Weekend Gardening
By Jackie Money
@olliesmum (828)
Norwich, England
July 7, 2019 5:55am CST
I went out into my garden this morning to see how my plants were after a day of showers yesterday. It's amazing just how much good a hefty shower can do to a garden.
The first thing I noticed was that I had a load of raspberries just ripe so I gathered them quickly before the birds got them.
I have three Lavenders which I keep in a pot. They're three different varieties and the plan is to let them grow there for a couple of years before planting them out in the garden but, in the meantime, take cuttings off them t. I noticed this morning that two of the plants have flower buds on them - great for the bees!
I love Love in a Mist (Nigella). The plants have a wonderfully feathery look and the flowers are so delicate. and, when they finish flowering I'm left with black cumin seeds for the kitchen! These were coming along quite well two days ago but, after a good drenching yesterday, I can see buds forming. Love in a Mist brings back memories of when I lived at home. Dad always called them Snog in a Fog ... a name that's stuck with all family members over the years!
Likewise my Sweet Peas are now growing nicely and mingling in with my Rose. It looks as if I'm going to have a good number of flowers on them shortly.
I planted up some nasturtium seeds as they're brilliant for using in salads (leaves, petals and seeds) or you can pickle the seeds (capers) which again are great with salads or on a pizza... or just save them for use next year!
Even my white Hydrangea seems to have perked up and I can't wait to see those green globes to turn into gorgeous fluffy white clouds.
All in all, I'm quite pleased with my garden this year and I'm looking forward to taking photos of the plants as they progress.
8 people like this
10 responses
@owlwings (43897)
• Cambridge, England
7 Jul 19
I am chuckling from time to time - well, snorting might be a better description - at "Snog in a Fog"! Yes the seeds are sometimes called 'black cumin' or 'black onion seed' and, of course, they are neither. Cumin is an umbellifer and onion is an allium while Love-in-the-Mist (nigella) is related to the buttercup. It's a very ancient spice. Seeds of it have been found in Egyptian tombs. I have bought it from our local Indian shop as 'kalonji' and I have to say I don't use it much but I have heard it said that you can reduce the amount of salt needed in a dish by using a little nigella seed.
2 people like this
@olliesmum (828)
• Norwich, England
7 Jul 19
I didn't know that you can reduce salt if you use the seeds. I'll have to give it ago if and when they flower.
1 person likes this
@owlwings (43897)
• Cambridge, England
7 Jul 19
@olliesmum There are several herbs and spices which you can use. Savory (dried) is one which I have used but it's very hard to find it on its own. It is usually included in the Italian herb mixes. Basil is also useful.
1 person likes this
@pumpkinjam (8876)
• United Kingdom
8 Jul 19
It seems like your garden is doing very well. I was out in mine yesterday, trying to get rid of weeds and nettles that had grown taller than me. I'm not very good at gardening, although I do sometimes enjoy it. Unfortunately, I don't get much time to do anything in there, especially when it's dark when I get home. Hopefully, my partner and I will get it cleared and we're going to cover it in gravel or something!
1 person likes this
@pumpkinjam (8876)
• United Kingdom
11 Jul 19
@olliesmum I will probably let my partner decide on anything like that. I once tried to keep herbs, which are supposed to be easy, and I killed them! I wouldn't mind have stones/slabs and build a barbecue but the garden isn't big enough for a barbecue. My partner mentioned having a few potted plants in the smaller areas.
1 person likes this
@olliesmum (828)
• Norwich, England
11 Jul 19
Make sure you don't put plastic down as it's not good for the wildlife. We've got a bit of lawn which we cut once a week so you might want to go for that and then you can have flower beds around the edge which you can use for shrubs which take very little looking after and, in order to keep the weeds at bay, try putting gravel or wood chips round them.
1 person likes this
@olliesmum (828)
• Norwich, England
7 Jul 19
I find it so relaxing. Everything these days seems to have to be done at double speed but nature can't be hurried so it's a great way to de-stress.
1 person likes this
@HazySue (39265)
• Gouverneur, New York
7 Jul 19
@olliesmum That would be wonderful. I can'[t wait to see them.
1 person likes this
@olliesmum (828)
• Norwich, England
7 Jul 19
When they flower I'll put some pics up for you to see.
1 person likes this
@JustBhem (70555)
• Davao, Philippines
7 Jul 19
@olliesmum I have tried planting on pots sadly, cats ruined them.
1 person likes this
@olliesmum (828)
• Norwich, England
7 Jul 19
Can you use pots? Nasturtiums are happy growing in pots as are most herbs. I have even grown tomato plants in pots.
1 person likes this
@Miss_Leafy (4296)
• Colombia
7 Jul 19
I like gardening. I wish I can see your plants next time
1 person likes this
@olliesmum (828)
• Norwich, England
7 Jul 19
Provided they bloom I'll make sure I put some pics up for you.
@cherigucchi (15934)
• Philippines
7 Jul 19
How I wish I can also have a little garden in my own backyard but I am living in an apartment-type house but I also have pots at the roof top
1 person likes this
@olliesmum (828)
• Norwich, England
7 Jul 19
I'm sure there are more nutrients in rain water than there are in water out of a tap.
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@JudyEv (381760)
• Rockingham, Australia
8 Jul 19
Your garden does seem to be progressing well. Snog in a fog - 
