My gardening week has been one of great inactivity. When I had the time it rained, when I needed to be elsewhere the sun shone. It was warm sun which was a positive. My SOS walk around the garden was an equal mixture of good and bad. Here we go with six for this week.
One
The front garden magnolia is in flower. It was pruned, rather beautifully, last September. Not by me, by someone who knew what they were doing. I applaud his vision. The flowers have survived two torrential downpours. Today they enjoy a little sunshine.
Two
In the back garden the unpruned clematis montana ‘Apple Blossom’ is in full spate – as are many of the local brooks. Beautiful flowers and scent to enjoy.
Three
There has been much publicity this week which aims to encourage us gardeners to develop an understanding of slugs. I try my best, I really do. Do I accept that it is me who has to adapt? I certainly can’t persuade the munchers to leave my thalia daffs alone! I have not even seen these in flower. Decision made, I won’t be planting any more of these. What can I find to take their place I wonder.
Four
Also subject to the slime attack are these snake’s head fritillaries. At least I have had a moment to enjoy them!
Five
The simple and delightful white anemone blanda. Quite joyful in the sun.
Six
In the week fellow SOSer Graham, shared a photo of tulip ‘World Friendship’. Here are mine, at least a week behind but with so much promise that my moody hues are lifting.
Last weekend I did start the weeding, this weekend I begin the annual task of pulling out tree seedlings. Those I didn’t fully pull out last year have a more established stem which helps me despatch them more efficiently. While I do these hum drum tasks I will be close enough to the action to see the exciting new growth coming through. The Spring equinox approaches and all will be well! Jim ruminates and hosts our merry band as usual. Many thanks Jim and happy gardening to you all.
n20gardener 
Slugs are interesting in that here in the US they seem to be maybe not as voracious as where you are… I learned when I lived in Seattle that the slugs visiting my garden mostly wanted my lettuce and by happy accident, I found they preferred green lettuce over red. I only plant red lettuce now. In my current garden, I have no slug issue at all. I do see them in the grass and on the underside of dandelion leaves, but they never seem to enter my garden. I have enough trouble with the Japanese beetles, so I will be thankful if they continue to leave my garden alone. I had no idea they would ever go for daffodils!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They really seem to have developed a taste for daffodils in recent years. Such a shame. 😳
LikeLike
I love Magnolias, they are so majestic. I too am pulling out tree seedlings. I swear the sycamore seeds are germinating by the hour!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By the minute!!😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you’re right!
LikeLike
The flowering of this clematis, and above all, the magnolia are the masterpieces of this week! It’s beautiful… I see your tulips are at the same stage as mine: I should maybe have some colours in a week or 2
LikeLiked by 1 person
The tulips are just on the edge of opening. Just a little more sun please!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The magnolia and clematis are beautiful, but I love the simplicity of the anemone, too.
I think the RHS have completely misjudged things with their proclamation about slugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I try to relocate them all to the compost bin! But I really don’t know if that works.
LikeLike
It’s not just Thalia that are getting that treatment this year, I have daffs in my herb beds that have all had their flower buds chomped, I suspect small snails, but I haven’t found any around the plants. I’m now wondering if it could be birds? The bulbs I have on the bench and table close to the house are untouched.
I really do hope that as spring equinox approaches all will be well!!! Your magnolia is magnificent. I haven’t managed to get to a spring garden yet to see the wonderful displays of magnolias and camellias.
LikeLike
Slugs are not yet a problem in the Southeastern USA. We have enough problems with deer and now armadillos.
Locally, those magnolias are called tulip magnolias.
I really like the anemone bland.
LikeLike
Anemone blanda is so pretty. It is not native here, and does not resemble any of the natives, but I think that it would be nice within the areas where refined landscapes mingle with surrounding forests. I have not yet procured any. I think that the white would be best in the shade of the redwoods, but I would also like to try blue in sunnier spots.
LikeLike
Blimey – there’s loads going on in your garden flower-wise. The magnolia and clematis are stunners. I’m looking forward to seeing your World Friendship tulips in flower! The slugs and snails have been terrible this year – especially with narcissi flowers.
LikeLike
The magnolia is magnificent. Just goes to show how pruning can benefit the plant.
LikeLike