The Joy of Gardens

Last weekend we opened the garden gate to visitors from the Rhododendron Society. And guess what - it rained! To those readers who have read my past articles on opening the garden to visitors, I hear you. I am sure you are sighing, "Here, she goes again, grizzling about the weather". Sorry, but St. Erth [truly], a patron saint of gardeners, must have a chip on his shoulder about me. But [Surprise! Surprise!] I am not going to grizzle too much.

The gardens are wonderful this year but seem to be very early. Tasmania is having quite a cool Spring but there has been plenty of rain after several warm, dry years. Perhaps the flowers are glad of this or perhaps they are pleased to see me back after our long holiday and have all rushed into bloom so I won't go away again.

The old fashioned species Daffodils have been cheering our hearts by happily gleaming golden in the rain for several weeks now and the Camellias are showing off with even more vigor this year. The Rhododendrons are in full bloom [will there be anything left for the next Society's visit?] and are sending their perfume throughout the garden.

Last weekend I saw that the bluebells have pushed through the grass beneath the Larex trees that are getting their first lime green leaves. The blue bells are blooming strongly this year. I planted a few bulbs, moved from other parts of the garden, a few years ago. I should have bought a few hundred bulbs at the time because they are quite cheap in Australia, but I never got around to it. So, I have been waiting, somewhat impatiently, to see the lovely blue clumps of scillas grow plentiful enough and tall enough, to make a delightful blend of colours with that special green of the new larch leaves. The many Birch trees are shimmering with their new leaves and the Japanese ornamental Maples are delightful with their amazing, delicate new leaves.

I could go on and on, revelling in the glory of the gardens, it was all so wonderful to see after the horrific photos on the Television lately. It was especially joyful to watch those dedicated visitors taking their sturdy gum boots through the muddy puddles, ignoring the rain squalls and chattering excitedly to themselves. I must also write that I enjoyed myself thoroughly. I trod the paths with some, looked at the towering Rhododendron bushes and soaked up the praise on the health and the beauty of our plants.

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