A Happy Easter

Just had to check my blog for comments. The tweaking has worked!

The hellebores in the small, woodland section of the garden, are looking at their best. There are about 15 different types, and with a bit of luck and their promiscuous nature they will, in time, increase in number and variety. One of my favourites is this almost black one, with dark foliage.

The disadvantage of having such a small and heavily planted garden is that there is very little vacant space for seedlings to take hold, but I live in hope that a few will struggle through the undergrowth. The photos would have been more successful if some dark clouds hadn't come over just as I grabbed the camera.

It's a teasing April day - we've just had a few hailstones. Now the sun is out.

A couple of weeks ago I reluctantly cut back the dogwoods in the front garden. Why is it that they look so beautiful, surrounded by daffodils, crocus, hyacinths etc, just at the time when they require their annual prune? If I had more space, I would be inclined to let them romp away for a year or two, before giving them the chop, but their annual cut really does pay off, resulting in some good, winter colour. I couldn't bear to throw away their red and orange stems, so some of them are on the sideboard, arranged in my lovely pot from Thassos. The rest look equally good, outside in the garden, in our wedding anniversary present from K & A. The stems have a sheen on them, that brings the colours to life, when the sun shines. I've also made use of some of the stems, to support some rather wayward tulips in another pot outside. I think it is quite successful and the intention is, when I eventually plant up the large pot, that I can utilise the stems in this way, in the borders.

Mike will soon return from church, where Easter Day is usually a great celebration. However, I feel sure that today the parishioners feeling a great sadness for the loss of Father King, who sadly passed away yesterday evening. His wife and family are very much in our thoughts.

To all my family, friends and followers, allotmenteers and gardeners everywhere, A Happy Easter and a successful and productive growing season!