Renovations, rockeries and really big leeks...

Its a mix and match post this week, offering a view of several parts of the garden: Montys garden, the rockery and the greenhouse. I've been in the middle of renovations throughout the garden. Before we open this summer, there are paths to be laid, plants to planted and seeds to be sown...

Second alpine sink ready to plant. I've used pieces of hypertufa to create a 'crevice garden'. The acute drainage between the crevices will enable some of the more choice alpines to thrive.

Over the past few days I've been doing some renovations in Monty's garden. As the site naturally inclines, I've decided to put in two stone steps, raising the level of the path. Some of the rocks are very old and have some wonderful colonies of moss growing on them. At the moment we have sand on the paths but, once finances allow, I shall be putting down slate chippings I think. 

Ashwood hybrids hellebore performing above the rich purple of heuchera 'Midnight rose'.

Planting around the pebble pool is advancing. I've also added some old mossy rocks to the pools edge for an instant look of maturity.

A different view, looking across to Montys garden. A new trellis has been put up against the greenhouse. This will enable us to grow sweet peas at the back of the border along with mina lobata (Spanish flag).

The rockery is gearing up for a good spring show. There are a few gaps where I've removed some conifers which had gotten too big for their allocated space so, come spring, I will be able to get some new additions.

At the moment cyclamen coum is holding the stage...

There are various Iris popping up, all at various stages. Katherine Hodgkin is just going over. Pauline (purple) is just in full bloom now (in the photo above). There are several others just poking through, Sheila Ann Germaney and Joyce to name a couple.

A little beauty looking good right now is this Scilla mitschenkoana. This was planted in the first alpine sink I made. Although only a single bulb/stem this year, it will steadily clump up and produce even more of these delicately beautiful flowers.

For the veg-lovers out there...My Pendle Improved leeks are now out from under artificial daylight and just sitting with a little bottom heat. They are currently on 10" collars and in 3ltr pots. Towards the end of next month I shall be looking to move them up to the unheated tunnel which will give me a lot more room in the greenhouse for more seed sowing and pricking out.