Six on Saturday – Community

My garden is sighing with relief. Although the rain has often been relentless, the intermittent spells of sun have been enough for steady growth and blossom. The persistent wind has caused only minor damage, although this might be tempting fate bearing in mind Storm Anthony’s arrival today. Perhaps the harsh spring ensured that any early growth was slow and sturdy, perhaps there is so much crammed in they are all holding each other up. A strong community. Talking of community, our Six on Saturday community can be found over at Councillor Jim’s. Shall we shake a leg?

First, raised from the Hardy Plant Society seed, is Malva trimestris ‘Ruby Regis’. I’m not sure how far it fell from the tree, but I rather like it. Another annual, so seed collecting later in the summer, assuming there will be a dry couple of days for harvest, is on the cards.

My seed grown dahlia have been a little disappointing so far, as they have been very close in colour and form to the parent plants. This one has just flowered for the first time and I am very happy. I haven’t quite captured the true colour but you can be assured it is vibrant and joyful.

Hydrangea aspera ‘Hot Chocolate’ is flowering. Last year I wasn’t a fan. This year I am. Fickle.

Onto a crazy dahlia. This, another gift from Welsh John, is Dahlia ‘Labyrinth’. Although it is not one I would have chosen for myself, I absolutely adore it. Bonkers and all the better for being that way.

A couple of weeks ago my virtual friend Chloris SoSed about two of her monarda and their pollination by hummingbirds in their native lands. I mentioned that I had seen bees shimmy under the top petal of the flower to extract their pollen and nectar rewards. Ever since I have held a vigil in front of my Monarda ‘Beauty of Cobham’ to prove I am not delusional, not about that anyway. These flowers have become a little ramshackle and definitely need a dead head, but I could not leave my post for mere maintenance. Ten minutes later I got fed up so you will have to make do with this blurry and non conclusive shot.

Anyone who might have recently lost their Aesclepias tuberosa to the demon molluscs should look away now. Too late? Sorry about that.

That is your lot, see you next time, in the meantime stay dry/wet/cool/warm/upright*

*delete as necessary.