Heads And Hearts

As Covid-19 begins to dominate our lives less and less, something else has moved up the ladder to take its place. The whole country is talking about cost-of-living and deep house retrofitting. There’s been no mention whatsoever of Camellias, Uncinias or Valentine’s Day. I just can’t get my head around it. It seems to me that the powers that be have theirs stuck in the sand.

Here in Abbeyside, I’ve enjoyed another week of short bursts in the garden. If I were asked what I’d accomplished, the answer would be somewhat muddled. On a scale of 1-10, I’d put it somewhere between not-a-lot and very-little-really. When I did need to return indoors from the cold showers, I got cracking on this Six-on-Saturday update. As is usually always the case, I begin with the first one… Ar aghaidh linn. Let’s meet it head on…

Uncinia

This Uncinia is a recent purchase, and the photograph is even more recent. More precisely it’s called Uncinia rubra Everflame, commonly known as Red Hook Sedge. I think it’s a native of New Zealand. Apparently, the seeds are dispersed by getting caught in clothing. Seeing as I’ll not be intending to catch seeds in this manner, I’ve also bought Uncinia seeds from Jelitto. I’m ahead of myself.

Jelitto

My second seed order from Jelitto has arrived. This time, it’s mostly grasses. I got the catalogue in the post last year and had great fun working my way through it. Unfortunately, I no longer have it. I was decluttering my Amateur Garden magazines and this was among them. It’s very likely still among them somewhere.

With typical German efficiency, the sowing instructions are not printed on the packet. There’s merely a code, and instructions are included in the catalogue that I no longer have. Fortunately, because it’s the way the world works, the instructions are also available online.

Camellia

Not my Camellia, I came across this beauty on a morning walk during the week. The Camellia in my garden is a long way from this! I suppose that’s one of the great things about gardening. There’s a lot to look forward to. I’m thrilled that I can’t get it out of my head.

Slow And Steady

When we revamped the front garden last July, I kept the old stone. I stored it here at the far end of the garden, knowing that a big job awaited me. There’s lots of soil mixed in it and therefore it needs to be sieved and hosed. My approach to getting my head around tedious jobs such as this is to do a small bit very regularly. In this case, I started the week before last and managed to clean two bucketfuls most days. When this area is clear I’ll tackle the powerwashing. Also on my list for this corner will be some trellis for the wall. No rush

Out And About

Dungarvan Urban District Council (later renamed Dungarvan Town Council) was established in 1899 and dissolved in 2014. It’s a shame really. What on earth were they thinking? Heads were definitely not on straight. Our town is now managed by Waterford City & County Council, a backwards step.

Despite these unfortunate events, the mass-planted bed of Cyclamens is impressive. Hats off to the Head-Gardener.

With regard to Cyclamens, I wonder can someone update me? Is it a case that some are frost-hardy and others are not?

Finally, for Valentine’s Day here’s a little something just for you…