Update on seeds

The seeds which I bought from Cottage Herbery in March

 http://www.thecottageherbery.co.uk/

all germinated beautifully and as one may expect I had not enough planting space for them all.

A trayful of small gorgeous wild blue chicory (Cichoricum Intybus) plants became part of a birthday gift to one of my friends for her to sow in her meadow area.

I know the sowing instructions said to set seed in situ but hey ho, some rules are just meant to be broken.

Besides, I wouldn't have had the enjoyment of raising them. 
My treat too!

She is however an expert plantswoman so they are in safe hands. I'm sure they'll all take and give a superb display. 

 The other plant she wanted was Lathyrus odorata 'Cuprani' so a small pot of these accompanied the wild chicory. 

Finally, a copy of Beth Chatto's Gravel Garden book 



completed the gift which I think will see her through for another year.

In my own garden the rest of the new plantings has taken a beating from aphid and caterpillar infestation.

Although the sweet peas and Nasturtium 'Indian Red'



 have resisted the ravages I'm particularly worried about Mrs Cholmondeley who I think has come down with the dreaded clematis wilt.

Having taken the RHS advice to remove all infected foliage and destroy I have cut it back to the ground and hope it will recover. 

Counselling has been offered to my husband who chose the plant. 

Getting there

Been busy doing brick wall and fencing for back yard at home. Not finished yet but getting there. 

All of the wall finished and two thirds of the fence.

Five extra courses of bricks to give the plants a fighting chance. Although this may all change when the courtyard is dug up to route the new drain.

But why does every job always seem to take longer than you think it will?
Notwithstanding the peculiar weather - our efforts have been intermittent. 

Rain and then hot sun, the yard faces south east and gets plenty of everything. 

Here's the fencing above for the climbers - plants (a Rambling Rector rose, a Mrs Cholmondeley and a Warszawska Nike clematis) are in. I do think next door's cat currently uses it as an assault course but with a little luck next year we shall have a green barrier too dense to scale.

I've protected and painted the fencing with a coloured preservative to match the brickwork so the fence and the bricks tone in and the effect is visually co-ordinated.

In small areas it's important not to get too many different colours or materials or the area looks even tinier.

Use the KISS rule - "Keep It Simple Stupid".

Some new plants (Echinacea Purpurea 'Bressingham hybrids') now flowering and giving life to the space.

With the usual potted violas, pelargoniums, bacopa, trailing lobelia and ivy moved around to suit the mood.

We have cut and come again lettuce (in a window box) 

and spinach in a bucket/basket with other vegetables ready to harvest. 

The potatoes are in a dustbin,
  

 the tomatoes in a recycling box, 

the courgettes, peppers and chillies in growbags. 

Small space but good to sit in, relax and enjoy the fruits of one's labours.

And maybe have a glass of wine?