Lymingtongardener

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May 22nd 2026

Just looking around at what is out. It is two days to go before Lymington Open Gardens and things are coming together nicely. The weather looks to be glorious and the rain we had a few days ago has brought things on nicely.

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Random images from the Chelsea Flower Show 2026

fascinating as usual although so many go to be seen rather than to see I think. Crowds following the cameras wherever they went in the hope of catching a celebrity or even being caught on film themselves.

Many of the show gardens were more heavily filled with hard landscaping and as a result had sparcer planting. I prefer the areas where the planting is denser.

Evidently Valerian Officianalis will be spreading throughout gardens over the next few months.

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Bowood house and gardens, Wiltshire

The grounds, designed initially by Capability Brown for the earls of Lansdowne, are magnificent. Yet we enjoy this beauty without a thought that it was obscene wealth that created and maintained them. This leaves me conflicted over the value of beauty when it stems from such inequality.

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June 1st

Just took a few pictures to record what is out. The iris near the pond are in full bloom with persicaria complimenting them. The rose, Generous Gardener, next to the cornus capitata is glorious against a clear, blue sky. The magnolia, Yellow River, has had a second flush of flowers but the martigan lilies have suffered from lily beetle attack despite trying to keep a close eye out for them. But, Hey Ho! all is still lovely.

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From Bemerton to Salisbury via Broken Brifges and Harnham Mill

A lovely walk in the country where I was born and lived for nearly six years. The Mill at Harnham is fantastic and the views of the cathedral, over the water meadows, makes the walk that bit more special. In Salisbury, the works to Fisherton Street are ongoing but this road, once looking rather down-at-heel, is now beginning to look vibrant. Perhaps Salisbury is on the way back up after economic decline?

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We have a small fox family. This morning the vixen and two cubs came to call. Mum went out to seek breakfast, but the cubs stayed to explore and play. A delight.

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Green wall in Bradford on Avon

I think this is the best of its type I have seen.

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Kilver Court Gardens near Bath

I'm not a great fan of evergreens generally but this garden shows how effective they can be, with contrasting shapes and textures. But it's the viaduct that gives it its special character

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Lymington Open Gardens 26th May 2024

In support of St Barbe Museum, Lymington. Several varying gardens were opened to the public. a glorious day and the chance to have egos massaged by appreciative attendees.

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At last, a sunny day and time to play with the macro lens. It has been a tough year so far, too much rain and strong winds recently. many plants have suffered and blossom on the trees was blown away before a chance to set much fruit I fear. But open gardens in just over a month's time and so we must remain optimistic.

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More images from sculptures in Beaulieu

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Beaulieu Sculptures July 2023

Interesting and varied sculptures on display in the grounds and in Palace House. can't resist the distortions offered in the glass pieces in this set.

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Just a few pictures from this morning [July 24 2023]

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The garden in early July

Just had a wander and took a few close-ips of some of the flowers. Nothing special I suppose but I try to keep a record. June was blazingly hot and dry but July has started a lot cooler and breezy. many flowers, like Crocosmia Lucifer, seem to be flowering earlier than usual. lucifer seems doomed most years to get blown about and rain beaten, so perhaps rain is on the way?

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A brief walk around the garden in late June

The stars at the moment are the clematis. These are in full flower and the most floriferous ones have really done well this year (although we seem to have lost Westerplatte to wilt) It is that time of year when summer is beginning to burgeon while the late spring fowers have hung on in a few places.

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Ambleside Road, Broadmead Close and Goldmead Close help postman celebrate his birthday

Martyn Dymond, the regular postman for this particular part of Lymington, is a hero. He is always cheerful and much appreciated by his regular customers. So, to celebrate his imminent 60th birthday the residents clubbed together to give him a voucher towards equipment for his bike on his cycling tour of Majorca. A rousing version of Happy Birthday To You in both English and Italian and hearty wishes that he will soon be back as he will be missed.

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Damaged tulip

This multi-headed tulip was “accidentally” picked by a granddaughter but it makes a lovely picture I think