGuYQdWcKw3kLL-TrW31cNXi1nwRBddXU-t_QBHLqhrTgnz3jYzLu/s1600/stork1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stork on platform" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvjnpzv9SfNbjVed9yAAgZ3r92bzXSB4YVDY71SwXi0Uajjl6KvjktXw4OfXlbxE_wNfotF4JgQKHK_iJjc6BZpVFGuYQdWcKw3kLL-TrW31cNXi1nwRBddXU-t_QBHLqhrTgnz3jYzLu/s200/stork1.jpg" title="Stork on platform" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stork on platform</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>This platform was put up a couple of years ago by Robert, who already has another well-established nesting spot on his land which I've featured before on this blog.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>We'd noticed storks investigating on a couple of occasions but none of them had actually taken up residence, despite it being sited near water but far enough from pathways and human habitation.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>This time a party of five storks kept flying around but one pair in particular seemed to be trying to make a nest on the platform, so we'll have to keep an eye out for progress!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRirw-ESLOIyH3PufaFB-kWhWNrlLbh3aKJ-zCKD_b6Ipi9bhYUP4M-oIb6_WxKMcPzdt948maN_CpEg8nzgoaVEAHKEXKD7OsUtM_u3E2GHc0HXrydlhkqlKf18ahzygYWoVQoSfSjhM/s1600/pear_blossom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pyrus calleryana in full bloom" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRirw-ESLOIyH3PufaFB-kWhWNrlLbh3aKJ-zCKD_b6Ipi9bhYUP4M-oIb6_WxKMcPzdt948maN_CpEg8nzgoaVEAHKEXKD7OsUtM_u3E2GHc0HXrydlhkqlKf18ahzygYWoVQoSfSjhM/s320/pear_blossom2.jpg" title="Pyrus calleryana in full bloom" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Pyrus calleryana<br />- </i>the Callery pear flowering profusely</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ornamental Pears</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In spite of those buffeting winds, our neighbour's pear trees have held on to their blossoms and we've been admiring them all week from our upstairs window.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Prunus calleryana, </i>the ornamental pear, has a mixed reputation as it can be dangerously invasive in some parts of the US and is considered quite a pest, despite its beauty and usefulness as a shapely border tree.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjzGjmrGFRBB2xtZiOI0fi5k5idNXeGgJWPkLLUyTgNinQfjrAIZwb5A6trJ_1yJbqSP3aGSLj-_HG50JU3Ytz943STxsp0uBZszD1x0FucIb82QaV1vy16Vhy3YGbmve4hFfn50ltF-Q/s1600/double_pear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pyrus calleryana - colour in spring and autumn" border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjzGjmrGFRBB2xtZiOI0fi5k5idNXeGgJWPkLLUyTgNinQfjrAIZwb5A6trJ_1yJbqSP3aGSLj-_HG50JU3Ytz943STxsp0uBZszD1x0FucIb82QaV1vy16Vhy3YGbmve4hFfn50ltF-Q/s320/double_pear.jpg" title="Pyrus calleryana - colour in spring and autumn" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Pyrus calleryana</i> - colour in spring and autumn<br />- preferably sited in full sun with damp soil </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I'm not sure what these cultivars are called here in France but I see that the RHS recommends the named variety 'Chanticleer' for its conical habit and autumn tints.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The tree on the left produces glossy oval leaves which turn a fabulous dark red in November.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Its brown fruits, on the other hand, are small and insignificant - nothing like a real dessert pear!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCmCN7zK0cOmVY74hxJrQMSPXv9uQ_ZXqltSCpqBv3a-iR-Oc-CthfNGTKGVXlTjJ2NeT2sMVmmannw9Pt2UYykQJyNlBG1udgpWPt7yknoYN4bZcmQnx2kodo3-JexAQvAgO62EhGYjC/s1600/pears_stork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCmCN7zK0cOmVY74hxJrQMSPXv9uQ_ZXqltSCpqBv3a-iR-Oc-CthfNGTKGVXlTjJ2NeT2sMVmmannw9Pt2UYykQJyNlBG1udgpWPt7yknoYN4bZcmQnx2kodo3-JexAQvAgO62EhGYjC/s400/pears_stork.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The pear orchard with stork approaching (top right)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8imJ1_qZSr3W4Xftz33I5nTbMcBgl_Byh_r9s2K59JXzG0nH8bh1di7Tezthj2beP5aAOoQ3x9UywuaOOVhRnBNIiitQdfNSNy-VhRSyPd2Ec4hATpQJh0319anSlMaBQidSP7z6oE51O/s1600/nectarine_frog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8imJ1_qZSr3W4Xftz33I5nTbMcBgl_Byh_r9s2K59JXzG0nH8bh1di7Tezthj2beP5aAOoQ3x9UywuaOOVhRnBNIiitQdfNSNy-VhRSyPd2Ec4hATpQJh0319anSlMaBQidSP7z6oE51O/s320/nectarine_frog.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>'Froggie'</i> on his perch in the nectarine tree,<br />keeping watch for visiting insects</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In our own garden we enjoyed some good blossom on the young nectarine tree growing in the shelter of a leylandii hedge, thus avoiding the worst of the cold winds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With so much rain we worried that its flowers wouldn't get pollinated as there weren't many bees or other insects braving the elements.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since our potted pieris was in full flower, Christina had the idea of moving it close to the nectarine so that passing insects would have a full 'nectar bar' to attract them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tulips</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivr2a4cfy0nT2RnY_jgNNccCxMF_oeqZ8GLOWHCK063mguO5uI3LZq1KvmZ8v0cBcSRuUcONKUzcKhyphenhyphenCAfO7-LrbcmMBsyKUPnSom63LM0BLW4pfwe6sila8571LV0u33qlHG78tpK2YBk/s1600/tulip_species.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivr2a4cfy0nT2RnY_jgNNccCxMF_oeqZ8GLOWHCK063mguO5uI3LZq1KvmZ8v0cBcSRuUcONKUzcKhyphenhyphenCAfO7-LrbcmMBsyKUPnSom63LM0BLW4pfwe6sila8571LV0u33qlHG78tpK2YBk/s200/tulip_species.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Tulipa turkestanica</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first of the tulips to come out is the starry little <i>Tulipa turkestanica</i> with grey-green foliage which sits well amongst clumps of dianthus edging our raised bed.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>So many tulips have untidy, floppy foliage that we tend to keep most of them in pots. But these small, species varieties are more like crocus - opening up their throats to the sun, creating a splash of colour and then retreating without too much fuss as they gradually go over. They die down just as the dianthus springs into action.</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0atbWbA4T6VXerLJh2dUNbKnnywr2LIL_WrTGMkSpcarUoxsSg3oclUNlvNZ4ni3lissndHBZZZ12nL3Z5GfqgRn_1d6TCO99Qr7X0JfTYL4fCb-klvwB7OmDw__J92bxeAj8asmzl_6/s1600/tulips_narcissi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0atbWbA4T6VXerLJh2dUNbKnnywr2LIL_WrTGMkSpcarUoxsSg3oclUNlvNZ4ni3lissndHBZZZ12nL3Z5GfqgRn_1d6TCO99Qr7X0JfTYL4fCb-klvwB7OmDw__J92bxeAj8asmzl_6/s320/tulips_narcissi.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Narcissus actaea</i> - with some <i>'tulipes contre<br />le cancer'</i> that got separated from their bulbs! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">March is the month for cancer fund-raising in France.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back in 1988 someone came up with a scheme for clubs and agricultural colleges to plant thousands of tulips which could then be harvested and sold together with their bulbs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The French, and us gardeners alike, love nothing better than a <i>good deal</i> - and what could be better than actually enjoying the tulips <i>before</i> you plant them in your garden!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year's colour is a warm shade of ivory which can be planted alongside almost anything but looks quite subtle next to a few white narcissi.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoi6Stk3_7RkXADdb31wZyXvbwN8WAVD6gFy8C4XUfAzp0KWzE5VjhaIgCPOTgZpJBz_w0TF7LlHygXHDORAp631cbaOMSRn9PjFjHt4DQtO9sK4diyQj6E3yoegmwROw2Yx8XG0ZvHAzI/s1600/cowslip_bank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoi6Stk3_7RkXADdb31wZyXvbwN8WAVD6gFy8C4XUfAzp0KWzE5VjhaIgCPOTgZpJBz_w0TF7LlHygXHDORAp631cbaOMSRn9PjFjHt4DQtO9sK4diyQj6E3yoegmwROw2Yx8XG0ZvHAzI/s400/cowslip_bank.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A bank of cowslips, increasing year on year</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Much as we might complain about the wet spring, there's no doubt it produces more colour in verges, vineyards and meadows around here.</i></span><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgWI1nesdqhfU-CrX-EDxnb4AsjqWXazjUjjgf9vu0mUdDd_AszeFVv9-ikm05FEcnce1chyIa22KTOtQ4ouHHpLTSj8dJ5fPW_t8GkMMUbHERBHWbtiMgFt_kWLzh517K23NpZyVj-gF/s1600/vine_marigolds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgWI1nesdqhfU-CrX-EDxnb4AsjqWXazjUjjgf9vu0mUdDd_AszeFVv9-ikm05FEcnce1chyIa22KTOtQ4ouHHpLTSj8dJ5fPW_t8GkMMUbHERBHWbtiMgFt_kWLzh517K23NpZyVj-gF/s400/vine_marigolds.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cushions of daisies and marigolds between the vines</span></td></tr>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-9208170209187784612017-03-02T02:43:00.002-08:002017-03-03T09:05:54.434-08:00February<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"A garden is made up of a thousand interventions."</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Anna Pavord</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitO2Fqf6G01UmAwnQk0WPgSnoyazvQ621ZwOQnE1bNLwftp2PUtyxt1cgNR44dX9tGm7DzQjg8KJlYgveVi8PoqZEDW9SvLMSJJTqrSJbk8h7dy6N8JVAUwyl_8_5N72gV79dDGIp9SEUh/s1600/tree_riverfall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitO2Fqf6G01UmAwnQk0WPgSnoyazvQ621ZwOQnE1bNLwftp2PUtyxt1cgNR44dX9tGm7DzQjg8KJlYgveVi8PoqZEDW9SvLMSJJTqrSJbk8h7dy6N8JVAUwyl_8_5N72gV79dDGIp9SEUh/s400/tree_riverfall.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fallen tree after a winter gale</span></td></tr>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tempêtes </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">are regular events along this Atlantic coast during the winter months, often coinciding with very high tides which can cause flooding in low-lying areas such as ours.</span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUxthRlnTAr8pj0LXyYiH8IfLOiNvIA2_CgaEacHqH_ZRJig3YQKovOai9hSyEC7mPwRpNDhUDo0i3WrOM7w4bkPWN4bvhV9vA831Jq_zCK9iyXHC5Hdi4g0iXGo3qNCRPWpAeCQSXX3s/s1600/pine_ripped2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUxthRlnTAr8pj0LXyYiH8IfLOiNvIA2_CgaEacHqH_ZRJig3YQKovOai9hSyEC7mPwRpNDhUDo0i3WrOM7w4bkPWN4bvhV9vA831Jq_zCK9iyXHC5Hdi4g0iXGo3qNCRPWpAeCQSXX3s/s320/pine_ripped2.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Bark and branches ripped from<br />coastal pine trees</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Like the UK, we were battered by a fierce gale in early February which brought down trees, lifted tiles off roofs and generally scattered debris over the countryside.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our neighbour, Robert, had two very tall trees uprooted and thrown across his river during the storm, as shown in the photo above.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The sprouting balls of mistletoe made it look quite picturesque but he was obviously going to have a job getting it off the water!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Closer to the sea-shore, pine trees were scarred by fierce gusts, leaving beaches strewn with pine cones, </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>branches</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i> and piles of reeds mixed in with seaweed.</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBZfArdV0EGPJ4IQfD9u5auCaT529-U6U_FhpPO-S6nies1JhWZ8UzY-xOTGAdGsW9VZbg3vDxhtHZq71p2LutCPsSeCIJLkR3t7GitQUFJe1NnH0nWaaY3-lGF30DlHsmIyUkoqI4_34/s1600/wall_storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBZfArdV0EGPJ4IQfD9u5auCaT529-U6U_FhpPO-S6nies1JhWZ8UzY-xOTGAdGsW9VZbg3vDxhtHZq71p2LutCPsSeCIJLkR3t7GitQUFJe1NnH0nWaaY3-lGF30DlHsmIyUkoqI4_34/s320/wall_storm.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Retrieved tiles awaiting cement...</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We considered ourselves lucky to still have most of our roof tiles in place, unlike the terracotta ones on our front wall which - despite their weight - had just been lifted and dumped in the hedge behind, or else thrown into the road and broken in pieces.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once the wind died down, it provided us with the necessary spur to tidy up the garden and give the wet grass a good raking.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The calm after the storm - a peaceful sunset at our local port</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjai0egqs1GVHnE-uat3NcjjzruYwUg84NTiZgyOGNsfs8BISBncZFyUMOlsFeFs0jhAoMf8QShTFHMUofda3hyHOKWM7Mx3mtf40Z3_OiokZaRs1mzImEekokZ_n4Dx5R7Wy9_5XJr1xnT/s1600/cranes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjai0egqs1GVHnE-uat3NcjjzruYwUg84NTiZgyOGNsfs8BISBncZFyUMOlsFeFs0jhAoMf8QShTFHMUofda3hyHOKWM7Mx3mtf40Z3_OiokZaRs1mzImEekokZ_n4Dx5R7Wy9_5XJr1xnT/s200/cranes.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Common cranes migrating</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cranes</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> sometimes fly overhead at this time of year, presumably heading for one of their favoured nest sites in N E France, the Lac du Der.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This was a fairly small V-formation of about twenty birds and their distinctive call - <i>a sound of the wilderness</i> - was enough to make us jump up from gardening and watch as they disappeared into the blue beyond. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yTacX6i9ZtSyMQ7hb_qW6LyqsPdF6PH0D-db-Khtop5stiKPKKUgXRbL4JvUEOaLRgr_wJYvSZLQ0aBuWJe5ghHEDiXxKeZDeuorwxIzNO8I_oZ25tRvlFILP9FBjDhyPo1nHnULmHaA/s1600/almond_blossom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Almond blossom (Prunus dulcis)" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yTacX6i9ZtSyMQ7hb_qW6LyqsPdF6PH0D-db-Khtop5stiKPKKUgXRbL4JvUEOaLRgr_wJYvSZLQ0aBuWJe5ghHEDiXxKeZDeuorwxIzNO8I_oZ25tRvlFILP9FBjDhyPo1nHnULmHaA/s320/almond_blossom.jpg" title="Almond blossom (Prunus dulcis)" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Almond blossom (<i>Prunus dulcis</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We were helping to prune our friends' roses at the time, having enjoyed our first <i>al fresco</i> lunch on their terrace - in my case, wearing shades and a cap because it was actually hot!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Their almond tree was bursting into flower and this is possibly my favourite blossom as it comes so early, attracting insects from all around.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAmcttBNTiSUTo__C5RT3Qqfs5veCjCgLtP9U0vJZv3GnNzzZRWgcgof3qEpUc1MMMkMbXXXUWtxa34olHObGvmUEX3oCNXu5G_xrGD3ap_9LkQzoJh0aJsF7Nb0142VlpAOLSRVRp0o1/s1600/pawlonia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Paulownia tomentosa, Foxglove tree in bud" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAmcttBNTiSUTo__C5RT3Qqfs5veCjCgLtP9U0vJZv3GnNzzZRWgcgof3qEpUc1MMMkMbXXXUWtxa34olHObGvmUEX3oCNXu5G_xrGD3ap_9LkQzoJh0aJsF7Nb0142VlpAOLSRVRp0o1/s320/pawlonia.jpg" title="Paulownia tomentosa, Foxglove tree in bud" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Paulownia tomentosa<br />- </i>producing fragrant flowers</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Paulownia</span> is equally a handsome tree, originally from Asia but also popular in the eastern US, where it can grow up to 12 meters high when not impeded by other trees.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Luckily our friends have plenty of room in their garden and this one is already quite tall after a year or so.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was struck by the exotic, furry buds which I presume will open to reveal large lilac flowers - hence its common name of 'foxglove tree'.</span><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The RHS has given it the Award of Garden Merit and we would probably grow it ourselves if only </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">we</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> had the space!</span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxO-lrw0g-KLVGMThK9Hyfu6FOqO1Z7oAbK2wSJwerVvl7SKxiPv5-GEfZkixb6q8_uEhuPY0BNfdjtWC5qCRmHnfyf6NAOe0o4o8Dhr5GVVFiD0FWm1pWxETpwSCwg-X9LqcKvaFePsP_/s1600/elms_marais.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="English elms on Gironde Estuary, France" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxO-lrw0g-KLVGMThK9Hyfu6FOqO1Z7oAbK2wSJwerVvl7SKxiPv5-GEfZkixb6q8_uEhuPY0BNfdjtWC5qCRmHnfyf6NAOe0o4o8Dhr5GVVFiD0FWm1pWxETpwSCwg-X9LqcKvaFePsP_/s320/elms_marais.jpg" title="English elms on Gironde Estuary, France" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Storm-ravaged elms surviving on the marais</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGwYGT2FN33S8hkdg-hRznylyGhGEUSJplZRbjaPG_y2EvOJmkB5UNQamenxzwrMNW2Z6UB9tA2QYddx5VXOI3Rk0nhamNjxaCXRdWqznaosWDoHWAH8k58R7UhQWhjhTQ_pG15DU8tws/s1600/elm_blossom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="English elm (Ulmus procera) in hedgerow, France" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGwYGT2FN33S8hkdg-hRznylyGhGEUSJplZRbjaPG_y2EvOJmkB5UNQamenxzwrMNW2Z6UB9tA2QYddx5VXOI3Rk0nhamNjxaCXRdWqznaosWDoHWAH8k58R7UhQWhjhTQ_pG15DU8tws/s320/elm_blossom.jpg" title="English elm (Ulmus procera)" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pink elm blossoms (Ulmus procera)</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Trees</span> of a very different kind are also in bud down on the <i>marais </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">and I wouldn't have recognised them as elms as it's so long since they were a common sight in England.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But Christina is more of a 'country girl' and she knew that despite their wizened shape, these trees were the so-called <i>English elms</i> of our childhood.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When not stricken by disease, this type of elm can grow tall and straight to some 40m high, but nowadays they're generally just used for hedging as seen here.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bird Life</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNVPIX5Rc5J1GktSsVvtW0NRV4dBrvWoFJ6PV30TxxNswb4HEgG711h6x3NR7JNfiCX8e63YEfwclN61-rf_w-QXXFwkgPd9NzxbgqnKLRRH4S75TcDvKMu6XWgzLEdGZQiqtu3h_0qO3/s1600/marsh_harrier2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus)" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNVPIX5Rc5J1GktSsVvtW0NRV4dBrvWoFJ6PV30TxxNswb4HEgG711h6x3NR7JNfiCX8e63YEfwclN61-rf_w-QXXFwkgPd9NzxbgqnKLRRH4S75TcDvKMu6XWgzLEdGZQiqtu3h_0qO3/s200/marsh_harrier2.jpg" title="Marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus)" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Marsh harrier<br />(<i>Circus aeruginosus</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Looking down from this hedgerow you have an extensive view of the marshes - or <i>marais -</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> below, and can often track a marsh harrier as it patrols up and down the water's edge, scanning for prey.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These reedbeds cover several hectares along the estuary and provide an important habitat for many birds including the <i>Penduline tit</i>, which I've mentioned before, and the <i>Bluethroat</i> which - annoyingly - we've yet to actually see! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWdA9XCht84sSCwhsib5cFB0G0uBDUCfXOAGxCAd3ffLlne7cfCqGRApYlNOQgvKw2-f2aon3EvKucq56cqdVwVQNwv12ow1MbCmntVRBQB1sw6ksCMF5k2M5A_ApT2ylsSC9tYh3DFEB/s1600/buzzard_branch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="common buzzard (Buteo buteo)" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWdA9XCht84sSCwhsib5cFB0G0uBDUCfXOAGxCAd3ffLlne7cfCqGRApYlNOQgvKw2-f2aon3EvKucq56cqdVwVQNwv12ow1MbCmntVRBQB1sw6ksCMF5k2M5A_ApT2ylsSC9tYh3DFEB/s320/buzzard_branch.jpg" title="common buzzard (Buteo buteo)" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The <i>very</i> common buzzard (<i>Buteo buteo)</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>- perched precariously on a small branch</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although we're surrounded by all manner of interesting birds, I guess we're not patient enough when it comes to spotting them.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A friend once advised us to 'stand still and let them come to you', which is quite right of course but just not compatible with taking a brisk walk for exercise.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Nevertheless, we usually have our 'bins' or camera at the ready in case something should happen to strike up a pose!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUqhyYcd414w_m3n8FktGZS27_HrYJkbqCjnqeDHWlTp7KIsY04drUSTko1ErXUWdf6FrYUyzPgzy0KrJknQEfqB1ncPsICPMWtG_PkNtNTOy7RBBGgb9AtDTnkggPGO88PTYUhbwU4P9/s1600/new_bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUqhyYcd414w_m3n8FktGZS27_HrYJkbqCjnqeDHWlTp7KIsY04drUSTko1ErXUWdf6FrYUyzPgzy0KrJknQEfqB1ncPsICPMWtG_PkNtNTOy7RBBGgb9AtDTnkggPGO88PTYUhbwU4P9/s320/new_bed.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The ex-raspberry corner now replanted with<br />bulbs and perennials</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Gardens </span>really benefit from thorough weeding and mulching in the fallow period of late winter when the soil is starting to warm up.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You can tell when beds become less sodden and more friable and that's the time to clear off any moss, cut down perennials and put some nice compost or well-rotted manure around your favourite plants.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqqZaxWSZKOsELBNosH5rQsQfZTJo8BhxpmUFyB4zTLt3gmp4YkrGhryFzfjNYpqskwOk7LshWGnB-t2DHA_ocRm_JwDjlJglIflEnuacF1PGDU_ne5KmTMbH7VIWiBClNRBdayxNf3pU/s1600/hare_hyacinths2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqqZaxWSZKOsELBNosH5rQsQfZTJo8BhxpmUFyB4zTLt3gmp4YkrGhryFzfjNYpqskwOk7LshWGnB-t2DHA_ocRm_JwDjlJglIflEnuacF1PGDU_ne5KmTMbH7VIWiBClNRBdayxNf3pU/s320/hare_hyacinths2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A felt hare sniffing the hyacinths' perfume...<br /><br /><i>('Felting' was Christina's new project for winter<br /> when it was too cold to be in the garden!)</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I know I always mention hyacinths at this time of year and it's because we can never resist buying a few to scent the living room.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>They're so much better value than a bunch of cut flowers from the supermarket!</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Usually we find a spare bit of garden where we can bury them later as it would be wasteful just to chuck the bulbs afterwards.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They may come up a little smaller in subsequent years but, if anything the colour and scent is more intense, so we now cut these blooms to put in a vase and enjoy them for several days on the kitchen table.</span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9ONK4FZw2WVSDmzVo2uigtWGA3UsD4Lp3fbjpfbNGKC6Ee8pk2gPTTDUNNPKZ8cz7Xr_xZ7dIEIJV-H_xQGGZHZXqlyTMa_G-UHrhGW3u843MDBB1EydhCsxhStIdmQari3R0YZ_Q-4K/s1600/snowdrop_verge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Snowdrops - Galanthus nivalis" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9ONK4FZw2WVSDmzVo2uigtWGA3UsD4Lp3fbjpfbNGKC6Ee8pk2gPTTDUNNPKZ8cz7Xr_xZ7dIEIJV-H_xQGGZHZXqlyTMa_G-UHrhGW3u843MDBB1EydhCsxhStIdmQari3R0YZ_Q-4K/s320/snowdrop_verge.jpg" title="Snowdrops - Galanthus nivalis" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Snowdrops </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">are difficult to grow in this climate where the earth can become very hot and parched in summer.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But, to her great delight, Christina managed to establish a few bulbs out in the shady verge along our back lane.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What began with just a few hollyhock seeds tossed into the grass has now turned into a spring border of hellebores, primrose, pulmonaria and daffodils (<i>Tête à tête</i>) under a little hedge of <i>Viburnum tinus</i>. Nowhere is left fallow for long!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eTJaDaz6U_dLqi7WzpSISEK1udhEbcKR0j_3TX5ry1Buzm0cEpJ0WtYUcMQRivKSnauPqdAP8V-mOrWJ9FGwHL4e0LKoA1apE-R4ellbObqR5N8HD66IzIz8J2zN9bdsrQt6YuN8XlLX/s1600/hellebores_verge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Helleborus orientalis - Hellebore" border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eTJaDaz6U_dLqi7WzpSISEK1udhEbcKR0j_3TX5ry1Buzm0cEpJ0WtYUcMQRivKSnauPqdAP8V-mOrWJ9FGwHL4e0LKoA1apE-R4ellbObqR5N8HD66IzIz8J2zN9bdsrQt6YuN8XlLX/s400/hellebores_verge.jpg" title="Helleborus orientalis - Hellebore" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A happy mix of hellebores lining the grass verge</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Something else that farmers do this time of year on a calm dry day ... This shot was taken behind our house where the fields are cultivated for sunflowers.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67l2NXXSZLf0CxYASvr07gBL1UKYro901Dw3IyTugKT0EWh9iu0iRRUT0zAHIYB4T0lKeYA0lClo0dDttKF0O2IISvSneqslUZvcVg6OgSH3UJXbPSE3GUNy8He0ex4xXlG-IXnxg-TRs/s1600/reeds_burn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Burning reeds along drainage channels in France" border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67l2NXXSZLf0CxYASvr07gBL1UKYro901Dw3IyTugKT0EWh9iu0iRRUT0zAHIYB4T0lKeYA0lClo0dDttKF0O2IISvSneqslUZvcVg6OgSH3UJXbPSE3GUNy8He0ex4xXlG-IXnxg-TRs/s400/reeds_burn2.jpg" title="Burning reeds along drainage channels in France" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Reeds being burned off to open up the water channels for drainage</span></td></tr>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-59492364714900155292017-01-19T08:35:00.001-08:002017-01-19T09:00:28.721-08:00January<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"The river's tent is broken: the last fingers of leaf</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>clutch and sink into the wet bank."</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- T.S. Eliot</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHpl_I9bfS_xtehwOiFK-a0JqWN46qhnm792q-ERnshFLdbI-gqNA_CImr_2n4mKK0Q-tVt9M_vVenSQLydS3No_L55aEJm69WTMBhxpobNzfoAw_5eWNIWyhKqBGrr8B1NDTvzI0NqgW/s1600/winter_light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHpl_I9bfS_xtehwOiFK-a0JqWN46qhnm792q-ERnshFLdbI-gqNA_CImr_2n4mKK0Q-tVt9M_vVenSQLydS3No_L55aEJm69WTMBhxpobNzfoAw_5eWNIWyhKqBGrr8B1NDTvzI0NqgW/s400/winter_light.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Early morning frost at our neighbour's lake</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Gardeners</span> like us are probably a rarity in rural France. We prefer a small plot where we can keep on top of weeds (just about) and fuss over a variety of carefully chosen plants.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The older we get, the less we are able to contemplate the tough work of hedge cutting and tree planting. This year, for the first time, we paid a young man to come and trim the fir hedge, even though I did assist him in the tedious task of clearing up!</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzv45FhaQ5h9ZHm6KRBJoqIi6pF3iJ0TOowF0LLj5iq_wVfJoKEEM6ihT3OQ_38ax7zVbl-9X9W35lw23d8y42QrkQRFHHUnk2qWBCHX_kOXm92JSoVSH8GgkOU5xKSdGXDnWgFKyvE2i/s1600/lake_frost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzv45FhaQ5h9ZHm6KRBJoqIi6pF3iJ0TOowF0LLj5iq_wVfJoKEEM6ihT3OQ_38ax7zVbl-9X9W35lw23d8y42QrkQRFHHUnk2qWBCHX_kOXm92JSoVSH8GgkOU5xKSdGXDnWgFKyvE2i/s320/lake_frost.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For younger folk, though, it can be a delight to finally own some real land, which still comes fairly cheap in France, and to be able to create new vistas and vantage points.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Country properties often entail a few hectares of semi-cultivated pasture and if, like our neighbour Robert, you're lucky enough to have a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">small</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> lake and river as your 'back garden', then the possibilities are endless.