My rhodendrons have finally flowered but they are not as lush as usual and each plant has just a dozen or so blossoms. Luckily, one that I thought had been killed in a storm is showing signs of life but the dry May weather is probably not helping it.
My azaleas on the other had are doing very well and fill the warm evenings with their scent.
I cannot remember the name of this scented azalea but it always performs regardless of the weather.
This echium managed to survive the winter and grew to be a giant overnight. It is now over ten feet tall and keeping the bumble bees very happy.
It is hard to believe that a plant can grow so much in a few weeks. I am trying to find some new plants although there are two small ones hidden in the shrubbery that may mature given time.
The neighbouring countryside has been full of hawthorn trees covered in lovely white blossoms. The red flowering hawthorn – Crataegus ‘Paul’s Scarlet‘ – has taken a while to adjust to the conditions here. At one stage I thought that I had lost the three that I had planted in various places throughout the garden. However, they are now benefiting from the shelter of other small trees and shrubs and have finally flowered.
Details of the Crataegus ‘Paul’s Scarlet‘ blossom which resembles a tiny rose.
Bumble bees finding the well-hidden Solomon’s seal.
This fern could be considered beautiful although it is likely to lead me to an early grave. A few weeks ago, I made a resolution to eliminate the ferns that overtake my garden every year. I have carried out a daily patrol of both the garden and field, nipping every fern in the bud that I can see. I suspect that I may have less ferns than usual at the end of the year but new plants appear as soon as I walk away. It is likely to be a futile task and one that leaves less time for the endless bramble seedlings that are sneaking in behind my back.
This Buddleia Globosa or Orange Ball Tree is the first to blossom every year. Here it is growing beside a spirea also in blossom. Sadly, it is usually too early for the butterflies to benefit from it, but I have other varieties in the garden to compensate.
My rockery behind the house is a limited success especially in dry weather. I have allowed the Prickly Sow Thistle to grow throughout although it is an oddity amongst the low plants. This photograph shows the reason why. Each evening, if I stay very still I can watch the male and female Bullfinches feeding just outside my window. The Sow Thistles have earned a permanent place.
An acrobatic male Bullfinch demonstrating how to feed upside down. Sadly, I could not disturb him by moving which is my excuse for the poor picture.
This year I allowed the Common Ramping Fumitory to grow in an empty raised bed. It developed into a medium sized bush full of pink flowers with purple tips. It is as attractive as any herbaceous plant and has the extra bonus of being free.
I have spent the year trying to create the perfect habitat for all creatures and wildflowers in the garden so I was upset to discover that I had disturbed this perfect nest. I think that it was created by a solitary wasp and is a work of art. It even has a little tray. No more work in this area for the foreseeable future.