Are we there yet? No, I’m afraid we’re not. Hunker down chaps, we’ll get there in the end. No problem, all this self-isolating gives us plenty of time for Six on Saturdaying. Except I couldn’t fit it in yesterday. So here I am, the crack of dawn, trying to get it sorted. I seem to be in a bit of lull gardenwise at the moment. The tulips are just hanging there, reluctant to colour, the herbaceous stuff is beginning to show a leg but nothing too dramatic. Maybe I’m not looking hard enough. I remember last year thinking I should do something about filling this gap. Next year I will definitely do something about filling this gap. However I managed to rustle together a meagre six and if you wish to see what the rest of the gang are up to pop on over to the great Marvello Propello‘s blog. Let us get on, soon OH will be serving me my lightly boiled egg with marmite soldiers.
First of all we have a self-seeded primula, crammed into a gap in a low drystone wall. It has obviously had an interesting life; scarred, battered and bruised from run-ins with mollusc and cold winds. However, in the spring sunshine it looks most fetching. Perfect is so last year.
Next we have Lilium ‘Forever Linda’ which had been tucked around the corner in the “resting” area for out of work plants. It took me by surprise as to how close to flowering it is. It is ear-marked to be planted out in the garden today. Whether that talk will become the walk is debateable.
I love dandelions. They are great for pollinators and telling the time. The other day I saw a lady acting rather suspiciously on a patch of rough ground not far from our house. As I passed by, she gave me a wry smile and I realised she was picking dandelion leaves, perhaps for her guinea pig or rabbit, or perhaps for a salad for herself. Dandelions are great. They may or may not make you wee the bed, clinical trials underway.
For the past two weeks “COME ON PEGGY!” has been periodically shouted at a nondescript pot of compost residing in my dining room. I potted up all my dahlias a couple of weeks ago and they are now sitting in the pathetic plastic greenhouse, hopefully thinking about some action. This one had special treatment, bought into the warm of the house. It is the dahlia I named after my mum. The full story is here: It is All in the Name. Eventually, as you can see, she listened to my pleadings. That’s a first. (not really)
A couple of years ago I sowed some Lathyrus aurea and some Laythrus vernus. Then all the labels fell off/broke in half/rubbed off/didn’t exist in the first place. Since then I have been waiting for one to flower so I know which is which. And here it is. The first flower of Laythrus vernus. And very lovely it is too!
Lastly, we have the magnificent barnets of Muscari ‘Mount Hood’, although a few seem to have lost their wigs. This year I have become a grape hyacinth fan, I will definitely be trying more varieties in the future. More plants, that is what we need!
Take care and be safe my friends, ’til next time.
Off The Edge Gardening 
I’ve got almost the same muscari but not completely in bloom yet. They are gorgeous aren’t they?! It’s Dandelion time , my field is full of them and my mission this weekend is to succeed in taking a bee/dandelion close up.
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Snap! Do you say that in France? They are wonderful. Looking forward to seeing your bee photo, good luck!
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Snap ? Yes thanks to youngs with Snapchat. In France we could say “Pareil !”
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I will try to remember that. Although I am sure I wouldn’t say it right.
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Thank you for getting the 6 on before you had had your b’fast, such dedication.
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I knew if I didn’t do it then, it would not get done. I have been waking up early, I’m sure when I have to go back to work it will be a different story!
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🙂
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Seems I need to go out and shout encouragement to my Dahlias then, none are doing anything, inside or out. Chocolate Cosmos is though, without a talking to. I love that you can enthuse about dandelions without even a hint of ‘but’. I can’t and I don’t. Love that Muscari, it’s one a week onto my wanted list at the moment.
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I think The Prop should give us a grant to pay for all these new plants! It is his fault after all. 🙂
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What a lovely self-seeded primula. I didn’t used to like the coloured varieties, but they have grown on me, particularly these pretty pink ones. Your Muscari are marvellous too!
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The same here! I hadn’t thought much of this one, then I saw it there, backlit, and I thought “you are rather nice!”.
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I got a handful of muscari as a free gift w/some order of other & they’re a bit varied. I think your Mt Hood are amongst them, so now I can call them by name. Dandelion ‘greens’ were commonly eaten up the holler when I grew up. I love their sunny flowers, but then get annoyed when they go to seed, little blighters. Your primrose is brave & beautiful. Lovely place for it to grow. Good luck w/your lily & dahlias. Go Peggy Go!