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To do his kind of landscape gardening, you need at the very least a proper digger, a flat-bottomed boat and a stout pair of waders ... <i>not to mention boundless energy and willingness to work in all weathers!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSgCZm160VQfj0ehMZKRBCn9TtIM04NA1rsYInuxxoNeX9erSGAr3dQ7IuhaDVdrYlLv1nCv0XExwmhoenGXGteIuBzogAUHBQAipZtCKIBkH90xhIItmB46tzmUeLD7ohs5uEJPd7GJ3/s1600/minoterie_frost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSgCZm160VQfj0ehMZKRBCn9TtIM04NA1rsYInuxxoNeX9erSGAr3dQ7IuhaDVdrYlLv1nCv0XExwmhoenGXGteIuBzogAUHBQAipZtCKIBkH90xhIItmB46tzmUeLD7ohs5uEJPd7GJ3/s400/minoterie_frost.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Exciting opportunities for waterside planting</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Frost</span> is a perfect accompaniment to feathery grasses and unpruned shrubs adorning the lakeside. That blaze of colour I photographed in autumn has now subsided into a gentler picture of frost-rimed leaves and stems.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Over the years we've watched with great interest as Robert has transformed this hitherto closed-off area in front of his old flour mill - the <i>'Minoterie'</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> as shown above - and created a path where neighbours like us can admire the changing seasons around the lake.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDAvj4Vo-_IEjLMHcOyQ0RA1dwyoOe8KsrkQmBxwf1ryLFEimsewNm3dluryvpw55Xz4KnhY6fqVjb0vDR2c319OroTYcELsxTOf_Mp4Z8Jes3U05rlhBhyphenhyphenCz7Tp6GDlpV4g8IK42SU2h/s1600/donkeys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDAvj4Vo-_IEjLMHcOyQ0RA1dwyoOe8KsrkQmBxwf1ryLFEimsewNm3dluryvpw55Xz4KnhY6fqVjb0vDR2c319OroTYcELsxTOf_Mp4Z8Jes3U05rlhBhyphenhyphenCz7Tp6GDlpV4g8IK42SU2h/s320/donkeys.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Balladin and Balthazar</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>As an added attraction, Robert also adopted some photogenic farm animals which may be familiar from my previous blogs!</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One cold misty morning, he came to tell me he was going to ferry some feed up to the rare-breed sheep (mainly Soays) which run wild on his island.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This means taking the motorised oyster boat up-river, to an area of tall woodland bounded on all sides by a clear spring, or <i>'source'</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, which brings our drinking water from deep inland.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwmmqq0_fTsJXWzjUx5eDyUQRU6u9qCP_hzLWyRPPD_Lo4JW_EJfJERMcp3HgTP7XEPGwg40xEcmiOw9vpTmr_F1ihrWLVyYT0fY_wD2sw2e4H3CvhWesQ4sCYZplDYkv_OIMXgQdYXOj/s1600/river_mist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="misty river" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwmmqq0_fTsJXWzjUx5eDyUQRU6u9qCP_hzLWyRPPD_Lo4JW_EJfJERMcp3HgTP7XEPGwg40xEcmiOw9vpTmr_F1ihrWLVyYT0fY_wD2sw2e4H3CvhWesQ4sCYZplDYkv_OIMXgQdYXOj/s320/river_mist.jpg" title="misty river" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For me, sitting on a straw bale beneath the wheelhouse, this was a perfect oportunity to take some low-angled shots of mist rising off the water as we chugged through an eerily silent landscape, with just the odd moorhen skittering to safety as we passed.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcAI-lwGlW_v-9W2DhtuPYAPNHdiGMMp5Hj8RlQ0KUkkdLk5T2UJJA-fg-aAxrmpT3WPf2NCIGJwbJ8MoqDujA51Q3khPPBxuURVV_AOs4jwL6xHI4CjXVvBajRrMA3fIfd98MmauMxoh/s1600/river_mist2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="misty river" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcAI-lwGlW_v-9W2DhtuPYAPNHdiGMMp5Hj8RlQ0KUkkdLk5T2UJJA-fg-aAxrmpT3WPf2NCIGJwbJ8MoqDujA51Q3khPPBxuURVV_AOs4jwL6xHI4CjXVvBajRrMA3fIfd98MmauMxoh/s320/river_mist2.jpg" title="misty river" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It reminded me of the Cambridgeshire fens at a similar time of year... ice-cold but infinitely mysterious, especially when we entered the tunnel of overarching trees.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdN1Fzkfb_jM1UiLmhUdj0WTc_e0HKG6-HH87ICHp4hg91ctvLfy16ojzohoj6MbC-5jJRQODkAvH93at7iOvt9FjtjiUxwNxLoSKGt9QGZYbs-wbW5O51Np3Vk_SLDhNHOILluWjYhTbb/s1600/sheep_wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdN1Fzkfb_jM1UiLmhUdj0WTc_e0HKG6-HH87ICHp4hg91ctvLfy16ojzohoj6MbC-5jJRQODkAvH93at7iOvt9FjtjiUxwNxLoSKGt9QGZYbs-wbW5O51Np3Vk_SLDhNHOILluWjYhTbb/s400/sheep_wide.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wild sheep awaiting their supplementary rations</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Disembarking on the island always sends the sheep running for cover, even though they must know it means extra food. I watch and wait quietly, hoping they'll get used to my presence and become more interested in feeding; but it takes a long lens to finally catch a few shots as they emerge hesitantly from the woodland.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQm4V4s-aaJ88rqEdl0eC_N3PPbmthlmn2bwLCmYJ-q3TBjpxI_s6sN6tD26zTu3_XzUUhq6DYHeppovncKNHu3oJOytSEpL6aGbLPfVDo0p5QWxv7C_gaUjJaW0nl7_eiTKsuhhS9EbIq/s1600/winter_frost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="misty river" border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQm4V4s-aaJ88rqEdl0eC_N3PPbmthlmn2bwLCmYJ-q3TBjpxI_s6sN6tD26zTu3_XzUUhq6DYHeppovncKNHu3oJOytSEpL6aGbLPfVDo0p5QWxv7C_gaUjJaW0nl7_eiTKsuhhS9EbIq/s400/winter_frost.jpg" title="misty river" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then it's back on board for an even colder ride back down-river, occasionally illuminated by sun breaking through the mist.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3H-gIwGaQvsiYl0sFJsixQeVG4KpSnNOlKXYizjT7uO2qGnxIz25IH9rpNf4fVDxkSFCgbmyqK1w5GZgWdEOOWVxq2HD-i9i5VG59yrWf4eEaLOARM1JnONiWRhCwxN27ZDfynxX9cU2/s1600/swan_right.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3H-gIwGaQvsiYl0sFJsixQeVG4KpSnNOlKXYizjT7uO2qGnxIz25IH9rpNf4fVDxkSFCgbmyqK1w5GZgWdEOOWVxq2HD-i9i5VG59yrWf4eEaLOARM1JnONiWRhCwxN27ZDfynxX9cU2/s320/swan_right.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Swan photographed through red stems<br />of <i>Cornus sanguinea</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>A pair of swans landed on the lake recently and have now taken up residence, ruthlessly sidelining the geese and ducks who were there first.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Fortunately there's enough space for them all to cohabit without too much hissing, and they probably appreciate the bits of stale bread which come their way most mornings!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJy2yW0oS5ssUBjzSIKJfJfrXitLW1nbI_NFYcwb6XGbTf_S3yRWraUH4cA2NYfXgOU7DrO9QWbQ5oh_BK0_1SbZ1OwHawciI30MOn13NbEh0nvGZl4pcb0felcZxMZsDsRGov8fljVuNc/s1600/greenfinch_left.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Greenfinch at bird-feeder" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJy2yW0oS5ssUBjzSIKJfJfrXitLW1nbI_NFYcwb6XGbTf_S3yRWraUH4cA2NYfXgOU7DrO9QWbQ5oh_BK0_1SbZ1OwHawciI30MOn13NbEh0nvGZl4pcb0felcZxMZsDsRGov8fljVuNc/s200/greenfinch_left.jpg" title="Greenfinch" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Greenfinch</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Without doubt it's the wildlife as much as the plants which makes a garden come alive and, despite my complaints about birdseed taking root in our driveway, it's always a pleasure to see them tucking in on a cold day.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Greenfinches turn into bullies, forever knocking the poor tits off our sunflower feeder. Sparrows hunt for seeds and crumbs in the driveway, along with the robin, dunnock and at least one pair of collared doves.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Collared dove -<i> Streptopelia decaocto</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm rather fond of the latter as they seem to be such affectionate, gentle souls, watching patiently from their usual perch on the power-line above our garden studio.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnT6kCCnFviJFr3gzQ4FOV3UHtLodJCfnO7Ay4TIMOnzyz_bKlZ0FU1A79DzMkdXbAVQDZR2HaQiXlxa6CKfRwO-0aRonKPNkLsTYnM6v5m56vCmhsOaIAlHNe0HSv60vpBSlbPlSidjsI/s1600/sparrowhawk_dove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus - with prey" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnT6kCCnFviJFr3gzQ4FOV3UHtLodJCfnO7Ay4TIMOnzyz_bKlZ0FU1A79DzMkdXbAVQDZR2HaQiXlxa6CKfRwO-0aRonKPNkLsTYnM6v5m56vCmhsOaIAlHNe0HSv60vpBSlbPlSidjsI/s320/sparrowhawk_dove.jpg" title="Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sparrowhawk - <i>Accipiter nisus<br />- </i>using its tail for balance</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately, they present a rather tempting target for any hungry predator like a passing sparrowhawk.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We've seen these hawks shoot out of nowhere with arrow-like precision, bringing down a bird which is almost equal in size.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A few years ago we watched in fascinated horror from our sitting room window as one such hawk carefully devoured a whole bird in front of us, pulling off clumps of feathers and eviscerating the poor, unwary dove.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wR9-jpKU-2bJd9XcLckyKH2NUT_OUNkDFdE8-IRkh5nEpNPVoxFQwcqVqWkDXqJXQuOf4m_IWs8fCHrFbvS_Xg7C-JK68H6X-W4OY4MAmf5KDf7Hb8wRl9mgyCSLA6mbQa_iefb9Cdhn/s1600/sparrowhawk_close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wR9-jpKU-2bJd9XcLckyKH2NUT_OUNkDFdE8-IRkh5nEpNPVoxFQwcqVqWkDXqJXQuOf4m_IWs8fCHrFbvS_Xg7C-JK68H6X-W4OY4MAmf5KDf7Hb8wRl9mgyCSLA6mbQa_iefb9Cdhn/s320/sparrowhawk_close.jpg" title="Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Handsome but deadly...</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>It goes to show that gardens of all sorts can provide photo-opportunities and magical scenes even in the depths of winter.</i> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeW0_vPCYEDHcvV6Mk5uslixrKSsya1mFtPOlXtcCmARf4UFn_2EmWWIGV16L01ui2K5zGZoVNSqDH7azM7XdhToIz0SPvMNITJj2Mxbq0Htc6kcAhO2GZMINyhhPAttRBVkwSgSWrZylb/s1600/longtails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Long-tailed tits" border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeW0_vPCYEDHcvV6Mk5uslixrKSsya1mFtPOlXtcCmARf4UFn_2EmWWIGV16L01ui2K5zGZoVNSqDH7azM7XdhToIz0SPvMNITJj2Mxbq0Htc6kcAhO2GZMINyhhPAttRBVkwSgSWrZylb/s400/longtails.jpg" title="Long-tailed tits" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A host of long-tailed tits decorating a tree<br />(<i>with</i> <i>thanks to Photoshop!)</i></span></td></tr>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-66348037152157887492016-12-31T09:52:00.001-08:002017-01-01T08:47:43.631-08:00Winter Reflections<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"I dream my painting and I paint my dream."</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Vincent van Gogh</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSqkfuYQLsrWbZ59wrqMZ4Ab_-C2WUzl3xptrs6KBdNabx4IngpqEQiigpTUswOwvLTy8WNbWVZ4SC68YUkmcYlkH5sGDr5i7SEnrizl-SDnpF7xqtcvbjf4mwKIwLxehieeXuYvbSaje/s1600/chatto_gardens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Beth Chatto's water garden" border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSqkfuYQLsrWbZ59wrqMZ4Ab_-C2WUzl3xptrs6KBdNabx4IngpqEQiigpTUswOwvLTy8WNbWVZ4SC68YUkmcYlkH5sGDr5i7SEnrizl-SDnpF7xqtcvbjf4mwKIwLxehieeXuYvbSaje/s400/chatto_gardens.jpg" title="Beth Chatto's water garden" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Beth Chatto's water garden at Elmstead Market</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Winter</span> is certainly a time for dreaming - </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>and reflecting on events and impressions over the past year.</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhV3AQgIGr2kDzBCzUqS8gIy2CuPAYY9kBm_nLvlQLV4I1rRxGendbF2yCJ_HJfcq4GxjAhaJ76Thyphenhyphen4xWAfp7ByvBE_sLDGubDTEaQP-7Qo1ZybTJZMP9Hn9_W4ZUSllzXiMhunbuEEGQX/s1600/beth_chatto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Beth Chatto's garden centre" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhV3AQgIGr2kDzBCzUqS8gIy2CuPAYY9kBm_nLvlQLV4I1rRxGendbF2yCJ_HJfcq4GxjAhaJ76Thyphenhyphen4xWAfp7ByvBE_sLDGubDTEaQP-7Qo1ZybTJZMP9Hn9_W4ZUSllzXiMhunbuEEGQX/s320/beth_chatto.jpg" title="Beth Chatto's garden centre" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Neatly labelled plants at Beth Chatto's<br />garden centre</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was a kind of pilgrimage for us to finally arrive at the former home of that doyenne of English gardening style, <a href="http://www.bethchatto.co.uk/">Beth Chatto</a>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We were on our way to visit Christina's cousin in Suffolk, having braved the M25 for the first time in 14 years, and reckoned this might be our one and only chance to see the famous gardens and plant centre at Elmstead Market.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXIw4vbpFhkL4-MXSDf8GXeHSc8lwPZ04OJIXOcduVb9u5q4ZdF0z03EFKnjY4ib7xqZtQmzGeRSzmNLz0-ilctwW9m8VL-ZFW-48aiDVya_4wgxVrIMak2nWrmoSmBiaQ0FDjddoSvco/s1600/beth_succulents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gravel-loving succulents at Beth Chatto Garden Centre" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXIw4vbpFhkL4-MXSDf8GXeHSc8lwPZ04OJIXOcduVb9u5q4ZdF0z03EFKnjY4ib7xqZtQmzGeRSzmNLz0-ilctwW9m8VL-ZFW-48aiDVya_4wgxVrIMak2nWrmoSmBiaQ0FDjddoSvco/s320/beth_succulents.jpg" title="Gravel-loving succulents at Beth Chatto Garden Centre" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Gravel-loving succulents to tempt the eye</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An eye-catching display of echeverias and sedums was almost the first thing to greet us on arrival at the garden centre...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>What better use for all those ancient, spider-infested terracotta pots we'd been hoarding?</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They might be useless for thirsty seedlings, but for designer-succulents sunk in gritty compost they are absolutely perfect! We chose a few in 'hommage' to Beth's inspirational book on gravel gardening and have brought them home to admire through the winter.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeZGSA-VQgH3QWnd7lrOv5ID4Mc4Lx5pU9U4FKq9YJ-z-UEcRxztXs76osFijhuqxw3iW7AHAtPAFOZzYU8xLuRHDBbOyF7CdpnGQlLQFskHmOxxwLgIspmN7EPC9drz3jNuh0BuYk17f/s1600/gravel_garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Succulents grown in gravel" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeZGSA-VQgH3QWnd7lrOv5ID4Mc4Lx5pU9U4FKq9YJ-z-UEcRxztXs76osFijhuqxw3iW7AHAtPAFOZzYU8xLuRHDBbOyF7CdpnGQlLQFskHmOxxwLgIspmN7EPC9drz3jNuh0BuYk17f/s400/gravel_garden.jpg" title="Succulents grown in gravel" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Clockwise from top left:<br /><i>Hebe pagei; Sedum Cape Blanco; Sedum dasyphyllum;<br />Raoulia australis lutescens</i> group;<br />and (centre) <i>Limonium bellidifolium</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For the time being, we've grouped these together in an old copper pan, to complement its bluey-green verdigris; but later we can transplant any offshoots into individual clay pots and make another display.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Despite an icy autumn wind blowing off the North Sea, we enjoyed strolling through Beth's garden centre which is zoned into different areas, providing a short-cut for those of us with a particular soil type. Her restaurant and tea room are warmly recommended as a culinary haven on a cold day!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPK3rlkGfiHCISLHYJqzEsq1e27BYYLeMG6VaMZZ79HVKl1Re8MEym_p6vtIRrZJ3iH1i9OsaUiyY_XYuWuRY7NlYW-MmxzkADokviJbRQ9irLijOwLzRKaK5aXCmg6TsGfqrVDtJREB-l/s1600/chatto_gardens2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="'prairie planting' at the Beth Chatto gardens" border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPK3rlkGfiHCISLHYJqzEsq1e27BYYLeMG6VaMZZ79HVKl1Re8MEym_p6vtIRrZJ3iH1i9OsaUiyY_XYuWuRY7NlYW-MmxzkADokviJbRQ9irLijOwLzRKaK5aXCmg6TsGfqrVDtJREB-l/s400/chatto_gardens2.jpg" title="'prairie planting' at the Beth Chatto gardens" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Archetypal <i>'prairie planting'</i> at the Beth Chatto gardens</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Inspiration</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> comes almost subconsciously from visiting gardens, looking at artfully arranged photo-shoots in magazines and from certain historical styles such as the <i>parterre</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">... </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqxJS1ssPSxAXRubheyiB6pXjxPEobUeE22lwIs03AHsL5q4TJk6WYTk1_gHfr5v68qqtypC3xFnhVKPI8iWihrNFiJjjHw1wcKSyJdBJ1EYCoyptd-wyV7u72x0mV8KwRchjk2L5Gkva/s1600/ham_sculpted2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cherry Garden at Ham House, London" border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqxJS1ssPSxAXRubheyiB6pXjxPEobUeE22lwIs03AHsL5q4TJk6WYTk1_gHfr5v68qqtypC3xFnhVKPI8iWihrNFiJjjHw1wcKSyJdBJ1EYCoyptd-wyV7u72x0mV8KwRchjk2L5Gkva/s400/ham_sculpted2.jpg" title="Cherry Garden at Ham House, London" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Part of the Cherry Garden at <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house-and-garden">Ham House, London,</a><br />with statue of Bacchus as a centrepiece</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All that careful clipping of santolina, lavender and box would be a near impossible task for the amateur; but with battery-operated cutters it's not unfeasible to create something on a smaller scale.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It demonstrates in a very striking way the appeal of repeated design and understated colour, allowing light to be paraded as form.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhvzf3JINzRbTzHHwxars4VNQg7Aby2x0DAF-0Qc4-3GqyOeqRzBBwbOANOZA-YbWIFjWPNjYcouIN2qrA-I4GN1SiP5USi3H8LZkt1Yk4d5_eRV5QYbiv9p7rAcQ4q2Oih7OQEFCXGTF/s1600/lily_pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tuberose - Polianthes tuberosa " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhvzf3JINzRbTzHHwxars4VNQg7Aby2x0DAF-0Qc4-3GqyOeqRzBBwbOANOZA-YbWIFjWPNjYcouIN2qrA-I4GN1SiP5USi3H8LZkt1Yk4d5_eRV5QYbiv9p7rAcQ4q2Oih7OQEFCXGTF/s320/lily_pot.jpg" title="Tuberose - Polianthes tuberosa " width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Polianthes tuberosa -</i><br />a heady scent from times past</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Andrea volunteers as chief propagator at Ham House (run by the National Trust) and is always on the lookout for plants which would have been known in the 17th century when the gardens were laid out.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On our tour she showed us this statuesque lily-like flower being grown in a pot. Known as the <i>'tuberose' </i>and used for centuries in perfumery, it's not a rose at all but a tuber related to agaves, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">native to Mexico and producing clusters of waxy flowers on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">spikes up to 45cm long.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Its fragrance is unforgettable and I've looked up a supplier online as it's unlikely to appear in a garden centre around here.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vAXUxqfMktP2UFS9q6n6jpe1CJDzoTbWVtSqtuMSChZDOv3Vb7OgShAVL0lTzYgS_nZdhFXXzQD0rbtinpw3nr-VgaoDv05-i1sZbi0rijR1ywFZokVG6RQCU5YL9m-46gSMIoJFT5-L/s1600/glazed_jars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Olive pots at Petersham Nurseries" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vAXUxqfMktP2UFS9q6n6jpe1CJDzoTbWVtSqtuMSChZDOv3Vb7OgShAVL0lTzYgS_nZdhFXXzQD0rbtinpw3nr-VgaoDv05-i1sZbi0rijR1ywFZokVG6RQCU5YL9m-46gSMIoJFT5-L/s320/glazed_jars.jpg" title="Olive pots at Petersham Nurseries" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Classic ochre pots, tastefully<br />displayed at Petersham Nurseries</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Walking back down the Thames towpath from Ham, Andrea took us on a detour to <a href="http://www.petershamnurseries.com/">Petersham Nurseries</a>... not just a plant centre but a wedding venue, and not simply a cafe but a Michelin-starred restaurant.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>As a thriving temple to the art of shabby-chic, i</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>t doesn't disappoint</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>! </i>This is a style which still thrives in parts of France, particularly Provence where there is more of a Roman influence, but has yet to make a comeback in the garden centres of Charente Maritime.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>If you're lucky, these half-glazed olive pots can still be found at local brocantes - but you'll need to haggle! </i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9DWauiEOr5yxO1JtC6tpJz356W9zhs0OavFe7JQsnCTX8ZeIYuXSZkb2aGc7VjW-sPGVZpNOBuV_5IGVmCDtFdQ8GweqtFWSuOVUdzuDeDsGTXAT4Yd7BPuLR5BlFoRQ99ci5Nxg_jhP/s1600/begonia_pots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Glazed pots at Petersham Nurseries" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9DWauiEOr5yxO1JtC6tpJz356W9zhs0OavFe7JQsnCTX8ZeIYuXSZkb2aGc7VjW-sPGVZpNOBuV_5IGVmCDtFdQ8GweqtFWSuOVUdzuDeDsGTXAT4Yd7BPuLR5BlFoRQ99ci5Nxg_jhP/s320/begonia_pots.jpg" title="Glazed pots at Petersham Nurseries" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Green glazed pots as a foil for begonias</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The seemingly casual displays at Petersham remind you of how important it is to match a plant to the right pot.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These dark-leaved begonias would look unappealing against terracotta, but a contrasting pale glaze shows off their colour and shape to perfection.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I particularly hate the craze for those plastic pots in fluorescent lime green or fuschia which are ubiquitous in French garden centres.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Maybe they look effective on a balcony or in a small courtyard, but in rural areas they're about as subtle as a flamingo set amongst lapwings, crudely clashing with whatever poor plant has been stuck on top!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpR3_Wo3v-SD7z8JB-XEPkc3sCbzIk6KnzNcvaHyrXHldVLLj4ZEezxdjPp1scctzl3QsAyDi0C5MXDgzXtgQFRYSj-DiHbdXP2SSO9br1WoLhiLpyF9Sapp_OtaFX2G01XZ7rc2z7sgs1/s1600/pots_colours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Selection of pots at Petersham Nurseries" border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpR3_Wo3v-SD7z8JB-XEPkc3sCbzIk6KnzNcvaHyrXHldVLLj4ZEezxdjPp1scctzl3QsAyDi0C5MXDgzXtgQFRYSj-DiHbdXP2SSO9br1WoLhiLpyF9Sapp_OtaFX2G01XZ7rc2z7sgs1/s400/pots_colours.jpg" title="Selection of pots at Petersham Nurseries" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pots that won't detract from flowers and leaves</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1q6xfsQBac6UGHa4XXbIBjcdNk2vw_HgVNrHOLZhzkpBKirWbSUrDvWIsSVyMyKCsDnpyeR5vgrPk6sd6B0mMQ9iGkBncYLOuM6IpDT9V0YeJt-bLz6ov4pdJOFafhFWZ_9p_pQ6vV0DA/s1600/scotney_castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Scotney Castle, Kent" border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1q6xfsQBac6UGHa4XXbIBjcdNk2vw_HgVNrHOLZhzkpBKirWbSUrDvWIsSVyMyKCsDnpyeR5vgrPk6sd6B0mMQ9iGkBncYLOuM6IpDT9V0YeJt-bLz6ov4pdJOFafhFWZ_9p_pQ6vV0DA/s400/scotney_castle.jpg" title="Scotney Castle, Kent" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Romantic 14th century <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle">Scotney Castle in Kent</a></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Somewhere which was bound to make us feel nostalgic for England and the<i> 'Garden of Kent' </i>was Scotney Castle.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We stayed with another cousin - Barbara - in nearby Tunbridge Wells and she treated us to a day out visiting two of the National Trust properties with photogenic gardens.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAXF4hmklFIH7ebZRKcKfR6WVWeqYlzApdFAbuzHlJb5ZOAvCN6tsGLPcQa8pPPQhh-tnE1lqT8FJCfkiqo40Vhq-e7OxGC-mgF_rm5mlpG8VBKNfhXQpFA3h1j9QjI7K_GWsdV9X4K_F/s1600/scotney_display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Plant display at Scotney Castle, Kent" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAXF4hmklFIH7ebZRKcKfR6WVWeqYlzApdFAbuzHlJb5ZOAvCN6tsGLPcQa8pPPQhh-tnE1lqT8FJCfkiqo40Vhq-e7OxGC-mgF_rm5mlpG8VBKNfhXQpFA3h1j9QjI7K_GWsdV9X4K_F/s320/scotney_display.jpg" title="Plant display at Scotney Castle, Kent" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A seasonal display of plants and shrubs</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>As with Beth Chatto's enterprise, a real effort has been made to provide clear and interesting information for both the novice and more experienced gardener.</i></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(Visitors ask the same questions all the time, so why not make things like plant names as visible as possible?)</span></i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Aside from the naturalistic gardens around the part-ruined castle, lake and moat, there is also an extensive nursery which is well worth exploring.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvoQoUQ6WOCmd1vu-7BtytPkFRcpuMQrzwZMb94WbuFg-zkvjPbIe-6s_s_cUQM5z_gPdG7USx3eEZCP2fsfjvaVs5FT1iIr6pk0vlnKWxQiyshIhq8dp2TxW7osa1Ril6gKTsqmcJS-j/s1600/white_dahlia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dahlia 'Twyning's After Eight'" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvoQoUQ6WOCmd1vu-7BtytPkFRcpuMQrzwZMb94WbuFg-zkvjPbIe-6s_s_cUQM5z_gPdG7USx3eEZCP2fsfjvaVs5FT1iIr6pk0vlnKWxQiyshIhq8dp2TxW7osa1Ril6gKTsqmcJS-j/s320/white_dahlia.jpg" title="Dahlia 'Twyning's After Eight'" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dahlia 'Twyning's After Eight'<br />(with RHS Award of Garden Merit)</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When we were there in early October, a host of different dahlias were coming into bloom and I have to admit that even the most garish of them look fabulous when grown <i>en masse </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">in a riot of colour.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If I could opt for just one, I think I'd pick this more restrained white variety with its single flowers up to 8cm across, and dark almost black foliage. <i>Yum!</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Now that <a href="http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/">Chiltern Seeds</a> new catalogue has arrived, we're all set to dream away those long winter evenings...</i></span><br />
