Should be a picture of pristine Cyclamen coum, but no. Once again, Freddie the Fox has ruined it. Every morning I am presented with his calling card, often on the path, sometimes on top of a pot, but mostly on a plant. Today, he excelled himself.
However, pristine Osmanthus in the early morning sun cheered me up and gives me an idea. If all my plants were spiky like Osmanthus, Freddie might find things a tad uncomfortable.
Hardwood rose cuttings from November 2020, grew well and even flowered last year, just cut back and potted up separately to give away to friends and fellow gardeners in return for some of their lovelies. Incredible root systems after just 12 months growth, needed 2 litre pots to accommodate them.
In my continuing war against the local cat population who seem to think it amusing to lie in wait for the finches on the birdfeeders, this new ultrasonic device is recommended by the RSPB and is mains powered to ensure even the deafest cat will hear it!
Bright and breezy day ahead according to the Himalayan birches. Storm Malik approaches but we will just get the tail end of the winds.
A sign of better things to come. Hemerocallis ‘Dad’s Best White’ emerging from the cold clay soil and getting ready to put on his fantastic display. But later, much later.
Have a great weekend
David
Davids Garden Diary 
Snap! Except our fox is named Phil! Although two Phil’s were spotted at 4pm today – yes the poops are annoying and smelly.
Very impressive junior roses. What sort of compost did you use please before and after potting on. This assumes you did change it.
I am embarrassed to say that it was a mixture of ordinary seived garden topsoil and spent peat free compost from bulb planters. I try to recycle as much used compost as possible, particularly when nutrients are not required as in the case of seeds or cuttings. They are potted on into a mix of 50/50 peat free multi purpose and John Innes No 3.
Thanks for that David. It makes sense to recycle old compost as described.