Thursday 31 May 2012: Rhododendron

Love them or hate them, you can't help but admire the colour and beauty of the common Rhododendron Ponticum at this time of year, when they are in full bloom.

This is a corner of our garden where a Rhoddie was allowed to grow reasonably tall to protect the boat shed from Winter gales. It never flowers the year after being pruned and since it has flowered this year it will need a good cut back in the Autumn if its not to take over. The bright green tree on the left is an Acer that once was in a tub in Renfrew and in the foreground in a Mahonia, which fairs reasonably well in our coastal climate.

Been a busy day working in the grounds of the Old School House where Mrs B and I endeavoured to remove a large tree root. After 3 hours we had to give but will hopefully complete on another day. Afternoon was spent trying to service and repair the lawnmower. After stripping down the carburettor I realised I would need some spare parts, which took ages to order on-line. All in all a pretty frustrating day, although the glimmer of same late afternoon blue in the sky above the Rhoddies did provide some cheer!

Thanks to everyone for their comments and suggestions about yesterday's mystery plant, which was identified by Angellightphoto as Phlomis fruticosa, also known as Jerusalem Sage.

• Canon PowerShot SX40 HS:
• f/4.5:
• 1/1250":
• 4.5mm:
• ISO 200

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