Newsletter August 2022
click on images to enlarge
Plants of the Month
2022 Callicarpa Profusion in drought
2021 Callicarpa Profusion
The current drought situation is having a terrible effect on all our gardens as you can see in my photographs. There will be no berries on the Callicarpa this year for the robins and other garden birds to enjoy. It is shallow-rooted so unable to access moisture lower down in the soil.
It has been interesting to see how my garden plants are coping with this continual lack of rain. Basically the deeper they root, the better they are growing. The photgraph below, taken two days ago, illustrates this well. 
My fuchsias planted in the ground are generally surviving well but this one, which has was here when I moved in 45 years ago and has never had any problems, is in a raised bed and is clearly unhappy. The dry, withered flowers are a clear sign of lack of water. I've moved my fuchsias in pots into the shade and watered regularly which has helped. I intend to make planting changes over the next year. Things have to change.
|
Artisans Corner News
Two new triptychs for the shop this month, they continue to be popular. Please remember you can also have one made with your own selection of images, just leave your order with my colleagues and I will contact you when it's ready to collect. I am delighted to be invited to continue as guest artist in Artisans Corner after my retirement from the shop early this year due to illness. I have a reduced profile there now in terms of artwork on display but I can be contacted directly, just pick up my business card there or use the Contact Diana form on this website.
Penarth Open Gardens Trail
It was such a pleasure to be opening again this year after my stroke in December last year. It was very busy for all of us taking part, even my tiny garden had over 120 visitors. It was hard work with the heatwave in the weeks leading up to the event but it was mercifully cooler - even some light rain! - for the weekend itself. My daughter Amanda and I co-hosted an art and textile craft exhibition which raised an additional donation to the Charity. A big "thank you" to her, her sisters Beverley and Joanna, family and friends for their wonderful support. I literally couldn't have done it without them and achieve this personal goal in my recovery. A second "thank you" also to all our visitors, it was so lovely to see you all.
|
