Happy New Yew

I had a gap that I didn't like and couldn't help myself when I saw this little fella. The idea is that he creats a bit of winter structure where I have a lot of deciduous plants and some balance as I have a lot of dark evergreens the other side of the path. I'm thinking nice little dome shape next year.

Frosty morn

We've already had a few frosty mornings but today's is the first that I've been able to take any shots of (well I had to go out and check the broad beans were okay - they are). This is golden oregano.

Winter warmer

I haven't pruned these dogwoods at all but they are still pretty young so full of colour. I have a yellow one in this area too but, like everything else, they need to beef up a bit more to hide the fence. I hope I am not still writing this next year.

Bulbs in waiting

I've been behind with autumn gardening this year so missed out on planting bulbs in the beds. I bought a few packs that were left in a garden centre and popped them into a couple of pots. This one has (I think) Iris Gipsy Beauty and Tulip Golden Apeldoorn. The other pot has tulips Elegant Lady and Black Hero. I've given up on daffs as they always face into our neighbours garden or away from the house (we are north facing). Tulips are much more rounded individuals.

Trimmed budleia

I saw a budleia that had been trimmed like this when I was walking around the village and thought it was a good idea. I have three in a row that we inherited with the garden. I'm not a big fan but they cover a nasty wall (well, mostly) and the butterflies they attract really are amazing. I didn't have the heart to remove them so just keep this one, that was forever overtaking the patio, neatly trimmed in shape. It doesn't flower (the others do) but it does keep its leaves over the winter which is a bonus.

Autumn broadies

I think I sowed these broad beans in October (seed packet missing) and didn't really expect them to be showing so soon but I think it's okay. I'm not planning on covering them with fleece although my local garden centre said I could throw some newspaper over them if we have a hard frost. I'm not sure I'll remember this. So great to see new growth at this time of year.

Not all blown away

There are still a few pretty-looking stragglers on this field maple. I missed most of them when we were away earlier in the month. This time next year, I'm hoping I won't be able to see through the branches to the rotten fence behind. I'm going to do what Carol Klein did and knit together the branches by bending them down and through its neighbours. This is supposed to produce lateral shoots that head upward making the whole hedge thicker.