April May garden 2006

Wendy’s Garden

Gardening on the Essex Coast

www.wendysgarden.co.uk

Wendy’s Diary at Merseaislanders.co.uk

Acer Brilliantissima

Scilla Peruviana

www.merseaislanders.co.uk

Wendy@wendysgarden.co.uk

Wendy@merseaislanders.co.uk

Wendy’s Garden Page

April & May 2006

We’re now into April and as I walk round the garden there is something new to see each day. Many of the later varieties of Daffodil so reluctant to open for the Spring Show, are in full bloom, Tulips as well as Erythronium (dog toothed violets) Pulmonaria, Anemones, Celandines in my small ‘woodland’ area. The white Chionodoxa as well as pale blue Ipheion will continue for weeks. The ‘winter flowering cherry is a mass of pink blossom and the yellow violas make a vivid splash of colour. In the greenhouse and on the window sills seedlings and young plants are growing well. Morning Glory plants from Sherill’s seeds are quite rampant and I’m told they shouldn’t go out until May. I also have some plants grown from mystery seeds from dried seed heads given to me Christmas time. We have identified them as Okra which I have not tried before - interesting!

Front garden 31st March 2006

N. Jetfire 29th

Potted bulbs by the

front door

Winter flowering Cherry

Daphne Laureola Philippii

Primroses

Pulmonaria

Chionodoxa

Violas

Ranunculus

Since the beginning of the month when I wrote below there have been many changes, most of the daffodils have finished but there are still lots of Tulips to come and the Bluebells will be out soon. The two Viburnums in the garden are in full bloom and the scent is wonderful. The Judas tree is full of buds and will be a profusion of pink blossom provided we don’t get a late frost - I remember one year we did and all the blooms were spoiled. As I am writing this there is quite a wind getting up outside, the various Acers which I have in pots or as bonsai will not like that so I must break off for now and try to move them out of the wind.

I’ve moved the small trees out of the wind as far as possible and watered the Bonsai trees. I’ll be away for a few days nest week visiting gardens in Northumberland. Ron’s not the keenest of gardeners so apart from a bit of watering in the greenhouse and conservatory the garden will have to fend for itself. Ideally, from a possibly selfish and personal point of view, rainy weather here and sunshine up north will be ideal.

I’ve managed to repot most of my Fuchsias this week. They are not supposed to be hardy but seem to have come through the winter with very little protection. By the time I come back , I hope to put outside various tender shrubs etc I have been overwintering inside.

Clematis Armandii ‘Appleblossom’ by the front door