Heucheras

We've spent the weekend in Ludlow, visiting Molly, which—as normal—has been a pleasant and relaxing break. She's just purchased a small plot of land adjoining the garden, which has made a significant difference to the house. The sitting room window is now not overshadowed by a boundary wall; the pond can double in size; she has space for a vegetable/fruit plot; and there's space for off-road parking. Of course, some of this is still theoretical. The wall needs its demolition completing; the pond must be dug (and relined); the paving slabs must make way for veg beds; the parking alone has actually been accomplished. That said, the difference it will make is clear, and we did a few bits to help get her there, as well as things around the rest of the garden that require greater height or strength: pruning a philadelphis that's outgrown its space (while avoiding a montana clematis growing through it!); pruning the apricot and plum trees; making and filling a small bed next to the parking space; emptying the compost bin; replanting a large tub of tomatoes; and the like. Needless to say, we were amply rewarded come meal-times.

New heucheras (© Ian 2012)

Ludlow has an excellent market, with several plant stalls, our favourite of which is in the Buttercross. True to form, we wandered out for a walk, and came back with bags full of plants. Three new heucheras, a Ninebark 'Lady in Red' (Physocarpus opulifolius), and a 'Black Lace' elder (Sambucus nigra). Combined with some fuchsia and pelagonium cuttings, a couple of silver birch seedlings, and a corkscrew willow, pilfered from the garden, it was quite a stocking-up visit.