It is a time to be vigilant. As is the order of things, plants are beginning to shoot, monsters are primed to eat them. Who can blame the munchers? Lovely fresh foliage, plumptious and delicious; after a winter snuggled in a cosy corner it is just what the doctor ordered. Such is the way of the world. I don’t begrudge these hungry souls, I am happy to share, but share only. Unfortunately some have their sights set on more than I am willing to forfeit. Which makes it a battle. Which is awkward for a proto-pacifist. Life is indeed a puzzle. If you would like to join in, or are just Six on Saturday curious, which is equally acceptable, other SoSers and their stories can be found on Jim at Garden Ruminations site.
The dahlias have returned, this is Labyrinth, and I am jubilant. I was concerned that the extremely wet winter would have rotted the tubers, and I have been sowing seed to supplement this loss, but each and every one is now shooting strongly. Delicious said the slug. Whoa cowboy said the gardener.
The dreaded lily beetles have also returned, seen here on Lilium ‘Claude Shride’. Yesterday I did a bit of work in my neighbour Percy Porsche’s garden. I noticed a couple of LB’s on his lily and duly dealt with them. I then messaged PP to tell him to look out for them and take action. Considering his horticultural prowess and indeed interest, I then sent a picture of a lily plant so he knew where to look. And I then sent a picture of a lily beetle so he knew what he was looking for. All angles covered.
Welsh John gave me Pelargonium ‘Lord Bute’ last autumn. I have grown it before but previously struggled. This one has already more flowers on it than I previously managed. I am very attracted to dark blooms and this one is no exception.
I’m pretty sure this is Geum ‘Mai Tai’. I’m not sure what has happened to the labels in this garden, many seem to have disappeared into the ether this year. A little pixie, no doubt.
As the stupendous Pointer Sisters sang “I’m so excited and I just can’t hide it”. My will it/won’t it Meconopsis ‘Lingholm’ has a flower bud. It is important to document this mini miracle here as the proverb “pride comes before a fall” could have been written just for me.
Another Welsh John donation is Cestrum elegans. It over wintered in the greenhouse, but has been out in the relative wild for a while. Love it.
That is your Six on Saturday, next week May already. To quote S&G, I just wish it would “slow down, you move too fast”. We are off to a local plant fair this morning. It could get messy.
Off The Edge Gardening 
Thanks for posting a pic of a lily beetle. I have lilies, but no beetles yet (touch wood!) Will keep an eye out for them, though.
Dark blooms are so beautiful and I am also hoping to have some in our garden. This year I’ve sown dark red scabious.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are sneaky devils, as soon as they know you are about to grab them they dive off the plant and lie upside down so you can’t find them. Stealth is called for!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, that Pelargonium ‘Lord Bute’ is gorgeous! Aren’t you worried about the dahlias getting eaten? I’ve put mine in transition pots in the greenhouse; I’ll put them outside in a few weeks.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve put organic slug pellets around and am keeping a close eye on them. Fingers crossed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
‘Lord Bute’ Pelargonium really is rad and so burgundy red. Slugs are awful! Fortunately, I am unacquainted with the lily beetle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Best stay unacquainted, Tony, they are not a good gang to hang out with.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my; but of course.
LikeLike
This made me laugh out loud, “all angles covered” – priceless! I’m not especially a fan of pelargoniums but “Lord Bute” might make me change my mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He is a mind changer!
LikeLike
‘Lord Bute’ is a beaut – such a good colour. The main pest here seems to be aphids – they’re on everything. I want to squish them but I’ve seen the odd ladybird and sparrow eating/collecting a few so I’m holding off for now. The spotted/feathered ones had bet get a move on though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve found a few aphid in the greenhouse but not outside yet. They may well have all been blown away by the incessant wind!
LikeLiked by 1 person
May the force be with bringing on John’s Pelargonium ‘Lord Bute’ to the height of flowering perfect this summer. It feels like it already so I think it will give you a long season of delight.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so, cuttings to be taken soon – you interested?
LikeLike
Very nice. That is good news about the Dahlias. I’ll stay tuned to find out how they progress during the growing season. I’ve had similar thoughts about the munchers. ‘Lord Bute’ is stunning!
LikeLiked by 1 person
He is a handsome chap! I’m hoping the dahlia thrive, they will be enjoying this warm weather.
LikeLike
LOL! the messy results of the plant fair have probably happened by now! Is the Cestrum fragrant? Spring is exciting!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not a thing from the fair. It was too much of a bun fight and nothing that really tickled my fancy. I’m off to sniff the cestrum …… yes, it is 😀
LikeLike
Yes, I too am prepared for the munchers but I don’t have any lilies so those bright red blighters are non existent here.
Cestrum elegans is my favourite of this bunch, it’s lovely and I have a greenhouse. I must try it.
Happy gardening!
LikeLiked by 1 person