This is the last January 2025 Six on Saturday. This, to us in the Northern Hemisphere, is almost universally a good thing. Obviously, I can’t speak for everyone. There might be people out there who love drab, damp, windy and decidedly chilly weather. Each to their own. For the rest of us, far, far on the horizon, spring is lurking. Which on some days is enough. If you have time on your hands, pop over to find more SoSing at Garden Ruminations.
Photinia ‘Pink Marble’ has not got the room it needs to flourish, in summer it is jostled by salvias, dahlias and a euphorbia. At the moment it is getting a little breathing room and giving us the chance to appreciate it’s beauty.
Last weekend, when I was playing hooky from SoS, I emptied the compost bin. Although some was still a little sticky, ie not gluey, stick full, most was great. This is both a daunting and satisfying job. I am worried about who might have set up residence and take a fancy to run up my trouser leg. Once done I am reminded what a fantastic way to use up garden “waste” and treat the garden.
I can’t remember what this variegated grass is called. Undoubtedly there is a label in the pot it lives in. Another certainty is that it is cold and windy out there and I am playing my wimp card. Whatever its name, it is a stalwart in the winter garden, which at this moment in time, is quite enough.
The Hardy Plant Society seed arrived this week. And then it arrived again a couple of days later. I had ticked the “I’ll have the stuff no one else does” box. Not disappointed in the slightest. Those that need stratification have been sown and left outside. I was planning on moving them to a more exposed position but didn’t. See excuse above.
OH cleared the patio last weekend, removing all the pots and planters and giving it a good clean. Time for repotting of the acers and decisions to be made about other under performers. This lovely little stone planter needs to be replanted. Hopefully the moss will not be disturbed too much. Not sure the ladybird will take it kindly but I will be gentle and return her when appropriate.
Spring flowering Ipheion uniflorum ‘Wisley Blue’ is a little previous. No complaints here.
There we have it, another six complete. Nearly there.
Off The Edge Gardening 
The variegated grass is an acorus; I have different varieties near my pond and they resist in winter very well. Surprising to already see a flower of ipheion
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I was just about to say that.
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Thanks Fred 😀
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I passed on seeds from my various plant memberships this year. I was on a make the most of what you have, reuse ie move plants, use them in different positions, sow the seeds you already have and then went and bought two shrubs! You have obviously come into money Sis since you treated those seeds to what looks like new premium bags! Have a good week. PS Compost envy!
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That is a very good ethos, perhaps next year ….. Yep, new bags that I will keep going as long as possible, they are very sturdy. A great week to you too, Sis!
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My ipheion have plenty of leaves but I haven’t noticed a flower yet, however a few of last year’s Arctic Bells have made a come back. And I did see some crocuses popping their heads up yesterday. Which means it is bound to rain next week and flatten them…
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Flattened now?
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Not sure I dare go outside in this wind, I’ll probably end up in the sea!
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Best be safe
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Did the HPS seed come like that? Please confirm compostability………..
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It is good to see that I am not the only one hoarding seed this time of year. It seems to be instinctual for some of us, even in climates where stratification needs a refrigerator.
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It is a worldwide phenomena!
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I won’t be sorry to see the back of January. ‘Wisley Blue’ is lovely.
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I would like more ipheion, but then again, I would like more of most things. Nearly February.
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I love that Varigated Acorus! I am not sad to bid this January good bye, it has been cold here. The storm there sounded nasty! I have also been into the seed and compost here, had to laugh about the trouser leg. I am pretty sure it would be rats running up the leg here!
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Although I wish them no harm, I am foolishly scared of rats. I try to avoid them!
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I have foolishly planted photinia in a too small place. Trimmimg will get rid of all the red tips so it will be a pointless large green shrub. At least yours has nice marbled leaves. Ipheion flowers already? Seed packages are always so exciting.
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I really should have divided the ipheion last year as it only had a couple of flowers. I am not expecting many more, although I may be proved wrong. Then I will sort it out. Honest!
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I do love the leaf colour of the Photinia ‘Pink Marble. Will it grow any bigger in time?
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Apparently it will grow to 2.5m, a long way to go yet!
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The Photinia is lovely! You’ve been very busy – I vowed not to acquire any more seed this winter and use what I have in a large seed bin. I failed. Good to hear you didn’t have a visitor run up your pant leg 😉
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The no more seed idea flashed into my mind. It didn’t hang about long though!
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Actually, lots to celebrate in your corner of the world. ‘Pink Marble’ is gorgeous! ‘Wisley Blue,’ the grasses, and the mosses are lovely. I guess I’ll have to try to join in ‘Six on Saturday’ soon again, even though almost everything is dormant here.
Beth @ PlantPostings.com
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Thank you, I had to look close! Hopefully things will start stirring soon. 😊
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“Love seeing the progress week by week! It’s inspiring to watch the garden come together—each small step brings it closer to full bloom. ‘Getting there’ is half the joy!”
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