greentapestry : All Of A Flutter

Thursday 21 January 2010

All Of A Flutter



Oh what a to do. Goings on here this week included the demolition of 'The Temple' resulting in an unexpected hospital visit and a discovery. We erected the temple some ten years or more ago or so, in an effort to create some privacy at the back of the house. We live down in a hollow and are are overlooked from behind. 'The Temple' was one of himself's do it yourself creations and when completed was home to a clematis montana, clematis macropetela 'Markham's Pink', a clematis tangutica, a honeysuckle and a variegated ivy which I for some unknown reason let himself chose and have detested it since. It has now taken over the garage and some tendrils invade the interior. We are going to replace 'The Temple' with a taller structure which we hope will deal with the privacy factor better than its predecessor.

The above photo was taken last May a week or so before our garden club plant sale so there were plants and bags of compost everywhere. The clematis made a show of colour for two or three weeks each May and was scented. I am going to miss it but there are plans to plant another one. I do not know which montnana it was but will have fun doing some research before we purchase.



Himself's first job after removing much of the growth on 'The Temple' was to remove the trellises which acted as support for the plants. In doing so a lump of concrete landed on his temple ! One of the plinths at the top of a column had shattered and it was that which made an impact. I do not know why he was not wearing any protective cover on his head. He is a man - need I say more. Much blood ensued which we eventually staunched and this was followed by a trip to the minor injuries unit at the local hospital, where he was checked over and had his head glued and plastered. It could all have been so much more serious. Needless to say he has been on light work only since.



Before the injury happened himself had discovered some long forgotten items, including some wind chimes, a wooden spiral, a robin nesting box and a 'Green Man' which am delighted to be reacquainted with. He also removed some pots which were lurking at the back of 'The Temple'. I discovered them the next morning. One of them contained a little bowl which I must have at some point planted some snowdrops in. There must have been something else in the bowl too but I don't know what. The snowdrops were all leaning towards the light but am sure will right themselves up now they can see daylight. In the same small bowl were four young hellebore self seedlings which will flower this spring. I have cut the old foliage off and will plant them or give them the luxury of their own pots when they have flowered. It never ceases to amaze me that despite my efforts to thwart them that plants have such survival instincts.

16 comments:

  1. Anna:

    What a terrible accident to befall himself but am glad to hear that with a bit of plaster he is on the mend!

    This post reminds me of discovering a secret garden and the wonderful treasures that are hidden within! Imagine, Glanthus and Helleorus seedlings...... more to add to the collection. Trust this finds you well. Have you banished the dreaded snow yet? Still very cold and white here, but a most brilliant sun shining in a crystal blue sky!

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  2. I hope himself is ok now! Ouch, it must've hurt and no doubt he was seeing stars for a while!

    Oooh exciting planting, shame to get rid of the old but as you say at least you will get to plant more and it's always nice to get new plants and to watch them grow :)

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  3. Yikes, I'm sorry to hear about Himself's mishap. What IS it with men and foolhardiness? Mine has been accident prone this winter, when not breaking things around the house. {But we love them anyway.

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  4. Anna, Isn't it just like a man to be like, dare I say, a little boy? Mine climbs the ladder up to the roof with a heavy blower to clear the gutters - it always causes my heart to flutter. Happy himself's wound was not too serious.

    The Hellebore sure looks like a keeper (like himself, right?)!

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  5. Oh I hope himeself is feeling better, I cut my head open some time back and was glued up with superglue!!!

    I have spotted hellebore seedlings popping up all over the place this spring it will be interesting to see what the flowers are like

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  6. I am eager to see how this all turns out. The weather was nice today and at least I could get in the garden. Removing fallen limbs was actually a pleasure.

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  7. Good to hear, despite the injury, that he is well. And a lucky discovery of the galanthus and hellebores.

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  8. Oh Dear! these sudden dashes to the hospital ... we gardeners are constantly poking our eyes with brambles or like 'himself' allowing heavy things to fall down on our heads. Glad he was able to be glued back together Anna! What a lovely find... plants do have such a will to live. Then again so do gardeners and their 'himselves' . Good luck with the project!

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  9. I hope that himself is recovering well. I know how badly even minor head wounds bleed, so it must have been frightening! A little bit of garden archeology, and what treasures you find! I am looking forward to seeing the final result of your makeover.

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  10. Ouch! Best wishes to Himself for a speedy recovery. Looks like a large project, I am also looking forward to the final result. Lovely clematis. :)

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  11. I hope that Himself is on the mend. What an exciting project. I can't wait to see it all finished and with your new plants installed.

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  12. Oh poor Himself and you the good nurse! Must be careful out in the wilds, all of us. The Temple looks wonderful with no foliage, actually, if that is what the arbor is. And a green man! All good. Love the bowl and its contents. :-)
    Frances

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  13. Hi Anna
    I do hope you are taking good care of 'Himself' as he sounds rather handy when he's not injuring himself that is.
    I can't wait to see what himself is going to build you next in the Temples place.

    M x

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  14. Me again Anna. I meant to say wasn't it sad that Kate McGarrigle died this week. I remembered you like folk music ! she and her sister Anna were amazing and produced some fabulous music together, are you a fan ?
    M x

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  15. Glad Himself is okay! I bet it was fun rediscovering your hidden treasures. Can't wait to see your new structures and how what you plant.

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  16. Dear Anna,I love to come across follies when visiting gardens as they add such intrigue. I was rather sorry to see yours on the point of demolition but very much hope that a worthy successor will be resurrected in its place, if only to act as host to new climbers.

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All your comments are much appreciated and treasured. I wil try to reply to everyone who leaves a comment, but it may take me a few days, especially when I start spending more time in the garden and at the lottie. I know that you will understand :) I am sure that I will also visit your blog if I have not already done so. If you have any specific questions I will either reply to them here or you can email me at : thegreentapestry@gmail.com

Namasté

- Anna.