Remodelling

I'd always known that my garden was a bit 'boring' - just lawn with borders on either side. It was only when I was up on the roof (see previous post) that I realised just how dull it was.

The previous owners had constructed a path of broken concrete slabs that ran to the middle of the garden and then stopped - a path to nowhere. I've finally taken this up and created a curved bed so that next year, you won't be able to take in the garden in one glance - all simple stuff but it does make the garden look more interesting already.

I can't believe that it is almost November - everything is still looking lush and growing away happily - a bit disturbing really! To the left of the picture is my pride and joy from this growing season, E. wildpretii x E.pininana Hybrids, from a seed sown in February, lending a touch of exotica to proceedings.

Dickie

Peter Fischli & David Weiss at Tate Modern

Worth a look.

Photos including this one entitled 'Fashion Show'. Highlights include a room filled with tiny detailed clay models with witty captions, plus other thought provoking installations and films.....It'll make you laugh!


Dickie

Fluted Scale Insect

A new pest has appeared in my garden, one that is apparently becoming increasing common, particularly in sheltered places such as inner city gardens.

Originally from Australia and formerly confined to heated greenhouses, it is a particularly unattractive specimen and able to attack a wide range of woody and herbaceous plants.

So far I've encountered it on Laurus noblis and Euphorbia mellifera. The RHS advice line recommendation for control is Provado Ultimate Bug Killer. Whilst I am loath to use chemicals, I can't think of an alternative method to get rid of his ugly and damaging pest.


Dickie

Up on the roof

A new neighbour has had scaffolding up so that repointing work can be carried out.

They discovered that my aerial was on their property, so I've been up on the roof to move it.

This presented me with an opportunity to walk across neighbouring roofs and to take bird's eye pictures of the gardens below. It's been great to get a different perspective on things, and to see gardens that were previously hidden from view.

Better still, having tweaked the aerial leads, I can now get Channel 5 for the first time!

Dickie

Meconopsis cambrica

I know I've featured Welsh poppies before, but they are lovely. Ferny, fresh green foliage with single clear lemon yellow flowers.

They have a long season (April 'til November), and thrive in deep shade. What more could you ask for?

This one emerged this morning, it's petals still crumpled from its casing.

Dickie