The roses are back

The unexpected warmth of the last few weeks is creating so much growth, especially the roses.  I shall not name the roses but will show off the pictures taken.  Some of the deep red roses are perfumed and I have picked the petals to make rose cordial.

This climbing pink rose is the first to appear in early spring.  This grew from a cutting given to me over thirty years ago and needless to say this particular plant was taken from a cutting from my previous garden.

This climbing Blackboy rose is struggling next to the climbing pink rose and it does not help to have a tall gum tree so close.

Mr Lincoln grows next to the front steps.  In the evening I enjoy its perfume while surveying my front garden from the verandah.

The October heat is causing the Ballerina rose to fade.  Under normal circumstances, if the Melbourne weather could ever be normal, the baby pink of the clusters of blooms are outstanding.

The arch, with the Pierre de Ronsard on the left and yet to be identified rose in shades of sunset colours on the right, was pruned down after a bad attack from possums last year.

A close up of the rose on the arch.

Deep red roses among the lavender and succulents.

Low bush of white roses dwarfed by the mauve poppy.

This standard red rose is doing well after the robinia tree next to it was taken down two years ago.

Pristine white roses.

Burst of colours from the roses near the front steps.

Bluebells and cherry blosoms

Some people regard the bluebells as noxious as weeds but I love them when they appear in spring, providing clusters of blue in different parts of the garden.  The most inept of gardeners can easily grow this bulb and can expect good results.

The star shaped pale blue flowers next to the bluebells I call the star of Bethlehem.  It may not be its correct name but this is another easy bulb to grow and it will proliferate.  The bulbs are smaller than that of the bluebells and when left untouched the patch will expand without any help.

The two cherry trees are looking good at the moment.  They are small trees and I keep them that way.  Last year I harvested a handful of cherries from each tree and we will see what this season has to offer.

The cherry blossoms are gorgeous and is it any wonder that the Japanese people make such a big deal of celebrating the opening of the blossoms.  The bees are having a wonderful time.


 

welcoming colours

Along my front fence the gazanias are at their best right now, providing welcoming colours to walkers along the footpath.  Last autumn I gave this narrow bed a good feed and I will continue to water the plants with seaweed fertilizer.

The cream ixias are just about everywhere in the garden and providing a contrast to the different shades of red and orange of the gazania.

My outside garden

I live on a corner block and I am fortunate to have, outside my fence, a piece of land that belongs to the council but left to me to maintain.  When I first arrived seven years ago there were three trees and a lawn on the north west facing slope.  Now it is packed with all sorts of plants from herbs and bulbs to fruit trees.

What is looking good at the moment are the flowering euphorbia (in the foreground) and the echium.  They look stunning when the sun shines on them and the bees just love their flowers.

First day of spring

My garden with its picket fence on the first day of spring.  We are blessed with such a beautiful day.  Just look at the sky.  The tree in the foreground is the Manchurian pear, now in blossoms.

The blossoms.  Last time the tree was pruned was a few years ago.  It has shot up again and can do with another severe pruning.

The apricot tree with a few blossoms.  Last season I harvested a handful of fruits.

The flat peach too has a few blossoms.  I have seen better days.  And below, close up of this gorgeous pink flower.

The ixias, creamy with yellow center are beginning to open up.

A patch of violets with the ever present parsley.

Cheerful flowers to greet visitors.

Garden as viewed from the house on this beautiful first day of September.  The cherry trees and the two apple trees are yet to show sign of their blossoms.

lemon tree

This lemon tree, a Lisbon, was planted in September 2008.  Last year it produced two fruits.  I have been feeding and watering it in the last twelve months and the bumper crop is the result of that consistent effort.  I will keep the tree low, and will prune the top.  A lemon tree is a must in all gardens.

Daffodil and white daphne

A lady in the Kew Garden club grows daphnes, white and pink from cuttings and she seems to strike everytime.  I bought this white  daphne from the club last year and I am happy that it looks like it will thrive.  A pink daphne in another part of the garden has died.

I cannot boast of having a host of golden daffodils in my garden.  This lone golden flower is still a joy to behold.  I have to look for another spot in the garden to put in more bulbs next autumn.