June notes

The months of April and May were extremely cold, persistent northerly winds and frost. Unusually little rain; 45 mm in April, and 75 mm in May.  What a joy to feel and see the warmth of June sunshine!    The plants are duly responding, the perennials, though still small in statue, are lush, and the shrub roses, such as Alba

March Notes

Currently the month of March has been cold, the below average temperature for this time of year, and with little sun, hence I am delaying sowing seeds!  Hopefully I will start soon and by the end of the month the seeds trays shall be full of tiny seedlings.  However, there are wonderful signs life, increased birdsong, more solitary bees,

January notes

January 2021 brought frosty clear weather and beautiful sunsets over Donegal bay. The start of new year and small green buds are starting to peep through – snowdrops and daffodils. Each morning the garden is wrapped in a white frost with sparkling cobwebs delicately hung across the box hedges. The evenings are slowly getting a

February Notes

Heralding spring are the emerging snowdrops. They are so welcome especially after the long dark days. These tolerant flowers withstand wind and heavy rain, provided they are protected by deciduous trees.  Varieties here include Sir Herbert Maxwell, and Galanthus rizehensis.   In the walled garden the air is filled with the delicious fragrance of DAPHNE