Saturday 15 May 2010

Gardeners Bloom Day May 2010


Welcome to my spring garden - everything is late this year as the season has been colder than usual - but all the more welcome for the wait!
From the front border, black tulips, red and orange wallflowers and bluebells. The colours are more vibrant in life, and have worked well together for three weeks now thanks to the cooler temperatures, which have neared frost, unusual in London in April and May.
In the back garden, the new quince tree has surprised and pleased us; the blossom buds unfurl
like palest pink icecream cones, small swirls of delicacy. At its foot, Jenny's geraniums mixed with bluebells have been covered with bees these last few days.
Opposite, on the cool side of the garden, Solomon's seal provides an elegant screen for the compost bin; at its best now, after flowering the fresh green leaves will soon be laced by feasting snails. It doesn't seem to hurt the plants as they return better every year.
Down by the pond wilderness proliferates; periwinkle overcoming all before it, a glimpse of fig beginning to develop its overwintered fruits under bright green leaves, grasses creeping their way through everything and on the right, a clump of silvery green glistening iris leaves, still to bring forth their white flowers.

Last of the double daffs for the moment (some are still developing as I only potted them up in mid February. They need twelve weeks y'know). And finally, sneak preview of a new orange iris which I had hoped would be out in time for this month's bloom day (and will probably be done before June's). Just now the buds look like some strange water bird stretching its head above the rushes, with aquilegia flowers weird fairies gathering round.

Thanks as ever to Carol of May Dreams Gardens for hosting Gardeners Bloom Day every month, year round. Hop over there to find links to others' gardens from around the world.

7 comments:

Jo said...

Everything has been later here this year too. Shame your orange iris isn't out yet, I love iris's.

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

The black tulips almost look like a dark purple in the photo and I really like them.
We had a mild April and then snow on Mother's Day so things were ahead but seemed to have slowed back down.

Andi's English Attic said...

I was told that England's nature diary is six weeks behind. That's why my bluebells are only just blooming.
You have a quince tree? I am so jealous. We only have bog-standard apple trees.

ConsciousGardener said...

Your black tulips are to die for! Wonderful show:)

Pam's English Garden said...

Thank you so much for visiting my garden on Bloom Day and for leaving such a nice comment! I love your black tulips, and really envy your pond! Look forward to connecting again. Pam

Rainy Day Gardener said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog and so happy to have found yours to visit :) Your pond pic is really lovely, I'm excited to see what will be blooming for you next month :)

Mr. McGregor's Daughter said...

Great shot of the Solomon's Seal. It's interesting that you have slug problems with it. I haven't noticed slugs on mine. Maybe they get sidetracked at the Hostas...