After two Summers in our home I finally got round to putting some summer blooms outside the front door. I sought some advice at our local garden centre as our front door faces north and I do know not everything thrives in the shade (I don't.) We are lucky to live near the gorgeous Ballyseedy Garden Centre, if you find yourself anywhere near Tralee - check it out.
Lobelia's and Busy Lizzies (impatiens) are the way to go apparently. Eschewing understated elegance for exuberant colour I chose a tray of pink busy lizzies, and blue trailing lobelias. I bought cheap plastic window boxes ( would have loved beautiful faded terracotta ones, but in the current climate... maybe next year) and a bag of compost. Our watering can mysteriously disappeared this winter (possibly in a wild Kerry storm) so I picked up one of those too, but no other tools required. All came to a very manageable sum so The Princess and I headed home to complete the project.
The Happy One helped too and apart from much compost spread over the patio, and grubby clothes (both easily solved), the whole project was a success and I am happy to report the lobelias and busy lizzies seem happy in their new home and my children are very proud of them. I do need to remember to water them on dry days but as they are at the front door they serve as a continuous reminder.
This was taken after about 2 weeks rapid growth.
The full effect... in case your wondering the sun does shine there at about 9pm on Summer evenings!
Tip: wear rubber gloves as it's easier than cleaning compost from under your nails!
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