After the wind and rain of the last couple of days, much of the garden is at a distinctly jaunty angle. To be honest, I’m surprised there are not more casualties, but there is time enough for disaster. Always look on the bright side. First a disclaimer: I braved the weather to take these photographs, yes, a medal please, so no snarky comments about blurriness. Think romantic, soft focus, atmosphere. Secondly: To find out more about Six on Saturdaying, to join in or maybe just read other contributions and be inspired, pop over to Garden Ruminations and everything you could possible want will be at your finger tips. No exaggeration. Thirdly: Let’s get on with it.

Old Gertie is having another go. Rosa ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ has performed well this year, as have most of the roses. Which was, indeed, predicted by Elvis Costello.

Hedychium ‘Assam Orange’ is new to our garden, although I have grown it before. Perhaps not the showiest of the gingers, it is stalwart and reliable, the perfect kind of friend. It also has the most amazing berries later in the year. What is not to love?

This was a unexpected and pleasant surprise. The Cuphea lanceolata, grown in this spot last year, has generously spread its progeny.

I’m a massive fan of New Guinea impatiens. I’ve got a big pot of deep red ones in the north facing front of the house and this pale pink out the back in the shade of the tree. They keep keeping on for months on end, until the frost eventually end its fun. And my fun too.

Most of the dahlias have been happily flowering away for a few weeks. Dahlia ‘Veronne’s Obsidian’ is fashionably late, making its dramatic and slightly ominous arrival just in time for the autumn.

Another newbie is this fabulous South American, Fuchsia ‘Vulcanica’. I am ever so slightly smitten.
There we have it, the first autumnal, après storm, post of the year. So far we have come off lightly.
You’ll see that ‘Assam Orange’ is also part of my Six! Faithful for a few years here. Strange that your Dahlia ‘Veronne’s Obsidian’ is late. It still blooms here but since the beginning of July. Courage for the rain!
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We have good taste! VO was a bit squashed and had to find it’s place, I expect that is the reason. Still raining!
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Is it wrong to covet a fellow SoSers Fuchsia βVulcanicaβ? I’m fairly certain it wasn’t one of the Ten Commandments. It’s a beauty.
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I think it is actively encouraged, well I do anyway! Remind me in the spring and I’ll take a cutting for you.
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All lovely. I particularly like the colour of Veronneβs Obsidian.
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Thank you. Yes, I love the dark and doomy flowers too.
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And I hope your garden continues to get off lightly. I love all your exhibits on todayβs post, beautiful!
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Thanks TT, did you get any stormy weather?
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No, some brief heavy bursts of rain but otherwise just wet, wet, wet! Itβs not been the best of summers in the south west, friends in Suffolk say itβs been lovely there.
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We need to have a catch up soon x
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Just wish we could have some decent rain! More great hedychium and I was already convinced! What a good selection for the week.
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Thank you. We are overflowing here, sometimes it doesn’t seem fair!
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I love the Fuchsia – I’m just imagining the type of long-beaked bird that dare sip it nectar. A hummingbird, I imagine.
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Oh yes, seeing a hummingbird is on my wish list. Unlikely in South Wales, but one day I’ll find one.
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They’re a very curious little bird, I find. When they come across me in the garden they’ll often stop as they buzz by, and seemingly look at me, wondering, I suppose, if there’s any nectar to be had in my ears or nostrils…
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I want to meet one even more now!
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Hedychium seems to have flowered in many gardens around the country (and beyond) this week. Your βAssam Orangeβ is quite spectacular. Congratulations on producing some nice, sharp shorts despite the weather conditions! Your Dahlia βVeronneβs Obsidianβ is impressive. I must try to grow that one. Love your new Fuchsia!
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VO seems to be very reliable, I would give it a go. The colour is good with so many others. Thank you
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I just thought you’d like to know that Peggy’s flowering again. As is a certain cat. π« I’ll now retire gracefully to ponder why so many things grow for you but not for me, which cannot be simply your skills versus mine.
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Well that is doubly good news. I wonder what the answer was?
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Love the ginger, such tropical fair! Gorgeous fuchsia, it deserves it’s big name.
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The name Vulcanica summons up female warrior woman. What do you think?
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Apart from the fair rose you have quite a tropical look this week. I am very tempted by the ginger.
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It is one of the less demanding ones, go on, give it a go!
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Nice ginger…I hope you show the berries later in the year. Damp here too.
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Thanks Sis x
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I am smitten with the new fuchsia and must try another. Going to Etsy now! you’ve inspired a plant purchase.
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Oh dear, or perhaps horrah! How did you get on, anything to tempt you?
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I bought a slightly weird fuchsia called blue eye.
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I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Fuchsia βVulcanica. I love fuchias but they don’t last long here.
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I’m hoping this will last the winter. One for greenhouse, if I can squeeze it in.
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Assam Orange! I was trying to remember that name last night. I knew that someone else grows it, but was surprised to see a picture of another ornamental ginger with orange bloom instead. I wanted to ask about the other, but could not remember its name. You know, ‘Assam Orange’ seems to be more popular in climates where it is supposedly marginal than it is where other gingers are more popular in Southern California. About Seven gingers and one turmeric are right outside, but I have never seen ‘Assam Orange’ available.
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I’ve always found it the least fussy of the gingers I’ve grown and bulks up quite nicely. Glad I’ve helped you out with the name, it is so irritating when it’s on the tip of your tongue but you can’t quite reach it. Have a good Sunday π
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One more Hedychium to live.
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It does seem to be a theme this week! π
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π
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Since the decimation of impatiens, which used to be my go to summer bedding plant for shade and currently use begonias, I have not been tempted however I might just try the New Guinea hybrids next year.
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I am a massive fan, definitely worth a go.
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