Mother Nature: Bring It On!

‍Well, I don’t know where to begin! Talk about climate change, but all in one day? Really? So, this week, it’s veered from dry, sunny and mild, to cold, windy, hail stones the size of golf balls, and thunderclaps to boot.

Looking back at last year’s photos of the garden, I was surprised to note that my bronze fennel, which is currently sulking at ground level, was as tall as me and a lot more willowy. Perennials that made an early appearance this spring, have stalled, no doubt due to the recent, dry weather. I’m very impatient, and if a plant isn’t performing fast enough, I have to resist the temptation to dig it up. Having said that, a plant that doesn’t earn its keep should always be replaced by something new and wonderful, in my opinion.

I must remind myself that creating an herbaceous border is an infinite task. Today it may look perfect but go out there tomorrow and it’s all gone to hell! Roses need deadheading, clematis has climbed into the pittosporum that you didn’t get round to pruning, too late now. The day lilies, which you divided no less than two months ago, have grown back with a vengeance, swamping the elegant iris.

To describe gardening as my passion is right on the money. The dictionary definition of passion is, ‘an intense, driving emotion or overwhelming enthusiasm for a person, activity, or concept.’ However, a deeper dive describes, ‘powerful, often uncontrollable feelings, ranging from intense love to fiery anger.’ That’s me! A truly love hate relationship.

Mother Nature reigns supreme. We kid ourselves that we are at one with nature, in tune with the elements, but in reality, She is always one step ahead of us. We diligently practice Right Plant Right Place, only to discover that certain plants have their own ideas, disappearing from their original site, only to re-emerge triumphant, in a position of their choice. It’s a battle of wits, I tell you!

You congratulate yourself on placing plant supports into position before the plants have grown up, only to discover that the spires have decided to grow outside of the supports, now far too embedded to be removed.

And so it goes on. But honestly, that’s all part of the fun. We engage with nature, adapt to its foibles, and inevitably we capitulate. Nature, after all, know best.

Love, Caroline

Cover photo: My lovely iris - so fleeting!