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-25000995500984155012016-11-30T09:54:00.003-08:002016-11-30T10:47:24.228-08:00November<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"There is a harmony</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>In Autumn, and a lustre in its sky..."</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Percy Bysshe Shelley</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Such a spectacular autumn this year, lasting a full month from mid-October and all the more colourful for there being so many leaves hanging onto the trees, despite a dry spell at the end of summer.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xr8FWqH8RKrmw1bHPu-fG8-zUzBjlU8tP_pmps6Nqpxg9SkFAEb8ORPkhMekUhhTOjE-OIL9BM0RB9-YzE45z-lUBiylVOKp3idwJVaWp7WnMJgvxS_KeRmIdYWA6gvXiaD_GPkTa0vb/s1600/opulus2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Viburnum opulus" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xr8FWqH8RKrmw1bHPu-fG8-zUzBjlU8tP_pmps6Nqpxg9SkFAEb8ORPkhMekUhhTOjE-OIL9BM0RB9-YzE45z-lUBiylVOKp3idwJVaWp7WnMJgvxS_KeRmIdYWA6gvXiaD_GPkTa0vb/s320/opulus2.jpg" title="Viburnum opulus" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Viburnum opulus</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Viburnum opulus</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Also known as the 'snowball tree' for its white blooms, this was quite late in producing an array of subtle tints after many other trees had already shed their leaves.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The various types of ash growing locally were particularly vivid in their shades of yellow and we've been sweeping up leaves for the past month, filling both leaf bin and compost heap - all contributing to useful humus for future plantings.</i></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwdBWlXEEqCE5qw1TaXRXi-wgP1bM5rZcHgjpjn_XDE6mXqfX5YeiHRyJs0JPvEnsbi8ZQtkvc58zR20-495o4a3AbOEdAugdDyyEbNtZ_Jxjw4ANpsPtczHD2kODzenHcnwWYSxGhNF3/s1600/ash_plumbago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Autumn colours in the garden" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwdBWlXEEqCE5qw1TaXRXi-wgP1bM5rZcHgjpjn_XDE6mXqfX5YeiHRyJs0JPvEnsbi8ZQtkvc58zR20-495o4a3AbOEdAugdDyyEbNtZ_Jxjw4ANpsPtczHD2kODzenHcnwWYSxGhNF3/s320/ash_plumbago.jpg" title="Autumn colours in the garden" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fallen ash leaves contrasting with the<br />wine-red foliage of hardy plumbago</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately we've come to the conclusion that <i>Ceratostigma plumbagnoides, </i>that pretty blue-flowered hardy plumbago which does so well in dry unforgiving soil, is just too invasive for our small garden.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As with many ground cover plants, it served a useful purpose in providing colour when the beds were getting established, but is now leaching both space and nutrients from other desirable specimens which need a more 'careful' upbringing. <i>Yes, we're getting more discriminating these days!</i></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEk-jPK9whwlTgINPPnaQQAw-3E4l3M6COKAAmdqmXWX7WwmRKzX1lRAVu_5dJR1it-wYwhZusYTd5OvMamjbtcOU_qZE9W9cvbu_islk9OQrSBy6em76lTCYPgexpesm55MTgSCNOSvo/s1600/physocarpus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Physocarpus opulifolius" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEk-jPK9whwlTgINPPnaQQAw-3E4l3M6COKAAmdqmXWX7WwmRKzX1lRAVu_5dJR1it-wYwhZusYTd5OvMamjbtcOU_qZE9W9cvbu_islk9OQrSBy6em76lTCYPgexpesm55MTgSCNOSvo/s320/physocarpus.jpg" title="Physocarpus opulifolius" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Physocarpus opulifolius</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Physocarpus opulifolius</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This may well be the variety 'Diabolo', which is described as <i>"a stunning, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub"</i>, and is not necessarily something we would have heard of - let alone chosen for the garden - until recently when realising we needed more contrast in terms of leaf colour.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although it's said to prefer acid soil, we've planted it in quite a chalky area and it's still thriving after two years.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Its leaves can appear almost black or bronzy red, depending on the season; you can cut it to the ground in early spring if you want to keep it compact, otherwise it can soon reach three meters in both height and spread.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXExv64hiqZ-nhJ7tGF4tZjUKK2AwBDptaBryJ30dhRtFPx2ZtYKmBCG1HVwdKDVD6jwdfN6-qmASUzTJ_zmRD52-Z9l9JUb0_tWvxvm-49DDyaqbu5kQlQdGr0Ch03AF8pXRWsW_ILo7/s1600/hellebore_jekyll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Helleborus foetidus 'Miss Jekyll's Scented'" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXExv64hiqZ-nhJ7tGF4tZjUKK2AwBDptaBryJ30dhRtFPx2ZtYKmBCG1HVwdKDVD6jwdfN6-qmASUzTJ_zmRD52-Z9l9JUb0_tWvxvm-49DDyaqbu5kQlQdGr0Ch03AF8pXRWsW_ILo7/s320/hellebore_jekyll.jpg" title="Helleborus foetidus 'Miss Jekyll's Scented'" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Helleborus foetidus</i><br />'Miss Jekyll's Scented'</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Helleborus foetidus</span></i> 'Miss Jekyll's Scented' - <i>now here's a plant with really black foliage!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Again, I hadn't appreciated that fact when I grew it from seed a couple of years ago, as I was more intrigued by the prospect of having a perfume like mahonia wafting through the garden. (So promised my favourite catalogue supplied by those poetic folk at <a href="http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/">Chiltern Seeds</a> ☺)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As yet the flowers haven't fully opened but the slow evolution of this statuesque specimen has really piqued my interest, especially as it's decided to bloom now when everything else is dying down.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLdMwrBdniMWAhpYCv3As88TTCEtKuA4wJ8ejEJ1yVTYtVGbV4Og7X4vrbM1OpqMIUtcFOvNyUm69dN_cnEn8hyi_ATO81r_X_SRqutTLQJ-HHiwa76gy9z8mNAWcvSMXc86jfvUEqEA8/s1600/salvia_elegans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Salvia elegans" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLdMwrBdniMWAhpYCv3As88TTCEtKuA4wJ8ejEJ1yVTYtVGbV4Og7X4vrbM1OpqMIUtcFOvNyUm69dN_cnEn8hyi_ATO81r_X_SRqutTLQJ-HHiwa76gy9z8mNAWcvSMXc86jfvUEqEA8/s320/salvia_elegans.jpg" title="Salvia elegans" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Slow-burning <i>Salvia elegans</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>That doesn't apply to the amazing South American salvias which only began blooming about six weeks ago, despite two of them being in almost permanent shade now.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>These plants are usually hardy down to -6'C but it's probably a good idea to grow (and protect) some cuttings - if you can actually find any suitable non-flowering shoots!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRP47g77QG5cl-q9o7Mzkb8-JkSDSzG6cM4AgPtDb0vxas-AeDqNbUkpG71eVJlP4kv6CqYtbDgKerRo5yQXR9zS4_jccxyHfV6EGBFOp2T0mKTw39dfO9OmMBYsJFR4mqY9A4vr5k4YZ/s1600/acer_colour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Acer Palmatum" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRP47g77QG5cl-q9o7Mzkb8-JkSDSzG6cM4AgPtDb0vxas-AeDqNbUkpG71eVJlP4kv6CqYtbDgKerRo5yQXR9zS4_jccxyHfV6EGBFOp2T0mKTw39dfO9OmMBYsJFR4mqY9A4vr5k4YZ/s320/acer_colour.jpg" title="Acer Palmatum" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Still turning - <i>Acer Palmatum</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Determined not to be outdone, at the other end of the garden our Japanese maple is finally putting on its autumn coat, having stayed green for an unusually long time.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Last year it went red in August, seemingly as a result of being stressed in hot weather; but now it's clearly much happier having been sunk - still in its pot - into a raised bed of deep soil.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4GbbyOyLYfLfieOUdPOjsX560P-BtqdD_GWsTQ088rACU08c0aBq-E1wEDGhRdNpZFexPKpY7_Emo5tUFyV3z8jHj_bDmXpdTF4XF82Y4ZLJdWMoM3meyO2efhykQ0Svhc0g5xjPWjTo/s1600/camellia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Camellia sasanqua" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4GbbyOyLYfLfieOUdPOjsX560P-BtqdD_GWsTQ088rACU08c0aBq-E1wEDGhRdNpZFexPKpY7_Emo5tUFyV3z8jHj_bDmXpdTF4XF82Y4ZLJdWMoM3meyO2efhykQ0Svhc0g5xjPWjTo/s320/camellia.jpg" title="Camellia sasanqua" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Camellia sasanqua</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In a corner of the woodland area which still gets some afternoon sunshine, we planted a beautiful autumn-flowering <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Camellia sasanqua</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> given to us by friends a couple of years ago.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I think it's probably a variety called 'Plantation Pink' and we were a little disappointed to begin with as it was slow to flower, despite being potted in ericaceous compost. But, again, it seems to be proof that some perennials just need to be in the right location in order to thrive.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although soil here is still a bit on the chalky side, we planted it in humus under the large ash tree, next to other woodland plants like foxgloves, and it has already rewarded us with a succession of blooms.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUriiI5Rg9Dh7f-FMUf6Ac9LqDS_SI8J9ZodNnAnzpE35vhEZwKXnznuq29SHWE52_a36XaLHt_RLRp2k4roFtR1P4Z3KkX2zFeiZG64_sCio7Bai7VlXL5gEaVP_sTKoDgYs_RWoETqTl/s1600/arbutus_unedo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Strawberry Tree - Arbutus unedo" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUriiI5Rg9Dh7f-FMUf6Ac9LqDS_SI8J9ZodNnAnzpE35vhEZwKXnznuq29SHWE52_a36XaLHt_RLRp2k4roFtR1P4Z3KkX2zFeiZG64_sCio7Bai7VlXL5gEaVP_sTKoDgYs_RWoETqTl/s320/arbutus_unedo.jpg" title="The Strawberry Tree - Arbutus unedo" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Strawberry Tree - <i>Arbutus unedo -</i><br />another woodland shrub, grown under the ash canopy</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRo2EJdkIXXeCtZkeqIM84qNC-tekE5ovgNUdbUcF_B_Fpxzj4d-mRkHf9Nkr9HbqMG0zy-uWtrxgX4BH30MXdOOmAoaaiFiG-VoCPbuGaoqOIGRdipVVWH3k1G-Y5VAyRwz9KlsLWqzY/s1600/viola_whiskers2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Viola x Wittrockiana 'Cats Mix'" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRo2EJdkIXXeCtZkeqIM84qNC-tekE5ovgNUdbUcF_B_Fpxzj4d-mRkHf9Nkr9HbqMG0zy-uWtrxgX4BH30MXdOOmAoaaiFiG-VoCPbuGaoqOIGRdipVVWH3k1G-Y5VAyRwz9KlsLWqzY/s200/viola_whiskers2.jpg" title="Viola x Wittrockiana 'Cats Mix'" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Viola x Wittrockiana</i> 'Cats Mix'</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP62CMozmoLan3Ho9kk7xP7hqhUPbMYT-2OTPt-kXhnDXlNOKfzI1bcqwXoomUHMGO8rw6Kt5ytuU9FlawX3jpnYEBkHCA2dcg7gIy1ykfHx9VZY_OsVqDxhyh132JSDL1GyeaxqkGn-NW/s1600/viola_whiskers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Viola x Wittrockiana 'Cats Mix'" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP62CMozmoLan3Ho9kk7xP7hqhUPbMYT-2OTPt-kXhnDXlNOKfzI1bcqwXoomUHMGO8rw6Kt5ytuU9FlawX3jpnYEBkHCA2dcg7gIy1ykfHx9VZY_OsVqDxhyh132JSDL1GyeaxqkGn-NW/s200/viola_whiskers.jpg" title="Viola x Wittrockiana 'Cats Mix'" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Viola x Wittrockiana</i> 'Cats Mix'</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Like these F1 hybrids grown from seed, certainly help to brighten a shady garden in winter.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Worth ordering from Chiltern Seeds!</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGXlYxmvg2NIJE2D9Io90ZlbdmzKkJXH0rhPC40_mKMMJIaP32NMPRXfmgqDV0pEMFaTufWuEQFvD0uaohTEYEma1B_Il8FOiLpqPZAExyLf0uUChccwrI610jWZuC1DSKIyFOq0qxlj5/s1600/lake_grasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ornamental grasses in autumn" border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGXlYxmvg2NIJE2D9Io90ZlbdmzKkJXH0rhPC40_mKMMJIaP32NMPRXfmgqDV0pEMFaTufWuEQFvD0uaohTEYEma1B_Il8FOiLpqPZAExyLf0uUChccwrI610jWZuC1DSKIyFOq0qxlj5/s400/lake_grasses.jpg" title="Ornamental grasses in autumn" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The edge of our neighbour's lake -<br />showing just how beautiful grasses can be in autumn</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs88BEgvMxHVyyquleGfq8695zf2FL54cQzT-0AnChcSei0Rk5oooWXh1fyIryspsJGvoOlzPKw-i0_HWhBpzZh21CwnUlgvw1EfXGJ54046ulmSPsxELcyxcc4QzC56CIbuSUgMgMIwSF/s1600/marais_mist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Les Monards - mist over the marais" border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs88BEgvMxHVyyquleGfq8695zf2FL54cQzT-0AnChcSei0Rk5oooWXh1fyIryspsJGvoOlzPKw-i0_HWhBpzZh21CwnUlgvw1EfXGJ54046ulmSPsxELcyxcc4QzC56CIbuSUgMgMIwSF/s400/marais_mist.jpg" title="Les Monards - mist over the marais" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Morning mist over the <i>marais -</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">with reeds and teasels in the foreground</span></td></tr>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Two good reasons for getting up early on a cold November morning!</span></i><br />
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-26110044188629770882016-09-12T07:28:00.002-07:002016-09-12T08:03:12.184-07:00September<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"We never know the worth of water till the well is dry"</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Thomas Fuller, 1732</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-V6edAx9R83lWvGybvW_51uJrFya2-ZGqxwIE9zx3Yip3HlyMhvVqIlymYsb5VSl5W3jetrZFpYiiwO515yAQtJL8OrsvGSqw2tOTHug9G4ucea0qw-i9J2CcbzGbXD75q5eX8Va1kQWI/s1600/wide_sauvage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cote Sauvage, Charente Maritime" border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-V6edAx9R83lWvGybvW_51uJrFya2-ZGqxwIE9zx3Yip3HlyMhvVqIlymYsb5VSl5W3jetrZFpYiiwO515yAQtJL8OrsvGSqw2tOTHug9G4ucea0qw-i9J2CcbzGbXD75q5eX8Va1kQWI/s400/wide_sauvage.jpg" title="Cote Sauvage, Charente Maritime" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A welcome sight on another hot afternoon</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We did think that once August was over we'd be able to enjoy the relative coolness of September... </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>but not this year, apparently!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">High daytime temperatures have continued into another week; our 'run-off' well and the rain butt have both been dry for some time; now there's no choice but to turn on a tap and use the watering system occasionally.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXpsk0VK1XVCOcfhgSSQb5VPT5hFaC4OFlxNVOB6X3Rufih2lmvQZDD-J_I6z4eVczY8wUBZ8G16x3KVd2Y-3XFTKekRWUfhggBiXFVEPWqvL5uzAFR8rcwHNcsYavbR-AjueTNsYF_ec/s1600/oak_eggar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Oak Eggar moth" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXpsk0VK1XVCOcfhgSSQb5VPT5hFaC4OFlxNVOB6X3Rufih2lmvQZDD-J_I6z4eVczY8wUBZ8G16x3KVd2Y-3XFTKekRWUfhggBiXFVEPWqvL5uzAFR8rcwHNcsYavbR-AjueTNsYF_ec/s200/oak_eggar.jpg" title="Oak Eggar moth" width="144" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>At least our nights have been comparatively cool so the plants have a chance to recover, and early morning provides our best chance of doing some gardening.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hot weather always brings out a few interesting insects and we admired this attractive and furry Oak Eggar moth resting in a window recess.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHXzZuCXqjunigYwr5JPPpktl6LTkxaglEztUdYqCSw6-h9vmHJURHzTf05OT1lcgGw0tm6cAJ6s4LoQOWOMGgPJ5vJG2HgIdDEwsDkYyToC1x0vw0kDQ726onRfPegRYzLvbVsUuK3Fn/s1600/brimstone2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="hardy plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides)" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHXzZuCXqjunigYwr5JPPpktl6LTkxaglEztUdYqCSw6-h9vmHJURHzTf05OT1lcgGw0tm6cAJ6s4LoQOWOMGgPJ5vJG2HgIdDEwsDkYyToC1x0vw0kDQ726onRfPegRYzLvbVsUuK3Fn/s200/brimstone2.jpg" title="hardy plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides)" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Brimstone butterfly feeding<br />on hardy plumbago</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The pale yellow butterfly on the right is a frequent visitor in September, drawn to the hardy plumbago (<i>Ceratostigma plumbaginoides)</i> and other blue flowers.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My book tells me that such a <i>"buttery yellow fly"</i> may have been the inspiration behind calling these fluttery creatures butterflies.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(As this fellow appears green in some lights, it may in fact be a <i>Cleopatra </i>rather than a <i>Brimstone</i>... they're hard to tell apart!)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvM0jV8Qg7EA0BhnvYbHg2xpXa2OFcYlNRR3mei8iPM4ogzP0HKW4qRsT6lWdVAiMKJcU6kc2D3kpFKQWNBNN7gga_c54CuIYkuFAChJSGikNl2HWVLbNUomI2j75HJPWLWzZqLjH935zW/s1600/herb_bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="La Maree garden" border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvM0jV8Qg7EA0BhnvYbHg2xpXa2OFcYlNRR3mei8iPM4ogzP0HKW4qRsT6lWdVAiMKJcU6kc2D3kpFKQWNBNN7gga_c54CuIYkuFAChJSGikNl2HWVLbNUomI2j75HJPWLWzZqLjH935zW/s400/herb_bed.jpg" title="La Maree garden" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Herb bed with flowering hyssop and salvia</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On the left of this picture are the cloudy pink heads of <i>Sedum </i>'Matrona'<i>, </i>which we've found to be<i> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">one of the best sedums for attracting bees and hoverflies. (Its fleshy stems and leaves can look untidy, so perhaps it's not best at the front of the border.)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The rosemary you see here on the mid-right (above) is one we grew from a cutting and Christina is keeping it carefully trimmed to form a columnar shape. As we're unable to grow cypress trees here, I'm keen to find out just how tall she can get it :-)</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVuoxz3QnI985-ZUY-aXaW1nvgFQK12M9UKSkHLgfEfQw_BPJrOXV7_8ay0IEt86So08OapEYJB1qFlndNd7PIkty1Jy-6KxC7Zga1Xa-UCCU0PkebU_uV9CBa2GvbYPXNpzoCBWZYen9/s1600/dianthus_lavender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cerastium tomentosum and Dianthus plumarius" border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVuoxz3QnI985-ZUY-aXaW1nvgFQK12M9UKSkHLgfEfQw_BPJrOXV7_8ay0IEt86So08OapEYJB1qFlndNd7PIkty1Jy-6KxC7Zga1Xa-UCCU0PkebU_uV9CBa2GvbYPXNpzoCBWZYen9/s400/dianthus_lavender.jpg" title="Cerastium tomentosum and Dianthus plumarius" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Silvery foliage of <i>Cerastium tomentosum</i> and <i>Dianthus plumarius</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Plants with silver leaves withstand dry conditions very well, although they'll produce more flowers with the occasional drop of water.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>We also discovered that lavenders planted in semi-shade will bloom a couple of months later than usual and their nectar seems to be much sought after by butterflies visiting us now in late summer.</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Gsztj942nOrGhv8JgMHSENYxL8i-3g3SK8R3TZqftKQrr7uuaXCdD2O-mMFvv4WcSo3SpR1sZ9lC9n4gN4sGxi9-mZXU_qEFqVc7QkerdlrRgzlh7uGFt355ewWkaVDVolPTLuwJzmoC/s1600/hibiscus_heleniums.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hibiscus flowering with heleniums and rudbeckia" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Gsztj942nOrGhv8JgMHSENYxL8i-3g3SK8R3TZqftKQrr7uuaXCdD2O-mMFvv4WcSo3SpR1sZ9lC9n4gN4sGxi9-mZXU_qEFqVc7QkerdlrRgzlh7uGFt355ewWkaVDVolPTLuwJzmoC/s320/hibiscus_heleniums.jpg" title="Hibiscus flowering with heleniums and rudbeckia" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hibiscus flowering with heleniums<br />and rudbeckia</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hibiscus </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">is another plant whose flowers can be delayed when it's sited in a shady area.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We were drawn to this variety with white petals, blotched with a maroon centre, and took some seedlings from a friend's garden. <i>(It's a plant which sets seed easily, particularly in sandy soil.)</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">White blooms always stand out well in dark corners; here they make a bright contrast with the ubiquitous autumn tones of orange and yellow.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our other more mature hibiscus shrubs are practically trees now, sited in the front south-facing garden, and have all but finished flowering.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_keqM16Q8r70HwH-6R_BoZrgTtNsP-WJHNoMqdsOojCyGUcx0MCaFNGZXPewrqW2aUO5Gg9SmzEz-fPc3AkGbjjZ-sDCM3cQ_uBCDmn-OdFn92XJhx-3PYVNg-Wi0ecxPd2hZ9MYYXtjL/s1600/salvia_farinacea2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Salvia farinacea 'Fairy Queen' " border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_keqM16Q8r70HwH-6R_BoZrgTtNsP-WJHNoMqdsOojCyGUcx0MCaFNGZXPewrqW2aUO5Gg9SmzEz-fPc3AkGbjjZ-sDCM3cQ_uBCDmn-OdFn92XJhx-3PYVNg-Wi0ecxPd2hZ9MYYXtjL/s320/salvia_farinacea2.jpg" title="Salvia farinacea 'Fairy Queen' " width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Salvia farinacea</i> 'Fairy Queen' </span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another plant which is performing well in semi-shade is this little <i>Salvia farinacea</i> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">from <a href="http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/">Chiltern Seeds</a> which I sowed on a window sill at the end of March. When in bud, the stems look just like emerging spikes of lavender, but they soon open out into pretty blue and white flower heads.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1J_8OVxIc1asMXI4WHxozRIpWM3v_eWoeykITPc2z4IEkYl0vlMHB01fXFlW-J6F3toeSq9wIl_pmn2VEzfvK1r0UcUscO6e6uge67ChWFbGp1DdEzqCnZ3riVDnYbVJkgD-MmXXIwe1t/s1600/hydrangea_anenome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hydrangea 'Early Sensation' with Japanese anenomes" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1J_8OVxIc1asMXI4WHxozRIpWM3v_eWoeykITPc2z4IEkYl0vlMHB01fXFlW-J6F3toeSq9wIl_pmn2VEzfvK1r0UcUscO6e6uge67ChWFbGp1DdEzqCnZ3riVDnYbVJkgD-MmXXIwe1t/s320/hydrangea_anenome.jpg" title="Hydrangea 'Early Sensation' with Japanese anenomes" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hydrangea 'Early Sensation' with<br />Japanese anenomes</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hydrangeas </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">have suffered from the intense afternoon heat but we've tried to help them by putting a layer of leaf-mould around their roots.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They definitely prefer a shady area and we took care to plant them below the tall barn wall where other shrubs might find it difficult to thrive. As the soil is very chalky there, we occasionally have to water in some <i>Sequestrene</i> (chelated iron) to stop their leaves from turning yellow.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Anenome japonica</i> 'Honorine Jobert' also does well in this border and looks rather fetching amongst the fading pinkish blooms of <i>Hydrangea</i> 'Early Sensation'.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgMbl3uMIuPxGw-ThVK6C_EAu7MtSBynXIwaMBnetdINGbdWQnLWlaDXaNX0L2OSfOG4neL6FvMuz0USshwetYCi4yIPHv_gU8HaUTiC1zKAuQq2H6tGx22xsJKxxXN3WJ5YIQFRRoDio/s1600/pennisetum_rudbeckia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Chinese Fountain Grass' with Rudbeckia hirta " border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgMbl3uMIuPxGw-ThVK6C_EAu7MtSBynXIwaMBnetdINGbdWQnLWlaDXaNX0L2OSfOG4neL6FvMuz0USshwetYCi4yIPHv_gU8HaUTiC1zKAuQq2H6tGx22xsJKxxXN3WJ5YIQFRRoDio/s400/pennisetum_rudbeckia.jpg" title="Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Chinese Fountain Grass' with Rudbeckia hirta " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Pennisetum alopecuroides </i>'Chinese Fountain Grass' with <i>Rudbeckia hirta</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Grasses</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">of course,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">blend happily with almost any flower, diffusing and enhancing the bold colours of popular 'prairie plants' such as rudbeckia and echinacea.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Maybe I'm biased because I love the effects of filtered light when I photograph the garden, so I wouldn't be without some kind of ornamental grass even though it can take up valuable space and look quite boring for much of the year! </i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPsMSaOBf9hRQqoA04WrCxaIyP8sh5WbRZjA6KU_4RP8xXJx9Z3L0vjL0VQZICjJg8o0bDw3T9mOycW7qAjxXyTV89CFmP5NqJr7EuIy7yujB7U2_Lj0VatSrJ0r_bIJGK-9kSxp7vRwp/s1600/september4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Late summer blooms" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPsMSaOBf9hRQqoA04WrCxaIyP8sh5WbRZjA6KU_4RP8xXJx9Z3L0vjL0VQZICjJg8o0bDw3T9mOycW7qAjxXyTV89CFmP5NqJr7EuIy7yujB7U2_Lj0VatSrJ0r_bIJGK-9kSxp7vRwp/s400/september4.jpg" title="Late summer blooms" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sunny rudbeckia with Salvia 'Black & Blue', <i>Catananche caerulea,<br />Caryopteris clandonensis </i>and <i>Verbena rigida</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Christina enjoys picking a few seasonal blooms to decorate the table and I particularly liked this combination of yellow and blue - plus a bit of mauve from the verbena.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAqe2XrFwyecr4Fh-Yw7d4UAk50tDlRMQDYZtTeGj4lkDjNhFeyzcd7ZyEzpkEA-VJUxr9AvyMkAUhNpTduuwgIKeUOsP401n8-ZT2HHMHoAWDkcg52zBNMgM_Ts-S0CBZW7pJc_9DyNy/s1600/veronica_longifolia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Veronica longifolia 'Blue Shades' and Echinacea purpurea" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAqe2XrFwyecr4Fh-Yw7d4UAk50tDlRMQDYZtTeGj4lkDjNhFeyzcd7ZyEzpkEA-VJUxr9AvyMkAUhNpTduuwgIKeUOsP401n8-ZT2HHMHoAWDkcg52zBNMgM_Ts-S0CBZW7pJc_9DyNy/s320/veronica_longifolia.jpg" title="Veronica longifolia 'Blue Shades' and Echinacea purpurea" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Veronica longifolia</i> 'Blue Shades' providing contrast<br />to the mature blooms of <i>Echinacea purpurea</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This handsome veronica is another plant from Chiltern Seeds which I grew earlier this year and is flowering away in borders and pots.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>When the sun continues getting hotter and hotter throughout the afternoon, there's only one place to go...</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4v8qLTSQdcu0DUqfEfOpG78LYF09kGxhxFip9LwhLJd1pwxATwL49OdcTjQMDLP0WZNMuT2OjxhMJilEeWrANSNltJgUJr32b35w6m0kETx_NcLhHCZzOOiCeTAGanL6dg8yv46hPgqAW/s1600/wide_surf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Surfers on the Cote Sauvage" border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4v8qLTSQdcu0DUqfEfOpG78LYF09kGxhxFip9LwhLJd1pwxATwL49OdcTjQMDLP0WZNMuT2OjxhMJilEeWrANSNltJgUJr32b35w6m0kETx_NcLhHCZzOOiCeTAGanL6dg8yv46hPgqAW/s400/wide_surf.jpg" title="Surfers on the Cote Sauvage" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Surfers on the Cote Sauvage</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfInl9qfWaNToETi5ytQvqXYp4-bn2qg8DV1OCT5O1I2mTZsyqzu1OGLunlvwIiSF_C-vvBiKXikySBz8-AL1oyc37HogkvDz2xWCbxHiZ4fvq1McrgzIqRvWr2pgdvuTAu4WhD8mviuFh/s1600/sunset_sreaks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Plage des Vergnes, Charente Maritime" border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfInl9qfWaNToETi5ytQvqXYp4-bn2qg8DV1OCT5O1I2mTZsyqzu1OGLunlvwIiSF_C-vvBiKXikySBz8-AL1oyc37HogkvDz2xWCbxHiZ4fvq1McrgzIqRvWr2pgdvuTAu4WhD8mviuFh/s400/sunset_sreaks.jpg" title="Plage des Vergnes, Charente Maritime" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>... and with nightfall comes a cool breeze at last!</i></span></td></tr>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-19790407549066026272016-08-12T06:15:00.001-07:002016-08-12T07:49:18.137-07:00Early August<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"Modest plants can mean as much to me</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>as their flamboyant neighbours."</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Beth Chatto</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyue8lnRFx4nJhmYX2wyivpxCgJ_JqF1LTd8lbxNXJdmd8sXxx6SE33TAXC0w0fwxFInqe2FSz4by6kmPQqxmhvPE4CJgLyWkoWp80ArdPVxyAAhr-QwLBBzX4_LstN6D-Se7V8u3Q1wsK/s1600/wide_earlygarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cottage garden in Charente Maritime" border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyue8lnRFx4nJhmYX2wyivpxCgJ_JqF1LTd8lbxNXJdmd8sXxx6SE33TAXC0w0fwxFInqe2FSz4by6kmPQqxmhvPE4CJgLyWkoWp80ArdPVxyAAhr-QwLBBzX4_LstN6D-Se7V8u3Q1wsK/s400/wide_earlygarden.jpg" title="Cottage garden in Charente Maritime" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Soft early light making the crocosmia glow</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When gardening in a hotter climate, it's tempting to grow as many new and exotic flowers as you can find, to establish a complete change of palette from the subtle greys and greens of the British Isles.