Garden patience and some patients

I’ve been so busy elsewhere with life events as well as landscaping (Two Up and Down) and the Teahouse building project (Raising the roof) that there has been no time to jot down anything much about the garden plants since mid April (Turning Japanese).

Some of the new shrubs took time to establish perhaps because they had come from a nursery in Cornwall only to be met with wet but cool weather this far North, even up to May. Others, like the Japanese woodlanders, planted in mostly neutral to semi alkaline soil struggled a little until the PH values were remedied somewhat with Iron sulphate and Flowers of Sulphur.

I had however ignored the evident signs of anaemia chlorosis in a small border hedge of mixed Sarcococcas. Growing since last year alongside the ‘First Sight’ shrub bed, the problem became most evident in Spring, especially noticeable in S. ruscifolia. The sight of all Sarcococcas ‘greening up’ after treatment is evidence enough that even the toughest of plants can sicken sometimes. I think this was probably due to inadvertent contact with aggregate and cement after construction of the adjacent boundary path.

And this year has been one of much seed sowing, whether windowsill propagator, greenhouse or directly and hence the need for a seed diary page. A very hit and miss affair that’s tested my patience with the expected ones like Cos lettuce and Ricinus barely germinating. Thalictrum and Pennisetum perennials developed at a snails pace and most seedlings and young vegetables when planted out loitered in the soil for ages before June gave them all a warm weather kick and they all took off…

…All except the Chinese asters now suffering with what appears to be a viral infection – probably the aster yellows phytoplasma (Candidatus Phytoplasma) though I’ve since read that these plants are renowned for several diseases so I’ll not bother with them again.

There is a distinct absence of toadlets in my pond despite several strings of spawn. In April, I’d seen the male seemingly struggling to exit the pond so attempted a rescue until it was evident that there were two toads in a connubial clasp. Since the pond was bare (awaiting further work and due to begin later this month) I hurriedly sent off for aquatic plants. Thereafter, the sight of many small tadpoles was encouraging but alas, there has been no recent evidence. However, predatory water boatmen are there in plenty. Perhaps patience is all I need to be pleasantly surprised one day with a young toad or two – or maybe next year might be more auspicious for both pond and toads.

And now as they say, for the good news. Despite all of the above, I am heartened by how the gardens are looking. Having split my original plant collection between Japanese and Potted Cottage, the gaps have been filled enough not to notice any absences.. A couple of climbers have helped whilst a young Sambucus ‘golden tower‘ replaces Acer Sei-ryu and Photinia ‘Louise’ substitutes for the red Acer Trompenburg. Perennials and annuals do the rest including Gaura ‘summer breeze‘ – one of this year’s success from seed to bloom story!

The almost completed Teahouse gazebo sets the mood for my morning Qigong on the adjacent paved platform and the whole of the Japanese garden area is filling up nicely. When all building work is complete, it will be gravelled and interspaced with paved stepping stones.

The new vegetable beds are producing rather well, despite the lack of improvers on soil that was literally topped off with scrapings from the border hedge and what was left when I removed the weedy lawn. There’s a mix of both seed sown and purchased plants, and I’m already enjoying lettuce, rocket, perennial spinach, Chopsuey Greens ‘Shungiku and Mange Tout.

Footnote: Interestingly there is a herb called garden-patience which perhaps I should try cultivating. Properly named Rumex patientia, it’s been out of favour in the UK since the mid 19th century when Patrick Neil wrote:

“ ‘In old times , garden-patience was much cultivated as a spinage. It is now very much neglected…The leaves rise early in the spring; they are to be cut while tender, and about a fourth part of common sorrel is to be mixed with them. [from The Backyard Larder]