Six-on-Saturday – Mayhem and Smiles

16th January 2021

It appears that the Vaccine is being rolled out. Obviously, there is a pecking order and it may surprise you to know that gardeners are top of the list. But, there’s a downside. Within the broad category of gardeners, the following prioritisation will apply.

1. Irish gardeners
2. Late bulb-planters
3. Peat-free males
4. Glasshouse owners (provided glass has been sanitised)
5. Six-on-Saturday bloggers
6. Anyone who has ordered seeds from a minimum of four suppliers
7. Brassica fans
8. Twitter account holders in good standing
9. Non-gardeners & selected subcategories thereof

The weather here in SE Ireland has been good during the week. The frosty conditions have disappeared and it’s been mild, calm and mostly dry, so I donned the Fisherman’s Rib jumper and pottered away contentedly here and there. The first of the seeds germinated within 48 hours in the heated propagator and the leeks will emerge very shortly.

So off we go again with my six this week, not forgetting that for more garden activity from near and far timpeall an domhan, you can tap this link to visit The Propagator’s blog or check out @cavershamjj on Twitter. You’ll find plenty writers linking their Six on Saturday garden selection in the comments.

1. Daffodils

It begins again arís. All that underground effort is beginning to pay off. I think these are Tete-a-tete daffodils. I repotted all pots last September so they are a bit later than last year. Generally, I repot every two years, and it strikes me as being a good idea to do half of them and the other half the following year. In that way I might extend the flowering season a bit longer.

2. Leucothoe

Dog Hobble

This is Leucothoe Red Lips, known also as Dog Hobble. It thrives in a shaded spot. I’ve had it in a decent size pot for the past few years and it seems to be doing ok. At this time of year I like the red colouring.

3. Mayhem

Ah well…

A female blackbird became trapped in the glasshouse during the week, and wreaked havoc. As Gaeilge, bhí rí rá agus ruaille buaille. I suppose I can’t really blame her because I closed the glasshouse and deprived her of normal home comforts. Overall, looking on the positive side, she demolished one window box of mixed lettuces while leaving the other two mostly undisturbed. Obviously, that’s where the worms were gathered. I’m sure there’s a collective word for a gathering of worms. A wrap, perhaps?

4. Broad Beans

Broad Beans

I planted these broad beans back in October, and they all grew well except for three. I’ve a feeling some bird took the seed. Luckily, I decided to grow a few extra ones in pots in the glasshouse and I was able to fill the gaps. They are now at approximately ten centimetres or four inches, depending on your system.

5. Penstemon

Penstemon Apple Blossom

This penstemon was a favourite right through the summer samhradh (pronounced SOW-ra. That’s SOW, as in female pig, rather than the other sow). Now it looks ragged. However, it is usual to leave the stems of the plant in place until winter is finished. I think it’s got something to do with protecting the centre. I’ve gone one step further by adding coffee grounds as a mulch around the base.

6. Viburnum

Viburnum tinus

I was horrified to discover bindweed on this raised bed in 2019. I’m told it can happen to the best writers. It grew profusely through the fuchsia and I even admired the flower, not realising how silly this was. At this stage I’m pretty sure I’ve eridacitated it, so I planted this Viburnum tinus back in November. I really like it, and will be even more beautiful in two or three years time. It fits in very nicely with my winter plans. There’s still space for two more shrubs, which I’ve chosen and will unveil next week.

Featured image

Smile

Clever dogs can read, you know.

That’s my lot for this third Saturday in January. I’ll be looking forward to finding out what’s happening across other SOS gardens this week. Slán go fóill.

Pádraig,

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