Prunus mume 'Ben-chidori'

Fantastic flower, so very pretty.

I really love this blossom!

Lovely - is this an apricot??

Yes, I think it might be, Sheila, although it doesn't produce any fruit.

yes, I think it is too.

lovely flowers and such a pretty colour.

I love it, but I don't think it would do well in my garden...for one thing, the amount of other roots it would have to compete with! :))

It's a dwarf tree, Karen...so it might be fine.

Maybe one day I will get one....perhaps keep it in a pot for a while. You were asking about us moving B. It's funny we've changed ideas completely. It was all me that wanted to move six months ago, but the houses on offer have not had any appeal except for one, and when I google-earthed it, that turned out to be completely unsuitable because it was on a corner with road around three sides! It's amazing how deceptive those Estate Agents can be with their cameras! But now, Scott is the one saying he can't see us here in 5 years. As you know, I love my house and garden, so I think it's unlikely we will find anything we can afford that's better. That's why I'm having a real 'go' at the privacy thing this year. There is so much to be happy about living here...so many positives in the location and the design of the house. You really have to weigh all these things up don't you...it's not a simple decision. I guess we will know the right place if and when it becomes available.

You beat mine by 2 days : )

It is a lovely tree, isn't it, Stevie. :-))

K., as you say, you'll know when you see the right house. You're doing the best thing, sorting your garden out, but do it for YOU, not prospective buyers! You live there, after all!

I sympathise with your dilemma Karen. We've often talked of "downsizing", as OH doesn't like to leave this fairly old house for too long when we go away (longer periods getting more likely with family in Oz), but we love our privacy and peace which would be hard to find in a smaller property. And the longer you stay somewhere, the harder it is to leave! I'm glad you can take your time . . .

Sorry Spritz about going off message. :))

No probs, Sheila! :-)

Thanks Sheila....and Barbara...I am doing it for me...and I will try not to dwell too much on prospective buyers. You are quite right...I don't need to worry about them. They will probably rip the whole lot out and gravel it anyway...or even worse....astroturf!!!!

That would be maddening, but I wouldn't think they'd want to change a thing. In fact I think your garden, Barbara's and ours could "sell" the house without buyers even looking indoors!

lol....I hope so Sheila! :)

Such a beauty this one, I treated my garden to one early last year, it flowered then later died....a real shame but I think the position was too warm later in the year.

Oh, Janey - what a shame! :-((

I did by Kojo no Mai at the same time Barbara, and I,m pleased to say it's choca block with flower buds...:))

Exquisite :o)

I could cut a few sprigs for indoors, but I don't think they'd last long. :-/

That's an idea, B - mine is in bud now, but it is Very Cold here at the moment, so I'm really hoping it will survive. Only its second year, so I've only seen the flowers once . . . just have to hope it's hardy. :-/

Well, all I can say is that mine suffered very low temps during the last two winters, and it's absolutely fine! :-)

Ooh good. I'll creep up the garden tomorrow, and have a look. :))

I do hope it's OK!

Yes thanks - so far! Snow forecast for tomorrow. :((

It's trying to snow here. Eeeek!