Six on Saturday – Desperate

I really wanted to come out to play today. Last Saturday was my first contribution for a while and I wanted to keep the momentum going. Inertia may have been vanquished but it is a formidable opponent. This weeks’ problem was the photographs. All day the rain fell. All day my camera was at my side waiting for a hiatus. At 3.30 it happened. Still gloomy, light fading, I made a valiant attempt. Admittedly, it didn’t help that I was taking the shots during the advert break of a film I was watching. I may have rushed a little. The resultant pictures are outrageously rubbish. I don’t care. Or at least I’m pretending I don’t. If you want to find out what the rest of the SoSers are up to, enjoying exciting and in focus photos, pop over to Jim at Garden Ruminations for inspiration and education. Come on, let’s get this over and done with.

Another greenhouse flowerer is Salvia ‘Waverly’. I have been taking the covers off periodically and letting the cossetted ones breath in the damp air, keeping vigilant for a frost warning. I’m wild like that.

Here I have peaked in my inadequacy. Rudbeckia ‘Irish Eyes’ far from its summer home.

If in doubt a black concrete cat will suffice. We bought this earlier in the year from Ewenny Pottery, to dissuade the local felines from eating the birds and pooping in the borders. Of course, they all love him.

This Pseudowintera colorata ‘Moulin Rouge’ has all the potential but none of the support team. I resolve to ensure it has more space and love in the summer and perhaps it may grow a little more.

This Hylotelephium spectabile AKA Sedum spectabile is reinforcing the “wet, wet, wet” and the “out of focus, out of focus, out of focus” theme of this blog.

If anyone were to ask me, in some sort of horti-questionnaire, what my favourite spurge was, there would be no doubt that Euphorbia mellifera would take my vote. This was a gift from Welsh John. It is totally inappropriate for my size of garden, it is totally appropriate for me.

There, all done, happy solstice to you all. The only way is up, baby!

Six on Saturday – Slacker

Lately I’ve been remiss in the Six on Saturday department, possibly in other areas too. Both body and spirit have been weak. Today, before the arrival of the man to check the roof, I nipped out to take a few gloomy photos, as a way of passing a few minutes productively. It transpires that the elusive roofer had double-booked and was a no-show, he owes me an hour of his life which I will be sure to claim at some point in the future.

If I was to describe our garden in one word it would be “mush”. There are no wonderous frost-kissed leaves or hoary stems here, winter wonderland it is not. As it is tricky to aesthetically represent soggy foliage, I have brought to you a meagre alternative, dodging the squodge. If you would like to find out about Six on Saturday and the web of mystery and intrigue it entails, then pop over to Jim’s at Garden Ruminations and all will be revealed. Shall we get on, it’s nearly Christmas.

Every year our Pyrus ‘Chanticleer’ defiantly holds onto its leaves, long past most of its peers. I was convinced that Darragh would manage to persuade it otherwise. Nope.

The Salvia fulgens is still flowering in the confines of the greenhouse, peaking out from the horticultural fleece. The sight of this bloom pressed to the glass made me smile, reminding me of, as a mischievous child, pressing my nose against a window.

Earlier in the year I planted a bulb/corm/rhizome of Jerusalem artichoke, curious if it would grow and prosper. Aware of the reputation of thuggery, I put it in a pot and left it to its own devises. A little pixie cut the stems when I wasn’t looking. Not a problem. Battles must be chosen. Last week I rootled round and harvested a fine handful which I mashed with spuds. Lots left in there. I’m happy with that.

The general flurping of foliage has revealed the seed heads of Lunaria annua ‘Corfu Blue’. Every cloud.

My SoS sister, Noelle, sent me these cyclamen seedlings earlier in the year. No complaints here. Perhaps it is time to divide them up into types, I will wait ’til spring.

The last stalwart is the fabulous Salvia leucantha, refusing to rest, like a small child on Christmas Eve. Time to sleep now!

There we have it, job done. It wasn’t too painful, was it? I could quite get into this Six on Saturday malarky.

Six on Saturday – November Already?!

