This weekend there were so many bargains to be had that I hardly know where to start. I have been wanting to plant a grapevine at Shoestring almost since we moved in, and finally found one which fits the stringent financial criteria. ($2 at the local Anglican bring and buy.)
Of course there was no indication as to what sort of grape it may be, but as the fruit will most likely be scoffed by greedy birds that is not much of an issue. Another interesting plant was one which is apparently a clematis , but not the usual climbing type. It is a herbaceous plant and has brilliant blue flowers and I have popped it in on the shady side of the house hoping it will be happy there.
Of course there was no indication as to what sort of grape it may be, but as the fruit will most likely be scoffed by greedy birds that is not much of an issue. Another interesting plant was one which is apparently a clematis , but not the usual climbing type. It is a herbaceous plant and has brilliant blue flowers and I have popped it in on the shady side of the house hoping it will be happy there.
This idea was suggested by my mum Bobbie (aka Wobblie) when I was telling her how sad the venerable old cherry tree was looking where it had had various limbs lopped off, resulting in large round sawn off areas daubed with green paint. She thought hanging plates on the bare areas would be a nice idea and it turned out to be such a hit that I now want to scatter plates, and possibly cups and saucers, through the whole garden.
It is easy to find small plates cheaply priced but the larger ones tend to be a bit more expensive so it was a bonus to find two large ones this weekend (the top and bottom ones above). Then when I spotted the smaller ones I felt I had to take them home, they looked so forlorn the poor things. What to do with them though? Onto the trellis they went, soon they should be surrounded by climbing peas and beans, plus a rose which is about to flower beside them.
Also thanks to Bobbie I finally have a Philadelphus Virginalis (mock orange blossom), so the ambitious plan for a white/scented back garden is finally under way.
Next on the shopping list is a Michelia figo (port wine magnolia) which has insignificant flowers, but with an intense scent of winegums.
Next on the shopping list is a Michelia figo (port wine magnolia) which has insignificant flowers, but with an intense scent of winegums.
And on the same stall as the plates was this old print which had a very spotty glass. Fortunately that cleaned up well and Mr Shoestring has painted the frame for me also. It will look lovely in the colourful gypsy room.
Last but not least, no foraging expedition is quite complete without a bit of fabric as the icing on the cake. This week I found a brilliant old silk blouse which will be perfect for crazy quilts. It has such a wide variety of patterns included in the print that I will be able to use it in lots of different blocks.
