There is an old saying: ‘Ne’er cast not a clout ’til May is out’. In other words, don’t be too quick to shed your winter layers. There’s some debate as to whether this refers to the end of the month of May, or the point when the hawthorn—often called May blossom—comes into flower. Either way, it’s a reminder of just how changeable our spring weather can be.
The May blossom is beginning to open, but last week it was still a challenge deciding what to wear outdoors. Should I reach for a coat, or would a sweater be enough? It wasn’t so much that the weather changed from day to day, more that it changed from place to place. In the sunshine, it felt pleasantly warm; in the shade, much cooler; and once exposed to the wind, decidedly chilly. So, for now at least, the coats are staying within easy reach.
Regardless of the weather, it was a very busy week in both the garden and on the allotment, though we still managed to squeeze in an afternoon at Lyme Park.
At home and in the garden
There has been a change of plans for the garden. Our intention was to replant just one of our borders, but once that was done, we decided to move on to the adjacent border, which we had originally planned to tackle next year. It sits at right angles to the newly planted one.
In preparation, we cleared the bed, moving some plants elsewhere in the garden and relocating the more thuggish ones to the allotment.
On the trellis adjoining the one planted with clematis, we added a honeysuckle.
I worked on ideas with Gemini.
A red rose growing on the trellis at the back of the bed has helped influence the colour scheme.
I half expected it to lose patience with me as I rejected one plant suggestion after another—a human adviser might well have thrown in the towel. In the end, though, we arrived at a planting plan and I now have a list of plants ready to order.
At the allotment
Planting is now properly underway at the allotment.
I finished planting up our new strawberry bed.
We planted the remaining seed potatoes.
I also planted out our first lot of broad beans.
Martyn replanted the “thugs” we had evicted from the garden into the perennial bed on the plot.
The bed is now filling up, so we may soon need to find another spot for plants looking for a new home.
Martyn used some of the hazel poles—left over from cutting back one of our hazels—to create a climbing frame for the sweet peas.
Out and about
On Thursday, we headed across the Pennines to Lyme Park. As you can see from my photo gallery, the property features a large mansion and formal gardens with a lake. There are also 1,400 acres of parkland, including a deer park.
The property was used as Pemberley in the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice, and the lake in the photos is the one from which Darcy emerged in that famous scene.
It was a lovely sunny day, which made for some beautiful reflections in the lake. In front of the mansion, a mass of tulips created a particularly striking display.
Finally
So, while we are not yet ready to cast aside our winter clouts, the garden and allotment are gradually taking shape. There is still plenty more planting to be done, and I suspect this coming week will be just as busy.
As always, until next time, stay safe and stay well.
Love seeing what you’re up to in the garden. I love the planned planting scheme , it’s going to be gorgeous , great for the bees too . I love your Trachycarpus . It’s a beauty ! 🌴☀️💐x
Other Debbie ! 🙂
Just hope the border lives up to expectations, Debbie. The Tracky Waggy as we call it started off as a baby in a small pot
At 6:00 a.m. it’s a light jumper, at midday it’s sunscreen, at 5:00 p.m. put the heating on!!!