Rain chart

I have been a bit behind in the sowing and planting this autumn compared to last year. I think the severe frosts by the beginning of November in 2008 certainly signalled that it was time to put the garden ‘to bed’ for the winter. This year has been so mild (and wet) that I still had nicotianias and dahlias etc …

Last of the flowers for a Baby boy

As my season comes to an end I was very pleased to be able to give my homegrown Mayfield flowers to a friend who has had a baby.  Well timed delivery on her part as these really are some of the last flowers!  I gave them all prepared in a jug so there would be no work involved in displaying …

Weather and Dreams

The weather has been so good recently, sunny, warm and calm.  A change from the usual conditions I am challenged by on my bit of ground – mainly windy and shady.  When in the throes of bad weather I have a recurring dream that someone has given me a large walled garden to grow an abundance of flowers, sheltered from …

more lessons

I had been describing some of the lessons learnt in the whirlwind of these last 18 months.  One thing I have noticed is that I am no good at self promotion!  I have been with people who can always steer a conversation round to their latest venture or confidently proclaim themselves and their business to the whole party.  I tend …

Rain, rain, rain

It has been a mixed few days.  Very heavy rain for what seems weeks, with a tentative walk round the garden each day to see what has survived. A recent comment of “they are just garden flowers” also threw me.  Over the last 18 months I have had a steep learning curve.  I have discovered (the hard way?) that it …

Slugs are still here!

The weather here has been wet, wet, wet, although not raining all day, with occasional breaks of sunshine.  This has meant that the slugs have returned to feast! The longer nights give them a chance to munch for longer I think. I notice a change in the air with it getting darker quicker at night – but little do the …

Sweet peas are still here!

My sweet peas are doing very well.  Despite the unpromising start (from reformed laisser-faire gardener) they are now massive, churning out stems by the day and smell heavenly.  If you want any you will have to compete with Janet my top sweet pea customer – but even she is having difficulty keeping up with the quantity!

local flower concept

All the time spent weeding recently has given me some moments to think.  When I have been trying to explain the concept of locally and sustainably grown flowers I find that many people aren’t at all sure of what I mean and are unsure whether to try such flowers. I decided that more photos might help so I have put …

laissez-faire gardener, lessons

I have been busy weeding the cutting garden. I don’t actually mind this job as long it is straightforward – just keeping on top of things rather than clearing a patch of ground that has become over grown. Or worse where you can’t tell if there should be plants in the patch or they gave up long ago. So although …

Camping pod

Ok, this has nothing to do with local or even Scottish flowers but it is a ecological design!  I caught up with some folk when away from the jungle of weeds in the garden and discovered that they were now making these fantastic camping pods – camping without the tent.  They can have heating, light and cooking facilities inside, have …