Mr McGregor: My Flourishing Garden

It is always great to see something a bit different in spring, and to see blue plants is definitely a rare sight. Our gardens seem to get ambushed with the yellows of daffodils, the array of bold colours of tulips and the purples of the crocus, which is lovely to see, but seeing a landscape full of blue flowers is something I marvel at.   

Blue Jacket Hyacinths are in my opinion a one of a kind plant that makes a huge impact (it can grow to approximately 10 inches high). They are most certainly one of my favourites and as they give off an amazing scent, I thought it would be the perfect plant to have around the front door.

As soon as I saw there was a bit of sun, I leapt into the garden and got stuck into planting my containers. The front door is now looking well dressed and the house even more welcoming. The neighbours have been coming over and praising me, which is always wonderful to hear. They have even begun talking about starting a village garden competition.

But my work had only just begun...

I had a fair amount of pruning to do in the front garden, but I also found time to get some summer bedding planted, which included Gazania, Begonia, Petunia and Impatiens (Busy Lizzie).
The cottage garden has attracted some butterflies in the past, but this year I really want to get some other faces visiting. My blackthorn has been in the garden for a couple of years now and the creamy white petals have just bloomed. The fruit will be ripening in the autumn and ready for harvesting in October/November, but I’m sure the birds will get at them first.

The Pyracantha is one of the blackbird’s and thrush’s favourite, which is always lovely to see in the garden, but before then the family and I can enjoy the blooms that will come this season.

Mr McGregor

P.S. When your hands are stained by all the gardening, add a teaspoon of sugar to the soapy lather when washing and your hands will look cleaner than ever before.