Patience, it seems, is a good quality for a gardener to have, that, and endless optimism.
This white clematis was planted six years ago, I had three old dogs at the time. Heartbreakingly, they all died, one after another, and then Sam and Annie arrived as pups, and took an immediate fancy to it, along with dozens of other plants.
Their speciality was chewing through the stem, close to the ground. I’d pop out and find a mass of foliage and flowers, just hanging there, wilting. This year, they’ve ignored it…gosh, just look at all that growth. Maybe, just maybe, my pups are growing up!
See that stump in the courtyard? The one covered with ribbons, tied by friends?
Each year, I’ve tried to grow climbers up it, to no avail. A sixty foot leylandii does drain nutrients from the soil. Surprisingly, this year, all those failed climbers have started growing, I had no clue they were even alive. Since I planted them there has been nothing…nada…zilch!.
I’d forgotten all about them. Now I have several types of clematis and a honeysuckle growing! The initial aim was to cover the boundary fence and hide my neighbour’s garage and shed, maybe, just maybe, I still have a plan.
I just love this blue clematis on the stump, the flowers are lovely.
Things do still get smashed and knocked down by these three though, as they love playing out here and racing around at speed, and it is a tiny space for three dogs. At least Buddy isn’t a clematis-stem chewer! He’s more of a sitter-on-pots, kind of a guy!
Talking of patience, all the shrubs and roses I planted in the old ‘orrible hedging border are now in their second year….and are thriving. The soil is truly awful there too, and is matted with deep roots, yet still, Macmillan Nurse is a mass of gorgeous scented roses.
As is Margaret Merril. Who could write the script eh?
I often think self-seeded plants look far happier than planted ones, even when growing between cracks and crevices.
We moved Herbie hog’s hutch today and disturbed a bumblebee nest beneath it. Instantly, bees were everywhere, as was Buddy, who was cheerfully dancing about on the bees nest, while snapping hysterically at the multitude of bees. It fell upon me to try and catch him, as hubs was carefully edging away.
Sooooo, Bud and I pranced and danced around the nest for a while, until I caught the little beast.
Sighs…Buddy got a mighty fine sting on his snout, while I caught a couple on my ankle. You should have seen Buddy rolling his nose in the grass. Hopefully he’s learnt his lesson.
The bees quickly repaired their nest, funnily enough they had used the newspaper that I line Herbie’s hutch with, to build it. Who knew bumbles like newspaper?
Anyway…
Bud, was fine, here he is, complete with stung snout, reflecting upon the error of his ways.
A rather lovely bumble.
And Finally….
I’ve been decorating the study/music room. Just this last wall to go….and I’m done! Next up, the kitchen! Eek!
What what what a gorgeous shot at the top! Beautifully done, Snowbird!
So pleased your climbers are reviving and making you proud. I had a white clematis that stayed hidden or hibernating for about five years before suddenly shooting up and blooming. I’m amazed at their resilience. And those splendiforous roses with fragrance as a bonus. Wonderful. Buddy looks mighty pleased with himself 😉
Why thank you Nikki! I did like that pic ….
Gosh, clematis can stay dormant THAT long??? I’ll never pull one out again…EVER! I have you to thank for all the lovely roses I’m enjoying, you inspired me with your beautiful posts.xxx
Catching up here… you’re a busy bee as always. The Clematis have been worth waiting for.
How are the bones holding up with all the exertions?
Some really good pix.
I’m still wondering what happened to reply notifications. Are you using the new thingamyjig for posting?
Oh Menhir….the bones are throbbing….THROBBING! I’m in the system now for the hip operation, gawd knows how long it will take, but life can’t stop while waiting for it. Anti-inflammatories help, along with voltarol.
I don’t know what the new thingy is…I still don’t get notifications of blogspot posts….xxx
You are heroic rescuing Buddy from the bumble bees. The only time I have been stung by one was when I sat on it. I didn’ t know they nested on the ground, I have 2 nests in the eaves of my house.
I love the blue clematis, how amazing that it has recovered. Margaret Merril is a favourite of mine.
