Gardening

[Nemesis]

I wondered why the buds had been dropping off my Montana Rubens Clematis this year. As it is in a strange little yard between the old buildings I didn't investigate and blamed the weather. As the flowers have come out they seemed to being eaten, so this morning I went into the yard to investigate. The contents of the bucket are from where I could reach !!!! Eeeeek !

[hollins]

I visited a lovely garden today called Milntown which is near Ramsey on the Isle of Man.
Here are a few snaps.

[Merddin Emrys]

Very nice! Like the sign and the duck! 

[Hugo]

Some of our Rhododendrons are coming out now (first two photos) but yesterday in Nantmor I just had to stop and look at this beautiful garden which is near the car park.   The photo doesn't do it justice though which is a shame.

[Hugo]

Rowen Village Gardens Open Day

Rowen, Conwy Valley, North Wales
Sunday 18th May 2014 (resting in 2013)
10.30am to 5.00pm

Some 18 lovely gardens open for one day every two years, full of ideas to take home, in award-winning village in Snowdonia National Park. Several refreshment stops.

Proceeds in aid of Rowen Memorial Hall.

Plant sales:
Plant stalls

Cost:
£5.00 per person

[hollins]

I love clematis time.

[Hugo]

That's a nice collection of Clematis Hollins and they all seem to be doing well.    I haven't had much luck with the large flowering variety but  this year I bought three of the large flowered ones from Aldi,   Daniel Deronda,  Doctor Ruppel and Mrs N Thompson for £5.99 each and am keeping my fingers crossed that they will survive.
The smaller white Montana though just keeps on growing and the small umbrella type Acer has survived me mowing around it!

[hollins]

Fabulous Hugo! I think our blue one came from Asda. They are wonderful the way the flowers are so prolific.

[Hugo]

I enjoyed a nice day at the Rowen Open Garden Day today.  The place was crowded with people making the most of the lovely weather and I particularly enjoyed the gardens at Old Llannerch Y Felin, Bulkeley Mill and Oakbank.
The Handkerchief Tree in Oakbank was drawing a lot of attention as it was in flower and is over 100 years old.
I wasn't able to see all the gardens but I did manage a cup of tea and a delicious scone with strawberry jam and cream at Gwynant and then another cup of tea and slice of a lovely coffee cake at Seion Chapel.   It's hard work walking around gardens!         

[hollins]

Those handkerchief trees are beautiful. I think I remember seeing one in flower at Bodysgallen.

[hollins]

It is very dreary out there at the moment so here are a few photos of the irises which look lovely this week.

[Merddin Emrys]

A lovely sight on a wet day like this!

[hollins]

This photo is on Bodnant's Facebook page. Hope it is okay to put it on here.
Great timing for all the Bank Holiday visitors.

[Hugo]

That garden of yours is really beautiful, you must get so much pleasure from seeing every thing growing.   You'll have to open it to the public.   
If you ever do, don't forget to provide refreshments because Mike from the Golf Course keeps telling me how nice the cakes were.       

[hollins]

Thanks Hugo. There has been talk in the past of having an open day for charity but not happened yet!
Anyway here are some of this weeks pics.