Hi

[Bootsy]

Sorry about that, folks

Having read Esther's post I realise that I haven't introduced myself.

I'm an old gardener from England.

Our garden is fairly large and because of the climate over here we're able to grow quite a variety of plants. We have mainly trees, shrubs, bushes, perennials, vegetables and fruit. apart from having a number of hanging baskets and pots we rarely grow annuals.

The early Spring flowers are just finishing but they're being succeeded

At the moment the lilac trees are coming into glorious blossom and some of the clematis have started to bloom. Clematis Montana is doing very well and has a wonderful vanilla scent.

and the Irises are beginning to open.

We have thousands of plants and I tend to talk to them whilst weeding around them

Once a year we open our garden for charity (a fairly popular occurrence over here) and we get about 400 people visiting the garden over the weekend. This coming weekend is the time we open so there's plenty of tidying up to be done.

See you around.

 

[perpetualsharon]

Welcome! Your clematis is beautiful!

 

[Bootsy]

Thank you

It did all the work by itself!!

 

[DeborahJane]

That is a beautiful clematis. It will be lovely to see your seasonal displays. We have an open garden scheme here in Australia and it is just great. Wonderful for inspiration and just plain joy.

 

[Sheal]

The Clematis is stunning Bootsy! I hope all goes well for you this coming weekend.

 

[Bootsy]

Clematis Montana is, in my opinion, the easiest clematis to grow. You just plant it and let it do its thing. It grows very fast and will climb over anything if you let it.

@DeborahJane We not only get local people coming but people from all over the country. We have thousands of plants for sale (propagated by my wife), lots of lovely homemade cakes and tea and coffee, a book stall, craft and jewellery stalls, even jars of local honey for sale, and entertainment all day long.

There are Flamenco Dancers, singers, Salsa dancers, belly dancers and a Ukulele band. They are all volunteers, including everyone who helps on the day. All the money raised goes to a local charity for mentally handicapped children. All the administration at the charity is also done by volunteers so the money raised is used directly for the children.

 

[Becky]

Those irises are beautiful! It's great to have you here @Bootsy