As well as working at Kedleston Hall, I also grow plants for friends and family and I am now selling cards. Check out my new venture at www.phoenix-trading.co.uk/web/mattdolman or please like my facebook page at www.facebook.com/cardsviamatt
This has kept me busy to say the least.
I am behind with a lot of things in the garden, I think the late start to the growing season and then spring coming all at once threw me somewhat.
Recent ventures are creating a meadow area on the front - we are leaving a rectangle of grass uncut and letting the bugs and other wildlife enjoy this area, already we have a variety of plants and I have grown birds foot trefoil, yellow rattle, ox-eye daisy to name just a few wildflowers that are now growing to be transplanted to this area.
Having decided to add more height to the garden, Andrew made a lovely arch - all from reclaimed timber - we have a native honeysuckle growing up it, and hoepfully this will attract more moths to the garden, as we have a bat that visits every summer - we have yet to see him/her yet!
Broad beans, mangetout, courgettes and runner beans are all growing well, calabrese and summer cabbage holding their own, BUT netted to avoid caterpillar devastation - the poor cabbage whites keep fluttering over them but I am looking out of my window at them with glee as they are unable to lay thier eggs on mine! - I sound mean don't I?!?
Time is short so will blog more soon, but some pics to show the changes in the garden - it's not all about veg - flowers, herbs, fruit and more all make our garden.
This clematis is flowering away so well this year, not to be outdone Rosie climbed the new arch! Somehow I can't get the picture to rotate - but adds to the drama!
Alium after some rain
I promised colour, oriental poppy with blue geranium
Arch in all its glory - excellent for reclaimed wood - more projects on the way I feel
Rosie adopted this very unusual stance - ATTENTION!
Herbs beds offer a great variety in texture, colour, fragrance and you can use them in the kitchen too!
End of a long day.....
