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Dry and Sunny (???) border today.

By Janey

Dry and Sunny (???) border today. (Stachys byzantina (Lambs' ears))

11 Jun, 2012
16 likes

Over the last few years, the plants in this border had begun to wilt during any sunny summer afternoon, and needed watering at least twice a day, so I decided to go with more drought tolerant ones.

Hey! Aren't we having the wettest conditions possible now? Still, these plants are looking healthier than ever, the velvety silver Stachys tall and beautiful, purple Nepeta making fantastic dens for the cats, Achillea covered in flower heads about to shine like gold discs and the pink and red Valerians looking like sky rockets!

So all is not lost my friends, it may be cold wet and windy, but many garden gems are enjoying the extra drink, even our old Honeysuckle is heavily laden with cream and rose flowers, really enjoying the wet...:o))

Comments on this photo

Pimpernel

Murphy's Law..Janey. What a great picture that makes, it is beautiful.

11 Jun, 2012

Janey

Thanks Pimpers....a little sun wouldn't go amiss though...:))

11 Jun, 2012

Pansypotter

A gorgeous border Janey and how lovely to have the Church as a backdrop;0)

11 Jun, 2012

Janey

Thanks Carole, must admit I am pleased with how things have grown this year...:)). Yes we like being near the church, lots of lovely bells to listen to, and it serves as my garden clock too:))).

11 Jun, 2012

Katarina

Ooooo, I am bending. This is really beautiful drought tolerant garden. I have similar plants and they grow huge this years - it little bit makes me nervous, as my Achillea is now 170 cm high. It was never before like that.
However, I do not have so perfectly cut grass. This is what we call English grass. Lol.
Wonderful.

11 Jun, 2012

Amy

It looks a picture Janey a good choice of plants to , you never know we might still have a hot summer ( wishful thinking here ) ....

11 Jun, 2012

Karensusan63

Funny that Katarina should make the remark about 'English grass' as I was going to say how beautifully 'english' this photo of your garden is...beautiful plants, lovely lawn and an English church as backdrop. It's very beautiful Janey. :D Thank goodness they don't mind a bit of a drink.....I read recently that honeysuckle is good for planting in wet soil and will take up the excess water...which must be true as I have one in boggy ground and it is absolutely thriving!

11 Jun, 2012

Lilcrawford

Looks great and I agree with PP about the background church.

11 Jun, 2012

Dottydaisy2

A beautiful and very English garden, love the new planting too.

11 Jun, 2012

Jane21

Janey, I love this view and the plants look spectacular Jx

13 Jun, 2012

Janey

Glad you like it Katerina, and I thought my plants were tall! 170cms! What colour is your Achillea? You'll have to have a pic taken stood by it, for us...... This is only ordinary English grass, perfect for dogs and cats...:))
Oh I hope so Amy, just a couple of weeks of sun would help wouldn't it?
Thank you Karen...:). It is a pretty view this side, to the left there are brambles hanging over the wall, and today I've been busy cutting back an old Buddleia and cutting off these brambles, up on the steps, I noticed the wall isn't secure here, actually I could push it and it moved! I could see through the gaps into next doors garden, lots of cementing and pointing to be done here...:(((
Thanks Lil, Dd and Jane, they really are enjoying the rain....

13 Jun, 2012

Dawnsaunt

Your border looks great Janey, at least with all the rain the plants are happy. I love the view of the church and your old wall is great. Can I see Lottie has toys on there on the lawn, lol ;-)

13 Jun, 2012

Janey

Thanks Dawn, yes, plenty of Lotties toys, she has different favourites for different days, but always 2 paces behind where you're busy.....just in case......:))

13 Jun, 2012