Invitation to View May 2012

[Palustris]

http://s703.photobucket.com/albums/ww32/Owdboggy/May%20Garden%202012/

[NightHawk]

Another great set of photos you have shared with us Eric.

Your garden is looking good at the moment - immaculate as always 

Nice job.

Laurie.

[ideasguy]

Amazing Eric. You could describe your garden as "Treasure Islands" - each bed seems to be absolutely crammed with little treasures You must spend all day every day in that garden - it is immaculate.
Do I see:
2) Exochorda × macrantha 'The Bride'
4) Paeonia lutea
11) Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba'     
91) Gentian? (in May???)

[Palustris]

2 Yes
4. Yes
11 Pulsatilla albana
91. Gentiana acaulis
And Gentian syringea in the Alpine House

[ideasguy]

Thanks for the info Eric.
Is that the normal flowering time for those Gentians?

I have one specimen of Exochorda × macrantha 'The Bride'. Its never been so floriferous as this year- its in full glory at present. Mine tends to arch almost prostrate, rather than grow upwards. Ive seen one in a neighbours garden and they have used a ring type support. Any tricks or tips?

I have two specimens of Paeonia lutea, from seed - one of the things I grew when I started gardening. Hardy as old boots! I found seedlings all around the parent last year, and potted a few up. I find mine begin to flower, then the leaves appear and are so vigorous that they obscure the flowers. Do yours behave like that?

[Palustris]

The two Gentians are classed as Spring gentians so they normally flower from April onwards, but G. acaulis has been know to flower almost all year. G. syringea is actually an annual,so I am hoping it will self seed in the Alpine house.
Our Exochorda is a 1.5 metre tall shrub with no support at all.
The is the problem with Paeonia lutea and the red one, the flowers do hide in the foliage. I have been known to cut off leaves so we can see them. They can be a seed weed too.

[Eric Hardy]

Hello Eric,
I have just played your beautiful photos through as a slide show. How nicely cared for your garden looks with some lovely plants and flowers. As old age creeps on ours looks more "natural" every year 
Thank you for the link .