<a href="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/weedingapr16.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3315" src="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/weedingapr16-300x225.jpg" alt="weeding(apr16)" width="300" height="225" /></a>I've been putting off weeding the south-east corner of the garden because it looked over run with them but like a lot of tasks once you get started it isn't as bad as it first seems. In case you're in any doubt this is an "after weeding" photo. I haven't cleared all of the dead leaves off the area simply because they have helped to keep the weeds down. There should be a great showing of foxgloves again this year.<a href="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/periwinkleapr16.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-3316 alignright" src="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/periwinkleapr16-200x150.jpg" alt="periwinkle(apr16)" width="200" height="150" /></a>

Nestled against the back fence and submerged in weeds was this lovely lesser periwinkle, or at least I think it's a lesser periwinkle or <i>Vinca minor</i> 'Atropurpurea' for the experts. It seems to be spreading quickly across the ground which will help to keep the weeds at bay.

<a href="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rhodendron-rescueapr16.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3314" src="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rhodendron-rescueapr16-150x200.jpg" alt="rhodendron-rescue(apr16)" width="150" height="200" /></a>Not everything in the garden is doing well. Jane planted this rhododendron among the trees by the drive and it has struggled for nearly a year. I think it has died but I've transplanted it into a less shady spot near to the trees in the back corner. I shall give it some TLC in the hope it will revive. According to the label it should be flowering in May - I'd be happy  just to see some green leaves of new growth.
With an aching back and a creaking knee I retired to the house for a cup of Earl Grey and toast.