As I walk around the garden, I appreciate the care taken by previous owners in the garden design.  The cultivated garden is relatively small, with a few shrubs interspersed with annuals and perennials.  Each month we have been here, a different plant flowers.  The effect has been to frame the view differently, refocusing our attention on the colourful flowers, and the plants which surround it.

When we arrived, the Spring blossom was everywhere.  The fruit trees are now in full leaf, with tiny budding fruit.  Still beautiful, their green foliage now blends into the landscape. This month it is the traditional cottage garden plants which take centre stage, among them the glorious colours of roses and iris, along with the delicious perfume of jasmine and lavender.

I look forward to the Australian Native shrubs which are full of buds – they will be next.  For now, my task is to try to identify the names of our roses and iris.  Enjoy the photos.

This lavender plant is hidden away at the back of the orchard. We didn’t know it was there until it began flowering.

I love the colour of this iris. It is planted alongside the trellis archway which leads from the driveway to the front garden. What a welcome it gives.

Tucked away in a side garden bed, this iris lifts the deep green of the surrounding timber and plants.

This yellow iris is planted right next to a plum tree with purple leaves. Great contrast in colours!

The deep earthy red of the gerbera flowers complement perfectly the creamy white daisy flowers blooming alongside.

I spotted something yellow in the dam. On investigation, I discovered we had iris growing in the dam.

A large jasmine plant grows over the trellis fence connected to the the fernery in the back yard.

Thankfully this rose still had a tag attached. The perfume is one of the best I have ever come across. It is planted in an out of the way spot, alongside some silverbeet. I will be trying to cultivate some cuttings and plant them close to the house.

Another rose with strong perfume. This one is planted right outside the bunglow door.

The colours in this bloom range from a deep violet pink to burnt orange. It is just glorious, and planted alongside the bungalow wall.

This rose is so glorious I’ve included two photos of it.

Yet another rose planted along the bungalow wall. This seems to be a great rose-growing spot.

Another rose planted along the bungalow wall.

We’re still waiting for this bud to open. It is planted near the Queen Adeliaide Rose and some silverbeet where it is not visible from the house.

Obviously this rose is going to be a very deep red, but the bud has not yet opened. This rose is planted where the driveway enters the shed yard. It is not visible from the house.