This post contains an item that was previously gifted.
I’m not sure if it’s because we’ve been home more, or because the weather has improved but I’ve definitely got many more photos from my garden from April. The ruby stems of the rhubarb were promising at the start of the month, but I’m leaving the plant to rest this year again as I’m not sure it’s totally happy in this pot. I’ll use that time, to admire and plan where I can put it, which may be to move the pot and to try and remove the Lords and Ladies which seem more than happy there.
It’s probably not best positioned under the cherry tree, which is where it had sheltered for the winter. That said it would have had a pretty view of all the cherry blossom, which is now long gone. The pigeons have been keeping a better eye on things than me, and hopefully we’ll stick to our usual agreement of top for them, reachable branches for me.
The dandelions and mint though have no qualms about where they grow, nor where they enjoy the sun.
In the early days of lockdown we hoped for nicer weather, and evenings outside, but also more realistically we bought a new barbecue. When it arrived it was in the hugest box ever, which only just went through the front door. It was soon assembled though, and has been quite a savvy purchase. Especially right now. The evenings weren’t so warm, but we were craving fresh air, and while the skies were clear it was a great opportunity to sit around the firepit, previously gifted by Von Haus.
We also got around to replacing the willow screening, which has been up for many years and which disintegrated on touch. That at least meant it was easy to fit into the green bins, removing the rusty wire as we went. The new screening is up, and fits nicely along the two panels, neatly matching the green wired trellis which we’re encouraging plants to grow and cover.
There’s been some great light during the month, and I do love a good reflection photo and the one below doesn’t disappoint. The agapanthus are enjoying their temporary spot, and I feel bad about having to shunt them into a slightly less sunnier spot. They’re clearly enjoying their stay of execution, perhaps an attempt to persuade me, who knows?
There’s been a couple of real highlights - the laburnum, with it’s yellow flowers and our slow-flowering camellia.
And then there’s been the ferns. I could sit and watch them unfurl, well perhaps not literally, I don’t have the patience.
We also tackled the dead ivy and knackered fence, or what could be known as the prickly boundary. The fence was quite delicate, the ivy very dead and so more of the green wire trellis fencing was put into good use. It’s a really sunny spot, and I think the pyracantha, and the holly I found growing close by, will really enjoy it. The elderflower has grown quite tall and that was freed of jasmine, once it’s flowered and fruited, I’ll cut some of those tall stems back so we stand a chance of benefitting from both.
In the greenhouse my beans were racing ahead, they’ve since been planted out and as per usual, I can’t remember which are runners, which are french beans and which are borlotti. I’ve also sown seeds for basil (eaten), spring onions (no sign) and two types of lettuce mix (half eaten). I’ll be trying again and taking better precautions.
But mostly in April, it’s been the blue skies, yellow flowers and sunbeds that have been most welcome. And yes, sunbeds in April, that has been a treat.
