The Secret Garden


I thought I had killed it.
The Montana clematis that I planted eleven years ago was pruned hard in the autumn, and up to only a week or so ago, I was convinced that this year it would not have crowned the homemade iron gate my brother in law forged for us when the garden was made.
I need not have worried for in a space of what seems like days, it has burst into life on the gate arch and has transformed the garden back into the secret bolt hole I always wanted it to be.
True, visitors now have to bend double to get through the gate, but I've always kind of liked that.
It makes the garden feel, well......cosy.
I'm writing this in the garden with George.
The other dogs and Albert are all in bed as it is still early.
George is waiting for the crusts and eggy bits left over from breakfast and he has just started to drool
This is his very individual daily treat .
I'm rather introspective today.
But That's not for here.

52 comments:

  1. Quiet time in a garden, with a much loved companion (regardless of how many legs they have) is a wonderful way to start the day.

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  2. Oh, that it is your decision is something which we all take for granted, but do you really HAVE to leave?

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  3. I like a garden gate like that. I'm off to see another film.

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  4. I love to imagine what is beyond the gates like yours John. Do you have any more viewings of your cottage planned? I am sure that the Clematis would be a clincher in its sale. x

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  5. Lovely photo, John. Our Betty likes the corner bits of our morning toast too, especially with peanut butter on it. Have another hug x

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  6. The Clematis looks amazing and certainly does give it that "Secret Garden" feel. Your garden looks so interesting - a true cottage garden. I love to see other people's gardens. Oh how can you leave such a wonderful place??!! Hope wherever you go the dogs and Albert will be happy to. I'm also wondering if Sue has taken Irene home with her yet?

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  7. We had an old clematis in Connecticut that I thought had been killed twice, first by deck contractors and then by a friend who “weeded” it out. It came back both times seemingly overnight. Yours and that gate are charming.

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  8. The gate with the clematis invites you to walk through. Beautiful.

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  9. There is something slightly different about the picture, take care, find something fun today.

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  10. It makes me happy when you tell us about George. He is my favourite of your brood and I'm so pleased he gets some alone time with you, being at the end of the pecking order.

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  11. It just begs you to walk through it!

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  12. Beautiful clematis! Cutting it back seems to have done the trick! My success with clematis is hit and miss. I think they need to be on a south facing wall. -Jenn

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  13. You describe a sweet quiet moment with George. It sounds very nice.

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  14. It sounds idyllic, and looks beautiful . Introspective is the word of the moment here too ☺

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  15. Beautiful entrance to a secret garden - but I hope you soon feel happier about things. Have a (((((hug)))))

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  16. The photo is beautiful. When a plant comes up after you think it is lost is nice. I am really pleased when that happens and think of it as a gift.

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  17. The flowers encircling the gate just about make it a perfect entry. I've been trying to get rid of a rose bush and cut it down mercilessly. Back it comes, no matter what, so now I guess it's here to stay.

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  18. A perfect place to be with the perfect companion. Enjoy your day.

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  19. Will you have to leave the gate behind John when you leave?

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  20. Ours covers our intire shed and rhe shed is falling apart, hoping I can save the clematis. It's stunning again. One year I cut it back and had no flowers.

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  21. Wow, that is beautiful! Happy to see it worked out for you.

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  22. It must be lovely to have such a private, secret area all to yourself. Dear George...enjoy your special breakfast sweetie.

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  23. You and George together in the secret garden - sounds like a peaceful, restful time - probably just what you both need. x

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  24. I've got a later flowering variety of Clematis (Royal Velours. It's been uprooted & moved house with us and is doing fine. Actually more than fine - it's rampant! I swear some of it has grown a foot in a couple of days.

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  25. Gorgeous and Enchanting! What a lovely and magical garden you have! And to share it with a wonderful friend makes it an even more special, ethereal place.

    Thank you for sharing such an intimate and beautiful moment.

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  26. Our house in NY had a pool house and due to neglect, the pool house was totally covered, buried in clematis vines.
    I avoided going near it because there were some very happy bees who did not want to be disturbed but I enjoyed the sight of it from the house windows.

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  27. What a wonderful passionate plant.

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  28. What a special, peaceful morning for you and George. I love the Clematis and the inviting look it gives your garden.

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  29. John, what's your email again?

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  30. Anonymous5:28 pm

    Looks absolutely chocolate-box gorgeous! This introspection has been simmering for awhile. Hmmmm hope it all works out. Also very understandably, you will not want to say if you have an accepted offer on your property, as your buyers might here about this blog. Neighbors/estate agents can let these facts drop. George....perfect company. He is so appreciative. MaggieB

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  31. Anonymous5:29 pm

    Here= hear

    MaggieB

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  32. The clematis is gorgeous. A hard pruning does a lot of plants good.

    I'm so glad George has special time with you.

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  33. Beautiful photo - the clematis looks all the better for it's hard pruning.

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  34. Beautiful ! I miss my garden gate I had years ago.
    I am making a small secret garden and can not wait to see it grow.
    iwinston drools also I love it.

    cheers, parsnip

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  35. Forgive me for saying but you are a little poignant of late. Hope all is well. XXXX

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    1. Debi.9:28 pm

      It is hard John,but I hope that whatever you decide..that you are happy with.Best wishes,xxx

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  36. We wish this beauty would survive in our 'zone 5B/6A'.
    We have tried but to no avail.
    Yours is wonderful.

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    1. Jimbo they need their faces in the sun and their roots in the shade

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  37. Spring happened here just like that, in a few days. I've heard clematis called The Queen of Vines.

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  38. I think you have been pruned hard of late.

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  39. I wish my clematis would would grow like yours. I get just a few flowers every year, but I must confess to not taking very good care of it.

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  40. When you love something so and you have to let go ..it's hard, very hard!
    I am looking around my farm with keen eyes for memories ... when the light is fading and the horizon turns purple over the waving grass - just like your clematis bursting into magnificent bloom, they are the good things we take with us when we leave for other meadows or horizons.
    Give George a tickle under the chin for me x

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  41. Beautiful picture. Will you be leaving the gate when you move or taking it with you ?

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  42. Looking lovely . . .
    Now I am ready for your introspection . . .

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  44. Beautiful clematis and a drooling dog - perfect :-) x

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  45. John, I look at the clematis and iron gate and want to explore. I can hear the birds chirping and absolute bliss. I have so many wonderful memories of all the flowers and gardens my grannies and Mamma had. You have a special, unique bond with all your fur babies! 💚 Gabs

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