Spring flowers around Appletree Cottage and Shandon Farm

For the third year in a row we are having a long, dry, sunny period in Spring.  Whilst very pleasant we do have to keep an eye that recent plantings and young flora don't run dry.  Here are a few things which are in full bloom in this beautiful weather....

This year we tried a selection of Tulips.  These bulbs produce flowers in many different  colours and styles.  Particularly satisfying were the red and yellow variety we planted in an old  fam feeding trough. 

Tulip from above

Tulips need protection from the deer who just love to eat them!

Ragged edge tulip is quite unusual and attractive

These tulips worked very well in an old feeding trough

Forget-me-nots grow wild now having been introduced as a small clump.  Pretty and tenacious they have spread to many parts of the farm.  We're encouraging them to take over even more as they are very attractive at this time of year.

Forget-me-nots are satisfyingly prolific

Daffodils are a good reliable favourite.  This double crown offers an alternative to the common variety..  Near the Appletree sign by the gate there are some with miniature heads.

Daffodils in front of Appletree Cottage

Miniature headed daffodils by the Appletree Cottage sign

Double crown daffodil

Stone feeding troughs which we inherited when we took over the farm have proved very useful planters.  A few holes drilled in the base and they're ready to go...

Wall flowers are very attractive - especially when planted against the white harling.  This particular one has been coming back for year after year..

Wallflowers come back year after year

During the Covid 19 lockdown we've taken the opportunity the start a rock garden in the cottage garden along with picket fence and gate.  Two colours of rhododendrons (red and white) have been planted along with grasses, primroses and a large selection of bulbs.

Early days of the new rockery garden at Appletree Cottage

Keep safe!