Around the pond

Today is a little cooler, perhaps a top of 25cel. I noticed this morning that Vireya "Cara Mia" was flowering by the pond. One of my favorites. We've recently planted a mercardonia procumbens "Magic Carpet" it matches well with the yellow crocus and the warm colours of the Alstroemerias. These are such rewarding plants the flower for up to nine months of the year.

Summer is around the corner

The garden is full of colour at the moment. The Clematis have  their first flush of flowers and the Alstroemerias (princess Lillies ) are a delight flowering everywhere. It's storm season now and the garden requires a regular maintenance. So plenty to do, clearing, weeding, pruning, propagating, but most of all enjoying everything that's happening.

The Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh.

These are Autumn Crocus  growing in the RBGE  September 2012

Holehird Gardens.

We visited Holehird Gardens in the lake District close to Ambleside it's run by volunteers and boasts the national collection of Hydrangeas in the UK. A delightful place to visit. We came across the place by accident really.  It doesn't seem to be widely advertised.

English Rose Hips

These Rose hips were in a garden we visited in Yorkshire in August 2012. They were bigger than cherry tomatoes.

Vireya Rhododendron "Kisses"

This is a lovely Vireya that is flowering at present, Avery compact plant with lots of flowers.

Camellia Reticulata "Bright Beauty"

           
  This is a favourite time of the year in the garden. The Camellias are coming into bloom and the reticulatas are stunning with their large beautiful flowers

Long Shadows

We love to see the long shadows that the trees throw on a sunny day,

it adds so much atmosphere to the garden.

If only this pram could talk.

If only this pram could talk.  What an interesting tale it might tell. .  A number of homes and owners no doubt   Have you speculated on the history of some old objects when you see them?  No doubt this little pram has given much joy to some little children. We've planted it up with Maidenhair and Violets.  We are happy to give it  a home in it's retirement   Also pictured  Camellia Reticulata "Susie O'neill" named I think after the famous Aussie swimmer. The large blooms on these plants certainly brighten our garden in the winter,       also a shot of the beautiful town of Tumut NSW taken on a recent holiday.   Please click on photo for a larger view.

                       

Winter at Tamborine Mountain.

Well Winter's here and our final show of Autumn leaves are about to fall. This time of the year is also a lovely time for Camellias both Japonicas and Reticulatas. lots are budding up nicely and starting to flower, Also our many Vireyas are rewarding us with beautiful trusses. Pictured are Japanese maples Acer Sango-kaku. which gets striking red stems as the winter progresses.  Camellia reticulata "Glorious gift" and Camellia Japonica "Federation"