07 July 2017 - Old Court Diary - Gardeners' Diaries

Old Court Diary

This entry: 07 July 2017 by Ross Barbour

A Quick Catch up

May and June

As I sit and reflect on the last couple of months and try and think of the things I did do, rather than the things I didn't, I can't help but think of the things I need to do in July!

Spring is a busy time for us gardeners but it can slow down as Summer take a proper hold and here in Colwall it really does feel like Summer.

Before we get to far into July, I would like to have a wee look at a few of the highlights from May and June.

Paeonia 'Black Pirate'

This is by far one of our favourites. An intersectional hybrid but in the reverse, as it behaves more like a tree peony rather than herbaceous.

How about that for amazing flowers.

Late Spring was a very mixed affair throwing lots of different weather at us and keeping us on our toes. What it gives with one hand it takes with the other!!!

But whether its a late frost, drought or devilish winds the garden always seems to sort it self out in the end.

The wonderful flowers of the Davidia involucrata look amazing surounded by the white bract giving it the common name The Handkerchief Tree.

Named for the French priest and naturalist Father Armand David but the first seeds were sent to England by the botanist Ernest Wilson in 1901 after a long search to find a plant.

Davidia involucrata

Cypripedium Macra Pink

The new plants we have been planting under the trees and shrubs down at the far end of the Picton Garden are gradually starting to get established. There are still quite a few gaps but that means new plants and the chance to do a bit of shopping :)

Paris polypyilla

I think this is correct? Its a plant I got a long time ago and it has never been properly identified.