Thursday 9 June 2011

Sensory Garden

I came home reasonably early from work tonight, so went straight out to do a bit of gardening. I can easily lose an hour or two pottering around out there, in a most enjoyable way. After all the hard work, removing the old fence and ivy, trying to dig up the tree stump, and removing the weeds and remaining grass, everything that needs doing at the moment is the fun part of gardening-planning, planting seeds, buying new plants and arranging everything. Tonight I planted the bamboo-it is a phyllostachys nigra-black bamboo. I read that this is a clump forming rather than wildly spreading species. I am pleased as it is my favourite bamboo. I will see how it does in its location, and maybe add another one next year. I also planted a lavender and a cotton lavender, and potted on my sunflower and nasturtium seedlings. Then I planted the rest of the chamomile in pots, and in some gaps in the previous planting. I then had a bit of a tidy up.
The reason for the title of this post, is that I realised tonight how many delightful scents there are in the garden at the moment. I have jasmine and honeysuckle, both of which waft their perfume around very generously. Then there is lavender, cotton lavender-Santolina (curry plant), chamomile, fennel and basil. I love it!
My reward when the jobs were done was a cup of rooibos and vanilla tea and a peanut butter sandwich. (on my current favourite plate-an old enamel one from the market-£1!)
This is what I was thinking of as a surround to the chamomile-this is 20mm gravel as it was described, which seems to be made up of mainly flint, and was so much cheaper than the decorative stones. I think about ten bags would do it which wouldn't be too much.
Bamboo close up.

This is the biggest plant I have ever bought I think. It was pretty pot bound, so hopefully it will be happy now it is released!
I turned a currently unused planter upside down to use as a stand.
The nice smelly plants!

9 comments:

rebecca said...

it is a lovely thing...returning inside after long hours in the garden to find the scents drifting in ones very clothes...hands...thoughts.

thank you for taking me into your sweet haven.

xoxoxoxo

Unknown said...

Looking good, nothing like the smell of Summer plants.

Tracy said...

Herbs in the garden...mmm... Loving your summery, garden posts, Sarah! :o) Happy Weekend ((HUGS))

Anonymous said...

What a difference you have made in a year - and now you can relax and enjoy yourself in the garden!

Leenie said...

A lot of good progress there on your yard. You deserve a little down time to enjoy the fruits and herbs of your labors. The lavender looks right at home and I'm interested to see how the bamboo does. Such a tropical thing wouldn't last a summer in this cold place. Jealous.

jabblog said...

I like your bamboo - it's good that it's shrubby. The black stems are so striking. Our garden is full of wonderful scents, too - isn't it a joy on a warm evening when the scents waft on the air. How is your chamomile lawn?

Jorgelina said...

I am organizing a virtual party my blog, I invite you to participate if you like it.
The theme of the party are the fairies.
On 24 June, "World Day of the fairies".
You can wear a button to your blog.
In my blog I have a translator.
Hugs

snoopydogknits said...

Hey, the garden is looking good! I can almost smell the gorgeous scents from here! Ros

Anonymous said...

Your garden looks great! I love the bamboo!