In the Dumfriesshire Garden I am surrounded by something special and important, but until recently I paid it little attention. Moss. Ubiquitous in a damp climate like ours. Taking many forms from close clinging to pin cushion plump. From slatey grey to deep forest green. Ubiquitous. Largely ignored. Settled and colonising the tops of stoneContinue reading “An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Moss”
Author Archives: David Graham Clark
An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Labyrinth
The Dumfriesshire Garden turf labyrinth was first laid out in summer 2020. To commemorate the suffering of those caught up in the Beirut fire that August, I planted a tiny Cedar of Lebanon at its centre. Since then, the simple three circle labyrinth has brought much reward in good times, and consolation in darker moments.Continue reading “An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Labyrinth”
An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Keeping on top of things
The Dumfriesshire Garden in south west Scotland started as a modest border at the back of a farm building that was under renovation as a home. Paradoxically, it began in the poorest piece of ground imaginable, where a thin layer of soil sat on top of bedrock. Gradually the scope of the garden extended, containedContinue reading “An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Keeping on top of things”
An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Jack in the Pulpit
When I first acquired my greenhouse a few years ago, I was soon drawn into the pleasure of growing what I considered to be more exotic plants, under glass. The first of these was Arisaema Candidissimum, with which I had considerable success, as can be seen here in the top image. I came across aContinue reading “An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Jack in the Pulpit”
An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Irises
‘Beware of gardeners bearing plants!’ I was once told. Yet that experience more or less accounts for the largest group of irises in the Dumfriesshire Garden, and none the worse for that in my view. The source of the Iris Siberica seen here was the contents of a couple of carrier bags, plants just pastContinue reading “An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Irises”
An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Hydrangeas
In contrast to other aspects of the Dumfriesshire Garden in 2024, it’s been really a good year for hydrangeas. I particularly like the hydrangea flowers when they are first appearing, especially the green-white paniculatas. And the lace-caps. But incredibly long-flowering plants that they are, hydrangeas can also a delight as they subtly gain or loseContinue reading “An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Hydrangeas”
An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Greenhouse
It was almost a second hand camper van, back in 2020. I was very tempted. Then reason kicked in. In all my years of gardening enjoyment, in various locations, I had never had my own greenhouse. Rationality prevailed and I chose daily enjoyment and utility over occasional camping breaks. It was undoubtedly the right decision.Continue reading “An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Greenhouse”
An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Ferns
The fern by the water in the featured image here comes from the edge of the Dumfriesshire Garden. This large plant with its gorgeous fronds spreading gently down to the water of the Pennyland Burn is growing wild. I’m fortunate to have such beauty in the ‘borrowed landscape’. There are indeed many native ferns inContinue reading “An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Ferns”
An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Early arrivals
Once things begin to move in the early season garden, every day can bring the pleasure of a new arrival. After a chilly spell, or perhaps at the end of days of false hopes, suddenly something is poking up through the leaf mould in the borders, with a clear message: Spring is round the corner.Continue reading “An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Early arrivals”
An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Dogwoods
Oh yes, I know that the cornus is a plant much maligned – especially the ones with variegated leaves. I’ve addressed this before and remain resolutely a dogwood devotee, a cornus connoisseur, albeit an amateur one. Even if they are often seen in car parks and on roundabouts, they continue to get my vote. First,Continue reading “An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Dogwoods”
Quotidian 