Hollyhocks and roses

Spent most of the day in the garden.
First we cut down a small tree.
Guelder Rose ( viburnum opulus)
This was in the garden when we moved in, and has never been in the right place.
It flowers, but never has many berries.
This year it is covered in mildew and black flies, so decided it's time was up.
It took ages to cut the branches off. Filled the car boot, and MrC took it all to the tip.
We were then about to start on a conifer that has grown way too big.
Our local gardener was going to cut it down, but we have been waiting two months for him to come.
Guess what! Just as we were about to start he turned up.
Thank goodness as it was a much bigger job than we thought.
He had it down in no time, and took all the branches away too.
MrC would have had at least 4 trips to the tip!
He also cut down the trunk of the other tree too, and took that away as well.
( £30 well spent!)

The garden looks a bit odd now, as there was a hydrangea bush growing up around these two, which is in full flower, and is now all one sided.
I will wait until it has finished flowering and then cut it right back, hoping it will send some new branches up from the bottom.

I have moved three pots to fill the gap for now.

Then did some dead heading, and watering.

In next to no time it was tea time!

Another warm dry day.
Rain forecast for the weekend unfortunately, as we are going to a barbeque on Saturday, and our neighbours are going to a very "posh" wedding near Windsor.
I do hope it stays fine for them, as it is planned to be outside, on the banks of the Thames. Bride and Groom etc. arriving by boat.
It would be such a shame if there was a thunder storm, after all these weeks of good weather. Keeping my fingers crossed for them.