I haven’t really done much to prepare for spring, usually I
get carried away with bulb catalogues but I’ve come to the conclusion that
whilst I’m still moving lost of perennials around there is a high chance of
bulbs dying from me putting a spade through them. The squirrels are also
delighted at the annual Easter egg hunt I put on for them and very good at finding
bulbs wherever I hide them. However I’m a sucker for a bargain and bought some
discounted bulbs in Wilkinsons and also bought a tray of wallflowers from the
market.
I love wallflowers as they are a flower that really reminds
me of the garden where I grew up, and scents are one of those things that can
transport you back in time. They are also so cheap as I was buying bundles of
10 plants for £1, and they show you how incredible some plants are at surviving
as they are just bundled together in an elastic bands with just a couple of
tiny roots, yet by spring they will be flowering the hearts out. BUY SOME NOW!
The garden is transformed in spring, and in a way peaks
first in May and then again in September when it is at its exotic best. In May
the forget me nots will be a carpet of blue with wallflowers everywhere and the
odd allium I haven’t sliced up poking its way through. It all then comes out
for the summer plants and to make space for things to grow through. I love this
successional planting and wish I was better at it, as growing exotics which
break through the ground late gives you a good window to have other stars in
their place. The forget me nots are so easily pulled out, and the Eremurs which
look stunning then die back almost immediately.
A little different to now, where you need a machete to get through (as stated on Gardeners World) |
Anyway...plants! Things have been winding down but what is interesting
is the difference between my two Paulownias.... P. Tomentosa (the one everyone
has) lost its leaves about a month ago whereas P.fortuneii ‘Fast Blue’ is only
just beginning to lose them now. I know the tomentosa is more exposed, but I do
think there is a difference.
P. fortuneni is on the left, the other is a stick to the right |
It is named after Anna Paulovna (1795-1865), a Russian
princess who then became Queen of the Netherlands however originates from China
where they grow it near to houses to bring good luck and attract the Phoenix.
In Japan there is also a tradition that one will be planted on the birth of a daughter,
and when she was married it would be cut down and the timber used to make a
wedding chest. Interestingly it grows wild and is a bit of a pest in Eastern
USA after making its way there in the 1800’s when seeds that were used as
packing material for ceramics escaped
It’s very fast growth and dense rot resistant wood has led
to many calling it the ‘tree of the future’, it is also used as a tree to help
with reforestation, and also with intercropping to prevent soil erosion. China
is still the biggest grower and the wood is used to make everything from houses
and furniture to electric guitars.
So there we go a good plant to grow if you want
something jungly as it is very easy, and you can encourage a Phonenix to come
visit!
I must admit I didn't realise there where 2 Paulownia's I shall definately keep my eyes open for P.fortuneii ‘Fast Blue' as these are very successful in my garden.
ReplyDeleteWe used to stool our Paulownias and do get huge leaves which are fun to look at, but lately we don't bother anymore. Left to grow untouched, the leaves are on the big side anyway.
ReplyDeleteSuccession planting is an art but is one of the keys for year round interest in the garden. Takes awhile to get the 'rhythm' right but once you get the hang of it is very easy :)
Great still seeing the blogs. Sorry I could not see you on TV:( Sounds like you were smashing though. Our garden is done for the winter. Have had a couple of hard freezes... I leave all the seed heads on till spring though so the birds can enjoy. Major clean up in the spring. Ah to plan for the next year...bulbs and all. Keep up the great work.
ReplyDeleteClive, I am a new reader to your blog. Paulownias are completely unknown to me, but sound fascinating. Wallflowers I have grown, but I'm not sure mine are the same variety as yours.
ReplyDeleteI was reading about your TV experience with a great amount of interest, I went to Gardeners World site but wasn't able to view your segment. Our humble garden was featured on public television this year, too. It was kind of unsettling seeing (and hearing)myself on TV; not at all what I expected. And I know what you mean about all the editing they do, it's very different from the original interview though the film crew did a wonderful job on the photography. It was an interesting experience! I laughed when you said you felt like you should be wearing dark glasses afterward, I know the feeling...maybe ten people called to congratulate us and a few emailed, but gosh, fame was fleeting for me. Nobody wanted me to autograph any seed packets either.
I hope to see your segment someday, it would be a treat!
Paulownias are fab, and I love getting the leaves to be as big as possible.
ReplyDeleteKaren thanks for your kind words, I think the download has come and gone now, and was only available in the UK. I’m sure one day our potential for TV will be realised, till then we sit by the phone, waiting.....