Poppies by the sea

These sumptuous silky blooms have struggled somewhat against ferocious winds and torrential rain. But when there is a break in this unseemly and unseasonal June weather, these gorgeous flowers unfurl and relax, luxuriating in the warmth of the sun.

My favourite is Patty's Plum with its grey/mauve blooms, and then it has to be the reddy-black poppy whose name I forget, coming closely third is the reddy-orange Papaver Orientale and following up at the rear is the mislabelled candyfloss pink poppy which I'm slowly getting used too.

Despite these flowers doing well in my seaside garden, it's when you see their wild cousin that you really admire these tough little blooms. Wheat-laden fields are fringed with red poppies at this time of year, and it is worth snatching a walk when the weather breaks to enjoy this fleeting sight.

Early Spring in a seaside garden

Hamamelis Pallida

Primroses

Spring time seems to have taken hold in the garden, and I now have a range of sunshine yellow blooms including bright narcissus, mellow primroses, and a zingy witchhazel. I am really pleased that the witchhazel has decided to bloom this year as it's been with me for at least three years, and despite having promising buds, they have come to nothing. So obviously it takes a little time to settle in.

These plants are joined by white crocus with a yolky stamen, hellebore foetidus and purple hellebores. The native hellebore foetidus (or it's rather unflatteringly name of Stinking Hellebore) is very happy down by the coast. It has meandered alongside the under-belly of a laurel hedge that I have and has an acid green flower, fringed with purple at this time of year. 

 Hellebore Foetidus

Purple Hellebore

 I have a really narrow shingle garden so try to make the most of the space, so was delighted when I found some rather ingenious plant holders that attach to the side of the fence. I have six now, and will change the plants through the year, starting with the narcissus and then moving through to trailing plants. I may try a bit of a veg theme with tumbling tomatoes, interspersed with chives or maybe even basil in the warmer summer months. 

Narcissus attached to fence