Pots and plants

Easter weekend already. The disaster mongers have been promising snow, gales and anything they can think of to challenge gardeners already depressed by the thought of hosepipe bans and fuel shortages.  Anyway so far in the tropical south the weather this weekend has been OK.  Plenty of sunshine yesterday, although pretty cold out of the sun.  Today cloudier and warmer and generally a good gardening day.  I actually managed to plant a few things that have been sitting around in anticipation since last year. 

I still have not planted the little species clematis I bought at the Plant Fair two years ago.  It's a typical yogurt pot purchase so its destined to hang around in a half full moss covered pot for a few years. 

The frost has done some damage in the garden.  Today I noticed my Epimedium 'Fire Dragon' has been frosted. Bit of a sense of humour failure at that point.  I went through one of my "what's the point of these pathetic little plants if they can't cope with a few degrees of frost?" moments.

Managed a Chelsea meeting with the construction crew this week - all very positive.  Steve's son is working with us on the team this year which will be excellent. Neil and Nigel organised and on good form a ever.

I have made quite a few decisions this week on paint colours, timber edging quantities, pots and so on.  My pots arrived from Apta - part of their RHS range of glazed pots.  I've planted a few up and this weekend managed to get some decent pictures. although they are rather smaller than I would like they certainly have presence and will prove popular with visitors at Chelsea and in the Garden Centres.

The terrace looks quite colourful at the moment as a few tulips start to bloom.  I have to say the best performing plant is undoubtedly Photinia 'Little Red Robin' - stunning coloured foliage and frost resistant - give me that instead of a pieris any day!

The Cornus controversa 'Variegata' is just coing into leaf in the garden. I love this plant, its a favourite at Chelsea too.  I just wish that mine would grow like that one at Rosemoor.  I guess that's what you get if you have fertile soil and more rainfall.  My light dry sand does have its advantages, but they are quite hard to pinpoint at present. 

I was looking through a few pictures of Rosemoor getting some ideas for planting combinations.  I must say that garden is one of the best for creative use of foliage.  I would love to be able to pop in there on a regular basis.

Did  mention that I had found another fencing sculpture? Have to check it out, then I'll tell you about it next time. I have a feeling its rather good!