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMt_1HXu-2cTLIUrV5As7qmdl5cKkhKe72ZDYaY58-wjiOc-aWJDqk-4K95Af5H1nLYKOBmveISoAPHD2D9_a866J6E6x3ToYR8LzX3Pva4Gzm0vORI6Y5_jTUoEJge8KJzWeNXKbWwgxY/s1600/crocosmia_emily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie'" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMt_1HXu-2cTLIUrV5As7qmdl5cKkhKe72ZDYaY58-wjiOc-aWJDqk-4K95Af5H1nLYKOBmveISoAPHD2D9_a866J6E6x3ToYR8LzX3Pva4Gzm0vORI6Y5_jTUoEJge8KJzWeNXKbWwgxY/s320/crocosmia_emily.jpg" title="Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie'" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Crocosmia</i> 'Emily McKenzie'<br />- a touch of the tropics</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But, as Beth Chatto points out when talking about the merits of choosing sedums, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"Too many star performers lumped together can become quarrelsome".</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We've picked a few fiery colours to liven up the late summer hiatus, but they're interspersed with lots of foliage plants like silvery dianthus, lavender and cistus which provide calming cushions to rest the eye.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In fact, nearly all of our plants can grow in southeast England, it's just that the added heat and sun here makes them quicker to flower and they are less prone to disease. (Likewise, seeds are much easier to germinate and suffer less damping-off.)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighuhFD23pnXRV6sROFVn6HgxrlyQZXHxqNTP7B0adWcZWmQra2-qBTfm0JKUweCn5IHfSjTBji-371NPv6SccGkiwqtkYJ1euUUo0d_MGUKMX6EvU2Ri5mpInnCx5D4ui9edr4a2AJFj3/s1600/acer_laurentia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighuhFD23pnXRV6sROFVn6HgxrlyQZXHxqNTP7B0adWcZWmQra2-qBTfm0JKUweCn5IHfSjTBji-371NPv6SccGkiwqtkYJ1euUUo0d_MGUKMX6EvU2Ri5mpInnCx5D4ui9edr4a2AJFj3/s320/acer_laurentia.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An ebullient acer, underplanted with laurentia</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pests & diseases</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRK63DIqL4kkSAfNiv6d_jEcZrUYsdBKB-EZP5s77Efm7r6D0R9K3X56kVm_30uwQcSMYmkuc_919vN6v-RmYxWBPL_ol7pDpHIVvXhNfwmZESRR9valMigweOV-xYq5XxcJrd6O1Hjms/s1600/coccineal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Coccenille farineuse" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRK63DIqL4kkSAfNiv6d_jEcZrUYsdBKB-EZP5s77Efm7r6D0R9K3X56kVm_30uwQcSMYmkuc_919vN6v-RmYxWBPL_ol7pDpHIVvXhNfwmZESRR9valMigweOV-xYq5XxcJrd6O1Hjms/s200/coccineal.jpg" title="Coccenille farineuse" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Underside of acer leaf<br />with white deposit of</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <i>Coccenille farineuse</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>However, there's never any room for complacency in a gardener's life... U</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>nless you pay close attention to all plants and shrubs, even when they appear to be doing well they can be harboring nasties like this white stuff on the left. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>This inocuous coccoon-like substance, found in a leaf axil or stuck under the leaf itself, is in fact a type of mealybug which can cause great damage to outdoor shrubs as well as indoor plants. (See RHS pages for more details and information on how to treat it.)</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS83fayCeo8pBAFEbac7r1ZKHRORh2x4asjV4js0gEkucEQZ-tXty4Z6k5V9lvnP9-WShubBFHlJprw3C-Pvk_ens2C915IJEeYufOKsDA_CFBCMsTmKvsu2k9zP6iPj6XJMCTXfUp-a67/s1600/tinus_leaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS83fayCeo8pBAFEbac7r1ZKHRORh2x4asjV4js0gEkucEQZ-tXty4Z6k5V9lvnP9-WShubBFHlJprw3C-Pvk_ens2C915IJEeYufOKsDA_CFBCMsTmKvsu2k9zP6iPj6XJMCTXfUp-a67/s200/tinus_leaf.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Infected leaf of<br /><i>Viburnum tinus</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here in France there's an outdoor type we've recently found infesting a mature <i>Viburnum tinus</i> next to the house. It took us a while to notice that its leaves were discoloured and dropping off with a kind of honeydew infection. Then on closer inspection we found those tell-tale white deposits (as on the acer above).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We laboriously picked out any <i>coccenille</i> and removed affected viburnum leaves, before spraying the whole shrub with Roseclear.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Where our little acer is concerned, however, none of its leaves seem to have suffered from honeydew, so I hope that removing the <i>coccenille</i> deposits has stopped any infection spreading.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzw4rQ08sLxKbpoKMORd7Ie4uUV8xe7bPAysbkvR-JkJOC-wTE-VIkC1iMKcMfZeKhG5o-XXkiCmKjytmAVDxV2KoH_ra7QUOs87ZbmTqG2SkQ0988LiR6By1lGgF91yhSuCRxf_vx2TL/s1600/centaurea_scabiosa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Centaurea montana " border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzw4rQ08sLxKbpoKMORd7Ie4uUV8xe7bPAysbkvR-JkJOC-wTE-VIkC1iMKcMfZeKhG5o-XXkiCmKjytmAVDxV2KoH_ra7QUOs87ZbmTqG2SkQ0988LiR6By1lGgF91yhSuCRxf_vx2TL/s200/centaurea_scabiosa.jpg" title="Centaurea montana " width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Centaurea montana - </i><br />another lovely seed from<br /><a href="http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/">Chiltern Seeds</a></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The life-cycle of these pests is complicated and I'm certainly no expert in how to treat them, but there are a range of sprays available in the average French garden centre. We also make up our own soapy solutions for spraying against greenfly (<i>puceron</i>) and other aphids.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Mild winters and damp springs help promote such infestations and, even though we get plenty of wind through our garden, it's good to thin out all shrubs and hedges regularly to ensure plenty of air flows between leaves.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhadhbF_fRJKMqnNAm23q34HsP90x56nhqJBg_ofXWUPsjINHPQj9JyK_RLJxMHddT_yquIGwCVuAlfDGpB4uwk2qiZ6dJQ_Z2b26ZhXiKazqdWqjcd9La5EKp4g_7XjxZ5RutEDxrRxo/s1600/honeysuckle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Honeysuckle flowers" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhadhbF_fRJKMqnNAm23q34HsP90x56nhqJBg_ofXWUPsjINHPQj9JyK_RLJxMHddT_yquIGwCVuAlfDGpB4uwk2qiZ6dJQ_Z2b26ZhXiKazqdWqjcd9La5EKp4g_7XjxZ5RutEDxrRxo/s320/honeysuckle.jpg" title="Honeysuckle flowers" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Etruscan honeysuckle...?</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Looking at the honeysuckle on our wall, it's hard to believe it ever gets thinned out - there's been a mass of citrus-scented flowers for the past month at least!</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQijUWLVsvA4Idl68P7Kye-4RtB1RPOtelgqdj0UlXeskj10FgccxUgnbAbzTDv0vp85udSE_XHrKFV-BqkBqugqKgQOTWMve3wFSobmYAcP6dg-LyQ7XK6QThGwofjH2L0_akv7ILX9u5/s1600/honeysuckle_close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Honeysuckle flowers" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQijUWLVsvA4Idl68P7Kye-4RtB1RPOtelgqdj0UlXeskj10FgccxUgnbAbzTDv0vp85udSE_XHrKFV-BqkBqugqKgQOTWMve3wFSobmYAcP6dg-LyQ7XK6QThGwofjH2L0_akv7ILX9u5/s200/honeysuckle_close.jpg" title="Honeysuckle flowers" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Perfect for scenting a<br />whole courtyard garden</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>We chose this one especially for its strong perfume and neat, evergreen habit. In fact Christina is quite ruthless in pruning twice a year, keeping it a nice mounded shape at the top of the wall - where sparrows and tits can hide while waiting their turn for the bird-table.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Looking on Google Images makes me think this might be the Etruscan variety, but I can't say for sure.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pots and containers</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUioEGqELt1YoAi3cIyvD_hqQUCJPWSFN7GpFM-JXIlrp7nPOv5cimRIJmOND7wcw590CjOqhgYtKMI-XVRPFIOUjgppsVKigWBoDuuSgYvSjaW2GyUUoaCmx4kfbeBYyxj-t2WupOM2A/s1600/oleander_pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nerine oleander" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUioEGqELt1YoAi3cIyvD_hqQUCJPWSFN7GpFM-JXIlrp7nPOv5cimRIJmOND7wcw590CjOqhgYtKMI-XVRPFIOUjgppsVKigWBoDuuSgYvSjaW2GyUUoaCmx4kfbeBYyxj-t2WupOM2A/s320/oleander_pot.jpg" title="Nerine oleander" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Nerine oleander</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although we managed to over-winter the oleanders we had in pots last year, I have to say they're not performing nearly as dramatically as this new one we bought a couple of months ago.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Either it's a different variety or the plant has been well-fed and nurtured before arriving in a certain German supermarket where we wouldn't normally source our plants. <i>(Just shows, you can't be too sniffy about these loss-leaders!)</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our original shrubs are quite leggy by comparison, with fewer and smaller flowers; yet they were more expensive to begin with, begging the question: is it worth keeping them all winter, rather than just treating them as cheap annuals (like pelargoniums) and buying afresh each summer? </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2z45AhhFPhM3c8ysvmM0yXhcJciA-M9psi2nzxkw59WndFUO3EvoLWe9Vn7_7qYV-CfO12jvBZSoLuUhtyjk2SIX76x6gdLFCJn-2Cu2IIEqUUcAvnT2SIH0Q-uzTRTmjP8hEI73HCeK/s1600/snapdragons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Antirrhinum majus nanum 'Black Prince'" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2z45AhhFPhM3c8ysvmM0yXhcJciA-M9psi2nzxkw59WndFUO3EvoLWe9Vn7_7qYV-CfO12jvBZSoLuUhtyjk2SIX76x6gdLFCJn-2Cu2IIEqUUcAvnT2SIH0Q-uzTRTmjP8hEI73HCeK/s320/snapdragons.jpg" title="Antirrhinum majus nanum 'Black Prince'" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Antirrhinum majus nanum</i><br />'Black Prince' contrasting<br />with the pale laurentia</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Another perennial which we've put in a container is this lovely dark snapdragon, grown from a seed called 'Black Prince'.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Such velvet duskiness is hard to capture in a digital image because it tends to favour the underlying magenta, but I'm already impressed by the size and number of flowerheads on these plants, particularly as they're blooming in high summer!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The seeds (from Chiltern's) which I raised in spring were getting rather pot-bound last month, so it seemed a good idea to plant them out in the nice fresh compost surrounding our acer. In winter I shall probably move them again to a bed more suitable for next year's flowering.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFnXHk2frF4iGTZTBN6Z_UfJ2F_XLkorPmgxTl1LEqtJzHahrhpHplABalSPByr6fj0gB6pHIDK1ogUBFxav3kncuRAHotRSMzd0VP8FDQPST55XWMTQSS1wKdjnXcQlmknh4BciH15vQ/s1600/wide_cosmos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cosmos sulphureus" border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFnXHk2frF4iGTZTBN6Z_UfJ2F_XLkorPmgxTl1LEqtJzHahrhpHplABalSPByr6fj0gB6pHIDK1ogUBFxav3kncuRAHotRSMzd0VP8FDQPST55XWMTQSS1wKdjnXcQlmknh4BciH15vQ/s400/wide_cosmos.jpg" title="Cosmos sulphureus" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Cosmos sulphureus</i> - one of the stars in the August firmament</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cool foliage</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPt8gx0eVWjoPMCAxGIf4vf5WTMvQi4M4AJkn-eQOkHvNXR5nHyiMCJoJLo9auq7DDZ9jLk1pkiwFMwcJweGHqxVZo5bxi2gGI7lWtIGpLUeywil8YKQCNJNWM6duHVmgLpR5AKOQVoXqm/s1600/hellebore_jekyll2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Helleborus 'Miss Jekyll's Scented'" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPt8gx0eVWjoPMCAxGIf4vf5WTMvQi4M4AJkn-eQOkHvNXR5nHyiMCJoJLo9auq7DDZ9jLk1pkiwFMwcJweGHqxVZo5bxi2gGI7lWtIGpLUeywil8YKQCNJNWM6duHVmgLpR5AKOQVoXqm/s320/hellebore_jekyll2.jpg" title="Helleborus 'Miss Jekyll's Scented'" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Helleborus</i> 'Miss Jekyll's Scented'</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hellebores </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">can be a mixed blessing. Their flowers endow the garden with much interest in late winter before bulbs really get going.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On the other hand, when left unchecked they seed freely and their leaves turn dry and unsightly, taking up space in a border which could be put to better use.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A couple of years ago, we grew this RHS recommended variety offered by <a href="http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/">Chiltern Seeds</a> and, although it germinated quite readily, it's taken a long time to mature so we're still looking forward to enjoying its scented blooms.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the meantime, however, it's grown a good half meter tall and that glossy, dissected foliage has more than earned a place at the border's edge. <i>Anything which remains fresh and green without needing lots of water is a useful plant in this climate!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwwlaQ6yA23lYMDUrcigsF5gxbIzJTnaHiWLYNxkY7czPPoKKlCj57YJL-Im18v6w14-h2oqr0DDNA4oBZ6eBt01D2CqNaQUZpKRvqtMyq9hIGjqoMGGA1DDr51LYZGoKnbm8B_6fboOk/s1600/paeony_sedum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Peony leaves with sedum" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwwlaQ6yA23lYMDUrcigsF5gxbIzJTnaHiWLYNxkY7czPPoKKlCj57YJL-Im18v6w14-h2oqr0DDNA4oBZ6eBt01D2CqNaQUZpKRvqtMyq9hIGjqoMGGA1DDr51LYZGoKnbm8B_6fboOk/s320/paeony_sedum.jpg" title="Peony leaves with sedum" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Peony leaves with sedum<br />- foliage worth keeping</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Another perennial we sometimes deride because its flowers are somewhat shortlived is that cottage-garden favourite, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the peony</span>.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Dr Hessayon's 'expert' book - our guide for many years - says to avoid transplanting them and leave the stems intact until autumn. As we've been doing a fair bit of watering this summer, its foliage hasn't withered and is just now starting to turn a pretty pink at the edges.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>It combines well with the emerging sedum and gives us a quiet interlude before the starry splendours of helenium, rudbeckia and cosmos dazzle us from the island bed.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Precious fruit</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoit3NdqJ87bJy4vKAnoZdlS8MYg8Skh-F1isCg-DupZY_5D8bQ9BMN1FLZ6WSBegPNg24Lv7p1ghgtCgglqQqyGhey1GQ5QwpCGQ8qtoUEHrLkZ8qNaXUJHnATE2GG9T2r2brIDThu9uh/s1600/froggie_nectarine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tree frog on a nectarine fruit" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoit3NdqJ87bJy4vKAnoZdlS8MYg8Skh-F1isCg-DupZY_5D8bQ9BMN1FLZ6WSBegPNg24Lv7p1ghgtCgglqQqyGhey1GQ5QwpCGQ8qtoUEHrLkZ8qNaXUJHnATE2GG9T2r2brIDThu9uh/s320/froggie_nectarine.jpg" title="Tree frog on a nectarine fruit" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Hyla arborea </i>or<i> 'rainette' </i>in French</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A resident tree-frog</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> (<i>better known as 'Froggie'</i>) was extremely reluctant to give up possession of our one and only nectarine.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I suppose its smooth, sun-kissed surface felt particularly nice and warm on his bottom because he took up the same position several days in a row.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMk-GjQSjy5uIQQN4asggu6xPHUDmazulEwQhtdOSABdajM_4Yb_0M5dZi2-AXZsEOYk6qd3lCteZ1_HKJyFzR7CuELDTAeDqbY1QC-D5jwdNSkBhG6ZnzfsGb0wIEdqfara1qtMFvVfi/s1600/prize_nectarine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="white nectarine on a French plate" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMk-GjQSjy5uIQQN4asggu6xPHUDmazulEwQhtdOSABdajM_4Yb_0M5dZi2-AXZsEOYk6qd3lCteZ1_HKJyFzR7CuELDTAeDqbY1QC-D5jwdNSkBhG6ZnzfsGb0wIEdqfara1qtMFvVfi/s200/prize_nectarine.jpg" title="white nectarine on a French plate" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next best thing to a<br />white peach...</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Once this singular fruit finally ripened, Christina actually had to prise him off in order to pick it!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Froggie has such strong suckers on his little feet that she had to proceed with care so as not to damage the nectarine, which already had a couple of suspicious holes drilled in it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Happily it turned out to be a white variety, as we'd hoped, and tasted absolutely delicious!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwGjX5Gpc28rzTTgkXf0a9j5ZHLWjJPqSRuX9xqwC8DlKxgdouli1y_MxAtH6u5qFfZhB71cpT95N4ppH6KQ-eJiZsu1ySVXlrI8LmOLG0dBMi6wUWLQdz3efiaS_1h2ePzunQpe04jUw/s1600/wide_echinacea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwGjX5Gpc28rzTTgkXf0a9j5ZHLWjJPqSRuX9xqwC8DlKxgdouli1y_MxAtH6u5qFfZhB71cpT95N4ppH6KQ-eJiZsu1ySVXlrI8LmOLG0dBMi6wUWLQdz3efiaS_1h2ePzunQpe04jUw/s400/wide_echinacea.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Echinacea purpurea alongside glaucous foliage of <i>Romneya coulteri</i></span></td></tr>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-80546914169847884102016-07-28T08:56:00.005-07:002016-07-30T07:08:43.694-07:00Coast of Sunflowers<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Where tides of grass break into foam of flowers,</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Or where the wind's feet shine along the sea."</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- Swinburne</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0N6iztbC6hCw9EEIRzGTyN7vjnStSa99vJumfz25Tc5TGtHKztv057qbs2cQOIQqQYfD0SlF91GYlGhbFw1IlmWLN82QMm5YaEzaZtpp7efYNkOG74uYEHGSe18RKXAYdM7xwtMTRh1l/s1600/carrelet_july.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sunflowers on the Gironde Estuary" border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0N6iztbC6hCw9EEIRzGTyN7vjnStSa99vJumfz25Tc5TGtHKztv057qbs2cQOIQqQYfD0SlF91GYlGhbFw1IlmWLN82QMm5YaEzaZtpp7efYNkOG74uYEHGSe18RKXAYdM7xwtMTRh1l/s400/carrelet_july.jpg" title="Sunflowers on the Gironde Estuary" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An iconic view of the Gironde Estuary</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Limestone cliffs, fishing huts perched on stilts and rolling fields of sunflowers... this may well be the lasting image that many holiday-makers take home with them.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Add to that the familiar sound of skylarks, singing madly as they flutter high upon a hill; or young buzzards mewing plaintively over the valleys, while insects chirrup and hum in grass verges. Contentment reigns.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tPTYzkOR15unglYGpsenvKp_q7W3T_vMdBdM8NRAVKPX6GGYY11jCb9KffF69LzRSETjfoi5hDTqlFmt7stttDdbc7-2i251bLO1pQNRe_TDh1WcFxaxTEIy5Nj7Tx1jv4pgrWup_Mo6/s1600/path_vines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Charente Maritime: vineyards and sunflower fields" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tPTYzkOR15unglYGpsenvKp_q7W3T_vMdBdM8NRAVKPX6GGYY11jCb9KffF69LzRSETjfoi5hDTqlFmt7stttDdbc7-2i251bLO1pQNRe_TDh1WcFxaxTEIy5Nj7Tx1jv4pgrWup_Mo6/s320/path_vines.jpg" title="Charente Maritime: vineyards and sunflower fields" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Vines interspersed with sunflowers</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Another typical view</span> of the landscape on our doorstep shows a path linking two parts of our village</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i> - Chenac</i> and <i>Petit Chenac.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Locals still farm their inherited plots, accounting for the variegated patchwork of small fields and vineyards - which some might deem hopelessly romantic and impractical, but provide no end of inspiration for pictures.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm very happy to say that sunflowers are still a popular crop in these parts, though I hear that in other areas they're being supplanted by the far less appealing soya bean.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5JnLyMjC-xl3pyZUyBSdd27K_bdrQb6KF-6vw0q9Tma45NvxRWMkQXP3O_lBwp66qtEoUto9N7_zQuHLDA7ZRPGFdUVn2LO6vBxF7VeXZ0Z0RuldLWRPCSQbWTVfEyB5RQfp533TCJES/s1600/house_hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5JnLyMjC-xl3pyZUyBSdd27K_bdrQb6KF-6vw0q9Tma45NvxRWMkQXP3O_lBwp66qtEoUto9N7_zQuHLDA7ZRPGFdUVn2LO6vBxF7VeXZ0Z0RuldLWRPCSQbWTVfEyB5RQfp533TCJES/s320/house_hill.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Neighbour with a sunny outlook</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Charente Maritime</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is the name of our coastal </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: italic;">d</span><span lang="FR" style="font-style: italic;">é</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;"><i>partement </i>i</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">n southwest France which has recently been incorporated into the large administrative area of <i>Nouvelle Aquitaine - </i>'old' Aquitaine having once belonged to England (for 300 years!) until reverting to France in 1453<i>.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I read the other day that <i>Charente Maritime</i> is now the number one holiday destination for the French - surprising really, as many claim not to know where it is, although most have heard of its capital, the port of <i>La Rochelle</i>.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4HSI8f_bWGb8cBbg5_oay57ly9OjhZo7cLS6MuxCXh4JYgBg8f9XZL2JP0OekjmEvwMkSLMp_AhzL8iPg1NDjN9qHWblW3Z49xOZDbm_TZ_2ahyphenhyphen6OVYAje_B6X5tvPihmgOsj1uFL3Mw/s1600/sunflowers_boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4HSI8f_bWGb8cBbg5_oay57ly9OjhZo7cLS6MuxCXh4JYgBg8f9XZL2JP0OekjmEvwMkSLMp_AhzL8iPg1NDjN9qHWblW3Z49xOZDbm_TZ_2ahyphenhyphen6OVYAje_B6X5tvPihmgOsj1uFL3Mw/s400/sunflowers_boat.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sailboat on the Gironde Estuary</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYcqNVPO9Pn_bGOxdwW5a8wcKcsIg2AflDJQ0tmCSYv_lpZ0PE9gdoSeQ2jneSrmNIq7iEmUkqoJTmaLNgysHgZM456bNOLvJQ0Y2tLcROoA-Wj-3b_UYSXY2zm5VM2FAtywBX-l4MhRe/s1600/square_green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Helianthus annuus" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYcqNVPO9Pn_bGOxdwW5a8wcKcsIg2AflDJQ0tmCSYv_lpZ0PE9gdoSeQ2jneSrmNIq7iEmUkqoJTmaLNgysHgZM456bNOLvJQ0Y2tLcROoA-Wj-3b_UYSXY2zm5VM2FAtywBX-l4MhRe/s320/square_green.jpg" title="Sunflower, Helianthus annuus" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Early development of a sunflower,<br />reflecting an almost metallic sheen </span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejZkVgXTjBhOLTBF15u92_iCa71DmXL347pAz5hfQp5GyfTvgQwAAjYekPQmSHEumBfdORiOm9hq4_kTfTscoyOlhUrEFoCcoNTPmobuNcVCizWzO3AKO5oZMfhtVLbeH_CgZHtCB2XE_/s1600/zigzag_fields.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sunflower field at Chenac St Seurin d'Uzet" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejZkVgXTjBhOLTBF15u92_iCa71DmXL347pAz5hfQp5GyfTvgQwAAjYekPQmSHEumBfdORiOm9hq4_kTfTscoyOlhUrEFoCcoNTPmobuNcVCizWzO3AKO5oZMfhtVLbeH_CgZHtCB2XE_/s320/zigzag_fields.jpg" title="Sunflower field at Chenac St Seurin d'Uzet" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Freshly baled field</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These shots are all taken within walking distance of our holiday cottage, <i><a href="http://www.charentefarmcottage.com/">La Maree</a></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, which is popular with couples and small families who enjoy walking and cycling along the rural pathways.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>There's nothing quite like cycling past sunflowers to collect your fresh croissant from the boulangerie for breakfast!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Early mornings are the best time to get out and about, enjoying that slight nip in the air before the sun really puts its hat on. But here on the coast it rarely becomes unpleasantly hot or humid because the breeze is never far away - by midday it's usually flapping the parasol and can be quite gusty by 5pm when the day is hottest.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTP-lJD8Dw2Mn8Q7qU7i1AgRzAuy5XmlsaRxunmAFpPaV1P3GdktCW044Pgq5XUgW7QJDsXtAnPNZW3qbSruiN9NAFdHnyILxV8gwm2a-GWw56UAhkpEOVf2Se8ILVqITThCUsd7BRtrWY/s1600/sunflowers_estuary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sunflowers on Gironde Estuary" border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTP-lJD8Dw2Mn8Q7qU7i1AgRzAuy5XmlsaRxunmAFpPaV1P3GdktCW044Pgq5XUgW7QJDsXtAnPNZW3qbSruiN9NAFdHnyILxV8gwm2a-GWw56UAhkpEOVf2Se8ILVqITThCUsd7BRtrWY/s400/sunflowers_estuary.jpg" title="Sunflowers on Gironde Estuary" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Natural companions - interspersed with hedge parsley</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSe-p5J9wTbA0r9ASVXjooZZY8u4bKtlpjzkSZrgDFTM_yThq7NAcCHPJ5BBNlE8_QaL4YwcV4kgk7SqYmXzyeoPqSCreT_nwFomdJnqiNob0SpxLv4PBxOwYYPtXQjZpAetUe8h-ItC1v/s1600/carpenter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Carpenter bee (Xylocopa violacea) on sunflower" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSe-p5J9wTbA0r9ASVXjooZZY8u4bKtlpjzkSZrgDFTM_yThq7NAcCHPJ5BBNlE8_QaL4YwcV4kgk7SqYmXzyeoPqSCreT_nwFomdJnqiNob0SpxLv4PBxOwYYPtXQjZpAetUe8h-ItC1v/s320/carpenter2.jpg" title="Carpenter bee (Xylocopa violacea) on sunflower" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Carpenter bee <i>(Xylocopa violacea)</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The abundance of seed</span> on sunflowers has led to local production of sunflower oil - <i>huile de tournesol - </i>an excellent alternative to olive oil and better for cooking purposes.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Seeds are also favoured by a number of different birds and insects, including the scarily large carpenter bee which is very big but quite harmless. Indeed it has wonderful blue-black wings which make a striking contrast with the golden flowers.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once the seeds have matured, finches take the opportunity to swoop down and enjoy a nutritious feast.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyctGT2Ucaxz3DwnWieAzPlHkCFiuJf3WlOVhpSg6-IQ0Nm0oalJUi10FiEKgg7VLS9nhb1dKb1l7I2KZHaDcQPVQl_8LgmPDyYw646V6Rs2W8ZBVAuGd3T0BO9kPIVSc7D_D-6yN_aJt/s1600/bad_hair2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyctGT2Ucaxz3DwnWieAzPlHkCFiuJf3WlOVhpSg6-IQ0Nm0oalJUi10FiEKgg7VLS9nhb1dKb1l7I2KZHaDcQPVQl_8LgmPDyYw646V6Rs2W8ZBVAuGd3T0BO9kPIVSc7D_D-6yN_aJt/s400/bad_hair2.jpg" title="Sunflowers starting to wilt" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bad hair day?</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As July burns into August, these seed heads become ever more pronounced and petals start to look distinctly bedraggled...</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8krBzZ71dNLHy1GfXNh6PdUJ_l8rtR1vmsQgvOlvcyE4dOKjb4qbUbmKZ_M5l3PXeSMyalCSNQrGDFg_Eg8-YUmE2dGvTOYTykuLoTdZ99au_N_I7CF4uhFQgcCAUsWPECXlV_Oysq6y/s1600/seedheads.pg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sunflower heads forming seeds" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8krBzZ71dNLHy1GfXNh6PdUJ_l8rtR1vmsQgvOlvcyE4dOKjb4qbUbmKZ_M5l3PXeSMyalCSNQrGDFg_Eg8-YUmE2dGvTOYTykuLoTdZ99au_N_I7CF4uhFQgcCAUsWPECXlV_Oysq6y/s320/seedheads.pg.jpg" title="Sunflower heads forming seeds" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The end of summer is nigh...</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>By September they are really browned-off, hanging their heads in shame at having lost their sunny radiance.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The stems turn a sort of plasticky yellow, then gradually morph to chocolate-brown as they dry out - along with their seeds which become almost black.