Busy, Busy, Busy.

The Rhubarb that we planted last year has come on really well and as we hope to make lots of jams and tarts going forward. Made a delicious crumble for Sunday dessert but unfortunately my husband cant have any as it activates his Gout and we certainly cant have that !

We bought a few more plants Red Champagne and Timperley Early

I think Rhubarb is a spectacular plant in the garden with it gorgeous big leaves and beautiful red and green fat stems. It is also great as a summer ground cover keeping weeds down in its surrounding area. Be careful with the leaves as they are toxic!

We are watering well after planting and advised to avoid harvesting on first year to allow plant to get established. Also to remove any flowering shoots in spring and mulch or topdress with well rotted manure.

Roses I planted two roses lately one a Climbing and rambling rose called Albertine on the fence by the herb patch beside the hens. I’m told this has a strong scent with double or semi double blooms opening from dark buds in summer. Dark shiny green foliage with crimson leaf tips and new growth feed in spring and summer with high potash fertilizer. I hope this will climb nicely over the fence in the coming years

The other rose I planted is Hybrid tea rose Red devil( dicam) large medium red blooms fragrant tall upright habit with glossy foliage. Planted it in a border which is open bright and a sunny location. Prepared the soil and added well rotted manure and if you don’t have this use bone meal.

We have one small bed with only Ornamental sage Blue Salvia with purple blue flowers on aromatic foliage from early to late summer. I usually have to replace one or two due to damage from dog children weather take your pick as in our garden all plants have to battle for survival . Some more than others! These plants grow 18 in x 18 ins and they like well drained soil in sun or partial shade.