are easily parted, as the old saying goes and it's certainly true to for. After vowing to go nowhere near a garden centre because I had spent so much money last month (or was it this month? I have absolutely no idea) where did I find myself today? Oh, don't even answer that question - we both know! I know I shouldn't have but I got chatting to my next door neighbour but one (I was borrowing Jack's washing line as we still haven't put one up yet) and we were both in agreement that we'd rather go plant shopping than clothes shopping. That was enough to make up my mind and off we went. First of all we did walk around Roath Lake to see the goslings and ducklings - all down and fluff, bless them. Once we'd had a genteel walk through the rose garden, along the lakeside and back to the car it was time for me to spend some money. As I guiltily admitted to Luke - it takes me all day to earn what I can spend in fifteen minutes (but then again what is the point of working so hard if it can't be spent on something that will give me such pleasure and we are careful with what we spend - unless I'm delusional which I may well be). There are so many bills in everyday life; mortgage, water rates, council tax, electricity ad gas bills, food and travel costs.., the list goes on so there has to be some niceness in there. Anyway, have I bored you with my justification? I know I have bored myself and the phrase, "methinks the lady doth protest too much" springs to mind. Enough. I spent some money, I enjoyed what I bought and I've had a super day planting it all up.End of!
So, what was I seduced by this time? What wasn't I? If I had my way I would have bought some annuals to fill the half barrel with colour but good ole Luke marched me towards the tills when I hit the £50 threshold. He's a saint!
Do you remember me mentioning I'd seen a beautiful agapanthus; white with blue tips? I was pleased with myself for leaving it behind and buying the pure shite version for the little bed I recently made. Who was I kidding? It was just a case of delayed gratification as I finally bought it today. It's called 'Queen Mum' and should prove a showstopper.
I saw a David Austin rose called' Clare Austin' that I've liked for a long time. It was down from £17 to £10 so in the trolley it went then another great find, 'Buff Beauty' - a lovely light apricot blush of a rose that was down in price from £10 to £5. So, one for the back garden's fence and the cheaper one for the front garden when I've (or maybe Luke?) have removed the scrappy old conifer that resides by the raised deck - for now!
There were 3 for ten pound offers on small perennials so I bought six of those. Every real gardener knows you should buy plants in quantities of three or five at least and that it can look quite sparse and 'dotty' if individual plants are just plonked in. I've still not reconciled myself to doing this though, it seems so indulgent on the purse strings. The day I do allow myself to buy three I'll feel I'm a proper gardener.
Luke had a little doze in the hammock (it was a lovely 26 degrees today so there was a real summer feel to the place. We had a Cornish cream tea; scone, strawberries and clotted cream with a fresh cup of Golden Needle tea; all very decadent and then it was time to garden.
The first job was to read the information label because there is no point spending proper money on plants that are going to end up struggling in the wrong conditions. Luckily we get plenty of sun and so the plants which all needed a sunny spot were placed around the borders then I stood back, squinted and imagined each plant at it's full height and width. Once happy with their siting I dug a deep hole, watered it well, added some compost, teased the root system out from each plant and then popped them in the hole, infilled with the soil and firmed them in with the heel of my sandal then finally watering very well. I also planted three of my small round Buxus (Box) to add some form to a border. As it's an evergreen it will look good throughout the year. Whilst planting the Box I realised that the huge rose I have already planted by the conservatory is - a Clare Austin. I didn't even realise I already had one of those. Ah well, I'm two thirds of the way towards getting my three of the same plant but certainly not by design!
Throughout the afternoon's planting I was joined by the big chicks whilst "The Tweeters "(our three growers who still chirrup away rather than make the "buck buck" sound of the bigger girls) stayed by the compost bin with the occasional foray into the hen's run and a sneak taste of 'grown up' food (layer's pellets - they are still on grower's pellets). Now I have to be on hen alert to ensure all my hard work and money is not wasted with a tasty five minute chomp from the girls. It's like chastising a child, "No, get away from those now. I won't tell you again" from me,. "Grumble grumble" from them, as they strut off - they know I mean business.
We've all had a very outdoorsy day and should all sleep well tonight. I've still got the sheets to iron first though so off I go - photos to follow.
Oh, one more thing...., I've enjoyed the final part of the day just sitting in the hammock with the laptop and typing up my news and the friendly, photogenic robin is just a metre away from me, on the peanut feeder.. Oh, this is the life...., shame it's Monday tomorrow.
The photo above shows Lola's normal egg on the right with the shell-less egg (just held together with membrane) on the left.
