Holly Topiary

Quite a number of years ago I was given an unwanted holly tree, about 1 foot tall at the time. I stuck it in a little spot in the garden and as it grew I thought it was naturally shaping into three separate areas with some baldy patches. So... one day I started cutting & chopping... cuttng here, cutting there... it became a 3-tiered topiary tree. My first attempt at a topiary and although not perfect I'm kinda proud of it. Above: Holly topiary in need of a 'hair cut'. Photo taken Aug 2010.

Above: Photo taken Feb 2011.

Above: my garden helper at the weekend.

Garden Reds

February is my blog's 6-month anniversary! To date I've had almost 4k blog hits. Blogging has been a good way to learn from others, meet knew friends, and keep a record of my progress over time. Another plus, less bits of paper scattered about (and hopefully the blog can't be lost?). To mark the day, here are some photos of the year themed "garden reds" (with a bit of purple)...

Do these count as 'red-ish'? Lupin grown from seed. June 2010.

Peppers 'California Wonder'. Seeds by Thompson & Morgan. Aug 2010.

Thornless blackberry. Sept 2010.

Sedum Autumn Joy. Sept 2010.

Photo taken at my local garden centre. Oct 2010.

Self fertilising apple tree. Oct 2010.

Impressive dogwood stems. (£6.99 at B&Q). Oct 2010.

Cotoneaster shrub / berries. Nov 2010.

My favourite red - an original 'Bowl of Cherries' painting by Egretta Wells. http://egrettawells.blogspot.com/

Thanks fellow bloggers for your visits... I enjoy your words of wisdom, encouragement & humour.

Rootin for Rhubarb

The rhubarb is emerging...

A friend gave me a piece of rhubarb years ago and it comes up annually without fail in abundance. I'm thinking about forcing it this year but will have to read up on this on the web. I see people forcing on TV... but I'm scared! What if i get it wrong & end up with no rhubarb?

Hmm, not the prettiest of photos...

I see several shoots coming up. Thinking I probably should have divided it and it's maybe too late. Looking forward to rhubarb pie, strudel & preserves. Yum!