Dig the City - Part 2

 

Back in Manchester again for the second part of the horticultural meets city tour. The first half is here if you haven't seen it. I was really tempted to buy another Hydrangea as the one in our garden didn't flower this year - no idea why? I think I'm going to get one in the spring to go in a big tub at the front door so I can manage the pH of the soil better. I'd like to blur the edges of our small driveway a little with some flowers.... so Hydrangea and Lavender will be a pretty combination. Think froth. 

 

Another idea I have is to put a mini pond together and the picture below has inspired me with Primulas and Astilbe as marginals.

 

Through the arcade into King Street where all the posh shops are. 

 

To a funny little alley with umbrellas above and interesting detail. Boardman's Entry it is called, found after a bit of internet searching. The inspiration for the brollies was the scientist John Dalton who apparently kept weather records of rainy Manchester. I found a great site by the way for finding amazing architectural delights in the city  - Skyliner

 

Gorgeous VW Campervan that I would love. Some care has gone into restoring this.

 

Vertical gardening ideas here reminding me to complete my pallet garden next year. I think this is so effective and will break up the fence at the bottom of our garden a bit. I'm thinking grasses and Day Lillies with some Heucheras .

 

Little Bird loved his buggy ride around Manchester. He has become very lazy recently and just will not walk anywhere. If we don't take the pushchair with us he runs around the front of us, arms up and if we don't pick him up there will be a full on knees tantrum. He's 2 stone and my arms are going to be stretched. 
What to do? 

 

John Rylands Library - a truly spectacular building. I've never been inside which is shocking and seek to remedy this soon. 

 

Next to such modernity. 

 

I fancy one of these huge red pots at the front door. Hmmm I may be on the lookout for one now and paint it up. 

 

Glass, glass, glass.

 

A city garden, very trendy with the orange chair. Must grow Dahlias next year.

 

More my style. Rustic and using whatever is available. Plenty of herbs.

 

I think this the back of The Palace Theatre. Reminds me of Alice in Wonderland with the colours.

Cupcake cafe! Box shrubs in shocking pink containers - yes please. Another idea.

 

That concludes my little tour around Manchester and I did get some inspiration for our front and back gardens. I'm doing nothing more than tidy up the garden now, no more spending aside from spring bulbs. It's always nice to make a few plans to get you through the winter's armchair gardening though.