Back in the garden I've been sowing biennials for next years displays - I know, summer has only just arrived and it's time to think about next year already! I've sown five varieties of wallflower to compliment the tulips. For the hot border there's Vulcan, Cloth of Gold and Fire King. In the pastel border I've sown White Dame and Giant pink.
I adore foxgloves and cannot have enough of them in the garden. I have sown more Primrose carousel for the woodland, Apricot Beauty to go along an East facing wall ion the topiary garden and alba for the white garden and pastel border.I'm also going to ave a go at growing ornamental cabbages for winter displays this year.
If anyone had seen me yesterday, cleaning the trees, they'd have thought me quite strange! However, the trees in question are Betula Utilis, grown for their ghostly white stems. It helps to carefully peel off the old flaky bark to reveal silky smooth new stems. I also removed side branches lower down which lifted the crown of the trees, revealing more of the stems. To finish clean the stems with warm water to enahnce the white sheen. This should be done once a year to keep them looking their best.
Elsewhere in the garden we're filling gaps in borders. In the pastel border using white Cosmos, and in the hot border marigold Indian Prince.
I have just taken delivery of a fantastic shrub called Crinodendron Hookerianum. I first saw this at East Ruston Old Vicarage. When I stumbled upon It's red lantern like flowers I had to have one. Easier said than done. They're not easy to get hold of. I managed to track down a tiny one last year, just a foot tall. It was carefully planted and protected with a 'cage' of hazel twigs. It has been doing well despite it's choosy preferences - acid soil (mines alkaline!), shelter and part shade. However, when I spotted this meter high specimen at a garden center this weekend I had to have it! It was unloved, dry as a bone, leggy at the top and priced to stay put! It has now had a good drink, lots of lovely fresh ericaceous compost and a light trim. I think it will be very happy in it's new home.