Not Veg

I consider myself to be primarily a veg gardener. However, having now discovered the joys of photography I have realised that I am also keen on plants that are primarily ornamental. This post is about some of the non-veg plants in my garden at this time.

Halfway between the edibles and the ornamentals (for me at least) are the ferns. Mostly green (like many vegetables) and with no flowers as such, they are still hugely decorative. I love their symmetry.

I have planted these ones in a place where they will serve a useful purpose - screening the rather unsightly plastic tub in which my cucumbers are growing.

This fern is one half of the one I divided and re-potted in the Autumn. It looks pretty handsome to me!You'll notice that I have put gravel around it to suppress the moss.

More traditionally decorative are the Roses, the archetypical flower of the English cottage garden . This white one was in my garden when I bought the property in 1991. I don't know its name.

This is a rose called "Sunset Boulevard". Jane won the plant for me in a competition some years ago.

Another favourite of mine is the Geranium. To me it epitomises the Mediterranean. I know that I do not live in the Meditterranean area, but I have striven to create a Mediterraean effect in the patio part of my garden: Lavender, Bay trees, an Olive tree, lots of herbs - and Geraniums:

Lavender. This one is "Hidcote". Still at the tight bud stage - it will be showier in a few days' time.

Lavender, with flowering Thyme in the background.

P.S. Have a look at my daughter Emma's blog Mellow Mummy  -- it's normally about parenting and baby stuff, but this time she has written about Lara's gardening exploits. I shall have to look to my laurels...