It only seems like last week that rough winds were shaking the darling buds of May and now it’s June in my garden again already. If anything, the recent rain and even hail (yes, hail, in June, what???) has made everything burst into even more glorious technicolour and early fruiting promise. I think I’m going to have to say that this really is my favourite month. So, if you’ve got your cup or glass to hand, please do join me on my monthly garden update.
What’s flowering now?
June is the month that most of our roses really start to show off. Like the wonderfully scented (and thorny) Paul’s Himalayan Musk that winds its way through our peach tree (see cover pic). Some of my other favourite climbers are a deep pink/red one at the front of the house, a mystery white one on a garden arch, and my lovely fragrant white Madame Alfred Carriere, which has bloomed for the first time this year!
And we also have several shrub roses in various colours: white, pink, and deep yellow. The only slight downside to so many roses (if indeed there is one at all) is the time needed to spend on deadheading them all to encourage new blooms for as long as possible. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with a rose, they are an absolute joy. So many colours, styles, and scents to choose from, you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you. And to kickstart an obsession… 😉
One problem that roses do suffer from is black spot on the leaves. This year I’m trying a tip from Sarah Raven and under planting with salvias to help. The pink and purple blooms are quite breathtaking in their own right though, don’t you think?
Roses aren’t the only large-headed flowering climbers at the moment – we have a couple of lovely early clematis too. I’m afraid I can’t remember what variety they are but one is happy in a deep pot and the other is in the ground. Clematis need to put down deep roots, so if you don’t have a garden but want to cover a patch of wall then they’re ideal. Just plant them in a deep pot and feed every now and again, adhering to the correct pruning times for your particular plant. That’s all there is too it, they’re very rewarding.
One of my cutting beds has had rather an explosion of wildflowers, including poppies, cornflowers, and wild yellow alliums. None of which I actually remember seeding…
But they look so beautiful and are such wonderful fodder for the bees and butterflies that I’m going to leave them in situ, for now at least.
And because my garden wouldn’t be complete without my favourite purples, here are some of my June garden favourites. Wallflowers and a beautiful hardy geranium that covers the top of the dry rockery above the pond.
What’s sprouting now?
A debate sprang up on Gardeners’ World recently about the merits of foliage vs. flowers. And (of all things) whether it’s pronounced “folidge” or “foliadge”. We gardeners have our moments… Anyway, much as I love my flowers, I’m quite partial to some foliage for contrast too. Especially for cutting, when they complement each other in a vase. Like these stunningly graceful Briza Maxima grasses or the striking bi-coloured leaves of the Coleus plant.
What’s fruiting now?
June in the garden is when the fruit trees and bushes come into their early glory. I’m actually quite amazed at what we might have to look forward to later this year. Always assuming we do actually get some sun, of course. From left to right we have blueberry bushes, a gooseberry bush, and some rhubarb. We had some rhubarb recently and it was delicious. And in case you’re wondering, the wire trellis is to protect the edible flower seedlings from Ginger, he’s a very heavy cat!
In the orchard I am beyond thrilled to see we have peaches growing again this year! This is the first time they’ve grown two years running, we normally only get this treat every third year. If only I knew what I’d done right (or wrong) then I could replicate it, haha. Fingers crossed too for a healthy plum harvest for us and plenty of cherries for the birds (they always beat us to it at harvest time).
This year should also see a bumper crop of kiwis, damsons, and grapes. The kiwis are tiny, no bigger than my thumbnail, but they’re very sweet, albeit it a little fiddly to peel. I’ve no idea what our damsons are like because this is the first year we’ve had any. All I will say is that they are already three times as big as those of our neighbour’s <grin> so I foresee a very busy gin and damson jam making September ahead. The grapes we always leave for the birds as well. They’re sweetly edible but we’re just not that greedy 🙂
And last, but not least, our beloved apple tree is as reliable as ever. Closely followed by the pear tree from the Poundstore some eight years ago. You don’t have to spend a lot on plants, really you don’t. Sometimes the greatest rewards come from nothing very much at all.
June in the greenhouse
Looking back on last year’s June garden post, my tomatoes and cucumbers aren’t as far advanced yet. Although the weather has been mild, it’s not been terrifically sunny, so we’ll just have to hope that they catch up. I do have some tomato flowers though, so fingers crossed. We’ll just keep pinching out the side shoots to concentrate the energy into the main stem and flowers/fruits.
