Ladies from the village WI. came for coffee, cake and biscuits yesterday, they also came to have a wander round the garden to see the snowdrops and other lovlies that are flowering at the moment. The weather behaved itself with just one little shower which wasn’t a problem, the rest of the time it was nice and sunny.
Why didn’t I put the empty pot away!
Phones and cameras came out and the snowdrops were all photographed.
Every hellebore was exclaimed over.
Just look how green the hedge is looking, very springlike.
All names were searched for till they found the labels.
Narcissus pseudonarcissus was admired. I think these are flowering a little early this year.
Lots of gardening chatter took place as they were walking along.
Crocus tommasinianus opened up specially for us.
Clumps are increasing nicely.
G. Hobson’s choice looks as though it is about to take off in the wind.
The little slope at the end of the woodland.
Every little cyclamen was admired.
And so were iris reticulata.
When we reached the end of the woodland, a couple remembered last year when I said that I was going to make another path and turn the walk into a circular route through the woodland.
The start of the new path.
I had only remembered a few days ago and asked Neil who comes once a week to help me, if he could clear a path for me. He worked so hard and got it done in time.
They said “Oh I see you have got your path done, when did you do it?”
From the other end. I had to admit that the path was only done the day before!
Phew, just in time!
I have promised them that when they come next year it will all be planted up, but there is still a lot of work to still do first. Removing all the ivy, improving the soil with home made compost and leaf mould, then I can start planting the snowdrops that are waiting in one of my vegetable beds at the moment as well as ordering more lovely woodland plants to line my new path and move plants from elsewhere in the garden, a lot of splitting will get done.
I think next time I will invite them in March, as by then there will be so many other woodland treasures for them to see. Today, I think I will put my feet up and have a good rest!
Very nice that the path got done just in time for the visit. It will be interesting to see how you further develop that space. So many winter-blooming beauties in your garden to delight your guests. You intentionally left the black pot in situ so as to quell the anger of the gods at your garden’s perfection. Our climate is similar to yours but currently, snow is covering the frozen ground and another snow event, predicted to bring a foot of snow, is on the way. Our snowdrops, hellebores, etc. are lying flat on the ground awaiting the return of normal temperatures.
I was so glad Peter that I remembered what I had said about the path, this is the trouble with being forgetful! Your snow sounds dreadful, I really hope it doesn’t last too long for you, hopefully your snowdrops and hellebores will perk up once it goes. I keep rominding myself that our worst weather last year was in the second half of March, we mustn’t go thinking that spring is just round the corner, not yet anyway.
What fun to create a circular path and it shows they were paying attention last year!!!
I wish I could have been one of your visitors – perhaps one day.
They were paying attention weren’t they Christina, what a pity I wasn’t! The planting will be more of the same lovely woodland ephemerals which do so well in this part of the garden, can’t wait to get started. The visitors certainly enjoyed it, I have had lots of lovely emails today telling me how much they liked the snowdrops. Maybe one day I will see you here, you would be very welcome for coffee and cake too!
For me, as an introvert, it would be exhausting having a large group of visitors looking around the garden. Enjoy your day of rest today.
It wasn’t a large group Alison, just a dozen and they were all friends anyway. I did enjoy my day of rest thank you, with a plant catalogue deciding which plants to put in my new area!
Your friends clearly enjoyed their visit Pauline and it was nice that the weather was so kind to you all. A woodland garden is definitely my favourite part of a garden and I can’t think of anything nicer than sitting with a plant catalogue and choosing new plants. That hellebore is just beautiful!
We had a lovely time Denise and they appreciated all the tiny flowers. The woodland garden is definitely my favourite part of my garden, it keeps me entranced for 6 months of the year. My list of plants for the new bit is growing longer, I must stop!
I am so glad it went well for you (and them!) Pauline! But surely your snowdrops would all be over if they came in March next year? Or is that so they can see a different range of plants flowering? I too would love to be able to visit one day and see your woodland especially – what fun you will have planting up your cleared areas by the path!
We had a good time Cathy and they certainly enjoyed the snowdrops and anything else that was in flower. I usually still have some snowdrops out in March , but there is a lot more to the woodland than just snowdrops, lots of other woodland ephemerals. I was out there this afternoon ripping up yards and yards of ivy, prior to planting the new area, very therapeutic. All visitors are welcome, coffee and cake included!
Sounds like you had a wonderful visit with your friends. I think it’s so funny that the path was just completed the day before! It looks as if it’s been there forever, but I can’t wait to see you adding plants along the way.
Glad the weather worked out for you as well. You’ve earned your rest for sure.
I certainly did have a wonderful time Frank. I have since been busy removing loads of ivy from the new area making room for lots of lovely new plants, can’t wait to get them ordered !
The WI ladies certainly looked as if they were enjoying themselves Pauline and how considerate of the weather gods to behave. I wonder what woodland gems you will be ordering and whether you’ve treated yourself to any new snowdrops this year 🙂
I think they all did Anna, we had a lovely time looking at all the pretty flowers. I’ll be doing a post when my order of new plants arrives and yes, of course I have treated myself to some more snowdrops to add to the side of my new path, you didn’t really think that I wouldn’t did you?!
I noticed everyone was smiling! I am honored to see your garden via blog, but I envy those ladies who got to see it in person! Glad you got the path done; amazing how an impending garden visit will motivate us to improvements in the garden. You deserve at least a short rest!
Yes Deb, they did seem to enjoy themselves, lots of chatting and laughter! I’m amazed that Neil got the whole of the path done in one day, I’ve been working hard since clearing the ivy from what will now be a large central bed, I’m about half way through that job, can’t wait to start planting!
That sounds like a very successful visit! I was laughing about the pot amidst the snowdrops though. I couldn’t see many of your photos which was a pity, those I saw looked lovely.xxx
Yes Dina, it was very successful! I think you had trouble seeing my photos once before didn’t you, hope they appear eventually.