Closed for Summer...
Oops!
Have been thinking deeply about paths. In winter, when path-side plants (e.g. Gunnera) are pruned and perennials die back, all is well - the paths are purposeful and enjoyable to wander along. But such paths become impassable in summer. I can't decide whether this is pragmatic garden management or poor garden design.
Use it or...
And then there are paths that I never, ever walk along. So why are they even there? Surely 'Use it or lose it' applies equally to garden paths as it does to older gardeners.
So today I've spent nearly five hours in the Hump Garden weeding, trimming, and deconstructing the lower path. I've blocked its beginning with Agapanthus to stop gardeners (me) who might operate on automatic.
Old path edge logs are for now stacked in wee piles, again reinforcing the idea that the path no longer exists. They'll be added to the coming winter's firewood.
Share the Flower!
Just two sessions, with a short coffee break in the middle, but I am so proud. I've removed and dumped three heavy barrowfuls of mess. All my tools have been picked up and brought inside.
I think that the Hump Garden looks very busy and beautiful, and I can see today's improvements. The dahlias are gorgeous. There's massive growth from Phormiums, shrubs (e.g. Choisya sundance) and roses (as well as from weeds).
A rose oops : the single red rose by the main path is now throwing out really long canes over everything in reach. A rambler in disguise? Perhaps it's Rosa Moyesii? Because my journal records me having this rose way back in 2011 and shifting from its position on a sheep fence.
Possibly Rosa Moyesii
Oh joy. Checking with the online nursery descriptions, adjectives include 'vigorous' and 'robust', with hints at 3 to 4 meters in spread. I think I might have found Rosa Moyesii!