As I look out of the window I'm watching a greater spotted woodpecker on the feeder. He's a regular visitor & seems to be less shy of us these days. He loves Charlie's peanuts! We had a great weekend in the garden and one of the highlights was rescuing a couple of baby newts & a tadpole from the pondweed in the fishing net. It was the first time that I had ever held one in my hand, it was magical. As soon as we returned them to the water they disappeared in a flash, their speed is amazing. Two weeks ago we sunk a new bale of barley straw to help clear the water. It's working, hopefully we'll be able to sit peacefully at the water's edge and watch the wildlife.
Down the steps to the front door is our French "Shabby Chic" inspired planting. The fragrant, deep pink shrub rose "Gertrude Jekyll" has just started flowering along the old fashioned hazel frames that we constructed last autumn. This year she is covered in blooms and I can't wait for them to open, her fresh green scent is divine on the summer air. This year we have planted a companion for her in the bed! The antique rose Compte de Chambord. For the past two years he has resided in our italianate planting, but alas the soil was to wet for his aristocratic feet! We hope that he will be happier in his new home where the soil is in full sun. The combination of these two distinguished roses should produce an exquisite aroma & if we are blessed with good weather the large frilly flowerheads should last well.
We can't stop looking at the L'Heure Bleu planting with the full flowerheads at their peak. The swathe of violet/blue iris is intensified by the punctation of red poppies, & the graceful bow of the roses "Snowden" & "Nevada".
