“There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it.”
Minnie Aumonier
The month of April included all four seasons – cold, rainy days, storms and at long last glorious sunshine!
Daffodils
Although my dwarf Narcissus are dying off, there are several species of Daffodils creating a vibrant display in pots and flowerbeds. Their sunshiny smiles brighten up cloudy days…
May will welcome a new species called Sundisc.
Hyacinths
I love to grow Hyacinths indoors for their fabulous scent, and then transplant them outside:
Keukenhof Inspiration
I felt inspired to grow mixed varieties of Tulips after my visit to The Keukenhof Gardens in May 2017.
My archway is adorned with two pots of Candy Prince, Purple Prince and Flaming Flag.
I planted 50 new coral Tulips in this corner. The varieties are Van Eijk, Toronto and Mystic Van Eijk.
There are LOTS of other Tulips in bloom around the garden. Here is a small selection:
Top Tip
If you are like me and forget where all your bulbs are hiding each autumn, try the following:
- In autumn, plant as many bulbs as possible in pots – with good labelling!
- Survey any gaps in your bedding the following spring,
- Transfer your new bulbs to any vacant spots – either before or after flowering…
New Climbing Roses
My Sage plant was past its best, so I removed it and planted some of its offshoots in a new spot. This freed up space for a new climbing Rose. I chose “The Generous Gardener,” a lovely pale pink variety:
It will partner my “James Galway” Rose on the opposite side of this arch.
I envisage them living happily ever after…
A Tribute to my Late Sister
I wanted to plant a Rose in memory of my sister Margaret, who died on 1 September. She had glorious auburn hair.
“Crown Princess Margareta” felt like the perfect tribute. She will climb up this trellis, and create a mass of scented orange blooms.
Jobs for April
April is the perfect time to:
- Remove old growth that has given shelter to mini beasts over winter,
- Lift and divide biennials and perennials – I have lots of new Foxglove and Native Yellow Primrose babies,
- Move any perennials that are in need of a better spot – I moved Hollyhocks and my Salvia “Hotlips,”
- Prune Roses, and feed with specialized Rose fertilizer,
- Clean and paint garden furniture,
- Sow seeds,
- Visit garden centres, other gardens and flower shows for inspiration,
- Plan for new purchases,
- Sit outside and enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and glorious sunsets…
Brigid P. Gallagher is a retired natural medicines therapist, passionate organic gardener and author of “Watching the Daisies- Life lessons on the Importance of Slow,” a holistic memoir dedicated to the art of mindfulness and healing from debilitating illness.
Watching the Daisies 
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Many thanks. I appreciate your support. 🌼
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Lovely!
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Thank you Cynthia. It is my little haven. 🌼
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Lovely post. I like your rose for Margaret. That is such a sweet thing to do in honor of your sister.
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Thank you. I am looking forward to the beautiful orange blooms.
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Hello Brigid. I love round up posts as they are a good way to view your garden and compare it each month aren’t they? Those 50 new coral tulips look splendid. I’m going to take my tulips out this weekend as they have gone over now and the foliage is also dying back. I was thinking of storing them but I like your idea about putting them where you would put bedding. I did think I would try to create a cutting border as suggested by Monty Don. I think that would look lovely next year but I haven’t quite decided yet. Some of my bulbs are about 5 years old so they may be passed it! Thank you for sharing your post with the May #MyGloriousGardens. I have a guest taking over the reigns in June but I hope you will still join in. Best wishes. Xx Sophie
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Thank you Sophie. I lifted some of my tulips last year and waited a while before replanting them. They were a bit miffed and did not do so well this year. Some tulips do better than others but some run out of steam.😉Enjoy your break. I hope the house all come together for you soon. X 🌼🌼🌼
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Your garden must be such a delight for you! I know I find tranquility in mine. The moment I step beyond the fence I relax. I actually sigh out loud. Being out in the yard actually helps me to “take a slow down”, a saying I say often. I often move at the speed of light and I’ve decided to “take a slow down” in order to absorb everything around me. I am happy I’ve found your blog. It will be so nice to have your posts in my reader now! Yay. Enjoy your weekend. Koko 🙂
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Thank you Koko. I could not thrive without my garden. It is my haven. Happy weekend. 🌼
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I love the daffs. Too bad they last two weeks at best.
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Thank you. I mostly have the miniature daffs now and they fare a bit better. 🌼
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[…] The Generous Gardener Rose made her debut in my post The Garden in April 2018 HERE […]
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Now know rose named after James Galway. Lovely idea to name a rose after your late sister.
Mum r.i.p loved daffodils & so do I.
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[…] The Garden in April 2018 shared by Brigid […]
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