Change & Continuity

23 Jan '09 6:05 pm

Well, I guess that's what gardening is all about; nothing remains constant, but we (AND nature!) are always building on what is already there... However that is incidental. I was looking for a title that spoke of all that was changing in my life and my garden, whilst being very aware that I really have nothing new to show you at the moment. As January is in its final week, it really is time to start the next diary, and hopefully I will surprise you in due course.

Right now reclaiming control after the Christmas break is the number one gardening priority. With plenty of rain, regular sun and high temperatures, the increase in biomass is astounding. Weeds, grasses, opportunists and the supposed 'rightful garden plants' all grow like mad, and my garden, never of the manicured variety, looks in need of a shave. And now I have to think: if I bring potential clients in here, they are likely to run away shrieking...

Anyway, to establish the theme of change and continuity, here is this morning's greeting: only one day in six or seven dawns quite sunny at the moment, and we have been having heavy showers as well as drizzle. So I went out to celebrate the sun at six. You've seen this view so often before - but never in the ripeness of a late summer sunrise I believe!

25 Jan '09 7:15 am

Today I recommissioned the fountain in the Ellensgate Garden. Psychologically this is important: it was the first phase of the development of the gardens when I returned from my 'Gardening Grand Tour', but for more than half the time since I built it the fountain stood empty after springing a leak. That problem seems to be sorted now, and I ceremoniously turned on the pump this afternoon.

There has been talk on the forums of Eucomis and foliage effects, so I concentrated on those when taking other photographs this afternoon. In the Upper Rosemary Border there are several of the medium dark Eucomis I grew from seed. They make me aware that I have too few large leaved plants there, and too many that have stringy growth - Penstemons and such like. Anyway, their dark colours tone well with the purple Berberis, Abelia and Ceratostigma willmottianum (which has dark purpley stems and rusty calyxes, rather like those of Abelia which forms part of this composition, but adds lovely little bright blue flowers). Rudbeckias, with their dark centres - especially those with brown blotches on the petals - also add to the effect.

25 Jan '09 9:47 am

Lots of interesting news,Jack-I am pleased the Ellensgate fountain is going again and I look forward to seeing your choice of new plants-my thoughts would always go to roses with the mellow bricks,but it will be your family's decision.

25 Jan '09 6:31 pm

I haven't seen as much of Ellensgate as the more senior Moosieites probably have so I especially enjoyed this view. I'm curious for the origins of the name Alfred's Arches. I'll bet there is a story there. Of course I have also to comment on your foliage combination, great contrast of cool and hot. Once again I'm just off to bed with hopes of many accomplishments in the garden tomorrow!

25 Jan '09 10:23 pm

It must have been so satisfying to turn that pump on. Smile

I didn't want to ask as I assumed it might have been mentioned before but I would also love to know the stories behind the names.
Your "favourite foliage combination" is wonderful.

26 Jan '09 7:11 am

OK, you asked...

Way back in 2006 I described my garden in some detail, and I am going to point you towards it. It will explain the names and the inter-relationships and even, if I remember correctly the design philosophy. Perhaps I must reread it myself... You will find it here: http://forums.mooseyscountrygarden.com/garden737.html

Back then the 'thumbnails' were bigger and one beneath the other; when Eggy redesigned the layout they stayed big, but took on the new placing, so they overlap. You will HAVE to open them to see properly what is going on Laughing

Or if that all seems too much trouble, here is a brief synopsis: Alfred's Arches, the avenue of Salix cuprea that meet overhead, were first plaited that way by Alfred, an excellent young man who worked for me. Unfortunately he was a kleptomaniac, but we learnt to deal with that - however, when he stole the neighbour's guest's camera in full view of said guest we reached a point of separation. I miss him, and think often of his joy in the garden...

The gate of the Ellensgate Garden was made by my grandfather in the late 20s and the plaque was removed by my dad in the 50s when the house was sold. Some years ago two guys who have since become very great friends bought the house, and my father, seeing the old place come to life, knocked on the door. Soon the three of them were weeping around the dining room table, much to my mother's embarrassment. Today Ellensgate is one of our capitols top guest houses. You can read their version of the story here: www.ellensgate.co.za/

I in turn laid out this garden as a tribute to my parents for their 40th wedding anniversary. I think I talk extensively about the whole design in the above post.

Well, not much that's new here, but I've given you plenty to keep you busy, should you so wish! Wink

PS: Dixie, I quite agree: roses it will remain. Central to the garden is the concept of scented plants, and a pink to lilacy colour scheme. I will chose my roses carefully for growth pattern, scent and disease resistance (it is really not good rose country here, says I with over 300 roses...)

12 Feb '09 1:00 am

I've returned from Johannesburg, where we celebrated my father's 80th and my brother's 50th, and I did some shopping for plants, mainly for the large garden in Tzaneen I am working on... when not working of late, I've been socialising, and all against the backdrop of APPALLING internet coms on the farm... so please excuse my long absence!

Here are two pics from recent walks. The Cuphea is a star: like its much less impressive cousins, it flowers prolifically ALL summer - but these bright red and purple flowers are each 30mm long, not 5. I've propagated in case of winter losses, but this plant has survived two winters with me quite unaffected.

12 Feb '09 5:13 pm

You've found two beauts for us. Sounds more and more as though I might enjoy this retirement idea of yours. There are a number of Cupheas I like. I'll try to find some photos. I'll bet you're not too fond of the large orange and yellow one which seems to be the most common. There is a dainty little one that is pink with yellow tips that I like. I'm looking down the throat of a four day weekend with lots to do in the garden but lots of rain due as well. We'll just see. There may be times when I just have to come in and get on the internet. Oh well.

Bon weekend,

26 Feb '09 5:44 pm

Hi everyone!

It is 9 days since I last logged on, let alone contributed anything more than the odd comment. Let me share with you the most annoying comment I hear in the community (include yourself, Mark Laughing

): "How are you enjoying your retirement?" Change of career, yes; retirement it most definitely is not!

However, if only because I am suffering from Moosey-withdrawal, I intend to SHOW & TELL before Sunday is out... I have some photos for the Tzaneen garden thread, and we have achieved much in the last 8 intensive days on site.

Here meanwhile are two wet pics of my own garden. Luckily Tzaneen has been a little drier, so that we have been gardening in ideal circumstances there!

26 Feb '09 5:55 pm

With that dire warning of not mentioning retirement I won't except that I already have sort of.
The misty photo is really atmospheric.And that is a lovely spot for a social drink or two,overlooking the meadow.

Change & Continuity

Change & Continuity

Something to report!

New news

I've savored each of these photos.

A walk around my garden

Update

Hail Jack!

Long time no see!

Warning