Sunday

Its still a bit damp if not actually raining. I got on with some more bulb planting - this time some tulips into the east zone. I also did a bit more gentle tidying up and filled the bird feeders up again. I remain pleased with how the back corner looks but will need to get on top of the wilderness effect.

I’ve moved the waterbutt to next to the summerhouse and fence but will probably move it back to the other side when the ‘shed’ is finished. There is quite a bit of bloom in the garden but I am a bit surprised by the spirea as its got good autumn colour in parts but is also flowering again.

Guy Fawkes Night

Its been wet and cool here today but this hasn’t put off those holding firework displays. Ben has spent much of the day hiding and is currently back under the sofa. I spent a few moments in the garden filling bird feeders and putting things back upright.

Thursday

The new shed / bike shelter is coming on a pace and Ben is still not very impressed. I’m hoping to have time this weekend to sweep up more leaves to add to my leaf litter container

Wednesday

The men were here today starting work on the new shelter. I avoided going out until they were going as I didn’t want to be underfoot - unfortunately it then rained when they did leave for the day! I did though take some quick photos of some of the blooms still out. The Canterbury bells are going strong and the nasturtiums and begonias have only just got going.

Tuesday 1st November - All Saints Day

It is now very autumnal in the Magic Garden and it was distinctly cooler today too. I have belatedly bought a blue juniper which I have put in the East quadrant of the Magic part to balance out the holly in the west, rowan tree in the south and oak in the north. It is a lovely texture and made me think of Dad’s heather and juniper garden at Tulach Ard with its blue rivers of juniper.

Sunday

The clocks went back today which meant I was going to work in the light but coming home in the dark. Its stayed mild and damp this weekend so Ben has been staying local and spent most of the day indoors

Saturday

Its been raining for most of the day - not heavily but definitely wet! Ben inspected the outside world briefly and was quick to inform me that it was indeed wet!

Wednesday

The year marches on and it inevitably is dark by the time I get home from work as well as when I am on route. I’ve been sitting looking at seed catalogues dreaming already of the next season and also thinking about bare root plants.

Tuesday

I got on with some more practical things in the Magic Garden today including planting crocus bulbs in small zones around the Thyme zone while Ben watched.

I am finding some lovely rich colours still in the Magic Garden. The gazanias have bloomed all summer and are still a striking colour in the pots. My marigolds are continuing to do well at the back of the garden in the little troughs there together with the fuchsias. The alpine asters are doing well too behind the arch.

Monday

I’ve been beginning to prepare for colder & wetter weather ahead of the winter months by moving plants indoors, into the cold frames and into the summerhouse. I’ve moved one of the alpine troughs into the latter purely because its so wet. I took out some distinctly unhappy plants and hopefully started the propagation of more. I really wish I could have a greenhouse but in reality the Magic Garden is both too small and too windy for this to be a wise idea.

Saturday

I’ve given myself a sore back today working in the Magic Garden but felt much happier about how it looks after a bit of a haircut and some new solar lights. I also did some running repairs to the arbour seat and a bit of re-potting of heuchera and taking cuttings.

Ben stayed around me all afternoon offering advice. I need to clear the patio clutter really and weed the leek troughs but I’m reluctant to accept the end of summer including my sunflowers.

Wednesday

I have 2 new plants for the collection indoors - a Coffea arabica (or coffee plant!) & a Camellia sinsensis (or tea plant). My sprouted ginger is coming on well too.

Tuesday

Its been reasonable weather here today so I got on with a few tasks in the Magic Garden. I’ve given the hazel arch a trim so its back in shape. The rowan berries are being enjoyed mainly by the blackbirds but I have seen the robins enjoying them too.