Still containing my soul in patience. Waiting for the weather to be kind enough, that the prunings can be tucked into the 'didn't make it thru the summer' gaps. I call the rose garden - this way to Paradise. Paradise is a Persian (now Iranian?) word for garden. An oasis of cool shade, with water to be seen and heard. A high surrounding wall, somewhere to sit. Flowers (of course), bulbs and roses. With the four rivers of Paradise, four paths, four beds.
Top left, the entrance (that's Pushed out of Paradise), with flourishing transplanted roses, backed by giant/Spanish reeds. Invasive aliens - but they provide wildlife habitat for the weaver birds - which is another reason why we chose this plot. Top right, I am peering thru Tropical Sunset and Casanova which are towering over my head (with a distant glimpse of waterfall). Will be pruned back with long stalks, as I harvest the flowers which are coming thru now. Bottom left - the Dark Side, with Papa Meilland waving above the wall. Bottom right - blue foliage to set off pink flowers.
In the centre around the sun-dial I am working on displaying the four sets of different coloured foliage (and flowers). Top left - we had Festuca glauca, but the heat seems to be too much for it. Dianthus is happy, will spread that first clump around. Also variegated Tulbaghia. Purple Dimorphotheca jucunda would be happily prepared to claim the entire bed thanks! Santolina seems happy, just hate the nasty mustardy yellow flowers. Bottom right - ivory striped Liriope, and various golden grasses battling on.
You have had the long, the wide view. But there are flowers. Another reason why I pick them, to enjoy in the house - instead of leaving them to make toast in the garden. Top left - Perfume Passion with a few drops of the last rain shower. Top right - Peace. Bottom left - Courvoisier, smells delectable, and brings bunches of flowers as it gets going again. Bottom right - Pennisetum Rubra, bought for the Dark Side.
Hello Diana, You have a lovely garden~A paradise indeed. I never knew that paradise meant garden; but it surely makes sense. Now don't laugh, but I have finally seen the elephant's eye in your header! Fantastic!...Aragon looks so comfy in the sun. Don't you think every garden needs a cat~gail
ReplyDeleteHi Diana, I love your way of describing your garden as the four rivers of paradise with four paths, and four beds. I have a very similar layout in mind for my garden - maybe that's universal? Do you have a photo on your blog somewhere of the entire rose garden? I'd love to see it. Barbara
ReplyDeleteIt is always fascinating to look into another part of the world and see a different season.
ReplyDeleteBut cats look the same wherever they are - generally comotose!
I love that you bring your roses inside to enjoy them. Peace is one of my favorite varieties :-)
ReplyDeleteGail - what's to laugh? As I wrote on my Why Elephant's Eye page, most of the LOCALS look at me blankly.
ReplyDeleteYes, the cat. One day in Switzerland went bouncing home from work. And thought, first thing I'll do is call the cat. Wrong country, no cat to call.
Barbara - if you click the Roses Tab? Very difficult to photograph four beds, so I cheat with a collage.
EasyG - comatose? Not at all, she is startled to hear that someone in Nashville Tennessee has downloaded her photo!
Diana, a couple of the words in this post, "Peace" (rose) and "paradise" describe gardening for me. Love the description of the Persian rose-garden layout ... making me rethink the plans for my new rose garden. Pam.
ReplyDeletePS "Persian" sounds much more romantic than "Iranian".
Pam - Paradise, or In a Persian Garden, comes up in gardening books. Have just added a link to an earlier post quoting one.
ReplyDeleteDelightful tour, Diana, and I'm awed that your cat's name is Aragon. What a fabulous cat name! I know Paradise gardens originated in Persia, but always think of Moroccan enclosed gardens and the hortus conclusus of the mediaeval monasteries when I think of paradise gardens. (Shame on me!) As for santolina, I agree about the flowers---and feel the same way about lamb's-ear flowers---and have absolutely no compunction about cutting off ugly blooms so I can enjoy lovely foliage.
ReplyDeleteOFB - she is Aragon, because he was Henry. Catherine of Aragon?
ReplyDeleteYou might consider sending, say, twenty degrees my way. Still a lot of snow to melt. My blue fescues are about the only thing looking good right now, sorry to hear you lost yours. I did like the shot with all the blue and silver foliage. The fact that you have roses blooming is just. Not. Fair.
ReplyDeleteChristine in Alaska
Christine - 27C this evening. If I sent you 20 we'd be what South Africa calls FREEZING IN HERE!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post..so many beauties to explore! I especially love when you add those shots in of your cat..so cute laying on the table!! Sweet!
ReplyDeleteKiki~