I am a little worried this week. It seems that I have inadvertently magnified the glory of our violas. They are quite nice, but it would be hyperbole to suggest anything more. Of course, you can judge for yourselves, but please do not expect too much. The weight of expectation on the poor little darlings’ shoulders is immense. Be kind, that is all I can ask. Someone who would never be cruel or unduly critical is our Six on Saturday leader, Jim at Garden Ruminations. Fingers crossed. Shall we proceed?
First we have Correa schlechtendalii, a stalwart in the winter garden. Years ago, when I was at college, a fellow student announced that she would be bringing back her summer wardrobe the following term. As we glanced at each other, rather puzzled, my good friend Gumby (indeed) said “my summer wardrobe is the same as my winter wardrobe without the cardigans.”. I am sure you get my point. Cardigans on.
Geum seedlings are doing well, potted up and loved, but at the mercy of the elements. They don’t seem bothered. Unfortunately, embarrassingly, I can’t remember which geum I picked the seed from. When they flower it will be a lovely surprise.
Acacia dealbata ‘Gaulois Astier’ has thrived since I planted it in the garden. It is full of flower bud so hopefully will give us a fine display in the near future. I am in total denial at the sense of planting such a tree in a mini-plot such as ours. Life is short, too short for sensible.
The garlic is doing well. I went against my own advice. Although I planted named and carefully bred varieties for others, for us, in last minute desperation, I split a particularly lovely bulb that I had bought from the supermarket. Don’t tell.
Here they are, a little bowl of violas. Some munched, some weather beaten, few photogenic. They have done their best. They have a lot to live up to.
The fabulous Torrington Tina gave us this sign. In summer it is hidden behind vegetation, to be honest it is redundant then. Now is the time that we need to be reminded. TT is a star, she knows what’s what.
All done, another six, another Sunday. Nearly there.
Off The Edge Gardening 
Acacia dealbata, oh my! It still surprises me to see that.
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So far it has thrived, it has not had a harsh winter yet though. Fingers crossed!
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Of course it thrived! It does that! It is one of the most aggressively invasive naturalized exotic species here! I know it is pretty, but it is surprising to see it intentionally planted.
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Not in the UK, it is tender and vulnerable. Just like me.
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I must hunt out Correa such a lovely shrub to have in the winter. I am tickled by your description of Gumby’s wardrobe. Nice seedlings and we all look forward to seeing how they will turn out, if you have several varieties you may have grown on some fabulous crosses.
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If they are special I will send you one. Correa are definitely worth a try, evergreen and flower and flower and flower. Thank Sis x
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Yes I’ve been perusing online already!
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It looks like you had a beautiful blue sky! You’re so lucky. Here, grey has been the dominant colour for a long time.
I really like the TT sign and its funny creature. One last thing: the Correa flower is the best this weekend. They’re small, but when there are numerous , it gives beautiful colours at this time of year.
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It is what it is! But please tell…. There’s a blue red-eyed insect lurking in background. Is it what it is?
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You get a gold star for spotting The Giant Welsh Weevil. ⭐
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I love that sign! And maybe I should treat myself to some violas for the front steps. It’s all looking terribly sad out there.
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The violas are very pretty.
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I didn’t know you could grow garlic from supermarket bulbs. Maybe I will try it if I can find some locally grown/non-imported ones.
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And organic would be good, get them in quick though, they need a period of cold weather.
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I am blushing, I remember giving you that little iron sign. I have one too, it’s in my potting shed but sometimes I feel it would be much better seen hanging from the bath towel hook.
Your violas are more than adequate, they look like violas including the colour and that’s all that can be expected of them at this time of year.
And I adore your Correa schlechtendalii, does it take readily from cuttings? (Subtle hint for when Millie and me pay you a visit next year 😊)
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I will do my best to make a successful cutting in the spring for you. It would be so lovely to see you and Millie, please come!
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Millie and me will do our best, Millie would like to sit on aunty Gill’s lap again 🐾😊
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❤️
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Good advice here: “Life is short, too short for sensible.” and “It is what it is.” I won’t tell about the garlic; I’d probably do the same. Good luck!
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Thank you Beth x
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Wow two Australian native plants in flower, well done! A lot of our Australian natives do flower in winter, making the most of the moisture. 🦘 I am amazed how well they do in the UK sorry Wales! Well done with your garlic, mine that were planted in their own bed are looking almost dead, I suspect I didn’t water them enough. Merry Christmas 🎄 🎅 Just in case I don’t do a later Dec Six!
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Thanks Sarah and a Merry Christmas to you too. Sending love to you and your country this morning. xxx
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