You paint walls on top of everything else you do? You really are Superwoman. Have you got a little red cape?
We have tree bees nesting in our eaves, I think they are the European ones. The bumbles in my garden have little holes all over the ground, sometimes they move into old mouse holes.
Hahahaha….how I wish I had a little red cape…xxx
Great to follow all your doings in the garden and with wildlife and everything…. and how funny poor Buddy got stung on his SNOUT! Awwww……. poor diggydoggy! And hubs sidling off to escape the bees….. hahahaaa…….Lots of life all thriving…. lovely to read and brought a smile to my face! xxx
Lol….thanks Rosie, life as normal around here! Lovely to think I have brought a smile to your face. Hope all is well in your world, looking forward to catching up after the Icons are sorted.xxx
A garden does have a way of surprising you and isn’t it nice when the surprises are pleasant ones? Those clematis have proved worth the long wait.
Our new puppy has a thing for snapping at bees flying around him. One of these days he’s going to catch one and then won’t he be sorry! He’ll be like Buddy rolling in the grass.
Oh yes…pleasant surprises in the garden are the best! Oh…I do hope your pup calms down….and becomes respectful of bees. I doubt Buddy will care fr long.xxx
Another wonderful post….love the story about the ribbons on the tree and the surprise of amazing new growth….also dear little, naughty Buddy – he looks rather docile after the sting on the nose….I wonder if he will learn!:)
Garden looks fabulous…keep up the wonderful work….and congrats on the decoration job. Janet. xxx
Thanks so much Janet, Buddy was fine and is leaving bees alone…for now! Nothing can dampen his spirits for long though. I’m starting the kitchen tomorrow….not looking forward to the disruption!xxx
Great post and images. You have the garden moving.
Thanks Peter.xxx
I love the battle of the garden verses the dogs, as that was our life for many years. (however, I didn’t know dogs liked to eat clematis.) Our much loved dog Chocky would chase bees in the lavender in summer, and occasionally got stung…but it did not stop her. Anyway, your garden is looking marvellous despite the threesome!
Thanks Gerrie, well said, an endless battle for sure! The dogs didn’t eat the clematis, they just chewed through the base of the vine…. oh…if bees didn’t deter Chocky, maybe they won’t deter Buddy for much longer either.xxx
Patience is certainly a virtue for gardeners but I find it hard to put into practice. You are remarkably tolerant of your dogs – any creature I found chewing up my Clematis would soon be looking for a new address. Anyway, wonderful that your vines have re-emerged, the ones you showed are beauties – the roses too!
Yes….patience at times is hard to find! I just forgot about those clematis and as they had been chewed at the base… it is frustrating at times having the garden constantly bombarded by critters, but I couldn’t ever be without my dogs. I’m so thrilled at all the new growth, and flowers. Who would have thought it eh? Thanks Jason.xxx
How wonderful that all those plants have survived and are thriving. I have a soft spot for clematis , some do better than others but they do make a great show when they’re happy. Your roses are way ahead of mine – I only have one in flower but the recent rain has left it a bit battered. Oh dear disturbing a bees nest is not good, poor old Buddy and poor old Dina – hope you have both fully recovered.
Clematis certainly do show off when they’re happy, I just love them! They come in so many shapes and sizes. Quite a few people have roses that are late this year….good that most have missed all the rain you’ve had, it’s been sunny and dry here for weeks, so I’m glad we finally have a few showers. Bud and I were fine, I’ve never had a sting from them before, but it didn’t hurt much. Thanks Elaine.xxx
I agree that self-seeded plants often look happier than those we plant. I guess they know where they want to be. Bud is adorable, swollen snout and all. And your sun-filled study/music room looks lovely.
There’s something rather lovely about a self-seeded plant popping up, happy as Larry! Thankfully Buddy recovered quickly and is now slightly more respectful towards bees!xxx
As always, such an enjoyable post! Poor gorgeous Buddy – I hope he’s learnt to keep away from bees from now on. So far Harry has avoided stings from my honeybees but one of the sheep got stung on the face once. The poor thing was trotting around shaking his head for a few minutes afterwards. The roses and clematis are lovely – and so is the lupin. Beautiful photo of the bee on it. Hope all the decorating goes well!
