Leaf mould is a very slow process, and you'll need room to contain them initially. They break down into a small amount though. An average cage of around 1 cubic metre will only produce a small amount of leaf mould - about a third of that volume, but it's a brilliant resource.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Looking at your pics, what would eventually be the petals of the flowers, are already brown and dead which would indicate dryness early in the season when the flower buds are forming, the heat wave we all had could well be why you had no flowers this year. If your soil is as hard and dry as you say, I would incorporate some grit around the plant to open it up to allow rain and air to percolate down to the roots. In fact, I would probably treat the whole garden to some grit if you are planning to grow more plants.
Looking at your pics, what would eventually be the petals of the flowers, are already brown and dead which would indicate dryness early in the season when the flower buds are forming, the heat wave we all had could well be why you had no flowers this year. If your soil is as hard and dry as you say, I would incorporate some grit around the plant to open it up to allow rain and air to percolate down to the roots. In fact, I would probably treat the whole garden to some grit if you are planning to grow more plants.
The shrub does look a bit dry. The large buds are flower buds. FRom what I can see they are healthy and should flower next spring.
From my recollection they appear identical to what they were last October. There is new growth where I, being a total novice, cut off the top! It has forced new growth in other places too. Anyway, I have decided to leave it, not waste any more effort on it and replace it when I find out the best time.
Cheers @Joyce Goldenlily. All being well we will start next year and remove everything from the island border and dig it over and freshen it ready for spring planting. I will check if it needs grit. If I use farmyard manure, spread it on the soil say a week or two before the end of December, let it stop smelling and then dig over the soil, would it be safe to plant in Spring? I want to avoid raising the height of the soil too much.
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I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Cheers @Joyce Goldenlily. All being well we will start next year and remove everything from the island border and dig it over and freshen it ready for spring planting. I will check if it needs grit. If I use farmyard manure, spread it on the soil say a week or two before the end of December, let it stop smelling and then dig over the soil, would it be safe to plant in Spring? I want to avoid raising the height of the soil too much.
My abode: Essex, soon to be a desert!