WELCOME TO MY GARDENING BLOG!

I obviously hope you enjoy browsing through the postings on here - do feel free to leave comments as it's always good to see who's visiting and to hear about other people's experiences - after all you never stop learning do you?

If you've any gardening questions or you live in Brittany and are looking for some gardening help - be it design work, planting or general gardening or you simply would like some advice, please don't hesitate to CONTACT ME or call me on 0033 661 77 23 89 (from UK) or 0661 77 23 89 (from France).

Happy gardening!

Saturday 29 March 2008

Cornwall's best...

For anyone who's not visited any of the Cornish gardens in spring - it really has to be something on your "To Do" list - they can be described as nothing less than spectacular at this time of year in particular.














The gardens situated the furthest south that I've visited aren't far from Penzance - Trewidden and the National Trust garden - Trengwainton - unfortunately there wasn't time to see these this time but thought I'd give them a mention here anyway as they're fabulous!













Moving up towards Helston direction another favorite is Trevarno which I did go to - I particularly enjoyed the kitchen garden where I did get the chance to have a lengthy chat to the gardener there who has all sorts of interesting ideas with planting and providing support to plants and natural archways for his sweet peas - a progressive area and one that has changed quite a bit over the last few years.














The other gardens we managed to get to this time round was Caerhays - with its magnificent collection of magnolias. It's set right by the coast and for those of you who enjoy a good walk there's a fair bit of up and down in this garden with some stunnning views.




















Burncoose Nursery and Gardens was also well worth a visit - I must admit I spent most time in the nursery- they've got a fantastic selection of plants and the roses in particular are very good value!

We also managed the National Trust's garden at Trelissick which was lovely, but not one I think I'd rush back to but was definately worth seeing though.

The other two which are always interesting at most times of year are both the National Trust's Glendurgan garden and Trebah - both valley gardens on the Helford River - they are similar in some respects but I'd recommend going to both.

Last but not least is Trewithen - another gorgeous garden - full of natural planting - wonderful Camelias and Azaleas as well as an interesting house which is also open to the public (I must admit I haven't been inside myself -although I've heard good reports).

There are many more that I'm planning to visit on our next trip which I've not been along to yet - but hopefully this should keep you going in the meantime!

I also wanted to mention a couple of excellent self catering places to stay - a wonderful cottage right near the coast near Porscatho - within striking distance of Caerhays, Heligan and the Eden Project - Rosevine Farm - lovely owners who are really keen to promote everything "green" - extremely comfortable cottages with everything you could want in a holiday home. For those wanting to stay nearer to the Helford River and be within easy distance of Trevarno, Penzance, St Ives and also the Lizard peninsula - Higher Bowgie is brilliantly placed too, equally great and also very comfortable.

ENJOY!

Sunday 23 March 2008

Stop Thief!

Well... finally I find some time to post something on my blogsite - recently there just hasn't been a lot of spare time, so many thanks for bearing with me!
A couple of weeks ago I felt very pleased having just sown 2 trays of one of my favorite summer flowers - Sweet Peas. I put them into small pots - 4 seeds in each, all of which I'd pre-soaked in cold water the night before which really helps with the germination process. I got this advice a few years ago when having difficulty in getting seeds to germinate and it really does help!
Anyway - 2 days later went into the greenhouse to check on them to discover that something had been in and had dug out every last seed... I was gutted..... all the shells had been discarded so the only thing I could think it could have been was mice... well I'm sorry to say that the culprit was caught! So it was back to the drawing board with another sowing - this time I covered the trays with propogating lids just incase there were any other hopeful thieving paws! I'm pleased to say that many of them have started to come through already so here's hoping for a lovely show of Sweet Peas this summer.

Saturday 1 March 2008

More Spring colour...

Well - I did promise you some more pictures of what's out and as I was working today, took some more whilst taking a breather in between arduous digging, and thought you might enjoy these!

Spring is such a fabulous month and after a month or two of dormancy in the garden it lifts my spirits to see everything coming to life again - the colours are amazing, some so delicate and yet others so vibrant - what more can I say to do them justice?