Spring

[Shirls]

Here (in S.E. Kent at least) have got some really bad, cold, snowy weather forecast for the end of the month, so we must be careful as to what we plant out right now. I have ordered some plants on-line which won't be arriving until the end of March, and April. Got three that have arrived already but they will have to stay in their pots so I can put them in the shed when the bad weather comes. With the few sunny days we've had, it really inspires me to do stuff in the garden! I have also ordered two metal planters and a beautiful watering can, all to be planted up when the time comes.

Anyone else bought any plants, planning for Spring, or anything new?

[Hezz]

Unfortunately we don’t have seasons, only Wet and Not-so-Wet. Good luck with your new plants, Shirls, I’m sure they will bring you great joy. It is always nice to have some new plants and watching how they grow.

[ffiscool]

I lost most of my plants with the snow we had the other week. One day my helichrysum (pic below, green plant) was fine, the next day dead. It’s also called a licorice plant. I’m waiting a few more weeks to buy some new ones. My cyclamens were ok too, but now no. There is one surviving plant, but I don’t know what it’s called. Next winter I’m covering them to help protect them.

I can’t remember the names of half of the ones I had, but aiming to get similar this year, I’ll go to the garden centre again. I might recognise them.

I’d never lived anywhere before where I could have lots of planters outside, it’s so lovely when they flower. I’m going to the Chelsea flower show in September.

[willowsmum]

Your planters look gorgeous ffiscool, so colourful, especially the last pic with everything in full bloom. It's a shame more didn't survive A trip to the garden centre and the show will be something nice to look forward to though.

[ffiscool]

I’m definitely going to get more French marigolds. I originally kept all the labels to know what I’d bought.... but think I threw them

Chelsea Flower Show was expensive but something I’ve never done before. My friend is a keen gardener so we decided to go. Yes def looking forward to it

[suesbird]

I have some giant trailing fuchsias coming sometime, I ordered them from Dobies in January, so just waiting. I have some primulas in flower at the moment but need my husband to go in the garden!!!! I will do it but he has this thing about making things easier for me, for goodness sake I am younger than him and quite capable of doing it In 40+ years he has never bothered but suddenly two years ago he has decided it's his job. My daughter says just leave him to it, beside I need the kitchen finishing first.

It isn't as though he has retired, he still works full time so doesn't have the time.He can sort out the bar outside, ready for the good weather instead!!!!!.

Just watching two wood pigeons making a nest in our pergola.

[Shirls]

Lovely pictures ffiscool, the last one in particular with the purple petunia. I've never been to Chelsea Flower Show, but have been twice to the Hampton Court one. I understand the Hampton Court is larger than Chelsea, so doesn't get quite so packed. Nevertheless am very envious!

[ffiscool]

Ah petunias, thank you.

You should go, they’re selling tickets online

[willowsmum]

Mar 5, 2021 9:27:09 GMT suesbird said:

I have some giant trailing fuchsias coming sometime, I ordered them from Dobies in January, so just waiting. I have some primulas in flower at the moment but need my husband to go in the garden!!!! I will do it but he has this thing about making things easier for me, for goodness sake I am younger than him and quite capable of doing it In 40+ years he has never bothered but suddenly two years ago he has decided it's his job. My daughter says just leave him to it, beside I need the kitchen finishing first.

It isn't as though he has retired, he still works full time so doesn't have the time.He can sort out the bar outside, ready for the good weather instead!!!!!.

Just watching two wood pigeons making a nest in our pergola.

A bar in the garden suesbird ? Forget the gardening, that should definitely be his priority 

[Hezz]

Obviously going to be a gin bar., suesbird. You could try growing some of these plants and do a little experimenting of your own ...
Put some Spring into your gin.
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/aug/06/the-best-plants-to-flavour-gin-alys-fowler

[suesbird]

The bar is under the pergola, we have a log burner, a beer fridge under a long shelf which has power sockets so my hubby can work out side with his laptop, optics and two three seater swings facing one another, honeysuckle and orange blossom covering the sides and roof. My husband got fed up with leaves and things falling down, sooooo he bought some double glazed units from a supplier who had made them wrong and he fitted them onto the roof and above the fencing to the roof, where there was a 2 foot gap. So we are water tight on 2 sides and roof. One of the other sides looks over the pond and the other is the entrance over a little bridge.

It is only small, but we have been known to sit out there till the early hours talking and having a little drink!!

[Shirls]

What a wonderful idea Hezz, and probably so easy to do!! I used to love the odd gin and Tonic!! Can't imagine what the flavoured ones would be like.

[Shirls]

That sounds truly wonderful suesbird! Would love to see it in the real, any invites going??

[suesbird]

Oh Shirls the Malfy grapefruit and lemon gin are so nice. Also recommend Brockmans. My hubby bought me an ice cream maker for Christmas and lemoncello with lemon gin is very refreshing

[Hezz]

Your pergola sounds perfect, suesbird. Haven’t you also got a lovely conservatory?