Thanks Wendy, Buddy is keeping his distance from bees at the moment, thankfully! Gosh…fancy poor Harry being stung like that! Honeybee stings are much harsher than a bumbles, mine didn’t hurt much, they did itch for ages though. I’m about to start the kitchen tomorrow…..sighs….it is desperate! xxx
My dog Lucy is a bee chaser, too. I’m just waiting for her to get stung! I think your vines must have a great sense of humor. They all waited to grow when you least expected it. Very sly…!
It’s funny how some dogs go after bees, once past the puppy stage they tend to give it up! Lol yes….very sly!!! I’m glad I didn’t pull them all out!xxx
Oh I loved all your news in this post … never a dull moment!
Your flowers all look lovely clematis, roses and the colour in your last photo is so lovely … complete with bee!
Good luck with the decorating. On wards and upwards, the last wall will be done and then yes – move onto the kitchen.
How about somewhere in-between stopping for a cuppa or even a glass of wine!!!
All the best Jan
Thanks Jan. The study is finished, and I’ve been skiving for a week….time to tackle the kitchen tomorrow. Oh…the disruption! xxx
The roses are beautiful, and the clematis, too. I was picking blackberries a few days ago, and found our native clematis twining through the berry canes. I wished I’d had my camera, but, oh well — can’t carry the thing all the time, and besides: I needed both hands to pick and eat!
So sorry to hear about Buddy’s sting. I’ve never thought of bumble bees as agressive. i suppose that it was having their house disturbed that did it. Well, and having someone energetic and curious nosing around.
We’re surrounded by flooding. It’s been just terrible. I can’t even whine about not being able to work — others have it so much worse. There are hundreds of homes under water, roads closed, schools closed. It’s good to see that you’ve had rain enough to set things growing, but not so much as to wash them away!
Thanks Linda. I’m smiling at the thought of you beery picking, you just can’t beat that!#I saw that flooding on the TV, gosh, how awful. It must be a nightmare for so many people. I do hope things are settling down now and that you get back to work, It’s been dry here for the last few weeks, endless sunshine. Now we have a few showers and the garden is most grateful.xxx
Beautiful pictures, I love those gorgeous roses. Very sad about those dogs who are no longer around. But your young dogs don’t leave much time to be moping around. I know you are on the west coast, it looks like summer is a commin in. On the east coast we’ve had grey skies and rain and grey skies and rain. In the evening we have sunshine and blue skies.
I wish you sunshine and showers, more of the former and less of the latter.
Vera xxx
Thanks Vera. It’s always hard parting with loved pets isn’t it? If only they could live as long as us. It sounds like your weather has been a little mixed up, here we’ve had endless sunshine for the last three weeks, finally, a few showers have arrived, the garden needed it. Here’s to a little more sunshine for you!xxx
That Clematis is looking really beautiful, as are your roses, none of mine are flowering just yet, but as you say.. patience. Hope Buddy is OK after his shock! That Lupin at the end, what a great photo.
Thanks Annie. I’m sure your roses are all out now….I think it’s going to be a great year for them. Buddy is fine, he’s a little more wary around bees which is a good thing.xxx
I hope Buddy’s nose has recovered now, that must have been a nasty shock for him.
Plants are amazing the way they recover even though we think they have died, your clematis is beautiful and I also love the colour of your Macmillan Nurse.
Buddy is back to his boisterous little self, nothing phases him for long! It is always marvelous when a plant bounces back out of the blue. Thanks Pauline.xxx
Oh, poor Buddy and you! I’m glad the stings weren’t worse and that the bees have repaired their hive. Buddy does look reflective..and chastened. Smooches to his poor nose.
And the gardens, Dina! Oh, my, how gorgeous! I love the clematis and roses, the lovely pots and the merry pups…what a heaven you’ve made on earth. It is fun when plants you think past it revive or bloom out of nowhere…and I also love the re-seeders, especially when they travel a bit and pop up somewhere else. As you say, who could predict these things? gardening is full of surprises!
