GARDENS ON THE WEB

LOCAL SUMMER GARDENS

Observations during the months of May and June have shown many local gardens to be really coming along strong with flower and plant/shrub growth. In particular three local gardens have CANNAS. These are predominately foliage plants often seen in Mediterranean countries and are now largely grown in the British Isles. A number of different types of Cannas can be obtained from many garden centres - varieties include President and Lucifer - though other varieties are available. In addition to the attractive foliage Cannas produce a beautiful flower - Canna President for example produces a deep red flower and vigorous tall growth. Canna Lucifer is smaller in growth and produces a bi-coloured flower. This is red and gold. If you buy them in a container they can be planted out at this present time of year. During the month of October care must be taken to protect your Cannas from frost. Either cut down the foliage and cover the plant with straw or manure. Or as an alternative lift the whole plant from the soil, transplant it into a suitable plant pot and store in a bright frost free place for the duration of the winter months.

As the summer months bring local gardens into full colour the Scottie Press will photograph a selection of gardens for this webpage and hopefully feature some local residents who can tell us about their gardens. We start this addition to the webpage with a selection of photographs taken in Tom and Alice O'Keeffe's garden.

TOM AND ALICE O'KEEFFE'S GARDEN

Tom and Alice O'Keeffe are pictured holding a favoured red rose from their garden - the rose bush bought as a birthday present to Tom (by Alice) some 14 years ago. Tom and Alice have lived in their house with a garden for a little over 15 years having previously lived in tenement flats. Their new garden needed a lot of work as much building rubble needed clearing before and gardening could begin.
Gradually the garden began to take shape and after several years bloom with an abundance of colour from a wide mix of plant, bush and flower. Tom and Alice also succeeded in growing a variety of vegetables.
Sadly some 10 years after moving into their new build property a design fault was detected in the walls of the garden which resulted in the wall being demolished and rebuilt. Tom and Alice managed to salvage what plants they could and after the building work was completed replant. Many of the plants placed in alternative spots in the garden. Thankfully most, including the red rose bush, have done well.
In recent years Tom and Alice have enjoyed "the fruits of their labour" (as Tom says) by being able to take pleasure in seeing other rose bushes bloom along with other plants (see pictured).

All who visit Tom and Alice admire their Conifer which was bought as a 'miniature' - not so miniature now as it stand almost 7ft tall.

Feedback to ronformby@scottiepress.org.uk