And in the meantime, while we wait for the cucumber plants to put on a growth spurt and catch up, Ginger will continue to photobomb my pictures.
Outdoor jobs for June
Well, I didn’t get around to sowing any sugar snap peas or carrots last month so I probably won’t bother now. But there’s still plenty of pruning, tying in, and weeding to keep on top of. Our sweet peas need weekly tying in as they grow, as do the sunflowers. And I have a few cosmos, snapdragon and petunia seedlings to plant out in a few weeks’ time too. On the bright side, all this rain means less need to water, so more time to spend pottering 🙂 I love the sun but I have to admit the rain brings me some welcome self-care time.
Wildlife
All the tadpoles in our ponds are well on their way to becoming baby frogs now – some have all four legs already! Alan’s on standby to stop cutting the grass between the ponds and the walls/fences once they leave the ponds in search of new homes. And of course, our bird feeders are always well maintained. Last, but not least, we have a new solitary bee house on our back wall, courtesy of ALDI. Aka the shop where you spend all the money you save on food on other stuff you don’t really need…
Flora’s garden
Flora’s garden is looking lushly verdant (ie, it needs weeding). She’s still not convinced that gardening is an all-weather activity, unfortunately. But her garlic seems to be doing well. I’ve not grown this before so will have to research when it’s likely to be ready for harvesting. And after I’d cleared a mass of weeds away, I can see her new rose plant cutting is looking very healthy.
Since this photo was taken, I’ve staked her wildflower patch so you can actually see the path (and all the weeds). And they’re starting to open up in the most delightful mix of blues, purples, pinks, and whites. And she has at least three frogs living in her little pond, which is just wonderful, we’re very lucky.
June in my garden
If you’re still with me then please congratulate yourself, and pour yourself another drink. Thank you for reading yet another long post with lots of photos, but one of my favourite blogs to write. I describe myself as a keen but clueless gardener and really, I’m not being disingenuous. There’s so much I don’t know but I do love recording and sharing our small successes and I hope you enjoy them as well. So this is June in my garden and a very happy month it is too.
What will you be tackling in your green spaces this month?
What are you looking forward to during June?
Your garden is my dream garden! I’m sure the bees will appreciate the bee house and the blooming flowers
Ash | thisdreamsalive.wordpress.com
Oh thank you so much, that’s so kind of you! It’s my dream too, I’m very lucky 🙂 x
All the flowers in your garden are so pretty and reading this post has definitely brightened up this rainy Monday. That’s so good that the bad weather has actually been helping all the plants in your garden. My favourites are the poppies! X
That’s so lovely to hear, Aaliyah. We are very lucky with the range of plants that seem happy to grow in our garden (even though it’s a lot of work!) and I know exactly what you mean about the poppies, they are hardy but beautiful 🙂 x
Look at all those colours! Your garden must look gorgeous at the moment. Although I’m scared of frogs so I’d definitely be running a mile from Flora’s pond haha! Oh, I haven’t told you I’ve grown my first few strawberries!
Jenny
http://www.jennyinneverland.com
I’m actually quite surprised at how good it looks, considering all the rain we’ve been having – still, at least it saves me watering every night 🙂 And YAY, congrats to you, I bet they’ll taste delicious, all the sweeter for having grown them yourself! xx
Wow! This was super interesting. I love plants but I know very little about it. It’s wonderful to have so many beautiful flowers in the garden. & im excited for you about the peaches xxx
Oh, that’s great to hear, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! We’re very lucky with all our flowers and yes, I’m uber excited for the peaches this year, they are delicious! xx
I love your garden. You make me want to get green fingers and get outside.
Wow, that’s the best type of comment a gardener could receive, thank you!
Amazing colours! Love this post x
Thank you so much! x
I love your garden (especially the wildflowers). We don’t have many flowers in our garden, but I share a garden with my family where we grow our own food.
