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.
