May into June

The garden is actively growing now that spring is getting into it's stride, with warm weather followed by torrential rain last night. The wildlife is having a lovely time, and the slugs and snails have discovered the delights of shallot leaves. They are still not keen on bindweed, which is a shame. Black aphids have appeared on the runner beans and broad beans, so I am hoping that the hoverflies I have seen around will lay their eggs nearby and get feasting soon. I spent twenty minutes this morning watching red tailed and white tailed bumblebees buzzing from flower to flower on the dandelions in the lawn - really nice! In the nettle patch by the shed I discovered lots of leaves that had been sown into tubes; these probably house the caterpillars of Red Admiral butterflies, so it will be interesting to see if I can spot them emerging. I have also spotted a clutch of bright green butterfly eggs on a sweet pea leaf so will wait and see what they turn into.

Last weekend I decided to sweep the area of concrete outside the shed and lay an edging of bricks around it as we have a large pile of bricks behind the shed. I haven't cemented them in, just wanted to see what it might look like, and am pleased with the result. While moving the bricks I found a lot of spiders with at least six different species. Photos can be found in the gallery. This is going to be a lovely area, surrounded by plants, and perfect for barbecues and evenings sitting round the chimnea. I tested the latter with a friend last weekend and we had a lovely burn up!

I have been planting more plants out trying to fill the borders that are already cleared. I am loathe to clear the others until I have plants to go in them. I have planted Achillea 'Cerise Queen, Cerinthe major 'Purpurescens', Sunflower 'Pudsey', Calendula officionalis, rhubarb (it's looking pathetic so may not survive), Bugle, Scabiosa, Alchemilla mollis, Lamium and three varieties of tomato, lemon balm, mint and creeping thyme. When I edged the concrete area I made a small border near the fence, so some of these plants are in there. The mint is next to the shed so that it can spread without being a nuisance.

On a recent visit to a garden centre with my Mum, I took a chance on some packets of bulbs that were on a two for one offer; they were somewhat past their sell by date, but I took them home and nurtured them and am pleased to report that I have two Irises, a Hemerocallis 'Strawberries and Cream', a Lillium, and two Cyclamen hederifolium showing signs of life. The Cosmos atrosanguineus doesn't appear to be doing anything though. Time will tell. Quite a few plants are flowering now including Lonicera (Honeysuckle), Scabiosa, annual sweet pea, sow thistle, dandelion, lavender, and Allium.

Last night we had torrential rain so the water butt has refilled, along with every other empty container I could lay my hands on! I discovered a hole in the side of the water butt near the top and we have done running repairs with chewing gum as nothing else seemed to work. Minging but effective!

Nettle flowers

New patio area



Sempervivum



Allium