Gwirrel's Garden

I always find it far easier to appreciate the foliage early in the year during spring. It’s so obvious at this time of year, and this year especially I am reeling in amazement at how different things can look so quickly. I don’t think I’d ever felt it this much. It’s astounding how the borders can feel empty one moment and full the next.

Perhaps it’s because the garden is now reaching ‘maturity’. Many plants have been in for a few years, and those that haven’t have been in long enough now to ‘leap’. There isn’t much space at all, anywhere for seeds – not that I’ve sown any this year- and I’m not sure whether this is a good or bad thing, as I know I’ll miss my poppies.

So yes, foliage. Funny thing, foliage. Some are amazing at combining foliage, and put masses of thought into it, meanwhile I put almost no thought into foliage except if it’s a Fern or grass.

Below the Campanula I moved last year is looking very happy in its new home, and beneath is the Black Elder with the bright yellow backdrop – a nice juxtaposition if I do say so myself – the yellow is from Acer Palmatum ‘Katsura’ which will soon become green fringed with red at the edge of the leaves.

Campanula and Black Elder

Quaking grass is also looking very nice and lush and I’m loving it backlit as it has a wonderful blue-green hue.

Hosta, Quaking Oat and Stipa

Plenty of growth in the Aster border, I won’t name everything but I suspect many of you will recognise most of the plants anyway.

Aster Border

I love the foliage of Sanguisorba Offincalis – Sanguisorba Obtusa foliage is far less impressive!

Sanguisorba, Acer and Sorbus

The Persicaria is very dog-eared… Something has enjoyed eating it! I don’t think I’ve ever really noticed much damage to Persicaria before… Sorbus Fructicosa has tiny little buds on it this year ready to bloom… It’ll be the first time I’ve seen blooms/berries on it! I’ll have to take it with me when I move.

Hellebore leaves, Persicaria and Sorbus

Ferns will always be a favourite in spring; watching them unfurl is amazing!

Fern and Dicentra

The Cherry border has hit ‘mature’ I think and in fact the Geraniums should be divided as they’re crowding out the Dicentra, Pulmonaria and Primula.

Acer

Backlit and front lit… Such differences! I love backlit foliage, and it’s even more beautiful during the ‘golden hour’.

Campanula, Aquilegia, Alliums, Honest, Forget-Me-Not, Geranium Thurstonianum, Hebe and Chives

And I’ll finish with the lovely fresh growth of Sedum; I still think it’s cute!

Sedum and Geranium

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