April has arrived, although sometimes I doubted it would. Our weather has been variable this week, as has my clothing. On, off, on, off, hot, cold, hot, cold. Wednesday I was in full waterproofs, not because of the wet but because I spent the morning hoiking bags of spent mushroom compost and had to visit to Sainsbury’s in the afternoon. I do try to be a little considerate when I re-enter the real world. Or perhaps it is the alternative universe and I inhabit reality. Who knows? Mine is a pretty good world most of the time, so I will stick with that for the foreseeable. Join me if you will. If you would like to eavesdrop on gardens across the world and beyond (I believe Rhody is from the Planet Cute) check out Mr G at Garden Ruminations. Shall we make haste?
Photinia ‘Pink Marble’ is seriously under-rated in this garden. Once summer comes, with exuberant salvias and the like, it is thrust into the background. Slowly, slowly it is growing, holding its own. Fair play.
I have made a massive mistake in the garden. In truth, there are many, but we should dwell on one at a time. I planted this Ompalodes cappadocica ‘Cherry Ingram’ right next to Pulmonaria ‘Blue Ensign’. Both blue, both flowering now, neither standing out to their full potential. A shuffle is in order.
This picture is quite joyful. Joyful to me. This is the dahlia that I named for my Mum and by default for my Dad. It is not a strong plant, it has caused me heartache and I have chased replacements across the land (thanks for your help Emma). It is rallying. I am very happy. As is my wont, I have mentioned this special dahlia before, for those interested here is a smidgeon more information on the wonderful Peggy’s Pearlers.
I have struggled with auriculas. The romantic theatres, rows of terracotta, precision, perfection and, one of the most wonderful words aside from “kelp”, farina. All beyond me. Except this one. Inspite and despite.
I’ve grown Pelargonium ‘Mystery’ before, but I was never sure if it was its real name or just that someone had misplaced the label. Perhaps that is a reflection on me. When offered it again, by the wonderful Welsh John, I jumped at the chance (along with Lord Bute, watch this space). Coming home from a day away, I was thrilled to see this greeting. Now for cuttings and careful tending, I don’t want to lose it again.
Tulipa praestans ‘Shogun’ has been making a fine display for the last few days. Initially I was going to show you a picture of its gaping amber blooms, a colour as warm and comforting as banana ice cream. Then I noticed the fine combination of voila and tulip and did a complete U-turn. I’m like that. Fickle.
There we have it, all done, all well. Keep on, keeping on, whatever planet you might be from.
Off The Edge Gardening 
Nice six. I do not know what Ompalodes cappadocica or Auriculas are.
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Both great words to say out loud 😁
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Oh, yes, they are.
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Another fancy six, and I love the combination of the Tulipa praestans ‘Shogun’ and the pansies. My Shogun flowered a couple of weeks earlier, and will need dividing later in the in year, a few will end up in a pot like yours but probably with some of the viola seedlings from the garden.
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Lovely variety! And that’s interesting about auriculas and farina. Knowing that’s the word for flour in many languages, I couldn’t help but look it up. How funny that it’s so highly valued.
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Snap with the ‘Cherry Ingram!’ I’m going to show my Ompalodes a picture of yours to give it something to aspire to.
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I dabbled with auriculas for a few years, then decided they were rather too needy. My aim is to have a garden which looks after itself. Welcome the weeds!
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Oh, I’m so happy about your Dahlia! I’m growing some Dahlias from seed for the first time this year, so I can’t wait to find out what happens to the baby seedlings that are growing strong now. All your other plants are gorgeous, too, and your intro is a perfect description for our spring so far, as well! Tee hee.
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That’s a pretty photinia. I have one called Devil’s Dream and a lot of the time I think it will have to go as it is not special enough. And then April comes and I remember why I bought it. I agree Cherry Ingram shouldn’t be sharing the stage with somebody else dressed in blue. And auriculas! I used to dream of having an auricula theatre until I found out that auriculas are caviar to vine weevils. Lovely tulips.
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I too have difficulty keeping a special specie dahlia. I gave cuttings to our local botanic garden and they are always willing to re-share……
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That is just what you need!
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Our gardening planet is a good place to escape. You have many beutiful plants despite the testing weather conditions. I do hope the dahlia survives and the snails don’t find it.
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The colours of Photinia are extraordinary at this time of year (it’s a shame it doesn’t last very long), and the one you showed us, Photinia ‘Pink Marble’, is quite special because it’s not often seen. Thank you for sharing it.
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A lovely visual visit to you garden this week…I hope the dahlia rallies.
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