Seriously, November already? I’m not sure I’m prepared. I don’t mean for frosts and other inclements, I mean ready for, well, how can I put it, gloom. Each sunny day is grasped in a needy way, a life raft in a sea of drear. The garden, of course, couldn’t give a monkey’s about the weather, it seems to battle through most things. We are getting to the bits and bobs, but there are enough to create a SoS for this and perhaps a few more weeks without getting tenuous (my superhero power) or desperate. If you would like to explore our beloved meme pop over to Jim’s site and the mysteries will be revealed. Shall we proceed?

The nasturtium, uninvited but most welcome guest, is showing little sign of slowing down. Don’t ever let me down, little fellow, I’m not sure I would get over it.

Rosa ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ is having a last minute flurry, popping out a bloom every so often, just enough to keep us interested and wanting more.

Shame on me. This is Rudbeckia ‘Irish Eyes’. I grew it from seed, lovingly potting it on and then forgot it. It has every right to be annoyed with me, even more so because it is an annual. All I can do to recompense is to collect seed and be more attentive next year.

We are waiting for the goldfinches. Patiently.

Sometimes I spread myself horticulturally thin. I love my potted plants, they have their glorious moment and then are shoved into the “consider later” corner. Perhaps a little later than I should, I remember and they are rescued just in time for flowering, without any considering at all. A case in point is this Nerine bowdenii ‘Bicolor’. I think I got away with it.

Salvia corrugata. I rest my case.

That is your lot. We made it.

Something Strange In the Neighbourhood

Sometimes it takes a while to get to know my clients. First impressions, although important, are rarely but a fragment of the story. As the years progress, glimmers of personality and especial traits emerge, guards are let drop and truth filters out. The Fit Family are a case in point. I believe I’m really getting to know them now and have found them to be a rather charming family. Let me enlighten you.

There is no doubt that Mr and Mrs Fit are a devoted couple. In fact when they said “til death do us part” there was a codicil of “and even afterward we will stick together”. Quite touching.

The family have many hobbies, including a deep seated interest in science, most especially human anatomy and herbology. Mrs Fit is always conjuring something up in the kitchen, that cauldron of hers is always bubbling away nicely. As for Mr Fit, his skills with the spade are exemplary, he must have had a lot of experience digging holes, although 6ft deep is a little excessive for a dahlia. The darling Fitettes enjoy nothing more than playing with their dolls. I am, however, a little concerned that the pins piercing the hearts of these, strangely familiar, effigies may pose a health and safety risk to these sweet girls.

Mr Fit is a natty dresser, always spotlessly turned out in black suit and cravat, and I’ve never seen a man sport a top hat as well as he does. If I were to be hyper-critical, and I am loathe to offend, I would suggest he might have been over-training. Perhaps an increased carb intake would be beneficial in the long run.

There is nothing Mrs Fit enjoys more than a good old knees-up around the Joanna accompanied by the family choir. Their repertoire includes Monster Mash, Highway to Hell, Werewolves of London and Psycho Killer. To enhance their vocal range, a quick whip round with the duster wouldn’t go amiss.

The FF are also great animal lovers, in fact you could say they are worshippers. We will finish with a picture of their adorable little pussy cat, Daughter of Beelzebub. Rather a catchy name, don’t you think?

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Six on Saturday – Bedraggled

Well, that has been an interesting week. I’ve worked in waterproofs and t-shirts. I’ve fretted about kamikaze mothers. I’ve relished the sun on my back and cursed the relentless drizzle. I’ve planted bulbs, bulbs, bulbs. I’ve collected seeds, seeds, seeds. I’ve got through, which some weeks is enough. And I hope you all have too. There is still plenty of life in the garden, looking a little bedraggled perhaps, but if you’d seen me after a day at The Prof’s you would think they got off lightly. I’ve tried to pick the best for this Six on Saturday; the stalwarts, the late comers and the hanger-ons. If you would like to follow other SoSers or even join in, it comes highly recommended, all will be revealed on Jim’s site Garden Ruminations. Let’s leap into the fray!

