The fair weather gardener in me has been dominant this week. The temperatures are low and the lawn and borders are still squelchy and sticky. I did refill the bird feeders, pull a few weeds and tie in a stem here and there but very little else was done. Here’s my six:
One
The new borders are going into their third summer. The first was spent weeding, digging, suppressing weeds and feeding. The second saw some perennial planting with annuals. This year it is the turn of bulbs. A mass planting of tulips and alliums took place in autumn and, with no apologies, I was very excited to see the first emerging shoots of allium Mount Everest pushing through.
Two
The last of the cutting back was done recently. The sodden brown remains of iris siberica were removed and there was more delight to be found in seeing the first signs of the new growth.
Three
Over on the veg plot the onion and shallot sets are progressing. I’ve kept the covers on to protect them from the birds but it is good to see there is strong growth.
Four
Every March I settle down to watch the new series of Gardener’s World and every year Monty brings out trays of seedlings he has sown in the depths of winter. They are all ready to drop into the beautifully prepared soil for early harvests. This year I have got wise and I check in with Monty’s website each month. Eureka! Now is the time to plant your rockets seeds. I’m going to put mine into modules so that I too will have a tray of plump rocket seedlings ready to drop into my beautifully prepared soil!
Five
My tray of violas from last week’s six was planted up and they are smiling away at the bottom end of the garden. A good enticement for me to get out and about.
Six
Gardeners are generally sharing souls and this little pot of persicaria red dragon was given to me by a friend. I’ve just got to find the right place in the new borders for it.
That’s my six. For the links to a great many other sixes go to The Propagator. You will find a treasure trove of good gardening from around the world.
n20gardener 
Ooh I’ve got some rocket to sow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Knew you’d be tempted!
LikeLike
I resisted. For about 5 minutes. Sowed some along with the beetroot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve got a pretty good idea there of putting something you like at the bottom of the garden to draw you down there. Your new persicaria would do the trick for me. Where I come from, it’s considered bad luck to thank another gardener for giving you a new plant, but I’ve learned that here, folk just think I’m rude. Any folklore attached to plant swaps that you know of?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Lora – nothing that I know of! The persicaria may well end up at the bottom of the garden because I have other ideas for the main borders. I can’t wait for March when things will really be moving on a bit!
LikeLike
Another post full of promise. It’s that time of year. Watch that Persicaria. It’s less invasive than most, I’ve found, but it needs a bit of space around it for the occasional chopping back of root spread.
LikeLike
I have mulch envy 🤔😅
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m gardening in a new garden and I don’t know what went on before so I have mulched for the first two years. It was also to help keep the weeds down – which were everywhere. Currently I am thinking I will keep mulching, it must be helping to break up the clay soil!
LikeLike
Thank you for this advice – I was a bit concerned when I saw it was a knotweed! That’s why it is still in the pot – I don’t want it over running my new border!
LikeLike
Rocket… I do like to eat that! A good idea to sow( just have to order seeds). And the allium Mount Everest sounds good ! (I’m waiting of your pictures about it in spring )
LikeLiked by 1 person
The leaves on the Persicaria are so lovely that it deserves a prominent place in the border. I started growing mine up through a trellis panel a couple of years ago. It takes a little bit of work but keeps the footprint quite small.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s an interesting thought. I hadn’t considered growing it as a climber. Thank you.
LikeLike
Alliums are one of my favourite flowers! I like how their spears look so strong when they first emerge. Your viola’s are looking very pretty & im sure will brighten up a dull day or two until spring finally arrives 😊
LikeLike
Thank you. I am looking forward to seeing those alliums. And the violas are definitely cheering me up in the meantime.
LikeLike
Lovely six, reminds me to get sowing at one of my clients sites, have some early crops to get going!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a lovely hope-filled six. The persicaria is pretty, isn’t it? It needs too much moisture to do well in my beds, but I do love the plants I do have in a corner of the orchard.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Apologies Chicu, if you did receive my earlier reply – I couldn’t see it her so I am sending again. It was just to say thank you, and also to thank you for your suggestion of planting the persicaria in a damp place. I have some quite wet spots in the garden so perhaps it will do well there.
LikeLike