Plant shopping- i love it, especially buying plants for a project. I have a long term project at Standen manor. I first met the owners 3 1/2 years ago when I was called in to give some advice and we have gradually been renovating the existing gardens and creating new areas.

Now we are creating a long (mainly herbaceous) border in the walled garden. It is north facing and is an empty space with the exception of Roses _Madame Alfred carriere which we put in 18 months ago or so. I have chosen a white colour to harmonise the planting with an injection of some pink. It is a border which will usually be seen in the summer so the flowers are chosen for interest from May till September, although there are evergreens to provide a framework in the winter.

I am waiting for the bulk of the plants to be delivered- should arrive tomorrow fingers crossed- and i picked up the remainder yesterday. Many thanks to Penwood Nursery for their help. Its a fantastic nursery in Burghclere, Newbury, worth visitng if you are in the area.

I spent 4 hours at Standen today, planting, deadheading and generally tweeking as - panic stations- House and Garden magazine are arriving on Monday to do a photoshoot!!

Tomorrow I am enjooying myself as its my wedding anniversary and then on Saturday it will be mad panic to get planted. I also have loads of nepeta to go around the Apple trees to put in and 100 Erysimum Bowles mauve for around the swimming pool area, with creamy Clematis. I love it when the plan all starts to fall into place