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Now when you walk past these fields, you're aware of the creepy rustling of dried leaves as an early autumn breeze begins to whisper through the plantation.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Your imagination can easily conjure up scary shapes of the 'undead' - very Stephen King!</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9g-Kq3oXa0aCgWdz8PgSUYXe-F_7gBvRCysq88AaXR-B6xgZPwAMr2xlPVqZ-KRtgGGy2U-MvCgntxZFeFM3q2vwoIqu8cSpS8JTceNYV0sZw1ZGo0rwBNJ0OYd4TXGkLFeZFA0Xpvge/s1600/seedhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seeds on sunflower heads, Charente Maritime" border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9g-Kq3oXa0aCgWdz8PgSUYXe-F_7gBvRCysq88AaXR-B6xgZPwAMr2xlPVqZ-KRtgGGy2U-MvCgntxZFeFM3q2vwoIqu8cSpS8JTceNYV0sZw1ZGo0rwBNJ0OYd4TXGkLFeZFA0Xpvge/s400/seedhead.jpg" title="Seeds on sunflower heads, Charente Maritime" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpJCfgMk3F4Tjx6plArTdZ3HD08xJwl-vcnqZJL2ZZxW14HKVowSc5Op3bYWfPK7LvuOwtJQUyWfpVCDP0HrdmRYlcRtr0W2vm3fUYSsUxJYxJ0jcsvYgcFE68UXervnOe7sSzB7TMiny/s1600/seedheads_wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sunflowers just before harvesting" border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpJCfgMk3F4Tjx6plArTdZ3HD08xJwl-vcnqZJL2ZZxW14HKVowSc5Op3bYWfPK7LvuOwtJQUyWfpVCDP0HrdmRYlcRtr0W2vm3fUYSsUxJYxJ0jcsvYgcFE68UXervnOe7sSzB7TMiny/s400/seedheads_wide.jpg" title="Sunflowers just before harvesting" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>By late September the Grim Reaper is on his way!</i></span></td></tr>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-54819435273176529512016-07-19T06:07:00.002-07:002016-07-19T09:02:49.500-07:00Mid July<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"All the seeds of tomorrow</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>can be found in the flowers of today."</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- Indian proverb</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg16fQbUBMYY6Rv1NOksgQSIobZmwgUeKhngHeKgKFY2LLZ4Qu6_8Y3zuLPweq9CMjRKc6ViO3Tr8Cpe7b5esSsG3qkG_J2CKFihwU3SPJDEnFXhnmVmJdeggFt6mlI730oOERzkDiingc/s1600/meschers_yacht.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg16fQbUBMYY6Rv1NOksgQSIobZmwgUeKhngHeKgKFY2LLZ4Qu6_8Y3zuLPweq9CMjRKc6ViO3Tr8Cpe7b5esSsG3qkG_J2CKFihwU3SPJDEnFXhnmVmJdeggFt6mlI730oOERzkDiingc/s320/meschers_yacht.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sailboat entering the fishing port at Meschers sur Gironde</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Holiday-makers are thronging to our beachside resorts and little ports, welcomed by the full-on sun and temperate breezes.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At this time of year, we're more than happy to take refuge in our shady back garden, keeping an eye on any plants which show signs of wilting, and only venturing out for walks in the late evening or early morning.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QTjigtlJwOz5kPZU0XIQwbDytUh93qobLI4hR02yZiWQwlKE-gMSUBbduTD1K7g7yXI0uS3trBsdVhby08WMk3vhgHe2pCoZzSYsvKUeA-pimwLuPv4kvvo_rxzWeOGUL7sXGarxuDS1/s1600/tamarisk_bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tamarisk pentandra at Barzan Plage" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QTjigtlJwOz5kPZU0XIQwbDytUh93qobLI4hR02yZiWQwlKE-gMSUBbduTD1K7g7yXI0uS3trBsdVhby08WMk3vhgHe2pCoZzSYsvKUeA-pimwLuPv4kvvo_rxzWeOGUL7sXGarxuDS1/s320/tamarisk_bay.jpg" title="Tamarisk pentandra at Barzan Plage" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A path along the Gironde at Barzan Plage</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One shrub which brightens up coastal areas is the deceptively feathery-looking Tamarisk - <i>also spelt Tamarix - </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">which is often grown in saline soils and provides a useful windbreak.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It may look wispy but is actually very robust and stands up to buffeting salt-laden winds before rewarding us with a profusion of pink blooms.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdZRJvjYOj0VjzNOO6MxmTpgDeSe9BnC7JDgysfCZUmXMA_rh7vfDvRbs7otDAsQAvEbUR0-Fdy3umTbaquodzWELYbMJMT51PahkZw14BMjvaLFCWapt79rfDZ6lmcflNCfXcWhGDk6P/s1600/tamarisk_flowers2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tamarisk pentandra" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdZRJvjYOj0VjzNOO6MxmTpgDeSe9BnC7JDgysfCZUmXMA_rh7vfDvRbs7otDAsQAvEbUR0-Fdy3umTbaquodzWELYbMJMT51PahkZw14BMjvaLFCWapt79rfDZ6lmcflNCfXcWhGDk6P/s320/tamarisk_flowers2.jpg" title="Tamarisk pentandra" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Tamarisk pentandra</i> blooming in July</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Apparently there are two main types of this shrub appearing on the marais and coastal margins locally.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As far as I can make out, the form known as <i>Tamarisk tetandra</i> blooms in springtime, whilst the slightly darker flowers of <i>Tamarisk pentandra </i>are widely in evidence now.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pretty though it is, I'd find it a trifle too messy and undisciplined for most gardens - unless, of course, you're lucky enough to be right on the shore!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWfIQ5-cKgOt3cw0CC0qrlX9N2vDMXcFZPynDHDJAJw0O4IVHi-hfD-pDwwPjd3GeJD8ct-oEGG444D2xg2AEqu67HJ-KinClKneZNbSs09X7ZkaJJxiM1X4enjaJkCqNaizdI2eKamvd/s1600/evening_lawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWfIQ5-cKgOt3cw0CC0qrlX9N2vDMXcFZPynDHDJAJw0O4IVHi-hfD-pDwwPjd3GeJD8ct-oEGG444D2xg2AEqu67HJ-KinClKneZNbSs09X7ZkaJJxiM1X4enjaJkCqNaizdI2eKamvd/s400/evening_lawn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Evening sun picking out individual flowers</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Having said that, our back garden is starting to look distinctly wild and exuberant in mid-July, stuffed as it is with an array of flowering plants jostling for space, each species seeking its moment in the spotlight.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Summer Colour</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhs8vdZltonwlOnF6h6B6GTjKo6hLNY-d-jrYX3_kZHAMYDQNa9hSdOZkIdO0-OHc4aQzidPobE2YnAfAqZJ1owhJUbh8_o3w9pjfTO6SQAo7fWtTmkeXKx7tcj9WATPebSTA8IZ77I6u/s1600/campanula_cosmos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Campanula carpatica and Cosmos sulphureus" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhs8vdZltonwlOnF6h6B6GTjKo6hLNY-d-jrYX3_kZHAMYDQNa9hSdOZkIdO0-OHc4aQzidPobE2YnAfAqZJ1owhJUbh8_o3w9pjfTO6SQAo7fWtTmkeXKx7tcj9WATPebSTA8IZ77I6u/s200/campanula_cosmos.jpg" title="Campanula carpatica and Cosmos sulphureus" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Close to the table where we eat supper, are the nodding heads of <i>Campanula carpatica </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">which thrives in semi-shade and comes alive when the low evening light shines through its delicate harebells.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As with so many of our blue/mauve flowers, we intersperse them with contrasting orange blooms - in this case the annual <i>Cosmos sulphureus </i>'Polidor mix' from <a href="http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/">Chiltern Seeds</a>.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7G62-8IIM0UnQYlbji72JAewIJV0EiZ-t6MO-lDhToog0dYmp8Ty_1xSPNKfhaR98JbtRgB2gBQKzZFrzX0o-Tm6oFWOG7GcWEnErAm98EtX84_rCuej9iS8_2VvbMlwcG3X7s8WtHwx/s1600/scabious_black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Scabious atropurpurea "Black Knight'" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7G62-8IIM0UnQYlbji72JAewIJV0EiZ-t6MO-lDhToog0dYmp8Ty_1xSPNKfhaR98JbtRgB2gBQKzZFrzX0o-Tm6oFWOG7GcWEnErAm98EtX84_rCuej9iS8_2VvbMlwcG3X7s8WtHwx/s200/scabious_black.jpg" title="Scabious atropurpurea "Black Knight'" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Scabious atropurpurea</i><br />'Black Knight' being<br />visited by a Meadow Brown</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Scabious is a plant which grows well on our chalky soil and we managed to get hold of this many-branched variety called 'Black Knight' which is covered with dark pincushion flowers and stands out well in the border.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>With its tall, strong stems this makes a good variety for cutting and my only criticism might be that the flowers turn to seed a bit too quickly. At this point in summer, we can spend an awful lot of time dead-heading in order to keep plants looking their best!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YBai1OWYqqbnUhgShCC3kZnsip-5qpA8LUeQUnzL19zCfA8fVGG4whMvJEA4IMWtwPjKH8uidPCPY_fUYjrKlZpncmpRJBjqPBSn9-iqLrQnyHuQtmZHjoVCJDE1sGFjDuLruCTd3Eum/s1600/salvia_amistad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Salvia 'Amistad'" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YBai1OWYqqbnUhgShCC3kZnsip-5qpA8LUeQUnzL19zCfA8fVGG4whMvJEA4IMWtwPjKH8uidPCPY_fUYjrKlZpncmpRJBjqPBSn9-iqLrQnyHuQtmZHjoVCJDE1sGFjDuLruCTd3Eum/s320/salvia_amistad.jpg" title="Salvia 'Amistad'" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Salvia</i> 'Amistad'</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Salvias are an excellent species for injecting some drama into a sunny border... None more so than 'Amistad' which boasts deep purple flowers sprouting from an almost black calyx.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's a hybrid which was developed in Argentina and is slightly tender in our climate. This one is similar in style to one of our favourites,<i> Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue', </i>now standing about 2m high at the back of the herb bed.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">'Amistad' is not quite as tall or bushy as yet but its flowers are larger and the shrub may well fill out this season as we continue to dead-head spent blooms.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZCd0-M9wtycjoSYHwZQ84wo6cs8q7YmuZNFN0JY9B2SfsD6RCpc_0xsbWnDgO-cRiZgg-dMrdLlLLbuGst3APf8NhP4eIn29i7fcDRpLBF1i5SCTmi9pSQ5VKru_cQW7esA6nGTDQ6IA/s1600/eve_primrose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Oenothera 'Apricot Delight'" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZCd0-M9wtycjoSYHwZQ84wo6cs8q7YmuZNFN0JY9B2SfsD6RCpc_0xsbWnDgO-cRiZgg-dMrdLlLLbuGst3APf8NhP4eIn29i7fcDRpLBF1i5SCTmi9pSQ5VKru_cQW7esA6nGTDQ6IA/s200/eve_primrose.jpg" title="Oenothera 'Apricot Delight'" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Oenothera </i>'Apricot Delight' -<br />aptly named, it's a luminous</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> yellow fading to apricot</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Evening primrose</span> is one of those plants which continues to delight the eye throughout summer.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We grew this variety from seed a few years ago and it happily reproduces itself throughout the garden - a bit like <i>Gaura lindheimeri,</i> a relative with similar-looking seedlings. We pull up most of the babies to stop it getting out of hand, but there's always an odd one popping up between other perennials, surprising us with a fresh, slightly scented flower each day.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA50tT7K1R4k5UfF9Ts9FyccX1QZiaZRZaJO6gTKtGBCznSPotPwqNLjGpUFMeQpjHqHbToDMewBhS-pNQPU559f2OxJ5wAZiwTGX01WapRMURZc-cnlXtqZdkmbS0Jo6ZSqWkMYYgHu9n/s1600/geranium_patricia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Geranium 'Patricia'" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA50tT7K1R4k5UfF9Ts9FyccX1QZiaZRZaJO6gTKtGBCznSPotPwqNLjGpUFMeQpjHqHbToDMewBhS-pNQPU559f2OxJ5wAZiwTGX01WapRMURZc-cnlXtqZdkmbS0Jo6ZSqWkMYYgHu9n/s320/geranium_patricia.jpg" title="Geranium 'Patricia'" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Geranium 'Patricia' - flowers for weeks</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For lots of vibrant, trouble-free colour you can't beat some of the modern cranesbill geraniums, especially those like 'Patricia' which have been given the RHS Award for Garden Merit.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This one has been scrambling under the medlar tree and producing a steady stream of large flowers (5cm across) since the middle of June.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTVBh72oIwZJ-ETAF1gbrGU0uuO6KGm6RRM3WrPh496SshZykn7AC3DzWXM0SAOmXwZ6q8ePvAE-yu0NfXnA7eA5o5BPSOPGDIb0QqKisLtQFiniaBRSqNfacxj5Qn38t_EwDmUmm9diV/s1600/dianthus_verbena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Verbena rigida teamed with Dianthus superbus" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTVBh72oIwZJ-ETAF1gbrGU0uuO6KGm6RRM3WrPh496SshZykn7AC3DzWXM0SAOmXwZ6q8ePvAE-yu0NfXnA7eA5o5BPSOPGDIb0QqKisLtQFiniaBRSqNfacxj5Qn38t_EwDmUmm9diV/s200/dianthus_verbena.jpg" title="Verbena rigida teamed with Dianthus superbus" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Verbena rigida</i> teamed with<br /><i>Dianthus superbus</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Like many types of geranium, we've found that both <i>Verbena rigida</i> and <i>Dianthus superbus</i> do well in full sun or partial shade.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This combination wasn't exactly planned but is perhaps more effective in a shady area where the subtle shape of the pale mauve dianthus and the intense violet of the verbena really come into their own.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Both make reliable and lovely perennials, cultivated from seed supplied by <a href="http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/">Chiltern Seeds</a>.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiT2KwMQGR4p_MDXKYVX99Dx03onzzlxiJemGz3IYd7Zqq-jyzckc_rw_bcP9r_1PdKY3b2twnL9rJ5I4npks95TYKfGAg12W9dHImjhBbBug4ygu-37Rdkpc5_GKg1muWvvCoTIncW96B/s1600/eryngium_planum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Eryngium planum" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiT2KwMQGR4p_MDXKYVX99Dx03onzzlxiJemGz3IYd7Zqq-jyzckc_rw_bcP9r_1PdKY3b2twnL9rJ5I4npks95TYKfGAg12W9dHImjhBbBug4ygu-37Rdkpc5_GKg1muWvvCoTIncW96B/s320/eryngium_planum.jpg" title="Eryngium planum" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Eryngium planum</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To introduce something spikily different into our raised bed with its free-draining soil, we planted this eryngium which has an attractive mix of marbled leaves and silvery bracts.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm not sure what variety this is, having bought it sparsely labelled from a nursery after we had trouble trying to raise any from seed.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yes, it's pretty but I still lust after the smaller <i>E</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>ryngium</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i> bourgatii</i> with its steely blue stems. Perhaps it's time to try again? </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVwMjiwJGp7Anu3AsQfLp5NpSq3hhXAjTYfRi5NezceGu9wQGxiwZp8Lm_S-OypuuhiqB9u9TXFFPoq5PgbsPrpgFcb9Ni7xSK4KzNSoO48YxX67rkHl5xU8_SbMh6apy6CyebGEExHgP/s1600/echinacea_lavender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVwMjiwJGp7Anu3AsQfLp5NpSq3hhXAjTYfRi5NezceGu9wQGxiwZp8Lm_S-OypuuhiqB9u9TXFFPoq5PgbsPrpgFcb9Ni7xSK4KzNSoO48YxX67rkHl5xU8_SbMh6apy6CyebGEExHgP/s320/echinacea_lavender.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Echinacea purpurea<br />-</i> one of those flowers which looks<br />fabulous just at the moment of opening!</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Birds and beasts...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One morning we stepped out to the sound of excited quacking and discovered we were being paid a social call by a quartet of young ducks.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They took a tour round the garden - luckily the cat wasn't awake - and became hysterical when they couldn't find a way back to their nearby stream.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Eventually, three of them managed to squeeze through a gap in the fence, leaving the fourth and fattest member of the quartet to squawk indignantly until it finally found its escape through the open gate!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKj0EkTGFkfEdoIcucZj57_AnimynjEwwUoF474Qpcz6xThRlTsYELw6n0SYJdFAzPGZc_uG5FdX_gVaCAPJ6_SSo42ViEVHh93noMyyFi5evRGtCidmGKyDWzG0pbLbIpKwdmal7tphNE/s1600/froggie_nectarine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Une rainette or European tree frog on a nectarine tree" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKj0EkTGFkfEdoIcucZj57_AnimynjEwwUoF474Qpcz6xThRlTsYELw6n0SYJdFAzPGZc_uG5FdX_gVaCAPJ6_SSo42ViEVHh93noMyyFi5evRGtCidmGKyDWzG0pbLbIpKwdmal7tphNE/s320/froggie_nectarine.jpg" title="Une rainette or European tree frog on a nectarine tree" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Une rainette</i> or European tree frog</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Meanwhile, our old friend Froggie has taken up residence at the back of the herb bed where we planted a seedling from what we thought was a peach tree.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>It appears he's carefully guarding the single fruit which is maturing nicely but I'm afraid it doesn't look like a white peach - as Christina had hoped - but is probably a rather ordinary nectarine.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Ah well, you can't complain too much if you get fruit for free, even though we may end up fighting over who gets to eat it. (Let's hope it won't be Froggie... )</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxZX3nD6WP_6OElXzOQ-0GGLLTlDfQdlWcP5L8-sQV5SyeyMkTZCR3jDK7cgu1neLi-Qvjh-nMgVBuw5-gvgzFfNA05s3Xz36FI-5oAXzWTJZCUEzEanHVuqYs4IlDIQQ8MjnfKtySv9Z/s1600/deer_sunflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Roe deer at evening in a crop of sunflowers" border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxZX3nD6WP_6OElXzOQ-0GGLLTlDfQdlWcP5L8-sQV5SyeyMkTZCR3jDK7cgu1neLi-Qvjh-nMgVBuw5-gvgzFfNA05s3Xz36FI-5oAXzWTJZCUEzEanHVuqYs4IlDIQQ8MjnfKtySv9Z/s400/deer_sunflowers.jpg" title="Roe deer at evening in a crop of sunflowers" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Roe deer at evening in a crop of sunflowers</span></td></tr>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-7130487857125163052016-07-02T08:33:00.001-07:002016-07-02T11:41:23.057-07:00Late June<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"When you realise how perfect everything is, you will</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>tllt your head back and laugh at the sky."</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Buddha</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaz-dMLKU1Bpm1h41_0_Lqsh0NfWsW3QDAy5fk04K5agUsZ8x-siBoBGQyFeJ4nydt4-YCVGDJn9fkrcG6thPDlgQGDoaXE4184JXkDkFPFAM-5nzsc97LFn-tql6lS93L_1BKJbLXq4iZ/s1600/wide_bales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hay bales in Charente Maritime" border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaz-dMLKU1Bpm1h41_0_Lqsh0NfWsW3QDAy5fk04K5agUsZ8x-siBoBGQyFeJ4nydt4-YCVGDJn9fkrcG6thPDlgQGDoaXE4184JXkDkFPFAM-5nzsc97LFn-tql6lS93L_1BKJbLXq4iZ/s400/wide_bales.jpg" title="Hay bales in Charente Maritime" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hay bales drying before the next downpour</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>After the shock result of the EU Referendum, and the thought of certain right-wing politicians just waiting in the wings for their moment to come, perhaps we all need a bit of Buddha in our lives...?</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhec7u13qoeV9qpLepPEsycK67WjKNUWjaYTTBXvNhlaeMwuPU2fYyek122jFuLDmRuiYc_XNjTIOySc6iqjfY-5rV0mo6I17y2gvxxfvDFcjPaW5TMENUvn0fJx-LsC48zMedryTkC148/s1600/catanache_bee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Catanache caerulea" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhec7u13qoeV9qpLepPEsycK67WjKNUWjaYTTBXvNhlaeMwuPU2fYyek122jFuLDmRuiYc_XNjTIOySc6iqjfY-5rV0mo6I17y2gvxxfvDFcjPaW5TMENUvn0fJx-LsC48zMedryTkC148/s200/catanache_bee.jpg" title="Catanache caerulea" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Catanache flower with a hungry</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">bee filling its pollen sacs</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Continuing cool and cloudy weather hasn't helped our spirits much either, although flowers do tend to last better when they haven't been subject to prolonged heat.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There's certainly plenty of pollen around but it's hard for insects like butterflies to keep flying when the wind is blowing in strong north-westerly gusts. Having said that, our lavender flowers have attracted even more hummingbird hawkmoths than usual, which is encouraging to see.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYtTLumlJJJxJBKf3SCJ98HO5UkSP6GHIU2piWHE1xg0jTiAjsXQ1T-TgtX-1x0k2YLe7XfZawccgdUE9AuFQhvi60a3WaKWB_gW70N4o4By1vU5yDFO7-Ri0J53neWKvzW0Ud9OSqud7/s1600/agastache_orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lavender 'Munstead Dwarf' and Agastache aurantiaca" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYtTLumlJJJxJBKf3SCJ98HO5UkSP6GHIU2piWHE1xg0jTiAjsXQ1T-TgtX-1x0k2YLe7XfZawccgdUE9AuFQhvi60a3WaKWB_gW70N4o4By1vU5yDFO7-Ri0J53neWKvzW0Ud9OSqud7/s320/agastache_orange.jpg" title="Lavender 'Munstead Dwarf' and Agastache aurantiaca" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lavender 'Munstead Dwarf' making a nice<br />foil for the bright orange hyssop,<br /><i>Agastache aurantiaca</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of the most vibrant colour combinations in our flower beds is provided by purple or blue flowers grown alongside the flaming orange of hyssop or <i>Cosmos sulphurea</i>, which is yet to come.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Agastache aurantiaca</i> was our first introduction to growing hyssops, picked from <a href="http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/">Chiltern Seeds'</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> collection because they promised it would flower in its first season. They were right - it's an easy one to start off with and the flowers on this plant have been increasing year on year.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Since then, we've grown some of the taller Mexican varieties - like 'Sangria' - which make dramatic additions to our late-Summer border but are not always hardy through winter.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Colour selections</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilK_wPs6L2A6cWemIGRgkpZFct1QXuqeRvGGT3Z0Fy4925XF3pX7Z6RU9rnuAxNyMpjofl-PplNrNsqav-595zATvOobBvaZLqy56ZGr4gBXB9lyxo3PjqafZMllj6aKbsPGZKwEbWorO0/s1600/catanache_achillea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Achillea "Terracotta'" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilK_wPs6L2A6cWemIGRgkpZFct1QXuqeRvGGT3Z0Fy4925XF3pX7Z6RU9rnuAxNyMpjofl-PplNrNsqav-595zATvOobBvaZLqy56ZGr4gBXB9lyxo3PjqafZMllj6aKbsPGZKwEbWorO0/s320/catanache_achillea.jpg" title="Achillea "Terracotta'" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Achillea "Terracotta'<br />next to Catanache caerulea</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another useful perennial for dry, sunny borders is <i>Achillea millefolium</i> which comes in many colours and grows up to 90cm.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I ordered a mixed selection called 'Summer Pastels' from Chiltern Seeds last year and it's fun to see which colours are emerging now and how they're combining - or not! - with neighbouring plants.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the case of perennials, you can easily move those which clash once they are dormant again at the end of the year.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So far, we seem to have got some pink, including a pretty salmon colour, plus some white - and there's more to come.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj748DU0oY7zbuzy-wW7uTczFnkhcXy8xbsTVaueOkTUJskrVDilIZpqQfcK6cGepaGGHZBUQE80lc__MEQ6SPoZaNrmqOwCCreK9TgNtc15_pMOlhGLv6yUaQQSvw0CbF3mlnTAunTNamm/s1600/digitalis_alba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj748DU0oY7zbuzy-wW7uTczFnkhcXy8xbsTVaueOkTUJskrVDilIZpqQfcK6cGepaGGHZBUQE80lc__MEQ6SPoZaNrmqOwCCreK9TgNtc15_pMOlhGLv6yUaQQSvw0CbF3mlnTAunTNamm/s200/digitalis_alba.jpg" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Palely loitering...</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Readers of this blog will know that I always wax lyrical about using foxgloves in the shadier parts of our garden.</i> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Over the years we've experimented with different types in varying shades of pink and white: some more spotted than others; some with tubular flowers which point up rather than down... the list is seemingly endless if you're a real foxglove fan!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgtKFai0xGDWzxW18VEoX30lcOhrTHPyWFb00vW9B415f1bnGUU7khIv_lidmXLlZQzyBitjIKeUEDXQNObP6ogX8G9W9VAGXzxxpnAxkPjtaID2qiCsAOlU4tXzI2MS6QWAqg_f0LWyE/s1600/digitalis_mertonensis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgtKFai0xGDWzxW18VEoX30lcOhrTHPyWFb00vW9B415f1bnGUU7khIv_lidmXLlZQzyBitjIKeUEDXQNObP6ogX8G9W9VAGXzxxpnAxkPjtaID2qiCsAOlU4tXzI2MS6QWAqg_f0LWyE/s200/digitalis_mertonensis.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Digitalis x mertonensis<br />an RHS choice plant</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This summer we have a new one which is still blooming in the front garden, planted just in front of an escallonia hedge where it's in shade for much of the day.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As you can see from this picture, its main flower spike unfortunately developed at an angle due to the fact that we didn't trim the hedge before it began madly sprouting, cutting off access to the light above.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjDAOjmD5EhHguEvZIgYyTtrOAPW-GfZfyNi6cHQ0V-GA0le15zC8G2nnQUs0IxuSrOnLRQZ39YKUqwi_1HkZut8RJpKSPLyFKMMAGitnGco6hNjZZADRCuskZimOiXuX3ByutGYDo9-K/s1600/digitalis_sutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Digitalis purpurea annua 'Sutton's Apricot'" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjDAOjmD5EhHguEvZIgYyTtrOAPW-GfZfyNi6cHQ0V-GA0le15zC8G2nnQUs0IxuSrOnLRQZ39YKUqwi_1HkZut8RJpKSPLyFKMMAGitnGco6hNjZZADRCuskZimOiXuX3ByutGYDo9-K/s320/digitalis_sutton.jpg" title="Digitalis purpurea annua 'Sutton's Apricot'" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Digitalis purpurea annua</i> 'Sutton's Apricot'<br />- another RHS recommendation available<br />from <a href="http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/">Chiltern Seeds</a></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The other <i>mertonensis</i> plants grew straight and sturdy, with</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">neat rosettes of dark green leaves which resisted being chewed or discoloured - although Christina did find they were harbouring a host of snails underneath!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It may have been our damp weather but I didn't like the way its flowers faded, turning brown at the edges before shrivelling.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">'Sutton's Apricot', on the other hand, looked lovely right up to the end, as did our original <i>alba</i>'s which are delightfully speckled and glow in the late evening.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Perennials in Pots</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUANPrYqldx7IVlJyLG6Az1uvW44nRkzPKq-VHs9R0pdf-EeUO5CCsC1lRbxxqqJDEQCY0lf5nI6Wig0v9IzBdsyTUBbRHRMO-HX0Wor7ewlARY8Dx9Scd8cfU-wrXMIM10oM6fLQmOBQ/s1600/sanguisorba_pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sanguisorba menziesii" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUANPrYqldx7IVlJyLG6Az1uvW44nRkzPKq-VHs9R0pdf-EeUO5CCsC1lRbxxqqJDEQCY0lf5nI6Wig0v9IzBdsyTUBbRHRMO-HX0Wor7ewlARY8Dx9Scd8cfU-wrXMIM10oM6fLQmOBQ/s320/sanguisorba_pot.jpg" title="Sanguisorba menziesii" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Sanguisorba menziesii</i>,<br />blooming merrily in a pot</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>One thing I've discovered about perennials is that they sometimes do better in pots, especially when they're plants which prefer a moist situation.