Cow parsley sourced

Mulberry and quinces; what an exotic combination. I don’t know why, but both trees seem to evoke something cloistered and medieval. Our mulberry tree I am relieved and delighted to say is showing signs of leaf. After a long winter and what looks like a direct hit of lightning one didn’t hold out much hope. But here it is, almost May and there are leaves on even the lowest branch that is hanging on by little more than willpower.

I only really had a look at the tree as I was inspecting the terrace strimming first thing this morning. And don’t they look neat and prim. Wish they would stay that way. But at least we are starting off with a good clean slate. The brambles were trying to take hold already, so I am pleased that if the weather keeps up its pattern of steady warmth and little rain their progress may be checked. For a bit.

The quinces are in flower this year: and although I can’t detect any scent, I hope the bees will be pollinating this year. I don’t recall seeing such blossom. But then I doubt I ever took the time to really look. The detail of a quince flower is quite beguiling, much less complicated as a blossom compared, say, to an apple or a peach.

As I was heading down to raid the cow parsley fields, I noticed so many other worthy plants in the banks. Some are these striking mauve purple saxifrage flowers. Little star shaped carpets of joy. But until Andrew presents me with the longed for book on Massif Central wildflowers, I shall remain ignorant. So generous to be sharing not just his knowledge of garden plants, but the wild beasties too.

And speaking of garden plants here are the little collection of plants that make up one of the terraces on the bank. Hard to differentiate them just yet, but here are some ornamental grasses (calamagrostis Karl Foerster), Joe Pye Weed, Echinacea Purpurea Magnus, and salvias galore. And sedums, plus weeds. Work to do there. But at least there is growth.

What else did I achieve today? Lots of Rose New Dawns about the place now thanks to some cuttings taken in September. This one, I think, came from Jacquet nursery when I bought the apricot and nectarine trees. It has put on plenty of growth this spring, so needed tying in. One day it will clothe this wall. But it’s still an infant.

I zipped over to the potager to make sure the cloches stayed in place. Bit of a storm today, so they took a mini battering. But all is well and rather symmetrical which pleases me no end. I know, there is a missing cover. I ran out of Enviromesh. I have a greenish alternative that will have to do for a few weeks. But hopefully the cabbage moth butterflies won’t have hatched yet and started their search for nesting plants for next years grubs.

I found a space for the extra cosmos plants which I found amongst the seedlings in the potting shed. And put more in one single row behind each cloche. And another thirty up against the wall beside the strawberries. Where haven’t I put cosmos? Another successful germination story in the potting shed. Bring on a surge of growth and get them into flower I say.