Social media gets a lot of criticism and, in many cases, rightly so. All these applications are tools, and like any other tool, or indeed weapon, they can be used for good or ill. Unfortunately, when anonymous or pseudonymed, it is all too easy to be a cruel critic or malicious commentator. Of course, this not the whole story, there is a less headline-savoury version. That is, the good ‘uns. The rescuers from loneliness, the educators, the empathisers. I am just a toe tippler in all things internet, just skimming the surface with a feather, and I am quite aware there are sharks lurking below. However, in my experience, there has never been any ill will on Six on Saturday, no spite or guile, this is one of its many joys, it is a safe place to share both success and failure without risk of attack. Over the years I have developed a relationship of sorts with many of my co-SoSers. Which is why, when I hear of devastating hurricanes in Florida, I worry about how The Shrub Queen and her friends of family are getting on. I’ve checked, she is fine, but I am sure I am not alone in my concern. Of course SoS is not without jeopardy. There is much temptation, plantaholics enter at your peril, but for those of us with ninja self control, such as myself, you should have no fear. For these many reasons, I must herald our meme-der, Jim, who facilitates Six on Saturday. Long live the green side of life! In celebration of all the good things, shall we proceed?
The impatiens have enjoyed this damp and dreadful summer. Barely a sulk between the lot of them. Impatiens flanaganae is no exception.
Earlier in the year I bought Saxifraga fortunei ‘Blackberry and Apple Pie’. It has struggled a little, frazzling hysterically at the mere glimpse of sun, even though it is in a shady part of the garden. It has been swamped by other less fussy souls, no room for slackers here, but today I noticed an elegant outreach of flowers. There is hope.
Can there be too many honka dahlias in the world? Definitely not. A mix up may have occurred, or perhaps it is a seedling, so a name will not be forthcoming. I could make one up, if it makes you feel better. How about Scrumptious?
Salvia ‘Waverly’ is just getting going. Some rubbish garden designer placed it too close to it’s near relative Salvia leucantha which diminishes the effect of both. A lesson learnt. Perhaps.
Another newish fuchsia is ‘Whiteknights Ruby’. It came to me as a babe in arms last year and after some cossetting and kind words is now looking quite happy. Something else to over winter in the greenhouse. I might put in for an extension.
Hedychium ‘Pradham’ was less forgiving of the move from North Devon, but has had three fine flower heads this year. The only way is up, baby!
There we have it, another Six on Saturday. Stay safe and well, everyone.
Off The Edge Gardening 
Salvia leucantha needs no help. It grows like a weed where it is happy. When do you cut it back though? Does the base need to be mulched heavily so survive winter? Ours are still blooming when we cut them back, but if we do not cut them back, they get shabby. Well, it is not even in your Six anyway. ‘Waverly’ is nice also.
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It is unlikely to survive the winter, too wet and heavy soil. I’ve got decent sized cuttings/small plants that I will take into the greenhouse. I will deep mulch just in case. My Salvia patens made it through the last couple of winters, so you never know!
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Lovely x
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I too wondered if Amelia in Florida was safe. Your reassuring news is positive. I know she lives a little further east than where the hurricane passed through… This week I find these fuchsia flowers original. They don’t drop (?). They seem to stay almost horizontal. Is this just an idea or reality?
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I knew I wouldn’t be alone. And yes, it is reality, they stay almost horizontal, so far anyway. I’m very happy with it. I can’t find out how hardy it is, so I am going to be cautious and cram it in the greenhouse with the rest of the tenders.
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oh yes , I would do the same….!
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I was also glad to hear that Top Doc in Alabama missed the gales too. We are a good gang!
Lovely Salvia.
My name is Rosie and I am a plantaholic! 😉 Actually I have introduced quite a few pleasing plants to my garden that I discovered through Sos, it really is a grand group to associate with.
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I have grown Saxifraga fortunei in a very shaded area quite successfully but I think it was more luck than good planning. I found it intriguing as a plant and particularly liked the fact it flowered so late in the year even though the flowers would eventually succumb to a frost.
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This is the second time I have read through you post, this morning I left without commenting. Six lovely pictures again and a jolly good intro as well, nice to be enthralled as usual.
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Thanks, Sis x
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Honka dahlias, that one is quite cheery! The saxifraga is a cute explosion, I hope you get many more blooms from it.
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Very cheery! I think all the dahlias are due for a beating over the next few hours, they might be a little more downhearted after that. 😀
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A lovely selection. Salvia ‘Waverly’ is a beauty and I think I may have that Honka – although it hasn’t flowered this year (sad face). Ninja self control?!!
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Thanks, Gill, still here and made it to SOS this week. My new fuchsia has unfortunately expired already. I think I need to give up. The Saxifraga is lovely and the Impatiens varieties you have continue to blow my mind. And Gingers. Mad cool.
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Long may the green side of life bring pleasure and peace. Our gardens are our sanctuary and when it comes to plants … sigh… I am not a ninja of self-control.
I love reading the sixers on saturday’s even if I can’t always participate.
The fuchsia ‘Whiteknights Ruby’ looks so delicate. Does it survive low temps?
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Hear, hear! I’m not sure how hardy the fuchsia is, I will keep it in the greenhouse over winter, so fingers crossed.
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Your garden must be nearly full now! So many lovely things. And you are so right about the lovely SOS community.
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So true regarding the friendly SoS community, it’s an antidote to all the nastiness out there.
Honka dahlias are a beautiful plant with a very odd name!
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Well said about the SOS community. I feel that way about the community of garden bloggers too and have checked in with a couple when they haven’t posted in a while. Your posts always bring joy as your humor and skilled writing style are a pleasure. Though I currently only post about once a month, and catch up with other posts then, I feel connected to all of you gardeners around the world. Gratitude to you and all who garden here.
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Thank you and the same back to you x
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