Tussling with teasels
Mon. June 6, 2016
Other than the lawns (patches of grass would be a better description), the garden is my domain. This unspoken arrangement, between Tim and myself, works well, most of the time apart from a little friction with the vegetable plot.
We have agreed to open the garden for the Ferryside Garden Crawl in aid of the Lifeboat on the afternoon of 26th June. We are busy tidying, weeding and doing what I can to ensure we look our best on the big day. The Garden Crawl has been an annual event for many years and allows one to noisy around neighbours gardens. Tony and Penny Bean keep a wild natural looking garden with old roses, geraniums and a wonderful vegetable plot where the occasional leek is allowed to flower and the smell of tomatoes wafts from the home made hothouse. It is gardening with a light touch allowing things to self seed and thrive. Like our garden, it has shady patches which are damp, lush and green and sunny spots filled with with roses, wild flowers and teasels all thriving on the rich but free draining seaside soil. A few years ago they gave me a tray full of teasel seedlings which I lovingly planted in various spots; however surprisingly few matured. This year there is only one mature plant, way up at the top of the garden which will grow into statuesque tiered pools – apart that is, from one plant on the edge of the border. I have carefully removed the creeping buttercup which might have choked it and cut back a still in flower euphorbia to ensure it has enough light. I took the precaution of warning my husband of its exact location, twice, and how important this little plant was. He cut the lawn. I returned five minutes later to find the teasel gone. ‘Oh, I forgot’, he said. I did contemplate forgetting to cook supper for him… but that would be childish wouldn’t it.
If you are in the area on Sunday 26th June, do come and visit. The garden looks its best now but I’m hoping nature might provide something to please the visitors… either that or I shall have a frantic trip to Farmyard Nurseries.