Soft landings

plum garden springA perfectly blank canvas and a very soft seat.   That’s how I found the newly landscaped plum terrace below the house. This was my afternoon’s work.

I’ve come in for a refuel before I plant six more perovskia shrubs. And I suspect I have more to go.

Naturally, to reach the stage where you actually put the plants in the ground is often at the end of a very long process. And it felt like that today. cabbage potted on

First up this morning I nipped up to the potting shed for a spot of potting on.   I suspect there are 60 new little greyhound cabbage seedlings looking strong and healthy in bigger pots.  At least I think there were sixty. I lost count. But I needed to do something before driving down to the valley.

tidy shedAnd I even swept the floor and generally fussed about the seedlings. They are all looking lovely if a touch thirsty.   The unseasonable hot weather continues.

Down in the valley I went by Vachon the huge plant nursery by the river. Boy did they suffer from the cold winter. I couldn’t believe the number of blasted plants standing in forlorn rows. Luckily the pervoskia (Russian sage) were fine and sturdy and I picked up 14 of them for a spot of mass planting I had planned.

And then as I was let loose on the huge nursery I couldn’t resist a few extras. Three climbing hydrangeas for the lean to shed at the end of the house.   Two cornus kousa var. Chinensis (one for Leslie), a caryopteris, and a lovely cotinus (smoke bush).   Being very cheap is such a thrill. Trees and shrubs galore and change for one hundred euros. The screenplay money is being put to good use. roseamary perovskia

The mistral was blowing fiercely so it was a relief to get back up to the mountain top.   But even up here it was still blustery.   My sun hat kept blowing off at inoportune moments.

thyme among tulipsAnd here is the result of my afternoon’s steep planting work.   Nine rosemaries, ten perovskias and 19 thyme plants all positioned carefully on the terrace.

Thank goodness the soil was soft as it was quite tricky perching on such a steep incline. And I had to make the little bowls of soil so the water will sit well when I water each plant.   After five years it’s getting to be an easier task. But you have to make a lot of sculptural shapes in the soil as you work.

Luckily the thyme plants were on the flat section of the wall. My back was screaming by the time I got round to them. I need a dozen or so more to finish off the whole area, but I’m delighted that it’s done.   file plum garden spring

The only annoying thing is this wasn’t on my To Do list today. I was supposed to be doing all sorts of other things instead.   But that’s gardening for you. Sometimes it’s the unexpected stuff that gives you so much pleasure.

Now, Friday night. Beer night. That’s definitely on my To Do list.