Second June in the garden

The second June and it's very different from the first. Just now it's warm and rainy (we're subject to a Spanish Plume apparently so hot but very stormy and unsettled as warm air from the south hits a depression in the west - who knew!).

We've also had some cold nights and days relative to the time of year and so some plants, particularly the veg, seemed to halt growth earlier in the month. I've had one flower on my spuds (Arran Pilot) so not holding out much hope for results - last year Scab (on Charlottes - they still tasted good, just fell apart on boiling) because I didn't water them enough and this year luscious growth and no flowers; so much to learn. I've taken advice from an experienced 'Vegger' and started to feed once a week regardless of flowers - Tomorite then homemade Comfrey tea in solution. My tomato plants really seemed to be stunted by me trying to harden them off too soon (too leggy on the windowsill and no cold frame - will sow later next year ie late March instead of Feb) - the first batch were so rootless along with my Chillies that they've had to be composted and I started again - finally planted out this weekend and making progress but I think it will be a year for Green Tomato Chutney!

All Dahlias made it through the winter, sitting in the shed, but it was a very mild winter - my Canna 'Black Knight' in the ground has also survived and is now making good growth above ground. Dahlia 'Totally Tangerine' is an excellent plant - already flowering and from last year, I know it will keep on until the first frosts. I've also managed to get 3 cuttings off it this year so all in all a very generous addition to the garden.

I've been struck in other gardens by contrasts in colour and shape and am at last able to experiment in my own space. I've now planted Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace' on the left, to balance the Malus 'Toringo Scarlett' on the right. Maybe it would be worth moving the Pittosporum 'Tom Thumb' from beside the steps to the border on the left? To be fair it has been so mullered by Scout lying on it that it's only half a plant at the moment anyway - half a very beautiful and willing plant but half a plant nevertheless!

Self seeded Poppies have taken over a large space on the left but I've tried to keep them to one area and love them very much. I know they muddy the view of the Salvia 'Royal Bumble' but I don't think the bees mind. My Hyssop (Agastache 'Blue Boa') is making good progress - hardly to be seen but a lovely scented addition for me and the insects. I've sowed Agastache 'Navajo Sunset' and they're making strong little plants so far. Last year's perennial was Coreopsis 'Sterntaler' and they are romping this year - two huge clumps that the bees also love and I've seen butterflies too - 'Painted Lady' I think.

Two enormous self seeded Sunflowers that I haven't had the heart to move, foolishly believing the they wouldn't interfere with the Amelanchier too much - ha!

Roses and Salvias are all doing well but I'll cover them in a separate and specific post.

Love the garden so much - my aim for it to be a good place for insects is so far working well with Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' probably winning the award for 'most visited' so far although the Nectascordum were also, a bit surprisingly to me, much appreciated.

Grand!