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Thanks Lora, I have high hopes for Peggy this year, she wasn’t very good last year, “must try harder” in the school report.
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Love the Primula, and the Muscari, and how a lily unfolds so gracefully, tantalizing us, day after day, with more and more leaves revealing the hidden treasure.
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I did wonder how long it would be until the flowers come, it could be weeks. We shall see. 🙂
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‘Mount Hood’ is lovely. Another one for next year’s list. I am a big fan of Muscari and they seem to do OK here. And I am glad I am not the only one talking to plants. 😁 Perhaps you need some narcissi to fill the gap? Mine have certainly done that for me this year and still they keep on coming.
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Perhaps, I have been looking at (seemingly) everyones’ Thalia and am sorely tempted.
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I bet your Dahlia ” Come on Peggy” will be sans pareil, in Fred’s parlance. Always a pleasure to view your six and your prose style.
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I hope so and thank you 🙂
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Just read your blog regarding the naming of the Dahlia. Lovely. I have added those Muscari to the list. A rapidly expanding list. I have the very same Primula flowering away and almost included it this week!
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I am also loving muscari this year. I don’t know what changed my mind – actually I think I do. A friend bought me a jug with some planted in, and when they flowered (indoors) they were the most beautiful pearly white. I shall also be seeking out more varieties next year. Stay safe.
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Oh white ones sound good …… And you 🙂
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Ha! Great minds have similar gardens, or something like that. Maybe next week?
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Marmite soldiers? I had to look that one up.
I so didn’t know that about dandelions. I sort of wish I didn’t know. There are other greens out there anyway.
Mount Hood is RAD!
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It is an education! And yes it is 🙂
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Your flower of Laythrus vernus is so pretty – obviously well-worth waiting for. I’m a muscari fan too, I had to lift mine last year to divide them. Dried and stored them (first attempt) so I was really surprised to see them popping up this year.
It does look as though that lily is going to flower – very early.
You did very well with your Six…I know I wouldn’t have been up at the crack of dawn…I’d have asked for the day off. 😁 Hope you enjoyed your lightly boiled egg with marmite soldiers!
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It was delicious thank you, my turn this morning, poached eggs on toast. 🙂
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That’s hardly a “meagre ” six! I am most impressed. My lathrys is doing well in various corners of the garden in spite of my neglect. Like Picture 1.
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They do tend to get on with it on their own and make us look redundant, don’t they? My garden is a state, but slowly getting back on top of it. Hope the green bin men keep coming for a while yet, I’ve no room for much composting.
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Sorry. Lathyrus.
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🙂
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Marmite always throws me off then I realize it is like vegemite…from the song! Love the Lily and I am even happier to be too far south for Dandelions.
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Yes, I am slightly addicted and have it most mornings for breakfast, but not usually with an egg. Perhaps they will sponsor me?! 😀
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The Marmite blog, I like it. isn’t there a rodent by that name? It might be confusing.
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Is there? I will have to investigate.
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It’s a Marmot!
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🤣
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Few Dandelions left in my garden like you say good bee food. My garden is also in limbo, dare I say it is waiting for some rain x
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Think some due overnight.
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Glad Peggy is up! It’s always a joy to see the first dahlia sprouts. I’m rather taken with your muscari – great colour variation.
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you can’t beat Marmite. I have mine every morning too. The lily seems very far ahead. No sign of mine anywhere. The pea looks lovely.
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I like your muscari, they are more interesting than the normal blue haemorrhoids. my greenhouse dahlias have started to shoot, well one of them has, but no sign of the garden ones. early yet, mind.
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I’ve been moaning about an April gap. But what to fill in with. I don’t have any muscari so that’s a start for me! Dahlias are being quiet here too. Roll on May!
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Love that muscari – needs to go on my list too. Glad you mentioned about the dandelions – I have to admit that only this morning I was looking back at an old book to see what I could do with ours. Answer (from Richard Mabey): Pissenlit en lard (which Fred will know well!). Small pieces of crispy fried bacon served hot on a dandelion salad base, dressed with vinegar, bacon fat and seasoning. I’m not sure … and ‘go, Peggy, go!’
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Fun read! Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you 🙂
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