May was quite a busy month for us with two trips away - updates to follow in due course. But with us away the garden continues to launch into its summer mode.
The bottom patio is looking extremely lush at the moment. We have been thinning out the grape vine and Clematis armandii that cover the pergola to get a little more light down to the ground.
The pathway from the bottom patio to the greenhouse looks more overgrown than it actually is. The acer on the lower left hand side has taken a while to get established but now is keen to outgrow its space. Although I'm sure it would happily grow much taller than we are allowing.
Entering the bottom section of the garden and the jungle feel continues, the tree ferns are starting to leaf out and increase the levels of shade at the ground. Here too we have been thinning the upper storey plants to allow more light down at the ground level. We had neglected this task a little last year and the ground cover plants suffered as a result. However increased light and water in this area already seems to be paying dividends.
The Jungle Hut has started to age nicely, following its reconstruction five years ago. The cedar shingles on the roof are looking suitable aged now, but still give off the fabulous cedar aroma on warm days, to get some help on design our landscaping friends in Edinburgh could give you a hand.
Finally on this brief tour is the middle patio area - there is a patio there honestly, although there's quite a few pots taking up much of the space
Gaz
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
I'm beginning to feel that same feeling of being in a race with the garden's growth, but for me it's mostly the growth of weeds. So much to do, and no time to do it. Goodness, your jungle is lush!
ReplyDeleteSpring and summer always feels so frenetic with all plants growing so quick isn’t it? Wish this is much longer.
DeleteYour garden looks very jungle-y despite the pruning - the mark of true experts!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris!
DeleteReminds me of gardening advice I was given when I lived in the tropics - "Put it in the ground and when it gets too big, cut it back." I have to keep reminding myself you're in London.
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you all again :)
DeleteI have been traveling quite a lot this year and I know what a challenge it is to keep up when one is often away. I'm impressed at how great your garden looks in spite of frequent beer-drinking in distant lands.
ReplyDeleteWill be staying put for a little while this summer :)
DeleteFive years? Has the new jungle hut really been around that long? Gosh. The jungle itself is looking marvelous.
ReplyDeleteTime certainly flies doesn’t it! :)
DeleteOh it's looking most green and jungly enough to get lost in. This warm weather is certainly encouraging growth but we could do with a bit more rain here. Look forward to reading about your trips.
ReplyDeleteIt's looking like we'll all have more rain from tomorrow onwards...
DeleteAll that lovely, lush green. I love your London jungle. I'm so impatient for my garden to fill in.
ReplyDeleteTime flies, you'll get there :)
DeleteFive years? Isn't it time for you to build another hut or fish pond or something? ;)
ReplyDeleteNot a bad idea actually :)
DeleteDoesn’t it look fab! Jungle drums are beating..
ReplyDeleteDo you know the name of the acer in photo 2, I love the shape of its leaves.
Thanks Jessica! Name of that acer escapes me at the moment, oops!
DeleteYour garden always looks so lush and green! This time of year it really is a challenge to keep up with the rampant plant growth.
ReplyDeleteWow, lush! Your garden must feel so right in the heat we've had recently, very tropical. Good idea to let more light in - that's exactly what I've been doing in the garden under my window - one half was in total shade but that didn't stop the weeds. More weeding on the cards for tomorrow!
ReplyDelete