Every year I plant marigolds with my tomatoes, one in each pot, in attempt to protect them from aphid. It seems to work. The toms are finished but the tagetes persist, having self seeded themselves further giving some welcome autumn sunshine.

This French lavender, Lavandula stoechas, was rescued from the Pity Bench a couple of weeks ago, along with another similar. In PB terms they were in rather good condition and I will keep them safe over this winter before letting them out into the semi-wild. Which has got me thinking …. what does Fred call French lavender.

The Woolies acers are colouring up nicely. In fact, I think it is best I’ve seen them, which is odd as I thought it was connected with summer sun, and we certainly didn’t have a lot of that.

A new salvia, Salvia fulgens, is waiting in line to enter the Tardis greenhouse. I have grown this one before and I know that once it gets going it is quite tough. We will see, but not until next year when I’ve got strong cuttings going.

This is a late sown cosmos, which only started flowering a couple of weeks ago. It has been blown and buffeted and still stands. A round of applause for effort. And it is rather pretty, which surely deserves a cheer.

Yes, another salvia, after this there is only one more to go and I am not sure if it will make it to flower. We will have to wait and see. Let us remain in the present and think of this dark beauty, Salvia x jamensis ‘Nachtvlinder’. Nachtvlinder means moth in Dutch, literally ‘night-butterfly’. An appropriate name and a fabulous flower.

That’s us all done for another week. Soon be Christmas.

Six on Saturday – Disappointment

Since I was last SoSing I’ve been on my travels, back to my former stomping ground in North Devon. It was wonderful, it did not disappoint. Well perhaps only once, when due to circumstances and issues far more important than me, I couldn’t see my old pal Hero. There will be other times, I am sure. We were hoping to visit the glorious Marwood Hill Gardens and my plan was to feature it in the next Six. The best laid plans of mice and gardeners …. Back to the drawing board, we will have to make do with Chez Nous. If you would like to learn more about Six on Saturdaying and meet some pretty cool characters, get your party shoes on and pop over to Garden Ruminations!

Now, let’s get on, the eggs are boiling.

This Miscathus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’, a rescue/relocation from my sponsor, seems to be quite happy to remain less than 1m tall. Perhaps it is a short cultivar. Perhaps it is unhappy. Perhaps it just likes being petite.

As mentioned by Jim last week, or was it the week before?, here is the mother ship, Impatiens arguta ‘Alba’. This plant, and all her relations, were extremely happy about the wet summer, unlike most of us.

In our house we are rather fond of Scotch Bonnets. This year I harvested some seed from a Waitrose chilli pepper and this is the result. Of course, other supermarket produce is available.

There is a row of pots against the our house that are destined for the greenhouse and warmer climes. This is Salvia involucrata ‘Hadspen’ which survived the cold winter before last in the ground, but failed in the last mild but wet one. So, Miss Marple, I would suggest it was the rain, in the clay, in the Bed of Anarchy, that done it in! Through more luck than judgement I had a couple of cuttings. One is doing well in one of my gardens, this is the other. Now to get it through the winter.

Why everyone doesn’t grow dahlia from seed is a complete mystery to me. This is a perky little darling from this year, a little nibbled. I rest my case.

Salvia curviflora is quite frankly just showing off now, it started early and seems loathe to stop. No complaints here.

There we have it, Six not from Marwood but from my garden. That will have to wait for another day.

Six on Saturday – The Green Side

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.

Six on Saturday – Windy

Another challenging SoS photography session. These days it seems to be windy all the time, the only difference is variation in speed, from impossible to bearable. I’ve done my best, which will have to suffice. As I have said before, any complaints are to be sent directly to my agent: Mr Bin, Recycling Row, Rubbish Town. If you would like to know more about Six on Saturday, or perhaps even participate, pop over to Garden Ruminations and all should be revealed. Either that or you will be more confused than ever. Both options are acceptable. Shall we shake a leg?

Last year Tithonia rotundifolia ‘Torch’ reached 2m tall in our garden. I duly collected seed from this mammoth, sure to pass it’s gargantuan genes onto its offspring. Which is why I planted this seedling toward the back of the border. Far be it for me to judge, but it could have tried a little bit harder.

