Dodging the downpours

Another warm but decidedly wet day at Scotsburn, with a nice start to the day followed by some prolonged and heay showers -is there not gonna be a summer this year again ?
Anyway, began by removing the sideshoots and tendrils from the cordon sweet peas which are growing steadily but are not exactly screaming up their canes

After this I watered the greenhouse thoroughly, sideshooting and tying in the tomatoes -the Gardeners Delight have now started to produce their first flowers, though the other varieties have yet to follow suit. I planted out the Big Jim chillies and three Perpetual Spinach into the greenhouse bed in front of the tomatoes.

Then I went and checked on the veg outside - the onion sets, parsnips and carrots are looking good as are the peas, brassicas and potatoes

However the beans, both Runner and Climbing are looking really quite yellow. I'm not sure as to the exact cause but after a bit of research, it may be weather related and the plants should hopefully start to green up when (or should that be if) we get some beter weather.....

Then it was onto the long borders. My "favourite" plants, the oriental poppies, the majority of which are looking past their best, so it was out with the secateurs and some fairly enthusiastic dead heading commenced, removing weeds as I went, and cutting down the clump of daffodil Ice Follies foliage which was smothering a couple of other new perennial plants.

This was followed by planting out the first 18 of the 42 dahlia cuttings into gaps in the borders - and giving each lanting a generous dose of slug pellets as I went.

Then I started the staking and tying in process - first off were the Campanulas that grow along the back wall - these are a good 18" taller than last year so needed tying back to the support wires that run the length of the wall. After the campanulas I also staked some Centaurea and tied in the hollyhocks to thir support canes.

I then started to weed one of the beds by the summerhouse - wil finish it next week as time just runs away with you in this garden,

Anyway, following last weeks dearth of photos, here is what we have in the garden at the moment..

Geranium "Splish Splash"

Garden Original White Iris

Welsh Poppy - Meconopsis cambrica

Peony rescued from the bottom bank of the garden

Astrantia Rubra

Astrantia

garden Original Blue Iris

Shrub rose trained against SF Wall

Climbing White Rose neighbouring it

White Valerian

Red Valerian

Yellow Climbing Rose by Potting Shed

Pink honey scented rose by gate

Climbing Hydrangea in corner between gate and Potting Shed

Yellow Iris

Foxgloves (imported by birds)

Now, we've all heard of the June Drop for fruit trees - but the apple trees are still carrying blossom !!

And finally, the nest set into the arch of the Potting Shed is now definitely occupied by Mrs Wren, who is sitting on a clutch of eggs. he isb't in the photo - she was too quick for me, but she has lined the nest with feathers which are clearly visible in this photo

And of course there is this weeks photo of the borders from the Potting Shed.

That's it - more next week as there are a lot more plants just about to flower !