Notes from the Lady Gardener

Lady in the Garden

Emile Claus (1849 - 1924)

How lovely to see everyone again after my holiday. I hope that you are all refreshed and ready for some hard work. I would like to congratulate the Agapanthus alba who has achieved spectacular results while we have been away, reaching a record breaking six feet. In view of this there will be no mention of the fact that you are blue rather than white. Congratulations also to the Hosta who has maintained a pristine appearance for the second year running. The prize for hard work goes to the Iceberg rose which is flowering abundantly for the second time. I am sorry that the Fuschias feel so neglected but you must shape up or ship out - there is no mollycoddling in this garden. I am afraid that the Geraniums have had a very poor attitude this year and must expect immediate remedial treament. Also in the disappointing category, the Pelargonium who was doing so well before I went away but who appears to have been slacking, there is no excuse whatsoever for that sort of attitude. On a more positive note, I am glad to see that the Scabious which had extensive surgery in June has now recovered and can leave the sick bay in the next week. I thought you might like to know that I met Mr Higgledy Gardener while I was away and he has given me some tiny packs of seeds for the nursery so you can expect new chums next year. And finally, to the slugs who ate my blue lupins I say only this 'There is no place that you can hide. I will hunt you down. Expect no mercy'.