I thought I'd take a short break from writing about the Isle of Wight (the post on Godshill will now be the one after this!) as we had a short visit of three nights last week to Herefordshire. For one reason and another (heatwaves, Isle of Wight holiday, family birthday and medical appointments) we haven't been able to go for 5 weeks and I was really really worried about the plants there. I have really missed Herefordshire too!
We didn't do a lot to be honest apart from some gardening and a trip to Morrisons Leominster to stock up on food. D didn't come this time and I do miss his company as he always motivates me to go out although I had also developed yet another bout of cellulitis so it wasn't easy walking very far. I spent a lot of time watching the birds and butterflies and reading a very good book published by Logaston Press on the Ludlow Castle Heraldic Roll
Timothy at the front of the caravan.
There hasn't really been any change in the Herefordshire Trees
Herefordshire Oak
Constable Tree
Octopus Tree
Unbelievably most of the plants in the border and garden had survived. The main casualties were those planted in pots even though we leave an upside down wine bottle filled with water with a small hole in the lid in them. It does somewhat ruin the photos but usually if we are only away from Hatfield for a few weeks it keeps the plants watered.
I lost my orange dahlia bought earlier this year which I was upset about as D had repotted it for me. The rosemary looks less than healthy but hopefully will recover. The thyme has died although to be honest the plants needed replacing anyway.
The rose has suffered but at least it is still alive and perked up when it was watered well and deadheaded after this photo was taken!
The pink geranium I also bought earlier this year and also repotted by D had survived and was full of flowers.
The succulents are doing well but to be honest they don't need much water. In fact, they probably prefer it to be dryer!
The mini alliums, mint, new lavender and a chilli plant D took there last visit were all fine.
Only one nasturtium came up from the nasturtium and pot marigold seeds planted which is a shame.
Unfortunately the apple tree in the garden which had a lot of fruit this year has lost a lot of apples. I am not sure if this is due to the dry weather, or the fact that I think they do sometimes shed apples or a combination of both!
B wasn't happy that two teasels had regrown in the garden. When we first planted them they took over the small garden and self seeded everywhere even in the gravel! They are great for pollinators when they flower though and goldfinches love the seeds.
The perennial wall flower is still flowering and my favourite hollyhock in the border is now in flower.
Red (or rather yellow) hot cross pokers.
Timothy relaxing on the sofa.
We arrived on the Tuesday and came back Friday evening for a family birthday. We thought travelling in the evening would mean less traffic but as it happened it took over an hour longer to get home than usual. The M5 was closed between Droitwich and the M42 juction which created havoc!!!
Next post I will return to the Isle of Wight holiday and Godshill!
All photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera. (I don't particularly rate my photos but if anyone wishes to use one of mine or my son's I would be grateful for an email first - thanks).
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