SoS 6th June, 2020

Strange that we’re coming into winter whilst so many of the Sos-ers wander through  summer gardens filled with so much beauty. I think that globally, we gardeners are coping with the world’s vicissitudes better than most because we have a place into which we can escape. And nothing more so than a beautiful summer garden.

Down here at my end, 42 degrees south latitude, we have watched most of the leaves fall. In this image, you can see the difference three weeks makes.

One of our liquid ambers however, has decorated itself and is putting on a final show before the winter sleep.

The willows have finally turned and are beginning to fall, but it may be almost the end of July before they are bare. It rather depends on wind. Planting under this willow is haphazard. The willow is water-greedy, has no soil apart from its own compost and it’s at the end of a wind-tunnel, so I tend to let honesty and nasturtiums seed and thrust any excess plants in because there’s nowhere else. If they don’t survive, in summer there’s a nice green veil to hide them and in winter, they’re covered in decomposing willow leaves. Despite the lack of care, the area has an air of secrecy and mystery about it and we often wheel the wooden sun-lounges into the shade and watch the leaves dance ‘The Seven Veils’.

In this image, you can see how the long border is in deep shade. So much. so, that I decided my auriculas…

… should be moved into what ever sun winter has to offer.

And finally, never let it be said that things stop growing in winter. This little west-facing position is a devil to dig as it is root bound from half-century old plantings of a Guelder rose, an oleander and a willow.  With a topping of decent soil, lucerne hay and liquid seaweed, it’s perked up and is having a party.

Tomorrow, we get to travel to the city legitimately as Lockdown eases and I can’t wait to see my little Matchbox garden and to tidy it, clip it, plant more bulbs, and feed and nurture it. It must feel so unloved.

To see all the lovely gardens I talked about in the beginning, go to The Propagator .

Cheers.