Bettie
http://www.thewildflowerhippie.com
Ah, thank you, Bettie, that’s so kind of you. I’m a bit lazy about growing our own food (fruits are easier than vegetables) but that’s mainly because I love flowers so much, they take up all my time! 🙂
I’m very much into my gardening these days and loved this post! I’ve had some surprises pop up this year including a clematis and a fluffy petaled variety of poppy, both of which I never knew I had!
It’s all about the unexpected discoveries, isn’t it? I mean I love it when something I plan actually works but sometimes Nature is the most wonderful teacher! 🙂
OMG that’s such a pretty garden. These pretty flowers show how much love you have put into them 🙂
Thank you – they do take a lot of work so I’m glad the love shows through as well! 🙂
Awww lovely update and I just adore your cat
Haha, thank you, he is a character! 🙂
I officially have garden envy! Your garden is truly amazing. I adore the shrub roses, they’re my absolute favourite – so colourful. What a beautiful place to sit and relax throughout the summer. xxx
Ah, thank you, that’s very kind of you. Our roses are looking especially lovely at the moment, I think it’s because it hasn’t been too hot (sadly!) x
Thankyou for this meandering through your garden post, I am a traveller living in South East Asia I could almost smell the roses I often stop and put my nose to a perfumed frangipani on my journey Just a glorious read I love Ginger photo bombing
You’re very welcome, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it! We are very lucky with what seems to grow in our garden – and our cats too of course 😉
I find posts like these so informative as I know nothing about gardening pretty much. The photographs are so beautiful. It’s a shame about this June weather but at least the plants are getting a good watering! That’s great Flora’s garlic is doing well 😊. Thank you for sharing Lisa! Xxx
Ah, thank you, Lauren. TBH, neither did I when I started, it’s been a lot of trial and error! We’re very lucky that we have such good soil and that, by and large, most plants have a strong survival instinct 🙂 xx
Such gorgeous flowers Lisa. You work so hard to maintain this huge garden and taking care of these plants and fruits and flowers and also keeping in mind the time you have to sow seeds etc is just awesome. Beautiful pictures. Flora is doing great in her garden too. Like mum like baby. 🙂
Via | http://glossnglitters.com
Ah, that’s so kind of you, Via, I do appreciate that. TBH, I don’t get to spend anywhere near as much time in our garden as I’d like to, nor as much as it really needs. I’m selective with what photos I post though, no weeds 😉 x
I’ve always loved Briza Maxima grass, but never knew what it was called, so thank you for that! They look like little pupae, hanging in the breeze 😁
You’re welcome – and yes, you’re right, they do! 🙂
It looks like your garden is doing very well! We usually have a Clematis climbing the wall, but I haven’t noticed it this year. I’ll have to go and have a look!
Well, there are a few non-appearances and slow starters due to the lack of proper sunshine but fingers crossed they’ll make up for it in due course. And the upside of all this rain is nothing needs watering at the moment!
Your garden updates are always an absolute joy to read, Lisa! I especially loving this month, it’s so colourful and yaay for the cat photobombs, haha! Ginger reminds me of Simba, he always wants to be involved in everything, gotta love our curious cats! Your flowers are BEAUTIFUL, so many pretty colours and varieties. And wow, you have so many delicious fruits too, I am so tempted to go to the Poundstore and see what seeds I can find. Thanks for the tip! Aww and that is so cool that Flora has frogs living in her little pond, it must be so interesting for her to watch her garden come to life and see all the different flowers and wildlife 🙂 Thank you for sharing your gorgeous garden and can’t wait to see it bloom even more over the summer. Fab post as always! <3 xxx
Awww, Bexa, thank you so much, that’s so kind of you! As you say, yay for cat photobombs, they are so funny 🙂 We are very lucky with our flowers this June, I think it’s because it hasn’t been so hot (swings and roundabouts) but yes, do get yourself down to the Poundstore, I’m never buying full price fruit trees again, haha. I wish you lived closer, it would be so cool if you could come over for a lazy afternoon, Flora’s trampoline makes such an excellent sun lounger! xxx
Lovely post Lisa. I’m sure the bees will love their new house and the wildflowers that have popped up in your garden. I’ve seen so many wild poppies appear this year, decorating the roadside.
Thank you, Kim. We haven’t seen any bees using it as yet but it’s still early days. Fingers crossed, as we have soooooo many lovely wildflowers to tempt them 🙂