Who remembers Grow-Write-Repeat? Who remembers The Three Hairs? I’m Páraig, still here on the south-east coast of Ireland and I’ll be looking forward to reconnecting with lots of old SOSers. If you remember me, have a quiet chuckle as you read.
Today, I had a sudden urge to resurrect the old blog, but it’s full! I can write forever and ever but not a single extra photograph will upload until I pay some money, so I’m starting anew. This Six-on-Saturday reappearance is long overdue.
It’s been a wet one. In fact, it’s been a very very wet one. Storm Bram blew through on Tuesday, pushing rain northwards at a fierce rate of knots, in order to allow wetter rain to follow immediately. On Wednesday, in between being wet and being very wet, there was a short glimpse of blue sky.
In any case, all of that is just a meandering preamble to my surprise reappearance. I’ve missed my Six-on-Saturday and I’ve missed reading garden updates from others. So, just as if I’d been here every week, I’ll continue as before. Perhaps you will recognize me again and be tempted to reconnect?
1. Early Daffodils
These were bought recently and are well ahead of themselves. I’ve put them just outside the back door. As I enjoy my morning coffee, padded with heavy jumper and jacket, these pretty things bring a smile to my face this very wet mid-December week.
Gently coaxed into flower, they bring a welcome hint of brightness — like fairy lights in the dark of winter — reminding us that spring is already quietly preparing itself.
2. Hellebore
For many years I had put cyclamen in the kitchen window boxes, but I was never happy with their staying power. This year, I’ve added two of these beauties.
Calm, dignified, and flowering quietly while everything else argues about the weather, the hellebore is basically the sensible adult of the garden.
3. Hydrangea
Further down the garden, this is the only flower produced on this hydrangea this year. Who could advise about what to do for next year? Admittedly, it’s in a pot so perhaps it would be better on the ground?
4. Fuchsia
I’ve three different fuchsias in my small garden. Even at this time of the year, they look well.
5. New Tiled Corner
Recently installed and already earning its keep by providing shelter from the rain. Perfect for standing under, staring at the garden, and wondering why you didn’t do this years ago.
Our big project for 2025 was this area just outside the conservatory door. We had it tiled and we put up a covered pergola. Now, as it rains and rains and rains more, I like to sit and sip my morning coffee here. Many of the potted winter flowering plants here do benefit from this warm dry corner.
Blue sky, you’ll notice. What’s rare is wonderful.
6. Saving Best Till Last
Finally I’m more than happy to bend Jim’s Rule 7. This is not my garden. It’s not even my Christmas tree, but being a first-time grandad does confer some latitude. Rule bending really is such good fun.
My last Six-on-Saturday was back in February 2024. Shortly afterwards our granddaughter Bonnie arrived. She continues to bring us joy and happiness in abundance.
And that’s your surprise Six-on-Saturday: plants blooming out of season, rain everywhere, rules cheerfully ignored, and a blog that has popped back up like a perennial you thought you’d lost.
Thanks to Jim at Garden Ruminations who keeps this show on the road.
Happy Saturday to one and all.
Páraig.
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Course I remember you, is it really that long? I know the sort of beam you will have being a grandad and well done on breaking the rules, just once cos this is your first post on your new blog! That covering over your patio will be so useful for sheltering yourself and the plants from too much rain. Are you still cycling?
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Thank you Noelle. Yes, we are beaming.
Wet days will never be quite as wet, and it’s lovely to wrap up and sit outside even in torrential rain. Not so dry when cycling, however. I’ve had a most enjoyable year on (and off) the bike but happy to be doing less this time of year.
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How lovely to hear from you! Congratulations on becoming a grandad. The new patio area is such a good idea for surveying the garden on a wet day. 😁
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Hi again, Cathy. I see that I just missed your annual Week of Flowers. I do remember that from 2024.
Wet days will be wonderful under cover. 👍
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So glad to hear from you again, Paraig! And grandfather now : bravo!
I see you still have lovely things in your garden, and that the new tiled square is tidy. (Your link was misplaced in Jim’s reply hierarchy, by the way… but I found it!)
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Misplaced? I see what happened there, Fred. 🙈 I’m a bit rusty!
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Welcome back.
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Thank you, a chara. I’ve enjoyed the long break and now ready to kick on again.
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Great to have you back! Congrats on being a new grandpa! A dear friend on mine just flew to Paris to meet her new grandchild – she is over the moon and the pictures I have seen so far are lovely! I was surprised at how much her daughter looks like her now – I had not seen her since she was maybe 17.
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Many thanks, a chara. I’ll look forward to catching up with your updates from way over there.
How absolutely beautiful – off to Paris to meet a new grandchild. ❤️
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So good to catch up with you again! Your garden is as lovely as ever and little Bonnie certainly lives up to her name, she’s a beauty. Congratulations to you all! 😊
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Go raibh maith what, a chara. Thank you so much. Family is everything, and in a way so is the Six-on-Saturday family!
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Hi Paraig! I’m new to Six on Saturday – only started about two months ago.
Your garden looks lovely! I especially like that Fuchsia. And your granddaughter is very sweet :)
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Thank you so much, Kathrin. By the way, that’s a lovely spelling version. I haven’t come across it until now.
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Thank you! It’s German/Swiss!
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For some reason I’m thinking we may have interacted several years ago. I used to connect with garden bloggers through Blotanical when it was active. Were you part of it, too? Anyway, congratulations on the new format and I’ll look forward to your future posts! What a beautiful collection of photos–especially your granddaughter. And you give those of us in colder climates hope with your Hellebores and Daffodils!
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Hi there, Beth. Thank you for checking in and your kind wishes. Blotanical is not something I’m familiar with or remember. In any case, thanks for stopping by. Do you write a Six on Saturday along with others here?
Update: I’ve checked Blotanical (it’s an unusual word) and it does sound like something I’d have been interested in. Perhaps your gut instinct is correct? Time will tell
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Update:! I found you again on Instagram. Gut feelings are usually correct.
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Love your new covered pergola area! It’s great to enjoy such garden improvements. That is a very lovely fuchsia. I love to see how you grow them so well. I have to have mine in pots in the shade. Love your granddaughter photos! Merry Christmas 🎄 🎅
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Maith thú, a chara Sarah. Thank you. I think our mild climate suits the fuchsias. Nature does the hard work. They will stay in flower likely until mid-January but after a few very hard frosts they will be no more. I’ll cut the shrub back by two thirds, and the cycle will begin again.
Wishing you a merry a Christmas too. You’re the first for me this year! 😜
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Welcome back, I have often wondered what you were up to. And congratulations on your Grandson, he looks adorable!
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Many thanks, a chara. Important downtime and extended baby girl celebrating! Ready again to write with enthusiasm.
Onwards we go to 2026.
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Such a lovely blog post and how delightful to see so much colour and life in your garden. I somehow thought December up north would be more dreary.
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Very dreary, Cath. Except that the tiniest bit of colour is appreciated. The camera records the beauty amid the dreariness.
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What fun catching up with you and your garden again. And I absolutely loved your photo #6!!!
I’m afraid my blogging has gone by the wayside too. I’ve got 52 posts in my draft file and umpteen photos, but can’t seem to hit the “post” button on any of them. I hope to get back into the swing of things in the new year.
Becoming a grandparent is the best kind of joy in life. Enjoy every moment.
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Hi there Cindie. You walk through my thoughts at regular intervals given our experiences of caring for our moms.
I’ve enjoyed not blogging every bit as much as writing regularly! As you know, there’s a time for everything and a time to rest
Love to you over there.
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