GBBD: Whilst I Was Away...


I was gone only a few days, but I was quite surprised when I returned from Malvern last weekend to find my garden had transformed itself whilst I was away. It's the time of the year when our gardens are changing at their fastest rate, but I thought the March-like weather would have stopped things in their tracks. My plants are still behind where they usually are, but mother nature is trying to catch up. So, let's have a look at some of the changes in my garden this month...

You'll see from the top picture that my boring fence isn't quite fitting its description at the moment.

It's a basic plant and easy peasy to look after, but I never tire of my Centaurea montana, especially when they've bulked out nicely and started to produce their deep bluey/purple flowers.

At last the final apple tree in my garden has started to blossom. It's a Herefordshire russet and I like the way some of the branches have combined with one of my Clematis obelisks. It's been a very cold week here at VP Gardens and I've been worried about the absence of pollinators in the garden. However, today's warmer sunshine has finally bought the bees out in significant numbers and there's some blossom left on my other apple trees for cross pollination.

Not everything is in full flower at the moment, but I always like the way Alliums get going.


In the side garden my potted Lingonberry is flowering for the first time...

... and the Azalea nearby is showing off in my miniature Japanese garden (i.e. everything crammed into a pot).

Finally, out in the front garden the Anemones have been topped with a surprise complementary tulip.

Garden Bloggers Blooms Day is hosted by Carol at May Dreams Gardens.

Comments

  1. Gail15 May 2010 at 12:41

    Dear VP, I love the clemmies on the fence~Not boring at all! Once I get the fence stained (Mr I did not take the hint) I want to plant a C montana 'Rubens' to clamber like yours is~What a treat to have a flowering apple tree in the garden~Hmm must add to ever growing list of 'must haves'. Still missing you bunches. xxgail

    ReplyDelete
  2. Claire, Plantpassion15 May 2010 at 12:50

    Oh, lingonberry havn't got one of those, do they take up much space? Lovely photos, amazing how much everything changes at this time of year.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Corner Gardener Sue15 May 2010 at 12:54

    You have some nice blooms there. Your fence is definitely not boring. I enjoy growing perennial bachelor buttons,(your centaura or was it centauria, plant) too.

    ReplyDelete
  4. joco15 May 2010 at 12:57

    Hiya,

    Thanks for the Linky with the Malvern posts. Very helpful. I was there too for a few precious hours, but wasn't aware of the events until afterwards.
    Have you planted any of the purchases yet?
    The weather being what it is, allows us a few days' grace in our gardens, which is helpful for short trips away.
    Those dense apple blossoms this year will probably mean greater June drop.

    ReplyDelete
  5. petoskystone15 May 2010 at 14:33

    the fence is certainly showing off now! hope your apples are fairing well.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Helen/patientgardener15 May 2010 at 18:01

    Your 'boring' fence looks fab, need to do the same with mine

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ewa15 May 2010 at 20:24

    Ceantaurea is so easy and so beautiful - I saw white ones at Malvern.
    Still have to wait for my Centaurea to bloom - it is colder here (in general) :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. VP16 May 2010 at 12:24

    Happy Blooms Day everyone!

    Claire - my Lingonberry's in a pot because my soil has too much lime. This probably keeps it well within bounds.

    Corner Garden Sue - welcome :)

    Joco - that's a shame you would have been most welcome. Glad you're enjoying everyone's posts about Malvern. Yes, June drop will be massive this year, otherwise there'll be lots of fruit thinning to do!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Threadspider16 May 2010 at 12:25

    It's nothing short of explosive the way the garden flowers push though in May. I love that Centaurea of yours-and the perfume is good too. Must come and have a sniff before long. Have a good day tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Mr. McGregor's Daughter16 May 2010 at 15:52

    Is that Clematis montana? It's just stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  11. VP16 May 2010 at 16:08

    TS - thanks and see you soon!

    MMD - it's a Clematis montana var. Rubens 'Elizabeth' and is scented too. Lots of people have them but it's just the job for 30ft of fence with no soil underneath to spread over from where the soil begins!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous16 May 2010 at 18:11

    Beautiful photos !

    Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous16 May 2010 at 22:07

    Dear VP, your own garden is a delightful place. Clemmies do love the UK, and yours is very fine. Thanks for giving the name, it is going on the wish list. Centaurea was planted once here, early on and died immediately. Yours is inspiration to try again. Hooray and a big Hi to Threadspider! So sorry you were not able to join us in Malvern. :-)

    Frances

    ReplyDelete
  14. Victoria Summerley17 May 2010 at 00:13

    I was hoping that while I was away, my plants would somehow have planted themselves, or that Pushkin might have got busy with a trowel. Sadly, no.
    Your clematis looks stunning

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous17 May 2010 at 07:51

    It's all looking lovely! Flighty xx

    ReplyDelete
  16. Unknown18 May 2010 at 01:17

    Spring is such a wonderful time of glorious changes. Your garden looks lovely, I love your fence.

    ReplyDelete
  17. VP19 May 2010 at 11:24

    Elizabeth xx - welcome :)

    Frances - I see TS has been over to say hello :)

    Victoria - if only our 'garden helpers' offered more practical help!

    Flighty and Cinj - thank you
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  18. Lu19 May 2010 at 21:33

    Lovely anemones too. I don't have much luck with them but really like them - must try harder.
    My centaurea still isn't out!

    ReplyDelete
  19. VP3 June 2010 at 21:52

    Lu - they seem to like my front garden - I wonder if that's the key to success for you too?

    ReplyDelete

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