I love the study/music room walls…what color is that? It looks a pale peach on my computer. So soft and inviting!
Thank you for another lovely post, and know I’m sending love. 🙂
The stings were really mild, thankfully, poor bumbles, at least they rebuilt their nest. I had no idea it was there! It is such a lovely surprise to see plants back from the dead and romping away. I love the little courtyard, it’s only tiny, but is my little bit of heaven. No two gardening years are ever the same are they? Yes, gardening is filled with surprises.
The walls are magnolia, but the study does have a lovely natural light which makes everything glow. Thank Kitty, sending love right back.xxx
Actually bumblebee may be mortal…. or so at least I heard that five are enought to kill a man.
Even worst if someone is allergic… poor Bud, he really looks full of pain and with some kind of “I’m sorry-feeling”…
Your clematis looks wonderful indeed! But your garden keep always some special surprise for each season… I just love it so much!
The music room is another special place to be 😉 and the vertical piano looks like being of end 1800 (with the candle-holders).
I wish you a lovely week end with some advance!
:-)claudine
Goodness, I had no idea bumble stings could be so dangerous! Buddy was fine after a while, he gave his nose a good rubbing and that seemed to help.
The piano is an upright grand and is from the 1800’s, it needs tuning but it does have a wonderful big sound, especially when the top lid is opened.Thanks Claudine.xxx
I love the slow unfurling of the seasons and the way that plants will take their own sweet time to flower. Gardening is a good teacher of patience! You have some beautiful climbers and other flowers in your garden – it makes all the rain we’ve had worthwhile! Hope your ankle (and Buddy’s nose) has recovered from the bee stings, poor things they must have felt very frightened. C xx
We’ve had a really dry spell for the last few weeks, I was hoping for rain and finally we’ve had a few showers. I love watching the seasons too and look forward to seeing the latest blooms…Buddy was fine, as was I, the stings didn’t hurt too much. I did feel sorry for the poor bees, they’ve rebuilt their nest now and all seems well.xxx
Everything comes to she who waits. I hope the stings have eased.
It certainly does Sue! The bumble stings didn’t hurt too much, I’ve never been stung by one before.xxx
A most enjoyable post and lovely pictures as always.
I like the roses, especially the white one. Thank goodness it was bumblebees and not wasps. xx
Oh….I’m SO glad it wasn’t wasps!!! Thanks Flighty.xxx
Poor Buddy, that’ll teach him to leave things alone. He’s looking all grown up in the photo. Your roses are looking splendid, none of mine are blooming yet but they got quite a severe pruning last year and their shapes are looking much better now. Decorating, urgh, we’ve just finished the living room and we want to get the kitchen done next too, I’m not looking forward to that.
I do hope Buddy leaves bees alone now, he seems to be keeping his distance at the moment. I hope your roses catch up, mine are doing well this year apart from a few in shady areas, I’ll need to move those next year. I’m about to start the kitchen tomorrow….sighs….It’s the worst room for upheaval. We’ll be in the same boat!xxx
Wow! What a post…..Beautiful….and Newsy…if for Buddy’s…and your BB encounter. They are pretty harmless as long as they are not threatened or harmed….
As you say…one has to have patience when dealing with Nature. Nature will not be hurried. Hugs!💕
I will certainly hold fire before pulling plants up now….those clematis amazed me. We have had lovely weather the last few week so maybe that helped.xxx
I love the tree stump with all the ribbons tied by your friends; such a wonderful idea. Isn’t it funny how everything has grown this year? It must be all the rain we’ve been having. I planted a cheap, supermarket clematis this year and I thought it had died, but having seen yours recover, I won’t give up hope just yet. Your roses are gorgeous. We planted some new ones last year and they have really come on a treat this summer. Hugs to poor old Buddy with his stung nose. xx
I’m glad you’re giving your clematis a chance, I was astonished to see mine come back and grow so well. It is a great year for the roses, mine are romping away!xxx