It seems I did a garden post not long ago – but now it’s Spring I thought another one was in order! After a seemingly endless cold, dark Winter we are finally emerging into some sunshine, although it’s still been chilly and showers, but I suppose that’s quite Spring-like weather anyway.
My mum has the most magnificent bush in her front garden, absolutely covered in grape-like hanging blooms. After some Instagram investigating I discovered it was Pieris Japonica, and the very next week Mum spotted one at a market and bought one for me! We’ve planted it in the garden bed along the fence/back path, it’s already quite big, good to get some established plants in there to fill out the bare space.
I planted some violas in the wishing well just for a pop of pretty colour in our Winter barren garden, but was alarmed to see all the flowers munched off by possums that live in the big horse chestnut tree! I’ve determinedly planted some more in there though and spread some blood and bone about as I’ve heard that will deter possums. Any other remedies you know of? I’ve heard mixing up a garlic and chilli brew and spraying that around could work too…
The sad little veggie plot we have (we’d like to eventually make a bigger separate veggie garden, just deciding how to do it and where!) was looking a little sad – rabbits (or possums?) had munched off all my broccoli and spinach. The leeks and red onions are apparently not so tasty so they’re still coming along nicely. Yesterday I planted some silverbeet and tomatoes in there too. I really miss having silverbeet from the garden, I went to buy some the other day and hesitated – I should just grow it! I’m sure the rabbits and possums would love to munch on leafy greens like that though so I’ve liberally spread more blood and bone, much to the dogs pleasure. I’ve never planted tomatoes so early either, usually I do it in late October! But I was totally sucked in to the plants being out in the nurseries already. Hope we don’t get any late frosts! A little strawberry plant has been planted in a big terracotta pot by the back door ready for Summer picking.
The garden generally is filling out nicely, it was so bare when we moved in in April. This Spring things should (hopefully!) really take off if I give some TLC to everything. The lambs ear has grown I’m sure, and the tulips are poking through the earth! Tulips!
On the weekend I fertilised all the trees and gave them a good drink of Seasol – I’m a bit worried about our magnolia as it seems everyone else’s is flowering? Mum assures me our magnolias up here in the frosty hills are a bit slower though so don’t despair!
Matt’s parents bought him a plum tree for his birthday, after consultation from yours truly as to our fruit tree preference. We used to have an orange tree next to the lemon tree near the clothesline, but unfortunately it didn’t survive whilst we were absent for three years. We’ve planted the plum tree in the same spot, and I just spied this morning it’s got a cute little lone flower!
My favourite Manchurian pear standing guard down by the front gate is about to explode into blossom, I love it and can just see how gorgeous it’s going to look every Spring here as it blooms and grows.
The grand old dame horse chestnut is also getting ready to green up again. I can’t wait for warm days under it’s beautiful canopy again, even if it is home to pesky possums!
What’s going on in your garden this Spring?
Got any good possum deterrents?
Please don’t tell me your magnolia is in full bloom!
Natasha says
I love your gardening style. So pretty and practical. I am a bit stuck in regards to my garden, I am on tankwater and so am going to have to be thrifty with what I plant…I think a trip to the local farmers markets are in order-you have inspired me!
Emma says
Farmers markets are the best place to pick up plants, the cheapest! I much prefer to buy there, or from local nurseries, than big places like Bunnings etc. We’re on tankwater also, but we have high rainfall so I rarely water, just in the height of summer. Some hardy drought tolerant natives could be your friend!
Kylie says
Your garden will look gorgeous in another few months once the warmer spring weather hits! I love that japonica- we had it at our old house…its so pretty and I loved having it overflowing vases inside the house. Our magnolia is still in winter mode too whilst all our neighbours have full blooms. I did notice yesterday though that overnight we have buds that are looking promising- hooray! But I just love this time of the year with all the blossoms. My all time favourite which was a gift from my inlaws a few years ago was a flowering peach tree. Its just stunning with multi coloured pink/white blossoms. The pinks are in varying shades and the prettiest of flowers. Plus its quick growing. We left it at the house we owned last spring and I miss it so much. It was one tree I looked forward to seeing each spring and the branches filled with blossoms were so pretty when picked. One to look out for! Unfortunately cant offer any advise re possums….what a pain! Looks lovely though Emma and will be such a lovely space to hang out with Elenor this Spring/summer. x
Emma says
That peach tree sounds pretty, I’ll have to keep my eye out, fast growing I like!
Anne@Grit and Giggles says
Well no my magnolia is not in bloom, oh I don’t have one. I do have some gardenias that have refused to flower for almost the last yr and half, well one got two buds but they fell off. Loving the look and sound of your garden. That bush is so pretty. I hope the possums don’t do too much damage but sorry I can’t give any advice there.
Emma says
Oh gardenias – pretty! I don’t have any, perhaps I should…
sharon says
spring like behaviour in the plants up here although my garden is dreadfully neglected and need of a good wet season!
My orange tree looks like its going to die, and I think I will let it….was very badly placed when I planted it and it has struggled every since. The crows and bowerbirds tend to eat any tiny baby fruit and we’ve only ever successfully grown one orange!
LOVING how green it is at your place!! so beautiful.
Emma says
Our orange tree was on the way out when we left, touchy thing. Tis VERY green, technicolour in fact!