Potterings from weeks past

This is a post I started writing a good week or more ago. I wasn't going to post it as so much has changed since these photos were taken, but I am wanting to document the growth in the garden so I will put it here.
First up, I have been using my compost. I am going to write a long post on compost soon, as I just adore the stuff, but for now here is some pics of it at work in the garden. This is the patch of mixed plants in front of our patio. On this particular side the weeds have been taking over and the grass gets in there also. I removed as much as I could and have spread my compost into the top of the soil. I have since added a layer of sugar cane mulch and the plants have grown a lot.

Some coriander, nasturtiums, lambs ear and rose campion

Remains of freesias, parsley, some foxglove and pansies starting

You can see the compost isn't totally broken down, but it will continue to do so

Remember my lavender cuttings? I trimmed them back and they have just taken off. These two photos show how quick they are growing. Probably only a week between the shots. I am thinking I might cut those flower stems down to encourage more to grow. They are very long and are drooping over on the fresh grow. A few even snapped off.

Lavender starting to grow

Flower heads really shooting away now

Something I am adoring in my garden is this Cape Mallow. Please correct me if that is not its name, but the Google pics seemed to match the plant. Our one is growing all bent over. I would dearly love to trim it back but am afraid I might kill it. I have collected seeds from it and I am attempting to strike them. If they take, maybe I can think about cutting this one. It would make a charming hedge I think. Not that I have anywhere for a hedge to grow.

Cape Mallow?

The climbing roses have started to bloom. We have two that are planted near the Banksia Rose. This bloom is hanging down under the canopy. Unfortunately where it is positioned above the house means we don't get to enjoy its flowers. I did get brave last week though, and climbed into our loft for the first time ever. It was lovely to see the roses from up there.

Climbing Rose

One of the last Freesias to bloom and it's a purple one. I really like this colour. I planted these bulbs and unfortunately I put them in amongst the daffodils and they got crowded out. Will have to move them.

Freesia

The Clivias have finished blooming and this one has reproduced. I was so excited to find this fledgling plant growing at the side of the parent plant. Looking forward to more blooms in a few years time.

Clivia

Still yet to identify this one, but it is gearing up to bloom. It didn't bloom the entire time it was potted, but I knew it was supposed to flower. The flowers are a pretty blue colour.

Can you name this plant for me?

Finally I have another gifted plant. This Rhododendron was an anniversary gift from my hubby. 8 years this year. I was a b it shocked at the choice when I first received it as I thought they grew very large, but the tag says otherwise. Now to find a spot for it.

Anniversary gift