Let’s cut to the chase. I didn’t plant any bulbs last weekend. In fact, I ended up accidentally digging some up. What was that? That’s the complete opposite of planting bulbs? Quite. Unfortunately, two other garden related jobs ended up taking up far longer than anticipated. The first was a last minute, spur of the moment thing: digging up a Jasminum beesianum. More rampant than the Jasminum officinale (both of which were already growing in the garden when the house was purchased back in 2012) it was getting silly. Despite a severe chopping earlier in the year it was as tall and entwined as ever. It was time for it to go. I started enthusiastically enough, but over the course of 2 and a half hours (admittedly only marginally longer than it took me to figure out how to turn my laptop off after switching to Windows 11) enthusiasm was gradually replaced by regret at having started the task, soon followed by despair, bargainings with any potential deities that would listen and lots of dark mutterings. However, the surprisingly substantial stump and roots were dug up in the end. And the second job? Well, that leads me to my first Six on Saturday.
1. As soon as I’d put in the small pre-formed pond 5 or so years ago I wished I’d gone for something larger. This year it got rather swamped by neighbouring plants and the decision was made to expand it. The liner and protective fleece arrived the other week and I set about emptying and pulling out the pre-formed pond, a task made more complicated upon discovering overwintering tadpoles (rather a surprise but apparently they can delay becoming frogs if they want to) and 4 hibernating frogs at the bottom of the pond (another surprise, for all concerned). Nearby plants (and bulbs) were dug up, the hole extended, lined, filled with water and the edges adjusted, readjusted and then adjusted again. The tadpoles seem happy enough and hopefully the frogs nodded off soon after they were returned to their new home. I have but one concern; whether the roots of nearby shrubs will extend towards the pond and damage the liner. Time will tell I guess.
2. Not all that far away is the Digitalis x ‘Foxlight Rose Ivory’ that first featured back in July. It’s still flowering.
3. But it hasn’t been flowering as long as the honey scented Alyssum.
4. Next up is Coreopsis ‘Bengal Tiger.’ Planted last year, it hasn’t done quite so well this time (I suspect due to swampage by other plants) but it’s going out with a roar. Well, a loud miaow. Okay, possibly just a purr.
5. When the Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Profusion’ was first featured in October the berries were just beginning to turn purple. I wasn’t sure I was going to be so keen when they went full-on purple but now that there’s less colour to be found in the garden I rather like them.
6. And finally… The sweetly scented Coronilla subsp. glauca ‘Citrina’ that grows in the back garden has started blooming and will go on blooming into April next year. No garden should be without one.
They were my Six on Saturday. For more Sixes on Saturday, from all around the world, take a look at the site of the chap who started it all over at https://thepropagatorblog.wordpress.com.
One Man And His Garden Trowel 
The purple berries are lovely. Alyssum is something that is such a lovely classic.
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Yes, I wish I’d rediscovered Alyssum years ago.
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The newly extended and refurbished pond looks great. I also feel suitably enlightened about tadpoles too.
I will take your instruction (“No garden should be without one.”) to heart and see if I can’t get hold of a Coronilla!
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If it doesn’t do well or you dislike the fragrance please don’t quote this back to me! They’re relatively short-lived apparently as far as shrubs go.
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Very nice arrangement of your extended pond. Is the liner EPDM? Because it’s what is most resistant for the roots of the surrounding shrubs… I did it for mine. The cordyline and the Kojo roots won’t pass.
Beautiful callicarpa berries. I will be checking mine this afternoon but I’m sure they are similar, maybe a little more leaves.
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Thank you. LDPE Flexiliner, whatever that is.
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Lovely photos in your six this week and how funny, we’ve both posted about foxgloves from opposite ends of the earth! The pond looks great and I’m sure the frogs will be happy there.
My garden is sighing under the weight of alyssum which has gone everywhere, but does make a nice connection between other plants.
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Yes, the Alyssum is a sort of unifying plant. I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the foxglove. In theory it’s supposed to be a perennial variety so hopefully it’ll survive the winter.
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With a larger pond, you will probably have even more frogs next year, and thus fewer slugs. These jobs always take longer than first planned for.
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Fewer slugs. Now that would be wonderful. I’ve found someone at work who wants the old pond which is a relief as I didn’t want it to go to waste.
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I love that Coronilla. We grew one in a half barrel at the back door for years and really enjoyed it.
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They are great plants. We have another variety near the front door (yellower flowers) that is just starting to some into flower.
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I was so happy to read that the tadpoles and frogs were re-homed to the new pond – good news for all! I love that foxglove…..
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The tadpoles seem to be enjoying their bigger home. Fingers crossed they survive any cold snaps over the winter.
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Good work on the pond! I could do with you here. However, I am hesitating about my pond idea having read that rats like a water source and I don’t want to encourage them into my garden, unfortunately with open barns next door there are plenty of rats close by. Love that foxglove and the Coronilla – sounds much better than my feeble winter honeysuckle at providing scent during the winter months.
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Thank you! They do reckon you’re never that far away from rats which is something I try not to think about, especially with the bird feeders (although we definitely have a mouse or two in the garden). I remember in our old garden a young rat suddenly appeared in the garden when my mother-in-law was visiting and she cried “watch out for your trouser legs” convinced it would climb up them for some reason.
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I have had to take my bird feeders inside for now. Hoping when I put them out again the ratties will have forgotten. Apparently they can smell suet, which is a shame because the sparrows love the suet balls.
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Fabulous berries on the Callicarpa, and while they might seem too much at another time of the year some colour is welcome now. I’m sure it was worth all the hard work on the pond. It’s looking good.
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Thank you. I did my back in and could barely stand up straight by the time I’d finished it but thankfully my wife’s a Bowen therapist and fixed me!
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Well done on winning the battle with the jasmine, and the pond looks great, like it has always been that size. So great that the frogs have set up home chez vous. I remember your Coronilla, not something I see around here or in garden centres but will keep an eye out!
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The pale yellow variety is often in the climber section in garden centres round here. Apparently they’re not all that long lived as far as shrubs go – probably all that flowering they do!
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Congratulations on the successful stump eradication and expansion of your pond. Wonderful to hear about the wildlife that’s found a home there. Coronilla is indeed a beauty. What a gorgeous, subtle color variation in the petals.
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I always think the flowers look a bit pea like. The foliage is evergreen too which is an added bonus during the winter.
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Evergreen foliage is a huge bonus.
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You have been busy! Your Number 5 is a beautiful colour. Every time I see that plant, I think I must get one. Interesting Six-on-Saturday again.
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It’s definitely an interesting shrub – although apparently with some varieties they advise growing a few to guarantee pollination and berries.
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