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Having grown several sanguisorba plantlets from seed, I was disappointed last summer when they produced nothing but a few leaves even though I'd sited them in a cooler, damper part of the back garden where I hoped they might flourish.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I had one plant remaining in it's original pot so we transferred this to a larger terracotta pot, together with a spare nicotiana and some bits of lobelia. The tobacco plant immediately rewarded us by blooming profusely for weeks.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Meanwhile, the sanguisorba had also clumped-up well, displaying pretty leaves even without producing flowers. So we decided to let them all over-winter in the pot and slowly come back to life again in spring.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Now, as you can see, it has sent up tall, strong stems of maroon blooms which catch the evening light beautifully - whilst those plants left in the border have yet to flower!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaGBPGLBOuaUanPK0l1rlmvKMeRND548IssvC8Rh2qj02eKVJ596rOmhfHy2-xLn6ELZpiY5KQ-y3Jll1B2QM1k6OXjhQhQH3gc9DGlljvUo0w_BZeodsij_W1S4PMcisagNvdloRq7V4/s1600/lychnis_white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaGBPGLBOuaUanPK0l1rlmvKMeRND548IssvC8Rh2qj02eKVJ596rOmhfHy2-xLn6ELZpiY5KQ-y3Jll1B2QM1k6OXjhQhQH3gc9DGlljvUo0w_BZeodsij_W1S4PMcisagNvdloRq7V4/s200/lychnis_white.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Lychnis coronaria alba<br />- </i>under a shady ash tree</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lychnis</span> also does well in containers and we have masses of the magenta-flowered plants in shady spots all over the garden.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You could call it <i>very accommodating</i> as its seedlings come up in all sorts of inhospitable areas and we tend to treat it as an annual, pulling up the unattractively shrivelled foliage at year-end.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This white variety makes a pleasant change and certainly illuminates our dark corners.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQczSXAr49EKy8sLy2ME-7ccS_kenx409IawkbxmrCNMloPgVVzyc5IrJVoZmjcv0I6rq_LCmLsDQT1wvSArK6-KTIeLTKrAbNnBAY4MLuHgmy_2C_FftaH8_M1569A8wadmQ9q5zKpVe/s1600/penstemon_husker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQczSXAr49EKy8sLy2ME-7ccS_kenx409IawkbxmrCNMloPgVVzyc5IrJVoZmjcv0I6rq_LCmLsDQT1wvSArK6-KTIeLTKrAbNnBAY4MLuHgmy_2C_FftaH8_M1569A8wadmQ9q5zKpVe/s320/penstemon_husker.jpg" title="Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Penstemon digitalis</i> 'Husker Red'</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Light and Dark</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In previous posts I've talked about trying to create contrasts for dramatic effect in the garden.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">'Husker Red' is a plant which looks handsome even before it bursts into bloom, whereupon its bright white flowers really stand out against the dark stems - an effect intensified by the bronzy-red foliage of a neighbouring physocarpus.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>There's so much greenery in our beds by high summer that we have to make a conscious effort to break it up!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_N_i6k03_euIWr7dG07ZMyz_6CQjlQbhtTRsa70HmzGxG_GEMOx_biTxmnDOKE6hiSxix6kg0C606jtK18VBGxd9t__7b8O7jXo1GxuhlV-z1yu769-xIwLlobvQMq9MoKTeKyT3cpLeK/s1600/dianthus_deltoides.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dianthus deltoides" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_N_i6k03_euIWr7dG07ZMyz_6CQjlQbhtTRsa70HmzGxG_GEMOx_biTxmnDOKE6hiSxix6kg0C606jtK18VBGxd9t__7b8O7jXo1GxuhlV-z1yu769-xIwLlobvQMq9MoKTeKyT3cpLeK/s200/dianthus_deltoides.jpg" title="Dianthus deltoides" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">White isn't the only flower colour to stand out in shady corners: these bright miniature pinks, <i>Dianthus deltoides,</i> do a great job of glowing in the dark too. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They're a slightly paler magenta than the lychnis I mentioned above and their starry </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">little</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> blooms stand out well from dark green grass-like stems, making them useful edging plants under a shrub or hedgerow where there's only dappled sun for part of the day.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNDxdY0WEfWuee-FLZaIsctC2YtvdX9DmRhCsa8yaPX8lTgrq6Y7uhc2RN9y_Cx3swhlqKLYlJMd5D4lkg8aUCa89v6Z28SNFcMn1Uwn_iNw4MiHKCaBUOKMG97XJ2LS1LJBDZSNH_9iq/s1600/gladiolus_hyssop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gladiolus papilio 'Ruby'" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNDxdY0WEfWuee-FLZaIsctC2YtvdX9DmRhCsa8yaPX8lTgrq6Y7uhc2RN9y_Cx3swhlqKLYlJMd5D4lkg8aUCa89v6Z28SNFcMn1Uwn_iNw4MiHKCaBUOKMG97XJ2LS1LJBDZSNH_9iq/s320/gladiolus_hyssop.jpg" title="Gladiolus papilio 'Ruby'" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Gladiolus papilio</i> 'Ruby'<br />with emerging hyssop</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By the end of June, exotic sages and hyssops in our herb bed are beginning to fire off their tubular flowers of intense blue, pink or purple, designed to attract hummingbirds in countries like Mexico.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To complement these jewel-like hues, we planted a few bulbs of <i>Gladiolus papilio</i> 'Ruby' - a hardy hybrid from South Africa, which grows to at least a meter tall and has rich red blooms (larger than those of <i>Gladiolus byzantinus</i>).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Soon to come, on the other side of the garden, will be crocosmias of dazzling yellow and orange... <i>at least our borders will be sunny, even if the weather isn't!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuD7PmgI4NzBM4r5YbiGXFwb5zkm8GRJMLKM0Ag32bBu1LMmYXnCu60lh2voWQ0H8kxbhMOkbSs1Kxnk89QJ8OS0RyryydWe_7UkO2WYR9CzbSC3Hkp3D8AJrj_20RjR9DzMzbqVj3KiB/s1600/blackberry_flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Blackberry flower" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuD7PmgI4NzBM4r5YbiGXFwb5zkm8GRJMLKM0Ag32bBu1LMmYXnCu60lh2voWQ0H8kxbhMOkbSs1Kxnk89QJ8OS0RyryydWe_7UkO2WYR9CzbSC3Hkp3D8AJrj_20RjR9DzMzbqVj3KiB/s320/blackberry_flower.jpg" title="Blackberry flower" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hedgerow blackberries in bloom -<br />one advantage of a damp summer will be<br />loads of berries and other fruits to come!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLarfJyqJoyDKXCbxSDOOH7vNToXkyn25u-Owp83o8O2QNZP8bEydkAtwGL96dIfqtx2LehYmQUfQNzo6JAH4PhwTOf7dxjwFyIsNNfIib-3hz1VJ_TpgnoryLb5t1W4sGF-FWFjtYenj/s1600/wide_blues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLarfJyqJoyDKXCbxSDOOH7vNToXkyn25u-Owp83o8O2QNZP8bEydkAtwGL96dIfqtx2LehYmQUfQNzo6JAH4PhwTOf7dxjwFyIsNNfIib-3hz1VJ_TpgnoryLb5t1W4sGF-FWFjtYenj/s400/wide_blues.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blue borders always look best in shade or at dusk</span></td></tr>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-90499945148180048702016-06-17T01:57:00.002-07:002016-06-19T09:39:55.706-07:00Early June<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"<i>Every garden-maker should be an artist along his own lines.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>That is the only possible way to create a garden,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>irrespective of size or wealth.</i>"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Vita Sackville West</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHkn8qmTYJg7_6BnDxSCTljXV-etTdx3YCD8jxokOrp302fopWPEwK3E-RVXD9y40Dj1dyGCpOTj5BGRi-bwmno_YDWMnBovezK47KAdXSC5sdmukiHmlGYrmEkl_oyLSiuNaDKC-RSWp/s1600/Foxgloves_larkspur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHkn8qmTYJg7_6BnDxSCTljXV-etTdx3YCD8jxokOrp302fopWPEwK3E-RVXD9y40Dj1dyGCpOTj5BGRi-bwmno_YDWMnBovezK47KAdXSC5sdmukiHmlGYrmEkl_oyLSiuNaDKC-RSWp/s400/Foxgloves_larkspur.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Spires of foxglove and larkspur against a stippled background of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">red</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">geum, brushed with golden flecks of S<i>tipa gigantea</i>...</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As beezy May slipped into sunny June, we mistook the lengthening days for the onset of summer - only to find that a few hours of intense heat inevitably gave way to more rainy squalls and cloud-filled skies. It looks as if our jet stream has got stuck again!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5d0Cz9HtrBgMoWCZkdWlZzzTOlNPmJ33VD2hVjHWgb23RqV5qytw3p8Giqy3JsjvreR2424q5V2lUBHCXd16XKvjTGzDQm17jG340qjPg-HszapcKUcqDA7n2i22gHHD2CUmoZCEqGNt/s1600/lizard_orchid2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Himantoglossum hircinum or Lizard Orchid" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5d0Cz9HtrBgMoWCZkdWlZzzTOlNPmJ33VD2hVjHWgb23RqV5qytw3p8Giqy3JsjvreR2424q5V2lUBHCXd16XKvjTGzDQm17jG340qjPg-HszapcKUcqDA7n2i22gHHD2CUmoZCEqGNt/s200/lizard_orchid2.jpg" title="Himantoglossum hircinum or Lizard Orchid" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Christina lending scale to a<br />Lizard Orchid</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We try and do a daily walk no matter what, in the hope that exercise will loosen those muscles for a spot of gardening later on.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As mentioned before, this unusually damp spring has enriched our meadows with wild flowers, including spectacular orchids like the one on the right which must have been a meter tall.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In previous years, these lizard orchids have been far less numerous in our chalky grassland, and less impressive at half the size.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTKsV-yvYfV9qCUjB_RF7jnjfvLZlv6pe_kp_UCbnFOWLx6UAeNv0dzTQmAWDrHyUmZItlxjwessEb7WQ8SUi1YqymGXagK0vhLTHT1u4JqUMl66C9nB3Wgo-Jh7zTdxNH12SiYaifJep/s1600/lizard_orchid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Himantoglossum hircinum or Lizard Orchid" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTKsV-yvYfV9qCUjB_RF7jnjfvLZlv6pe_kp_UCbnFOWLx6UAeNv0dzTQmAWDrHyUmZItlxjwessEb7WQ8SUi1YqymGXagK0vhLTHT1u4JqUMl66C9nB3Wgo-Jh7zTdxNH12SiYaifJep/s320/lizard_orchid.jpg" title="Himantoglossum hircinum or Lizard Orchid" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Himantoglossum hircinum</i> or Lizard Orchid</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Viewed up close, you can appreciate the orchid-like maroon spots on its strange 'tentacles' - which might just be thought to resemble lizards.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMShF6D2wphUsEEnf72Nu98rvPTi58VT1oYVhwW6cCPu2JheDmzBHxxSeZyZ3UZUSWfhdom7navuS_IqYpT4cpIyPajhoeoQOAz_YqcyAhaSMhFUA70n4NLE20-Pk8iSZaYYnKfrh5C082/s1600/ammi_majus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ammi visnaga 'Green Mist'" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMShF6D2wphUsEEnf72Nu98rvPTi58VT1oYVhwW6cCPu2JheDmzBHxxSeZyZ3UZUSWfhdom7navuS_IqYpT4cpIyPajhoeoQOAz_YqcyAhaSMhFUA70n4NLE20-Pk8iSZaYYnKfrh5C082/s320/ammi_majus.jpg" title="Ammi visnaga 'Green Mist'" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Ammi visnaga</i> 'Green Mist'<br />(available from <a href="http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/">Chiltern Seeds</a>)</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Elsewhere hedgerows are sprouting hefty umbellifers like hogweed, which may irritate the skin but are undeniably handsome architectural plants.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You certainly wouldn't want to pick any to take indoors but it's nice to cultivate your own type of cow parsley in the form of <i>Orlaya grandiflora</i> or <i>Ammi visnaga, </i>either of which can be used in a vase to complement other garden flowers.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although easy to grow from seed, I find that <i>Ammi visnaga</i> is a bit too big and bushy for our small garden, although its green-tinged flowers do look good in a vase. Orlaya, on the other hand, fits perfectly with our loose style of cottage gardening and seeds itself quite easily.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mixed Planting</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ct9hAuDhDvfzEzgkGz0nnV0qz40z8xl2gaNgm2StzSKvEr-HloFMLH7Mgc5e7_Z6gOOgMbZ29jN3dO6rhr9fr6GBaqfTItBgp0EwvbQXx-DGFIrJIf9QTyAEcT5q3hh08q1BvFam6-oY/s1600/orlaya_tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Orlaya grandiflora in mixed planting" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ct9hAuDhDvfzEzgkGz0nnV0qz40z8xl2gaNgm2StzSKvEr-HloFMLH7Mgc5e7_Z6gOOgMbZ29jN3dO6rhr9fr6GBaqfTItBgp0EwvbQXx-DGFIrJIf9QTyAEcT5q3hh08q1BvFam6-oY/s320/orlaya_tree.jpg" title="Orlaya grandiflora in mixed planting" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Orlaya grandiflora</i> co-habiting with geraniums,</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmzRR_gaGhhQBmmBp_u_4pHDSovlPDsdOr204EJ-2N3KjZAelgbhjxhFS2z-KfXZjZB6V5DQLmbeGDjVnnVRFiGiKqPH-J0VZCaKNLCichWotrMMlhRsgxKLfEhRSUxRu4KKnQH0S_wBn/s1600/foxgloves_aquilegia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmzRR_gaGhhQBmmBp_u_4pHDSovlPDsdOr204EJ-2N3KjZAelgbhjxhFS2z-KfXZjZB6V5DQLmbeGDjVnnVRFiGiKqPH-J0VZCaKNLCichWotrMMlhRsgxKLfEhRSUxRu4KKnQH0S_wBn/s320/foxgloves_aquilegia.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Foxgloves with aquilegia, gilded by panicles of<br /><i>Stipa gigantea</i> and interspersed with red <i>Geum<br />chiloense</i> 'Mrs Bradshaw'</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Creating a tapestry in your garden may look random but relies on the experience of knowing which plants will grow best in certain areas. In the island bed above, partly shaded by a tall ash tree, are perennials and biennials suited to a woodland clearing where soil is dryish.</span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is, however, enough direct sunlight for a single Stipa gigantea</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> to flourish and cast its magic over the assembled party.</span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHNNfbYf5douuQTTd0IPtHzk65PezCsIE7iDEmh7_z0SD8rVnCd3p2-B2tsu5sE1tOeQ6Y9bdqdF4SeI9lXnepFJdeLL0XxAE4Q-rnNnaz31Nw9Qw-FcmCQkLH0zkaP7zwiEl7mwuisGC/s1600/phlomis_foliage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHNNfbYf5douuQTTd0IPtHzk65PezCsIE7iDEmh7_z0SD8rVnCd3p2-B2tsu5sE1tOeQ6Y9bdqdF4SeI9lXnepFJdeLL0XxAE4Q-rnNnaz31Nw9Qw-FcmCQkLH0zkaP7zwiEl7mwuisGC/s200/phlomis_foliage.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Phlomis russeliana</i> with<br /><i>Physocarpus opulifolius<br />'Lady in Red'</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another thing to bear in mind is that you want to have as much contrast as possible - in both colour and form - in order to showcase individual plants.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We recently started using the excellent dark- leaved <i>Physocarpus opulifolius, </i>even though I read that it's best suited to acid soils whilst ours actually contains a lot of chalk. (Home-made compost and leaf-mould will help to redress the balance when planting.)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So far, it's held its colour well and gets enough sunlight to keep the leaves nice and dark, with hints of bronzy-red.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXu-xjqlyIA2woJDKwStsKI-NcxaMnpqttxUo717bK1yrJEyZ4MCX3vp23o0sNuNusRB023tVXUFIOidByOFR2PhohNPDGT7foHpF_l8XtejUET7uhzExTdNAIjHpMREad-51xmMgKxhVE/s1600/sambuca_flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXu-xjqlyIA2woJDKwStsKI-NcxaMnpqttxUo717bK1yrJEyZ4MCX3vp23o0sNuNusRB023tVXUFIOidByOFR2PhohNPDGT7foHpF_l8XtejUET7uhzExTdNAIjHpMREad-51xmMgKxhVE/s320/sambuca_flower.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace'</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Sambucus nigra </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">is another effective shrub for contrast and this variety, 'Black Lace', has finely cut leaves to create even more interest to the eye. Its pink blooms are a little at odds with our surrounding splashes of red geum - whose flowers have </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">now</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">been thinned out so they don't look too offensive!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwY_FS194VCeR0lHmySi-kw-z_pw4MSHyukOOBP-whsa08zv-LAXNz7ZivU66k-qtWATt16mGcGGYw2ycPaYL07VhLSfd5ni-vLkT09Gp22REI6wsm2ntLowvQ-0z4WPcLMHdAdd49JdkD/s1600/linaria_pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went'" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwY_FS194VCeR0lHmySi-kw-z_pw4MSHyukOOBP-whsa08zv-LAXNz7ZivU66k-qtWATt16mGcGGYw2ycPaYL07VhLSfd5ni-vLkT09Gp22REI6wsm2ntLowvQ-0z4WPcLMHdAdd49JdkD/s320/linaria_pink.jpg" title="Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went'" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Linaria purpurea</i> 'Canon Went'</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Teaming it with this delicate pink <i>Linaria purpurea </i>would probably be a better bet and we can easily move a couple of plants in autumn, or even grow some more from seed.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cultivating perennials from seed, rather than simply filling a trolley at the garden centre, gives you more flexibility in choosing the right size/variety to suit your space. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm always excited to see how my seeds turn out - usually better than imagined - and because it's quite cheap to produce several plants, there's less hesitation in pulling out or moving specimens which don't really work. Motto: <i>Be ruthless and edit!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CVhR0YBh8k0vlEJNeRmnIS4suhoi6e2UqXoB_jhjkKNsUgtSevTA-E51OGLEiAofsS4OFjfvEgn3tbp7q19uoW1tEqoLhHRP4ystCZdkekcPd30Lm_QSl9aybGzXBLcu2yJ2nJdiJ5X7/s1600/herbs_geranium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CVhR0YBh8k0vlEJNeRmnIS4suhoi6e2UqXoB_jhjkKNsUgtSevTA-E51OGLEiAofsS4OFjfvEgn3tbp7q19uoW1tEqoLhHRP4ystCZdkekcPd30Lm_QSl9aybGzXBLcu2yJ2nJdiJ5X7/s400/herbs_geranium.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Geranium 'Ann Folkard' threading its pale leaves over a<br />purple sage, with small aquilegia flowering in front</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Herbs, too, offer great scope for contrast in leaf colour and texture, particularly if you mix in the odd perennial. We find that <i>Dianthus gratianopolitanus</i>, with its magenta flowers and mat-forming grey-green foilage works well and can be trimmed back to a neat mound.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGBg6DtnGFH5fg4j5c_Ikm3gclcXkID2GA2wFd3z4iT-cnbLUuVvaC0GAssmiCYQcxzLHV6CLzEcDDvoOKoRzitLPKZBqvHEjVyP7ibTWOvDlKi_YGF3_Eke8QZXonS1iq5r8vFPMY-K_/s1600/cat_dianthus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGBg6DtnGFH5fg4j5c_Ikm3gclcXkID2GA2wFd3z4iT-cnbLUuVvaC0GAssmiCYQcxzLHV6CLzEcDDvoOKoRzitLPKZBqvHEjVyP7ibTWOvDlKi_YGF3_Eke8QZXonS1iq5r8vFPMY-K_/s400/cat_dianthus.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>'Couscous' </i>enjoys the warm stones surrounding our herb bed</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0t5bNxbwiv3MEBiPGKQnHvOSXtuu811cxN-hlSfckjDqT_d9RehItB63pvkGwZMDtzM68sqhdOT-ku5fWTEnqd6tLmezjTiQCfsH_rOC1kkTwE_AEgZX0MDgTKRMI5OYDZspsHMVfH0r/s1600/vase_contrasts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0t5bNxbwiv3MEBiPGKQnHvOSXtuu811cxN-hlSfckjDqT_d9RehItB63pvkGwZMDtzM68sqhdOT-ku5fWTEnqd6tLmezjTiQCfsH_rOC1kkTwE_AEgZX0MDgTKRMI5OYDZspsHMVfH0r/s400/vase_contrasts.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A vase of contrasts, containing from L to R -<br /><i>Ammi visnaga</i> 'Green Mist'<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Dianthus gratianopolitanus</span></i></span><br /><i>Dianthus barbatus</i> 'Sooty' (black)<br /><i>Dianthus barbatus</i> 'Homeland' (dark red with white centre0<br /><i>Nicotiana alata</i> 'Lime Green'<br /><i>Anchusa azurea</i> 'Dropmore'<br />and leaves of <i>Cotinus coggygria</i> in centre</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Aside from the continus (smoke bush) which provides wonderful leaf colour, all other flowers were grown from seed sent by <a href="http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/">Chiltern Seeds</a></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i> in Wallingford.</i></span></div>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-44308244626018484712016-05-24T02:54:00.003-07:002016-05-24T04:01:35.820-07:00Late May<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"It is necessary to write, if the days are not to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">slip emptily by.</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>How else indeed to clap the net over the butterfly of the moment?"</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">-Vita Sackville West</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJS_XhwpCMn1T1Uwrj9Yzgjfxb9LE5E58kwDQGquAthyphenhyphenV2TTRBYPKTn1z1fS8OF6HpbXwsKlw5EsnEV49iVRN9iqZukGvrApR2llLhCXj5k9TiHLkdMMc0BEuugd29z0TThGWVkFMUGCt7/s1600/cattle_meadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="cattle in meadow" border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJS_XhwpCMn1T1Uwrj9Yzgjfxb9LE5E58kwDQGquAthyphenhyphenV2TTRBYPKTn1z1fS8OF6HpbXwsKlw5EsnEV49iVRN9iqZukGvrApR2llLhCXj5k9TiHLkdMMc0BEuugd29z0TThGWVkFMUGCt7/s400/cattle_meadow.jpg" title="cattle in meadow" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cattle relaxing amongst buttercups on the <i>marais</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Despite ravages of wind and rain which drive us mad with their unseasonal frequency, we find the cattle have arrived back in their summer pasture, sensibly staying together in a sheltered corner. The sheep, too, are back on their hillside and a few more horses have been quartered out on the <i>marais</i>.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4R0S3H8kCmnNX1cpLcOsBBCs4GI1y2VS4XZc_B9wyl8tFTKvMBzRz4G1pjF7zEY5Q8mbKVzac5f5ZrOIP39KmjiTkHf5RF6ZK91hgtrBVv2TEOX1fx-BRnXmnSUu0zvt2WXqglsWlnmY9/s1600/poitou_donkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A 'baudet' or Poitou donkey" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4R0S3H8kCmnNX1cpLcOsBBCs4GI1y2VS4XZc_B9wyl8tFTKvMBzRz4G1pjF7zEY5Q8mbKVzac5f5ZrOIP39KmjiTkHf5RF6ZK91hgtrBVv2TEOX1fx-BRnXmnSUu0zvt2WXqglsWlnmY9/s320/poitou_donkey.jpg" title="A 'baudet' or Poitou donkey" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A 'baudet' or Poitou donkey</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Three female Poitou donkeys, which were put out to graze on a hillside early this year, are still in residence but starting to look somewhat bored with their well-chomped meadow.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Their huge size and appealing shagginess contrast with their delicate little feet and gentle natures. Once it starts to really warm up, I fear there isn't much in the way of shelter for them and it must get tiring standing on a slope all day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Ah well, we've given up trying to understand animal husbandry as practised locally...</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26lc10Z4wVCOmRoc1wEb-f_6DC9htJSm6D0gEdIr-kk4cJj7VF4ZKg-ulNwJfTwwxflwwGGMsQvuJS7EtIpIuFUXdsmLoEH0b0e_LHtqzOjBeeoyF32r4I8kjfXUjIwtZyddi9W0RN3ut/s1600/orchids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bee Orchid (Ophrys scolopax)" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26lc10Z4wVCOmRoc1wEb-f_6DC9htJSm6D0gEdIr-kk4cJj7VF4ZKg-ulNwJfTwwxflwwGGMsQvuJS7EtIpIuFUXdsmLoEH0b0e_LHtqzOjBeeoyF32r4I8kjfXUjIwtZyddi9W0RN3ut/s320/orchids.jpg" title="Bee Orchid (Ophrys scolopax)" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bee Orchid (Ophrys scolopax)</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Orchids</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The grassland surrounding these donkeys is full of pyramid orchids but it's difficult to tell whether they're tempted to munch any which might grow within their electrified enclosure.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Elsewhere, after seeing a profusion of large 'pyramids' growing along the verges, we came across this pretty array of bee orchids, some of which are noticeably paler than the usual pinkish-mauve. Our damp weather has certainly favoured the orchid colonies and they seem to have spread more widely.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCsxCAHWYoBeZnjIKbNufW5OjYVsmhbGcnPVg5JliLRcYtFPRSDrZi_1GNrmrt6o_wLvvn0uJ9CuABPuhbvI3ebwpdguSikCUTmPVgyOcIUFWWH4tzlFFEIi5x_f0gowY9z9FoLfpdi4r/s1600/medlar_orlaya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Orlaya grandiflora with foxgloves and Anchusa azurea behind" border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCsxCAHWYoBeZnjIKbNufW5OjYVsmhbGcnPVg5JliLRcYtFPRSDrZi_1GNrmrt6o_wLvvn0uJ9CuABPuhbvI3ebwpdguSikCUTmPVgyOcIUFWWH4tzlFFEIi5x_f0gowY9z9FoLfpdi4r/s400/medlar_orlaya.jpg" title="Orlaya grandiflora with foxgloves and Anchusa azurea behind" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Orlaya grandiflora</i> with foxgloves and <i>Anchusa azurea </i>behind</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Meanwhile our own home-grown "meadow" is coming along nicely under the medlar tree. In the background a pale pink cistus is just coming into bloom, along with a yellow evening primrose and some geum in the forefront.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">New plants from seed</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6ASxJErABRZeCbPz89uj4XUYorwtxtjqjWl2miCGSNRNI4CvICUcIKG1yGFyE_X-I6sN0LZqK1Y9qfzzn8PJVuLb5Uktt6gub-EhlWBAEmHAm9ZF2IOKJL0cof6fZghLdF1gFGmh1AdY/s1600/seed_table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6ASxJErABRZeCbPz89uj4XUYorwtxtjqjWl2miCGSNRNI4CvICUcIKG1yGFyE_X-I6sN0LZqK1Y9qfzzn8PJVuLb5Uktt6gub-EhlWBAEmHAm9ZF2IOKJL0cof6fZghLdF1gFGmh1AdY/s320/seed_table.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's quite satisfying to think that most of the above - save for that geum and cistus - have been grown from seed, all of it supplied by those nice folk at <a href="http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/">Chiltern Seeds</a>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The latest batch are growing well, having been moved from their cold frame and hardened-off on a table in semi-shade. These are mostly perennials like veronica, scabious and rudbeckia.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>When it comes to potting up seedlings and cuttings, it's amazing how much you can fit into a tight area with careful arrangement of pots and trays. Using a black bin for compost and painting tables and raised-beds in black, helps to keep them uniform and fairly unobtrusive.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgV53UNDr8cVThhdYICH3f6n2mTe9SaoAJtKl3rAQOlmGiQWTRbeyk3af7gfuOwF_2g9GHN1L9OZc1a4BMb6Pd7GwWhrcRa906In-7WgElD3TnDOXPjhZcCTEV6aE0N6HGxDGk83oCMT4Z/s1600/sooty_william.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dianthus barbatus 'Sooty'" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgV53UNDr8cVThhdYICH3f6n2mTe9SaoAJtKl3rAQOlmGiQWTRbeyk3af7gfuOwF_2g9GHN1L9OZc1a4BMb6Pd7GwWhrcRa906In-7WgElD3TnDOXPjhZcCTEV6aE0N6HGxDGk83oCMT4Z/s320/sooty_william.jpg" title="Dianthus barbatus 'Sooty'" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Dianthus barbatus</i> 'Sooty'</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As mentioned earlier this month, the sweet williams called 'Sooty' have delightfully spiky foliage and really stand out against the enveloping tide of green.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Their ruby-velvet flower clusters are just starting to open and are seen here against a background of Romneya - a perennial white poppy from California which is already showing fat buds.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Enlarging on the dark theme, I'm currently growing some black antirrhinums to provide additional drama next spring!</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Flowers for cutting</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyASR7zmqIF2bCbqmDeZRrZl0OBl30-wgQiosV88-TrYIE7dTVs2YReKHeQ1QC4jRTLr_cyDswraCohv4WvnN-rguzo1Gtu4C-1O_A9VDR_ZjYdxZlzFFj81T1cq8SIshw4G6kdV2vYzZy/s1600/vase_contrasts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyASR7zmqIF2bCbqmDeZRrZl0OBl30-wgQiosV88-TrYIE7dTVs2YReKHeQ1QC4jRTLr_cyDswraCohv4WvnN-rguzo1Gtu4C-1O_A9VDR_ZjYdxZlzFFj81T1cq8SIshw4G6kdV2vYzZy/s400/vase_contrasts.