Rosa ‘Peace’ is having another go. If only it were that simple.

Our Jacaranda mimosifolia struggled through last winter. Nothing will be gained from finger pointing or blame. Although in a court of law it would be tricky to defend my deficiencies. It was touch and go for a while. I wondered if this was the end. But no. Shooting from the base, after the most cruel dramatic pause, all seems well. Until the next time.

Hedychium ‘Tara Seedling’ has settled in nicely. There have been six blooms so far this year. The indomitable Tony Schilling told me two things about this fabulous plant, 1. Don’t move them until they come into growth in spring or they will sulk, 2) Don’t worry about hardiness, I found it in the Himalayas!

Begonia ‘Claret Jug’ has proved to be both resilient and prodigious. Perhaps a little too prodigious.

Salvia ‘Neon’ is another stalwart in the garden and another flower I find tricky to photograph. You will have to take my word for it: vibrant, intense, illuminating. Maybe you had to be there.

‘Til next time.

Six on Saturday – Jaunty

After the wind and rain of the last couple of days, much of the garden is at a distinctly jaunty angle. To be honest, I’m surprised there are not more casualties, but there is time enough for disaster. Always look on the bright side. First a disclaimer: I braved the weather to take these photographs, yes, a medal please, so no snarky comments about blurriness. Think romantic, soft focus, atmosphere. Secondly: To find out more about Six on Saturdaying, to join in or maybe just read other contributions and be inspired, pop over to Garden Ruminations and everything you could possible want will be at your finger tips. No exaggeration. Thirdly: Let’s get on with it.

Old Gertie is having another go. Rosa ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ has performed well this year, as have most of the roses. Which was, indeed, predicted by Elvis Costello.

Hedychium ‘Assam Orange’ is new to our garden, although I have grown it before. Perhaps not the showiest of the gingers, it is stalwart and reliable, the perfect kind of friend. It also has the most amazing berries later in the year. What is not to love?

This was a unexpected and pleasant surprise. The Cuphea lanceolata, grown in this spot last year, has generously spread its progeny.

I’m a massive fan of New Guinea impatiens. I’ve got a big pot of deep red ones in the north facing front of the house and this pale pink out the back in the shade of the tree. They keep keeping on for months on end, until the frost eventually end its fun. And my fun too.

Most of the dahlias have been happily flowering away for a few weeks. Dahlia ‘Veronne’s Obsidian’ is fashionably late, making its dramatic and slightly ominous arrival just in time for the autumn.

Another newbie is this fabulous South American, Fuchsia ‘Vulcanica’. I am ever so slightly smitten.

There we have it, the first autumnal, après storm, post of the year. So far we have come off lightly.

Smelly

It may well be hyperbole to suggest that, as a gardener, my only occasional sense of smell is a tragedy. When I tell people they roll their eyes in disbelief “what nothing?”. Then I tell them I also suffer terribly from hayfever, unconnected but adding extra straws to the poor camel’s back. “And you are a gardener? Isn’t that a rather odd choice of career?”. To my mind, it shows how committed I am, that even without the added dimension of fragrance and that for several months a year I am an itching, snivelling mess, I still want to tend gardens.

However, in the last few weeks, due to a blast of steroids and decreasing pollen production, I have been able to smell somewhat. Quite how efficiently is hard to tell. This ability will undoubtedly swiftly diminish over the coming days/weeks until once more I am bereft. There is no time to delay!

On Wednesday, at The Fit Family’s, I took full advantage of this window of opportunity. And what a wonderful journey it was. The experience was no doubt exacerbated by the aroma enhancing sunshine, something we have been lacking in of late. Lavender, rosemary, nepeta, sweet peas, salvia, mint and thyme were savoured, inducing memories of times past. A little like Marcel Proust’s madeleine but not as posh. I even rubbed the stinking leaves of Vestia foetida for the complete experience.

But, it was this, unnamed bloom that kept drawing me back for another go. Unadulterated essence of rose. Perfect. I will try to remember until the next time I am blessed again, whenever that might be.