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Spring selection of columbines, foxglove and orlaya</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The above illustrates how dark foliage and flowers provide contrast in a vase. Bronzy-red leaves and stem belong to <i>Penstemon digitalis </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">'Husker Red', whilst the left-hand cluster is our aforementioned 'Sooty'.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We have a continual parade of pink, apricot and white foxgloves, some of which suffered from snail damage early on, reducing the size of their stems but giving us more flower stalks per plant. Even though a few of these are bent out of shape, they're still a useful length for popping into a jug or vase - it's worth docking a few plants just for this purpose!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT57SCe2n7vk4jrIPq8WvJ_L9h8wyXH4vHRLQyz0dSULYiWf2ud4wqShcAiNxju5JdrezGfgjA9Ap5PvLMEQKVFD8OItoipq0VD4w-AEI0tE7Bn8YVpXtCVou6BtRA0BsdNkOh4d9qJU8R/s1600/vase_pinks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT57SCe2n7vk4jrIPq8WvJ_L9h8wyXH4vHRLQyz0dSULYiWf2ud4wqShcAiNxju5JdrezGfgjA9Ap5PvLMEQKVFD8OItoipq0VD4w-AEI0tE7Bn8YVpXtCVou6BtRA0BsdNkOh4d9qJU8R/s320/vase_pinks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pinks give us a never-ending supply of blooms which last well in water and look particularly fetching with a combination of orlaya and wild allium. These pink-tinged white onion flowers grow in grassy meadows and waysides but fortunately don't smell when picked.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwj9ODPq5c93sqRDzl8nmxuMstOkt_ZV0wtQl778Bjw1XIJoHRMVQdcOm0-VO0LUqdhabF1mip_7eQ9LnAKK7zu8N7WNDFpConhhAp3Z_o7nfYQKipNOOUBvuSGF-ptaJjFvhGfPoCr7r/s1600/french_garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwj9ODPq5c93sqRDzl8nmxuMstOkt_ZV0wtQl778Bjw1XIJoHRMVQdcOm0-VO0LUqdhabF1mip_7eQ9LnAKK7zu8N7WNDFpConhhAp3Z_o7nfYQKipNOOUBvuSGF-ptaJjFvhGfPoCr7r/s320/french_garden.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">French cottage garden</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A neighbouring village held its annual flower show the other weekend and I couldn't resist photographing one of the local front gardens which was attracting much interest from passers-by.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I love the cascade of snow-in-summer and I'm sure all that lily-of-the-valley on the other side will smell wonderful, but I can't help wondering if anything else will happen when all that flowering is finished?</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Whereas English gardeners enjoy a parade of flowers from early spring through to late autumn, I've noticed that some local people rely on just a few plant types and may even, for instance, use multiples of the same rose - something that probably originates with formal French gardening in days gone by.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrSZd-4tIETwnDztZZHrl5cV7vyEH-6E0AT6tf07c4qsG5d73DNFwQd2GxOSiB95umwtTwZqgz8VFhmuVguDU2Dd7pRvNWMya7GsBQqE7E0XXt_xkGqqPijzvl9EFQ23-r6MjTqw8i-EX/s1600/studio_bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrSZd-4tIETwnDztZZHrl5cV7vyEH-6E0AT6tf07c4qsG5d73DNFwQd2GxOSiB95umwtTwZqgz8VFhmuVguDU2Dd7pRvNWMya7GsBQqE7E0XXt_xkGqqPijzvl9EFQ23-r6MjTqw8i-EX/s320/studio_bed.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mediterranean plants grown in a raised bed</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When it comes to cottage gardens, they don't come much more <i>'bijou' </i>than the little raised-bed in front of our studio (aka the old pigsty).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Its well-drained sandy soil is good for sun-lovers like dianthus and cistus, but we've been particularly surprised at how much the mauve scabious and <i>Lavandula dentata </i>have thrived. They've both been flowering their socks off for weeks, doubtless aided by the frost-free winter.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSzDTUh5PXz-qKt2cbiqrBTX2QCEfnX_kKztR9zMmuWBIy9QlzcDbsy39FVkY1wyrqrjbwbMtMZazbcIQsu9FrTJj1WamyBhLNF9fs95AaJX3teE-kHrs8plCLtDyrxkAkgEE6S0qUJLm/s1600/turtle_dove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur)" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSzDTUh5PXz-qKt2cbiqrBTX2QCEfnX_kKztR9zMmuWBIy9QlzcDbsy39FVkY1wyrqrjbwbMtMZazbcIQsu9FrTJj1WamyBhLNF9fs95AaJX3teE-kHrs8plCLtDyrxkAkgEE6S0qUJLm/s200/turtle_dove.jpg" title="Turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur)" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Turtle dove<br /> (<i>Streptopelia turtur</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bird world</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This pretty turtle dove was part of a trio spotted in a nearby vineyard whilst we were out walking. It's quite a rarity in these parts compared with all the collared doves we see feasting on grain from surrounding fields.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At times this place is a total confusion of birdsong, together with warning clucks from anxious parent birds - like the black redstart who takes over the garden as his territory and practically drives our cat demented.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One bird we hear regularly but never see, skulking as it does beside the water-course outside our gate, is the "Chap with the Megaphone" as we used to call him. We finally identified him as Cetti's warbler, who bursts out with the same song every morning: it goes <i>"cheewip - chipper - chipper - chipper - chipper". (</i>And, in case you didn't catch it, he'll happily give you an encore ten minutes later!)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZxSiB2gJ6eVFOYuZK2YqVirNhonnG1ABzQeQe9ns5jK6cPXz_irHoEUxrtRqxolSBB7hfCwYXgnIVdc3NPdyU94ENfWw72L9h7uCz8AwpVeXRJmMynRlR-y71-cyupPrfzRTf6ehPmsc/s1600/tadorn_chicks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Shelduck babies (Tadorna tadorna)" border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZxSiB2gJ6eVFOYuZK2YqVirNhonnG1ABzQeQe9ns5jK6cPXz_irHoEUxrtRqxolSBB7hfCwYXgnIVdc3NPdyU94ENfWw72L9h7uCz8AwpVeXRJmMynRlR-y71-cyupPrfzRTf6ehPmsc/s400/tadorn_chicks.jpg" title="Shelduck babies (Tadorna tadorna)" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shelduck babies (<i>Tadorna tadorna</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Living so near the Gironde Estuary, we quite often see shelducks flying over the <i>marais</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, usually in pairs. The other morning a couple were repeatedly flying over our garden making a lot of noise, but it wasn't until we ventured out for a walk that we saw these ducklings fast-pedalling up the water channel.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For some reason the adults seemed to be encouraging them from the air rather than 'maman duck' taking a guardian role and leading on the water. Perhaps these parents thought we were posing a threat?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We carried on with our circular walk and were coming back down the hill twenty minutes later when what should we see struggling up the road in front but the intrepid gang of eleven ducklings?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There ensued several heart-in-mouth moments as we signalled oncoming cars to slow down as the little tribe waddled its way uphill... no guessing how many finally made it onto the marais. (We blame those irresponsible parents!)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Finally, a serene sight</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hMTCYXLxoIHbtM9xqUi8YX2g_WRTnQj8brKMceTg6BPbfV9eaCTh1iHknRIc72wekmQtoIP91fP7XlWTlR2vRRIvsCxPz-65ApLYsM5MQxR1r5fKA0xQ2dETxBx8Kl-CSdFrW-Tino-9/s1600/wisteria_clematis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wisteria sinensis and Clematis montana" border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hMTCYXLxoIHbtM9xqUi8YX2g_WRTnQj8brKMceTg6BPbfV9eaCTh1iHknRIc72wekmQtoIP91fP7XlWTlR2vRRIvsCxPz-65ApLYsM5MQxR1r5fKA0xQ2dETxBx8Kl-CSdFrW-Tino-9/s400/wisteria_clematis.jpg" title="Wisteria sinensis and Clematis montana" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another French garden - with cleverly matching wisteria and clematis!</span></td></tr>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-81255513132051199732016-05-12T07:50:00.000-07:002016-05-12T07:50:07.400-07:00Early May<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"And the May month flaps its glad green leaves like wings,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Delicate-filmed as new-spun silk..."</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Thomas Hardy</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTB_HSEKqTQkVIzHePD-FWroqli6An6QUFBBT_OoucOql3C_w9HkVB2LEQpq2rmHG7fYPnOG4_H7-C0KS7zf_pXXdb8K0be6zcA0jxYqVlSY_IH_X8O3yZKMo0ozdVLkRbBXOykf8wdxz_/s1600/view_hillside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hawthorn blossom on hillside" border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTB_HSEKqTQkVIzHePD-FWroqli6An6QUFBBT_OoucOql3C_w9HkVB2LEQpq2rmHG7fYPnOG4_H7-C0KS7zf_pXXdb8K0be6zcA0jxYqVlSY_IH_X8O3yZKMo0ozdVLkRbBXOykf8wdxz_/s400/view_hillside.jpg" title="Hawthorn blossom on hillside" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">View from our back garden</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Green hillsides are swagged with hawthorn bushes, their pungent white blossoms known as 'may' because they invariably arrive with the month. But you know it's not quite summer as the farmer hasn't yet put his sheep out on the ridge.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our garden, too, has its share of white flowers at present, none more extravagant than <i>Virburnum opulus</i> which has exceeded itself in producing a huge number of creamy-green spheres.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSX09sF8vb_evibr201s7Y7JIpdf-GxOiGoWVfOg4rciHOZo5gquQZ3slafA7fQAZ-qhCgDpnTuPpY5JVZNij6FGQeJoAyk5p1quXx1oknjK83mNRgdr3cEYECrXWmJWrVn7E1O-qTXX8Y/s1600/viburnum_opulus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Viburnum opulus aka the 'Snowball Tree'" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSX09sF8vb_evibr201s7Y7JIpdf-GxOiGoWVfOg4rciHOZo5gquQZ3slafA7fQAZ-qhCgDpnTuPpY5JVZNij6FGQeJoAyk5p1quXx1oknjK83mNRgdr3cEYECrXWmJWrVn7E1O-qTXX8Y/s320/viburnum_opulus.jpg" title="Viburnum opulus aka the 'Snowball Tree'" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Viburnum opulus</i> aka the 'Snowball Tree'</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Alas it's not the most weather-resitant shrub and you can almost guarantee that heavy rain will strike just as the blooms reach their full potential.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sure enough there are thunder-storms forecast this week, but after a long spell of drying winds most of our plants will be glad of some root-refreshing moisture. <i>Real rain always seems to work better than water from cans!</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vAvF5lCvCtaWla3tMPBH_ffM7d_4mw1n9LdDQfZtVK6heFqPvK7YJgaWRmRhDJwsMKKmZX1u21tQdI6hPQYO9JWJ2axhdvDxDH4CA4eQQ4mjsrqPC1Uda5mG3HUxzf-YeX0VQboXK5nm/s1600/orlaya_grandiflora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vAvF5lCvCtaWla3tMPBH_ffM7d_4mw1n9LdDQfZtVK6heFqPvK7YJgaWRmRhDJwsMKKmZX1u21tQdI6hPQYO9JWJ2axhdvDxDH4CA4eQQ4mjsrqPC1Uda5mG3HUxzf-YeX0VQboXK5nm/s320/orlaya_grandiflora.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Orlaya grandiflora</i><br />available from <a href="http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/">Chiltern Seeds</a></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Umbellifers</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lacy flowers of orlaya are more like snowflakes and mimic the soft waves of cow parsley now adorning our back lane.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's a useful filler plant which seeds itself under our medlar tree and mixes well with other spring flowers such as geum and foxglove, giving the relaxed feel of a meadow.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Seedlings become apparent in early autumn when they can be thinned out and easily moved to other areas if required.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This year we're also growing some <i>Ammi visnaga, </i>a more imposing umbellifer,<i> </i>now coming into bloom and looking as though it will take up considerably more space!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iib2xPLYiLmWWsqdZ-0DmOG3amNpvOVkedXRVA-eaps8XRN7531nc9ZHlAn_Ty4GwpKBKAHG0Spb1quftY-29lj0Kko7tvwjJi9IxNIRQwyeS24uONzvDYbCy1MnwN0gFJtZ68d5Q38j/s1600/cistus_ladanifer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cistus ladanifer" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iib2xPLYiLmWWsqdZ-0DmOG3amNpvOVkedXRVA-eaps8XRN7531nc9ZHlAn_Ty4GwpKBKAHG0Spb1quftY-29lj0Kko7tvwjJi9IxNIRQwyeS24uONzvDYbCy1MnwN0gFJtZ68d5Q38j/s320/cistus_ladanifer.jpg" title="Cistus ladanifer" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Cistus ladanifer</i>, standing up to the rain</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">White flowers are certainly one way of breaking up the sea of green that engulfs our garden at this time of year. In addition, it's useful to interpose plants with darker foliage, such as <i>Sambucus nigra Purpurea - </i>whose coppery foliage stands out in the border below, to the right of the little box hedge</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>.</i></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLmGFFAKxDEHRx8-GS8OhkCdIB0gdAsNUvq03qoIG0sva4Q1BSXp9TD0Ipa61QD5wY0qTHBhK8fzXKGo5IrXTOPxgq0PFJwyJHiFK1kU-dxDkY-qMWuWdV8U3VE0-U5wJRLxr0CEUC-Ka/s1600/back_topshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Border edged with boules of lavender" border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLmGFFAKxDEHRx8-GS8OhkCdIB0gdAsNUvq03qoIG0sva4Q1BSXp9TD0Ipa61QD5wY0qTHBhK8fzXKGo5IrXTOPxgq0PFJwyJHiFK1kU-dxDkY-qMWuWdV8U3VE0-U5wJRLxr0CEUC-Ka/s400/back_topshot.jpg" title="Border edged with boules of lavender" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Back border edged with <i>boules</i> of lavender</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>You can see we also have a surfeit of forget-me-nots in the back garden! These provide welcome patches of blue but can obscure - and interfere with - other emerging plants, such as heleniums and echinacea which need a fair bit of light and space to develop properly.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once we've had this promised rainfall, we'll probably yank out annuals like <i>myosotis</i> and put down some garden compost, before re-filling the gaps with <i>Cosmos sulphureus</i> grown from seed.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Contrasting Foliage<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hfQDc2mZYKlWZLcIRZjvIFQH0FnHR19X0u864nuw1jWoqFY40leE3-uJZjBublvGJc3QFSO4EkKGWS0b1jMVviwcDOObprVLgxpVbWgP3DHvQR3LpkGe6t_C0XI15EQnXH9XacKdeXdR/s1600/husker_gladioli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hfQDc2mZYKlWZLcIRZjvIFQH0FnHR19X0u864nuw1jWoqFY40leE3-uJZjBublvGJc3QFSO4EkKGWS0b1jMVviwcDOObprVLgxpVbWgP3DHvQR3LpkGe6t_C0XI15EQnXH9XacKdeXdR/s320/husker_gladioli.jpg" title="Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Penstemon digitalis</i> 'Husker Red'<br />with <i>Gladiolus Byzantinus communis</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another very successful plant from the <a href="http://chilterseeds.co.uk/">Chiltern Seeds</a> collection is this maroon-leaved <i>Penstemon digitalis</i> called 'Husker Red', which does a great job of breaking up that aforementioned sea of green!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's a sturdy fellow, seemingly immune to snails, and produces panicles of white flowers in June. I like the fact that its foliage looks so glossy after watering.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next to it is one of the <i>Gladiolus Byzantinus</i> that we dotted around the garden last year, again to provide some accent colour and draw the eye from one area to another.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TOiTeTAixHTMtpWPcktm7j2jm7kB9BqAYUDTKS91qUw_1Ilj6E7YAAkCZYicNaLw8lMXdddAN0LfQXX_mDy494sWN371BQjUucJ3dVZLNIx4OVJWBGlVbvWDWDWJfDvqDzur9UuB_jUB/s1600/sweet_william2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TOiTeTAixHTMtpWPcktm7j2jm7kB9BqAYUDTKS91qUw_1Ilj6E7YAAkCZYicNaLw8lMXdddAN0LfQXX_mDy494sWN371BQjUucJ3dVZLNIx4OVJWBGlVbvWDWDWJfDvqDzur9UuB_jUB/s320/sweet_william2.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Dianthus barbatus </i>'Sooty'</span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A few of Chiltern's sweet williams which I grew from seed last year have made it through the wet winter and are now throwing up their dark stems amongst the forget-me-nots.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is <i>Dianthus barbatus</i> 'Sooty' - aptly named, I think, for its cheeky black heads! Sadly some of my little plants came to grief as they over-wintered in our borders, but the survivors are doing well and I can't wait for their eventual flowering.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Generally, all types of dianthus seem to thrive in our garden and I'm gradually working my way through the multitude of varieties in Chiltern's catalogue!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRy7W09qkeWLr2QPIQM-5OnlbiuUCbPFt3bW0wC-UZe_ucTdHyVFtNUi_EAO-W5yMgJiF7OqJmlVCZptQZm6ksqp6_2537pikP3oKPSJQ1a6r7EnT2BP5vFgRyY7tEbMEhvs6PWHPQXaQD/s1600/orkney_cherry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRy7W09qkeWLr2QPIQM-5OnlbiuUCbPFt3bW0wC-UZe_ucTdHyVFtNUi_EAO-W5yMgJiF7OqJmlVCZptQZm6ksqp6_2537pikP3oKPSJQ1a6r7EnT2BP5vFgRyY7tEbMEhvs6PWHPQXaQD/s200/orkney_cherry.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Geranium 'Orkney Cherry'<br /> -an early-flowering variety<br />with finely-cut dark foliage</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Geraniums are invaluable to any gardener and we now hunt for those with darker foliage, as well as eye-catching flowers.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For the edge of the border there's a smallish variety called 'Orkney Cherry' which has bronze-green leaves and vibrant pink flowers.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another cranesbill we bought at a fair, which hasn't produced many flowers to date, is <i>Geranium maculatum</i> 'Espresso', supposed to be suitable for shadier, woodland areas.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I've now divided this into three pieces, to see if it will perform better in other parts of the garden. This year I'm hoping to see lots of white flowers, which would look fabulous against the coffee-brown leaves.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVA2yG4KgXH0pQfx-rUoY29WWq1GAJKj4lUz1kRIMALIiUCZkgGlWZcA_zVBXZnqLsNNJ4B-fCyTtQ68wgb2NaXqISL8wwhngjaS2fur3ss9JVDamWI2QZE2CLmjt5V5M19bjTexGdc_c/s1600/centaurea_montana2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Centaurea montana - perennial cornflower" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVA2yG4KgXH0pQfx-rUoY29WWq1GAJKj4lUz1kRIMALIiUCZkgGlWZcA_zVBXZnqLsNNJ4B-fCyTtQ68wgb2NaXqISL8wwhngjaS2fur3ss9JVDamWI2QZE2CLmjt5V5M19bjTexGdc_c/s200/centaurea_montana2.jpg" title="Centaurea montana - perennial cornflower" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Centaurea montana</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bright Blues</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nowadays we also search for plants with unusual shapes as they're interesting to photograph... often more so when they're in bud than in full flower. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Centaurea montana, </i>however, delivers on both counts and I love the oval capitulum reminiscent of overlapping insect scales.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1zrfuFlIn3fl7EozY6y93ctiqE2wQvhssETGLR1rz80JGOYJVl-USJBwZnVMuI0lzR6M_q_CC7E_zguQU8L0Y8-cmbyIOXetEsHJBgrGo_aXo3C-22eQMkCcaYZkyPD842eAhNIHcaUu/s1600/centaurea_montana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Centaurea montana - perennial cornflower" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1zrfuFlIn3fl7EozY6y93ctiqE2wQvhssETGLR1rz80JGOYJVl-USJBwZnVMuI0lzR6M_q_CC7E_zguQU8L0Y8-cmbyIOXetEsHJBgrGo_aXo3C-22eQMkCcaYZkyPD842eAhNIHcaUu/s320/centaurea_montana.jpg" title="Centaurea montana - perennial cornflower" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Centaurea montana -</i> perennial cornflower<br />growing on cliffs and mountains, as well as gardens!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-gNz07v_FFg4-S-tLO-DeNDfRMrAUt60nje9OXZgNBfxnybuhEZmRhZtbtNOVyYXk2yeQzujJrRO32ti4SfpFPNMHBFDigt0dcf8QwK610U57M2qxvR1dvAcJ1_asSrw4sFyOpxEMSPl/s1600/aquilegia_blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aquilegia hybrid" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-gNz07v_FFg4-S-tLO-DeNDfRMrAUt60nje9OXZgNBfxnybuhEZmRhZtbtNOVyYXk2yeQzujJrRO32ti4SfpFPNMHBFDigt0dcf8QwK610U57M2qxvR1dvAcJ1_asSrw4sFyOpxEMSPl/s320/aquilegia_blue.jpg" title="Aquilegia hybrid" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>One of the first flowers to bring in some colour after our bulbs have died down is that good old staple - aquilegia.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I did grow a named variety with deep blue flowers a few years back, but I think this has now hybridised with something else in the garden and produced a rather handsome cousin sporting three shades of blue.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Due perhaps to the wet winter/spring, our aquilegias are taller and more stately this year. Well worth dead-heading to prolong the flowering period.</span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-J2ghFcEpuelpqOIiY2yJVW1JQPulyqErL_k3muzDVv5itkPRi6mx0YQXiDlVAAfY1OPcb2_cWNfCXSsnv-IgiUKTQMHO_cgWOicULenTJZyx5yzllQcBdg9s8N5aShwYlDFRDKIL_V9/s1600/borage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Borago officinalis" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-J2ghFcEpuelpqOIiY2yJVW1JQPulyqErL_k3muzDVv5itkPRi6mx0YQXiDlVAAfY1OPcb2_cWNfCXSsnv-IgiUKTQMHO_cgWOicULenTJZyx5yzllQcBdg9s8N5aShwYlDFRDKIL_V9/s200/borage.jpg" title="Borago officinalis" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Borago officinalis</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Something else which grows in waysides around here and might be considered a weed is the sky-blue borage, often used as a decorative addition to salads and Pimms No. 1.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This one happened to seed itself </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">by the compost heap </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">in our woodland section, where it was allowed to reach maturity undisturbed and is now covered in blooms. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Backlit by early sunshine, it makes for an irresistible photo.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2urEFqC8pMP6TAQQ1Kq3fS8U9PCi2x02b-KlhQpj8wpLYuXCQlbniLs53sYM6C2yFUWMuSAKw1fngy7w1qEY1OWAvaYpw35G3aASiuxQVuff-zyLwhkqmMTphqjG_PDSmnwASE5Xz5jm/s1600/swallowtail_anchusa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore'" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2urEFqC8pMP6TAQQ1Kq3fS8U9PCi2x02b-KlhQpj8wpLYuXCQlbniLs53sYM6C2yFUWMuSAKw1fngy7w1qEY1OWAvaYpw35G3aASiuxQVuff-zyLwhkqmMTphqjG_PDSmnwASE5Xz5jm/s320/swallowtail_anchusa.jpg" title="Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore'" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Anchusa azurea</i> 'Dropmore'<br />- with matching swallowtail butterfly</span></td></tr>
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<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If not the biggest flowers, those of <i>Anchusa azurea</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> are some of the most intense in colour, and obviously attractive to this early swallowtail who kept coming back for more!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>These plants, which also came from Chiltern Seeds, were widely featured at the Chelsea Flower Show two years ago and soon became a must-have for cottage-style gardens. Ours are now 1.5m tall in full sun and provide plenty of nectar for butterflies.</i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A dry border edged with pinks, catmint and <i>Iberis sempervirens</i></span></td></tr>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-22753511551327920962016-04-13T01:24:00.000-07:002016-05-07T06:09:38.796-07:00Early April<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"When proud-pied April dress'd in all his trim</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Hath put a spirit of youth in every thing..."</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>-</i> Shakespeare, Sonnet 98</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"La Minoterie" - </i>the old flour mill at Les Monards</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These early April days are some of the most eagerly anticipated in the calendar and each little rainstorm brings a new unfurling of leaves, adding yet another fine glaze of colour to the landscape.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3Gsn4vtFhUDs-C1zsHwoC9IUn42QDc_jlkr_sunC3sThK6d3SH5MEmWPhC2FhEcBcwdZUIjD-_YT7vp-yQbVX-gEkMNYNoSxnT37pfaMmAFSy6DPLy3tWzZaMROqTNteXDOWJeTMHbSc/s1600/kingcups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Marsh marigold or Kingcup" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3Gsn4vtFhUDs-C1zsHwoC9IUn42QDc_jlkr_sunC3sThK6d3SH5MEmWPhC2FhEcBcwdZUIjD-_YT7vp-yQbVX-gEkMNYNoSxnT37pfaMmAFSy6DPLy3tWzZaMROqTNteXDOWJeTMHbSc/s200/kingcups.jpg" title="Caltha palustris" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Caltha palustris</i><br />Marsh marigold or kingcup</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here by our neighbour's lake, the gentler shades of weeping willow and dogwood are occasionally interrupted by the brash yellow of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">kingcups</span> growing by the water's edge.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Latin name <i>caltha</i> means "goblet" and <i>palustris </i>refers to the marshy areas where it thrives. Flowers are a similar colour to the buttercup but much larger, with an impressive clutch of stamens in the middle.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shakespeare referred to them as "winking marybuds" for their reflective quality and there are now several cultivars listed in the RHS Plant Finder. A must for the water gardener and a useful way to stabilise riverbanks.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PW4A0iQaFWuw_gudEhxYFY6blZWaNE7x9SVFsq_NyMChk4f5Bcgb_Zzh5A_svt2epu4OTwLtVBYBPPGrA_Ilt_fZ55xI9gGgc4IG1eLrF6L7WsIYo_wSsRIocedy5STaZIkoOkO_DIQP/s1600/amelanchier_mature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Amelanchier lamarckii" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PW4A0iQaFWuw_gudEhxYFY6blZWaNE7x9SVFsq_NyMChk4f5Bcgb_Zzh5A_svt2epu4OTwLtVBYBPPGrA_Ilt_fZ55xI9gGgc4IG1eLrF6L7WsIYo_wSsRIocedy5STaZIkoOkO_DIQP/s320/amelanchier_mature.jpg" title="Amelanchier lamarckii" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Amelanchier lamarckii</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Around the lake in front of his mill, our neighbour Robert has planted a number of specimen trees, including this lovely <i>Amelanchier</i> or 'snowy mespilus', which lives up to its name with a soft coating of white blossom in April.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Amelanchiers</span> can be grown as a shrub or small tree and were originally introduced from North America, although my book tells me that they have now naturalised on sandy soil in parts of southern England and the RHS has given the <i>lamarckii</i> variety its award of merit.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUaQLqMb8OGlf_Eblt47TX6pqp0kW1RHBGPvvDaQrS6fwKlNh5RIigjDg2ZRWVSbDIjrtmQNM9bPdbFAoX41ujrDLfS39DLBsLFKlhC7CLkPl76fZxSu3WRKz_Jkvjry3wbpeLx1Du5lq/s1600/amelanchier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Amelanchier lamarckii" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUaQLqMb8OGlf_Eblt47TX6pqp0kW1RHBGPvvDaQrS6fwKlNh5RIigjDg2ZRWVSbDIjrtmQNM9bPdbFAoX41ujrDLfS39DLBsLFKlhC7CLkPl76fZxSu3WRKz_Jkvjry3wbpeLx1Du5lq/s320/amelanchier.jpg" title="Amelanchier lamarckii" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Amelanchier lamarckii</i><br />- downy buds and bronze-tinged leaves<br />create a lovely picture early in the year</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Thanks to Robert's son, we're now growing one in our back border so that we can admire each stage of development in close-up.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Not only does it provide wonderful blossom but this is followed by red edible fruits, which turn purple-black in July - and the leaves, too, provide additional colour in autumn. What's not to like??</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Damson jam?</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUCIJ4E_RXiqLVxqPw7eGqE7Q31h2uTK7rmZM1EUob3ZNGXOuSGsXq5hxn8s4bksUM9bHEgqskVGWrXqdTNnHcOrcnlFYSeccMB8i9P_L5pYgB9jSgnxDuBUS3v9zhCbTwtsbTi4mn5NQ/s1600/damson_blossom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUCIJ4E_RXiqLVxqPw7eGqE7Q31h2uTK7rmZM1EUob3ZNGXOuSGsXq5hxn8s4bksUM9bHEgqskVGWrXqdTNnHcOrcnlFYSeccMB8i9P_L5pYgB9jSgnxDuBUS3v9zhCbTwtsbTi4mn5NQ/s320/damson_blossom.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">First blossom on our brave damson tree!</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although the above 'twigs' may look less than impressive, we feel quite blessed to have got this far with a tree which nearly died on its journey from England. Some good friends brought it over in the back of their car, knowing how much we enjoyed damson jam, but sadly it suffered a case of sunburn en route<i> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">and we didn't think it would survive.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Christina planted the poor thing in her shady 'hospital' area, trimmed off the dead bits and generally treated it like a patient in need of TLC. <i>Two years later it's growing in the open sun and looking quite perky!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX69D_LVQxvKCrkjZpO0KtXgEuHmYG_ZXmcUUZCHOO_ySSj8rEEHG6_EfHp0BiiHZr_ijvG0_ZflU7ucZOSrMztIXOmeslqiOyfz0ArHy38gB62hf_SO9SqxWRGWIcOXpxW42nn2x92DnI/s1600/Viburnum_sargentii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Viburnum sargentii 'Onondaga'" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX69D_LVQxvKCrkjZpO0KtXgEuHmYG_ZXmcUUZCHOO_ySSj8rEEHG6_EfHp0BiiHZr_ijvG0_ZflU7ucZOSrMztIXOmeslqiOyfz0ArHy38gB62hf_SO9SqxWRGWIcOXpxW42nn2x92DnI/s320/Viburnum_sargentii.jpg" title="Viburnum sargentii 'Onondaga'" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Viburnum sargentii</i> 'Onondaga'</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- just coming into leaf and bud</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Viburnums</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now is the time when it pays to have some viburnum in your borders so that you can enjoy its vanilla-scented blooms.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are many different cultivars and, as this picture shows, their leaves can also provide some subtle colouring.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the case of 'Onondaga', its leaf starts out maroon and gradually turns green, while the tiny flower buds are also dark red and go on to produce dainty white blooms, resembling those of a small lacecap hydrangea.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuR3whgEevwHD3bKEaup0u2fMIOke-Seo9PWQJ6XpPVYL-iCiMQSghqtUN0mZEnIjA-8MMYlrvt2d_QaGrE-a2d7BeVCI6AUx8gZ5ExzSqaXQZIXdsc7Jwn8gwPKYOrnpSV0d6IyNwwQ9/s1600/cerinthe_close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuR3whgEevwHD3bKEaup0u2fMIOke-Seo9PWQJ6XpPVYL-iCiMQSghqtUN0mZEnIjA-8MMYlrvt2d_QaGrE-a2d7BeVCI6AUx8gZ5ExzSqaXQZIXdsc7Jwn8gwPKYOrnpSV0d6IyNwwQ9/s320/cerinthe_close.jpg" title="Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Cerinthe major</i> 'Purpurascens'<br />- a Mediterranean herb related to bora</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Annuals like myosotis, nigella and cerinthe have generously seeded themselves all over our garden and in spring we find ourselves pulling up a lot of these flowers in order to make space for something new.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cerinthe</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i> thrives in sunnier beds and can easily cover up other more delicate perennials with its thick, glaucous foliage and rather tough roots.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>In some ways it's a pest but we keep a few because the colourful purple bracts hide tiny flowers which are surprisingly attractive to insects.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQKtcGXSz8kRjIAc0VX83dVSgPrmj80bIw5rIJUQTjWJ2io46a76G3y09sKlTETK9RJD5N4yg3hSTm1T3RzOdpU4v4RFAmI08pZ9zlMNF6ObaQL0RPZh0-YrNFEJEH3276yuKoooLV_vz/s1600/planter_acer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A planter (or raised bed) with Acer" border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQKtcGXSz8kRjIAc0VX83dVSgPrmj80bIw5rIJUQTjWJ2io46a76G3y09sKlTETK9RJD5N4yg3hSTm1T3RzOdpU4v4RFAmI08pZ9zlMNF6ObaQL0RPZh0-YrNFEJEH3276yuKoooLV_vz/s400/planter_acer.jpg" title="A planter (or raised bed) with Acer" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A planter (or raised bed) made to accommodate our<br />spreading acer and underplanted with bulbs.<br />- Note the matching seed table!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FL5_dHYV7GdgSN1wdi84edkXF5cDhU_2Qn9BA9ZE5pZQsezfviKVFF5S_Tk2yrag_sRhlaiL9QWQBkPJbqvyemPfWBygDGtorBi-cvxEN1F2byizg05UtJzKw9xo4hRohaHJZnmorIfa/s1600/tulips_planter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tulipa 'Lilac Wonder'" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FL5_dHYV7GdgSN1wdi84edkXF5cDhU_2Qn9BA9ZE5pZQsezfviKVFF5S_Tk2yrag_sRhlaiL9QWQBkPJbqvyemPfWBygDGtorBi-cvxEN1F2byizg05UtJzKw9xo4hRohaHJZnmorIfa/s200/tulips_planter.jpg" title="Tulipa 'Lilac Wonder'" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tulip 'Lilac Wonder'</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bulbs in planters</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once you've filled up your beds and borders (as we have) it becomes difficult to find space for bulbs like narcissi and tulips which require a deep planting hole.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Add to that the fact that our soil is full of rocks and it becomes a back-breaking task to plant anything!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdjbut7qYZ8nQThyphenhyphenBMa_Rtyq6KgtXkAAVq8xMMCOSFfp4mDw5kBAQjhdfYHR1aQC0SeHD4nOPERk4tCvIgWbB9yGeilC3GQzb_Bd3G9HKq6uKdZ6vM9XK4E3uPO7RYoK8s0ZocjE3oeiJ/s1600/tulips_bold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="tulips in planters" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdjbut7qYZ8nQThyphenhyphenBMa_Rtyq6KgtXkAAVq8xMMCOSFfp4mDw5kBAQjhdfYHR1aQC0SeHD4nOPERk4tCvIgWbB9yGeilC3GQzb_Bd3G9HKq6uKdZ6vM9XK4E3uPO7RYoK8s0ZocjE3oeiJ/s320/tulips_bold.jpg" title="tulips in planters" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tulip "Ballerina" with<br />"Apricot Emperor" in foreground</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Christina has developed a useful skill in making her own planters with planks from the local woodyard (cheap) or recycling the old slats from Ikea beds (even cheaper). </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once they've been treated with a coat of flat paint, they look positively stylish!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We also have a couple of heavy copper cauldrons (<i>"chaudrons"</i> in French) bought at local brocantes, which provide just enough depth for most tulips.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Planting is a lot easier when using compost rather than soil, but it's important to feed the bulbs after flowering otherwise they may not come back the following year.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The "Apricot Emperor" in this picture are but a pale reflection of what they were last spring, due to lack of feed, and some didn't flower at all.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctxg5PcCy8ZbhDNOePImjlAzKyU4tD4VpKHRrWl3Id5uA3-g_vnnWAbv71-nHJgZp8VKC7CYUF1y2AQKUmknkgRpbRh-7GL9S33RQM0pWUEj5JqN84oWg6LJpcax5Fb5v1t8VahZhWdYy/s1600/ground_ivy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Glechoma hederacea or ground ivy" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctxg5PcCy8ZbhDNOePImjlAzKyU4tD4VpKHRrWl3Id5uA3-g_vnnWAbv71-nHJgZp8VKC7CYUF1y2AQKUmknkgRpbRh-7GL9S33RQM0pWUEj5JqN84oWg6LJpcax5Fb5v1t8VahZhWdYy/s200/ground_ivy.jpg" title="Glechoma hederacea or ground ivy" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Glechoma hederacea</i><br />or ground ivy</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wild flowers</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On days when the wind is particularly cold, it's better to walk in woodland where you have some protection.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This little ground ivy is one of the earliest plants to catch one's eye: it's part of the dead nettle family and has blue to mauve pea-like flowers, with heart-shaped leaves.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Apparently it was once used as a bitter additive for beer when hops were not available!</i></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48jZC8bznLuGGnn2AS9sgghHOKWI5U34tQpc9dy1s83KZ8Cie4Z8X_hiGpccAKE-Fza691kE1rQ9H7qnWq14PQDysQH_0ziFITGXp5EYcEhYmN3ouoTG1xd9s_PyAzku5-iIghdza4CXw/s1600/spider_orchid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ophrys sphegodes, Early spider orchid" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48jZC8bznLuGGnn2AS9sgghHOKWI5U34tQpc9dy1s83KZ8Cie4Z8X_hiGpccAKE-Fza691kE1rQ9H7qnWq14PQDysQH_0ziFITGXp5EYcEhYmN3ouoTG1xd9s_PyAzku5-iIghdza4CXw/s320/spider_orchid.jpg" title="Ophrys sphegodes, Early spider orchid" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Ophrys sphegodes</i><br />Early spider orchid</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Out on the windswept downs, however, our first orchids have appeared: in this case the Early Spider Orchid (<i>Ophrys sphegodes</i>) with pale green foliage and contrasting brownish-maroon flowers.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A host of these <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">orchids</span> have suddenly popped up in one of the chalky meadows overlooking the estuary.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's grazed by rabbits and I did find one flower stem that looked as if it might have been nipped off at the base, but on the whole I think they stick to munching grass... </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRaWGB1Ab8mW6mr7I1u7LoP36CW116B6yIp8BcC2n-pbBCdxKD14uuCqFeKBwfja6E-n1zIhLIX1yVO-YtN0Gc4VK-JcjffJQG69c1nd0Gib52Nx-LZd2g78uYiXMuaEASJqV09-Mvs3B0/s1600/kestrel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kestrel hovering" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRaWGB1Ab8mW6mr7I1u7LoP36CW116B6yIp8BcC2n-pbBCdxKD14uuCqFeKBwfja6E-n1zIhLIX1yVO-YtN0Gc4VK-JcjffJQG69c1nd0Gib52Nx-LZd2g78uYiXMuaEASJqV09-Mvs3B0/s320/kestrel.jpg" title="Kestrel hovering" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A kestrel hovers over grassland</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpFCX4YDSq8IIKHVDDQ4T2sBhU-jSyv6ukzn0mKbOGtqvRmPPYnn7cdL1StmdXCJv5KWZMVfZ1SxvsOjKc5ATMt9eW5PEKASkaDPlN4awMGdnPdu73ZX8v-2Pn6V2KS0os-bwu1C1ASPm/s1600/chalk_hills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="limestone uplands, Charente Maritime" border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpFCX4YDSq8IIKHVDDQ4T2sBhU-jSyv6ukzn0mKbOGtqvRmPPYnn7cdL1StmdXCJv5KWZMVfZ1SxvsOjKc5ATMt9eW5PEKASkaDPlN4awMGdnPdu73ZX8v-2Pn6V2KS0os-bwu1C1ASPm/s400/chalk_hills.jpg" title="limestone uplands, Charente Maritime" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wind-scoured fields on limestone uplands</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1427390690555033900.post-14082577660827430202016-03-24T10:53:00.003-07:002016-04-08T06:41:09.463-07:00Spring Airs<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade."</i></span></span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">- Charles Dickens</span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrjquCaBzWBZASl08AwyFWS-D35T228Y8JGL4SlhI49Bu2MlkYjpq4w3cm68K4EA9pIMzBJrw0c5zdP58oXUFJOUA5aXSkkb80Mc0D7l3WxGxmuPTILawr77Ul6YrnIzbkxqwH0G7fQaq/s1600/hellebore_hybrids2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="hellebore hybrids" border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrjquCaBzWBZASl08AwyFWS-D35T228Y8JGL4SlhI49Bu2MlkYjpq4w3cm68K4EA9pIMzBJrw0c5zdP58oXUFJOUA5aXSkkb80Mc0D7l3WxGxmuPTILawr77Ul6YrnIzbkxqwH0G7fQaq/s400/hellebore_hybrids2.jpg" title="hellebore hybrids" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hellebores which have seeded and hybridized</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Early spring is a time of huge anticipation... and of almost equal disappointment as you step into the sunny garden only to feel your skin being sliced by a vicious north wind. It's a good idea to take a brisk walk to acclimatise your poor body, before subjecting those dormant muscles to any gardening work in the cold!</i></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hJk0KYhU4Uu7c2ZVhyi79CDskUDj9jvqUNiLNO7q5W3GV4X64WyL_j9lRTsNsJpWVvhybZBpM_57kFN1j9FSNjC-marVlraksaJHYT2rMJPUPOu0aerh8r3rC9EEXB07FmZeQy7q4Pbl/s1600/Spring_hoopoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Upupa epops" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hJk0KYhU4Uu7c2ZVhyi79CDskUDj9jvqUNiLNO7q5W3GV4X64WyL_j9lRTsNsJpWVvhybZBpM_57kFN1j9FSNjC-marVlraksaJHYT2rMJPUPOu0aerh8r3rC9EEXB07FmZeQy7q4Pbl/s320/Spring_hoopoe.jpg" title="Hoopoe, Gironde Estuary" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An early hoopoe spotted beside<br />the Gironde estuary</span></td></tr>
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<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fortunately our front garden is south-facing and protected by hedges, so we can often eat lunch on the terrace in March as long as we don't have anyone staying in our adjoining lettings cottage.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the far corner under a lilac tree, where the sun doesn't penetrate until mid-morning, we have a patch of hellebores which have been left to hybridize over the past few years.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With the sun shining through them from behind they make quite a pretty display even though the flowers are going over after a month in bloom. Left to their own devices, they'll continue to scatter seed until they fill the entire corner, probably blotting out any bulbs in the process!</span></div>
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<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">New Arrivals</span></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's almost uncanny how migratory birds seem to know when we reach the middle of March. Quite often we see the first swallow on March 15th, but this year it was a pair of hoopoes which arrived on that date. We managed to photograph them taking a break on one of the fishing huts in the Estuary.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvV7SkyNdQia-xF5ouii7iDPkXpZ5RmME46d0MEX_Q703h9VPDF00Kq0lwPwymDBfqKgovzkHAGBeFvdOGEb_GtiFjpBs73aWqpn49alDhGar1ghfyqVaCRUaUNRaYB73uUM-DUFXOFB46/s1600/early_butterflies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Small tortoiseshell and peacock butterflies" border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvV7SkyNdQia-xF5ouii7iDPkXpZ5RmME46d0MEX_Q703h9VPDF00Kq0lwPwymDBfqKgovzkHAGBeFvdOGEb_GtiFjpBs73aWqpn49alDhGar1ghfyqVaCRUaUNRaYB73uUM-DUFXOFB46/s400/early_butterflies.jpg" title="Small tortoiseshell and peacock butterflies" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Small tortoiseshell and peacock butterflies</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A day later, whilst walking down our back lane, we came across these two handsome specimens which must have just come out of hibernation - they looked so perfect and unscathed. Tortoiseshells are attracted to nettles, which are already billowing on either side of the path, and both butterflies seemed drawn to the yellow hawkbits currently in flower.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFzET5-DTnYmZN67REhUKRQesqhoNLh2N866BX5YgrzUt2vd4BbpoxUxpIZyafVL1bIuC1ArvdFT7RCMU8M4wlb24YH95d9pm5oKIMai99x1pOoNy05jXvrgnXqZcXPPyuTkb_2lWWSVm/s1600/penduline_juv2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Remiz pendulinus" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFzET5-DTnYmZN67REhUKRQesqhoNLh2N866BX5YgrzUt2vd4BbpoxUxpIZyafVL1bIuC1ArvdFT7RCMU8M4wlb24YH95d9pm5oKIMai99x1pOoNy05jXvrgnXqZcXPPyuTkb_2lWWSVm/s200/penduline_juv2.jpg" title="Penduline tit on Gironde Estuary" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Penduline tit</span></td></tr>
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<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I believe these dainty Penduline tits (<i>Remiz pendulinus</i>) are down on the marshes all year round but we only manage to find them flitting around on bright sunny days, before the trees come into leaf.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yesterday we scrambled down a cliff and followed a hunting path through the blackthorn in order to catch a glimpse of them. Like longtailed tits, they travel in families and alert you with a high-pitched twittering as they move from branch to branch.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPs2bArFzZIq5bYjJ0vh7FalIdjGZhJd8zyDuMhBuoWtQuHasEjkekscaeeM4JwuMocGCHDrvlylqKdVkqF2fvGPJ5SBtyvGxNnkI20BsdLEv471B62EHF0KPRdA_Xsy-8a3TvmjgvoaEI/s1600/stork_pair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ciconia ciconia" border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPs2bArFzZIq5bYjJ0vh7FalIdjGZhJd8zyDuMhBuoWtQuHasEjkekscaeeM4JwuMocGCHDrvlylqKdVkqF2fvGPJ5SBtyvGxNnkI20BsdLEv471B62EHF0KPRdA_Xsy-8a3TvmjgvoaEI/s320/stork_pair.jpg" title="White storks nesting on platform, Charente Maritime" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pair of nesting storks braving the elements</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another bird which has taken up permanent residence in recent years is the white stork (<i>Ciconia ciconia</i>)<i>. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We have a pair nesting on a platform not far from here and they'll soon be laying their eggs. <i>(As they're both standing up in this picture, I'm assuming they haven't done so already!)</i></span></div>
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<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Early Bulbs</span></h4>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjd3gO8W_TPXhUqDQSf0Ovaz8H5XXJYLeh_eoTDVI7O2uNj8sa1be_NshoMgXrSlttp9sOHqPap7Kq2q8hIUWVdy3OQHvKK2nLJEfTMwsRuErf4N6kzwYCKWUEQOyB6ZToyopVbtPjeBH/s1600/bethlehem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjd3gO8W_TPXhUqDQSf0Ovaz8H5XXJYLeh_eoTDVI7O2uNj8sa1be_NshoMgXrSlttp9sOHqPap7Kq2q8hIUWVdy3OQHvKK2nLJEfTMwsRuErf4N6kzwYCKWUEQOyB6ZToyopVbtPjeBH/s200/bethlehem.jpg" title="Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Star of Bethlehem<br />(<i>Ornithogalum umbellatum)</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Back in our garden, we're seeing the last few crocus fade away, to be replaced by other small flowers such as <i>Chionodoxa</i> and <i>Ornithogalum umbellatum, </i>which has obligingly spread itself into some of the dry and inhospitable areas under trees, where it shares residence with cyclamen.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think most gardeners are happy for bulbs to naturalise where they don't interfere too much with other plants, and to that end we prefer using the smaller species tulips which can be slotted in between pinks, geraniums, herbs and other sun-lovers.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZZyAxoP-skrp26Nbb1LOSlo2KjS0vdGx_TTqlt5-U9qdVX9A6nJtZLuqzVr7yK1YSA5KSk4TrL32hycDolg1HICk-5u5lzahE2iCf1679HmDmL2WFRGG-jWaiiz0xuGshogNvsnW75so/s1600/tulipa_turkestanica2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tulipa clusiana in bud" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZZyAxoP-skrp26Nbb1LOSlo2KjS0vdGx_TTqlt5-U9qdVX9A6nJtZLuqzVr7yK1YSA5KSk4TrL32hycDolg1HICk-5u5lzahE2iCf1679HmDmL2WFRGG-jWaiiz0xuGshogNvsnW75so/s320/tulipa_turkestanica2.jpg" title="Tulipa clusiana in bud" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Tulipa clusiana</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The <i>clusiana</i> tulip is one of my favourites as it stays in bud for a while, looking effortlessly elegant while it sways in the wind before rewarding you with a slow-reveal of its pink and white flowers as the sun warms up.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Next to the grey-green foliage of dianthus or lavender it looks very classy.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another species tulip which comes out even earlier, with several flower-heads on its stem, is <i>Tulipa turkestanica. </i>Reaching a height of only 20cm, it's eye-catching at the front of the border and will naturalise easily in a free-draining soil.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bqSk_K_Qt2Lj4QTb4y25Eiq7mugrH91wQIwR63W-BNHz18lUnemz87LynHz6lipyrrIOMA1sjwqzwBDPPaqweRvyxs85RBT1WTO-4qEcUNZrAz7P4iKWAhny2QnvTeeiMGxDzrgA65RX/s1600/tulipa_turkestanica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bqSk_K_Qt2Lj4QTb4y25Eiq7mugrH91wQIwR63W-BNHz18lUnemz87LynHz6lipyrrIOMA1sjwqzwBDPPaqweRvyxs85RBT1WTO-4qEcUNZrAz7P4iKWAhny2QnvTeeiMGxDzrgA65RX/s320/tulipa_turkestanica.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Tulipa turkestanica</i><br />with a naturally sunny dsposition!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sallows or Osiers?</span></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTqEkr3gbG4HIKPHJ0EQJXVvJe-tcJWY3OJP5RvV_bhyphenhyphenFfQJP8zMWHgIxI8khF4dqdB6h-XkrtlBqYedRreaaqF1X-W2XjjNZ8uH3xE1txX2_WQFnsrRZ4uZvuvPN2dOzysoz4iT_VNRt/s1600/pussy_willow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTqEkr3gbG4HIKPHJ0EQJXVvJe-tcJWY3OJP5RvV_bhyphenhyphenFfQJP8zMWHgIxI8khF4dqdB6h-XkrtlBqYedRreaaqF1X-W2XjjNZ8uH3xE1txX2_WQFnsrRZ4uZvuvPN2dOzysoz4iT_VNRt/s320/pussy_willow.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A type of Salix... but which one?</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Much as I love trees, and particularly those which provide us with catkins in spring, I must admit to being ignorant as to the different types of pussy willow growing along the streams and channels near here.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The one on the left closely resembles the Great Sallow (<i>Salix caprea</i>) as illustrated in my English book of trees. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sallows</span> are broad-leaved willows, it says, which are shade-tolerant and less restricted to wet places than most of the Salix family. (A glance at Google Images confirms that there are several varieties suitable for the garden.) </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtm0R-R1NrjLDtEDRhixgZ2hTkuoB-F2iwBOWsaI4HSNFvBZ2ilqfkZAALfp3YKUPqnOk31SJkakZ5KACEc0SEU6iB1OYn-qe3GeCB-DjlNhonCmHUUjKwQjBtLDZc8Dt5wnlJwD69tLzV/s1600/pussy_willow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtm0R-R1NrjLDtEDRhixgZ2hTkuoB-F2iwBOWsaI4HSNFvBZ2ilqfkZAALfp3YKUPqnOk31SJkakZ5KACEc0SEU6iB1OYn-qe3GeCB-DjlNhonCmHUUjKwQjBtLDZc8Dt5wnlJwD69tLzV/s320/pussy_willow2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This one on the right might be a male version of the above Salix... in time the catkins will get fluffier as they develop. The only way I'll really be able to identify these is by checking out the leaves when they unfurl.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If it turns out to have long narrow leaves, then it's probably some kind of osier. <i>Confused...??</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviDUCEFUBbUaX0voQ_Ol8bJEDSWvUOp0lHy33EdvZNmPk2wj8di-3swaIAqg4Cp77PGllwPStooLLyG5MguGOKx1lnuSdixMNAe_cEVTGl3jrZ-4mQC0G9u9rlZ1axrAe_k9yL2PiujLk/s1600/pussy_filaments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviDUCEFUBbUaX0voQ_Ol8bJEDSWvUOp0lHy33EdvZNmPk2wj8di-3swaIAqg4Cp77PGllwPStooLLyG5MguGOKx1lnuSdixMNAe_cEVTGl3jrZ-4mQC0G9u9rlZ1axrAe_k9yL2PiujLk/s200/pussy_filaments.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shining filaments of pussy willow</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>All I know is they make a pretty picture on a sunny day, especially with the light behind them.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>What I find remarkable - and rather poignant - is how pussy willow and other kinds of blossom continue to open as nature intended even when the parent tree has been cruelly uprooted and is lying on its side. Fallen trees seem determined to seed themselves no matter what.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Back garden in mid-March</span></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxYqEkZsYUoeAjqikao1QQXlNR7jSoPgAlrTx3J3T-Hivc6HAcG_i17RC1yKpdwoqJB6P0XBYfgPB5w14SCMF3066cxtZ-yaz9UN5ZPnII3UNE_SOcPoxwPLBhbgJViU6xcQZi2iXyv3W/s1600/garden_view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxYqEkZsYUoeAjqikao1QQXlNR7jSoPgAlrTx3J3T-Hivc6HAcG_i17RC1yKpdwoqJB6P0XBYfgPB5w14SCMF3066cxtZ-yaz9UN5ZPnII3UNE_SOcPoxwPLBhbgJViU6xcQZi2iXyv3W/s400/garden_view.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Most shrubs have now been trimmed<br />and the medlar tree (centre) has had its branches thinned out</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUp4lnOl-38kFazdX9EASBszvm5I-nmNFVXhTdH8fPgOPzx_aXIfhKvot_J0NR0DGLDWLwd7rmZPkSre_h0pGu6cw7WcFasA-uwTtH4WdbR3Idap878ATA7V0UqGOKQm8q0NbTefxxVq9e/s1600/garden_bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUp4lnOl-38kFazdX9EASBszvm5I-nmNFVXhTdH8fPgOPzx_aXIfhKvot_J0NR0DGLDWLwd7rmZPkSre_h0pGu6cw7WcFasA-uwTtH4WdbR3Idap878ATA7V0UqGOKQm8q0NbTefxxVq9e/s320/garden_bed.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mixed border with a rather<br />yellowed diascia in the foreground.<br />Bought as an annual in the UK,<br />it survives winter planted out -<br />even producing flowers.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's noticeable that perennials are spreading out day by day and less soil is visible between them. I still keep plucking out the odd weed as it's so much easier to do when they're tiny and shallow-rooted.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If we had more ready-made compost, then now would be the time to spread it between plants; but we're waiting for a mild day with no wind in order to turn the compost heap and take out some fresh stuff.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the meantime, where leaves are looking a bit yellow in our limey soil, I'll mix up a solution of chelated iron to water in. This is particularly important for some shrubs like roses and hydrangeas which are susceptible to yellowing. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Out on the Marais...</span></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wind passes over the reedbeds as if they were a pale ocean lapping at the base of those mysterious chalk cliffs, known as <i>les falaises mortes</i>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A pair of horses were left out to fend for themselves without shelter over the entire winter and we worried about their welfare when high tides turned much of their grassland into churned up mud.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">However, they seem to have emerged from the long cold nights looking quite fit and healthy - if in need of a good brushing!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>These extensive reedbeds are a sensitive environment, carefully protected by the government and other agencies like the LPO - our equivalent of the RSPB - who send out a team in April to ring certain birds and take an inventory.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Photographing small birds in the reeds is quite a challenge and we've yet to catch sight of the bluethroats which arrive in April. Maybe this year...?</i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blackthorn producing clouds of creamy blossom over the marais</span></td></tr>
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Carohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950975185923798090noreply@blogger.com0