Wettest year on record

Fed up with the rain

Is everyone else as fed up with the rain as me? 66″ and counting so far!

I can’t remember when we had our last dry week.  Vainly I check the weather forecast each morning only to see the same. Rain and more rain. Every so often the sun comes out and I dash outside thinking spring is here. Then I race back indoors pursued by raindrops.

Unseasonal snow

We even had some unseasonal snow. I had woken up early and was listening to the rain pounding the windows. At 5.15am it all went quiet. Oh good, I thought. It has stopped. Then I wondered what the big white shapes falling from the sky were. Luckily it did not stick around for long.

Everywhere is saturated. Local roads are flooded. The garden is a bog. And every time I venture onto the vegetable patch I leave a trail of puddles behind me.

Spring is not far away

Galanthus Trumps one of my favourites

However spring can’t be far away. This year’s magnificent display of snowdrops is over. But they were so good I have bought some more which I plan to propagate this year. Now is the time to divide them and spread them around. You can plant two or three bulbs together and they will bulk up into sizeable clumps within a couple of years.

Daffodils and dashes of colour

The snowdrops have been replaced by daffodils and camelias. Under the trees I have wood anemones, self-seeded cyclamen, primroses and primulas. I love the way they pop up in unexpected places. A dash of purple here or white over there. I am sure if I had planted them there in the first place they would not have done so well.

Anemone virescens AGM

Glorious birdsong

Every morning I wake to the most glorious birdsong. The mallards have paired up on the pond and tits and robins are busy collecting nesting material. My bird feeders are mobbed.

Busy time for gardeners

It is a really busy time for gardeners. Now is the time to sow seeds, pot up early seedlings and take cuttings. There are so many jobs to do in the nursery I hardly have a moment for a mid-morning cup of coffee. I now have my own ducks!

When I am not busy in the greenhouses I am clearing up the mess left by the rain or catching up with sending out orders.

Grateful for winter-flowering clematis

This year I have been particularly grateful for my winter-flowering clematis. They have given me a welcome splash of colour. I particularly like the pale pink blooms of Clematis armandii ‘Apple Blossom’. They contrast well with the luscious off-white Clematis cirrhosa ‘Wisley Cream’. I think my favourite though has to be Jingle Bells. It has delicate green and white flowers which look just like snowdrops.

Clematis armandii

Elsewhere the red edge of Epimedium grandiflorum ‘Bandit’ catches my eye as I walk by. It is an excellent groundcover plant and its white blooms light up the woodland floor. They contrast well with the ruby marbled leaves and yellow flowers of Epimedium x perralchicum ‘Frohnleiten’.

Lupins are on their way

The lupins will be arriving soon. They are a sure sign that summer is coming. I can’t wait to see the magnificent displays of Beefeater, Blacksmith, Blossom and Gladiator. I can guarantee they will cheer up any garden and make you forget about all the rain we have had.

Lupintastic!

Good to catch up with other growers

When I can I like to get out to visit other nurseries. It is always good to catch up with fellow growers. I also try to get to as many local flower shows as I can. They are a continuing source of inspiration.

Gardening tips  

Let the foliage of spring bulbs die back naturally to allow them to store up energy for next year. Sow vegetable and annual seeds in your greenhouse. Clean greenhouses if you didn’t do so in the autumn. Continue watering plants which have been dormant in the greenhouse over winter, to stimulate new growth. 

#clematis #appleblossom  #wisleycream #jinglebells #frohnleiten #dry #rain #spring #sun #snow #daffodils #woodanemones #cyclamen #purple #seeds #seedlings #orders #lupins #beefeater #blacksmith #blossom #gladiator

Winter jobs in the polytunnels and greenhouse

Winter jobs

Much tidying in the tunnels this month has produced packets of discarded seed so I have now sown them all and optimistically hope some at least will be viable and productive. Our lupins will be available in spring next year with which we have won gold medals at Chelsea. I love winter flowering clematis – the cirrhosa types like Freckles and Guernsey Cream and of course Clematis armandii ‘Appleblossom’ and Clematis armandii ‘Snowdrift’ are perfect clematis for flowers in late winter, evergreen too. Winter Beauty is still my favourite. 

Eryngiums are great for vivid splashes of blue in your garden such as Big Blue. Spring flowering Pulmonaria are also ready to plant out and make great groundcover. 

We have lots of new flowering grasses always useful for architectural impact and Astrantias such as Florence. Dierama also do well if planted now and given plenty of time to establish.

Summer flowering clematis can be planted now along with Angelica gigas an interesting plant for late summer flower

We have plenty of flowering perennials available to fill those awkward spaces including our famous Lupins

Horticultural Hygiene

Plants We need to keep things clean and weeded more – such a lot of pests and diseases can be kept at bay by simple horticultural cleanliness.

Repotting

Many of the plants need repotting and fresh compost to improve their chances of flowering well next year. Some hardwood cuttings are also possible of Buddleja, Lonicera and Cissus. Longwinded but worth it. 

Enjoying the great outdoors

Despite the chilly temperatures I have enjoyed the peace and solitude of being in the polytunnels. Even on the bleakest days I am conscious of the birds singing in the willows.  I still get a thrill from seeing seeds germinate and seedlings grow into young plants.

New post and rail fencing and enclosing the cherry and apple trees from nibbling donkeys!

Compost trials

I have been trying some green manures for my lupins. I am optimistic this will also be beneficial for  clematis, the dieramas and thalictrum.

It seems sieving the compost is even good for seeds.

Love these frilly cyclamen!!

It is a lot of work!

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with all the jobs to do but I am getting there and find I have not lost  my love of plants. This, at aged 61 is a great comfort. Even now the flowers of Schizostylis Major are still going strong.

Agapanthus

Agapanthus Big Blue is still doing well and has plenty of chunky roots. I find they quite enjoy being pot bound!

Long tailed tits visiting my feeder

The gauras such as Belleza has unusual cerise flowers which are still blooming now

Frosty morn at the nursery

Sculptural plants

Stipa gigantea or ponytails will continue well into the winter and look marvellous if frosted. All grasses come into their own in winter even when the flowers have turned beige. 

Home made natural wreath

Christmas wreaths

Everyone seems to be offering courses in wreath making.. I have had a go at a few myself and as we have so much willow here perhaps it might be something to offer next year.

Clematis flowering now

All the winter clematis are now in bud or flowering – clematis . Winter Beauty  now has waxy white bell-shaped flowers either out or in bud.

At the RHS Rosemoor Glow with a friend

Wishing you all a lovely Christmas

Once the year is out the long winter will be upon us but hopefully your seed catalogues will fill you with optimism and my seedling lupins will throw up some new colours.

Gardening tips. Cover any greenhouse solonoids with agrifleece to protect from frost.

Take hardwood cuttings and sow some annuals directly into the soil.

Make some leaf compost with all those fallen leaves.

When sowing seed – try covering the finished trays with holly leaves as the mice don’t like the prickles!

#goldmedals #chelsea #plants #garden #seeds #seedlings #lupins #clematis #dierama #thalictrum #schizostylis #agapanthus #gaura #stipa #autumn #spring #anemones #colour

New beginnings

Getting my hands dirty again

Over the last few months I have been thinking about West Country Nurseries’ future. Since I started the business the nursery has expanded beyond my wildest dreams. We have extended our range of plants. We have exhibited at shows all over the country. Our lupins have won four gold medals at Chelsea. We have employed local people as we have grown. And I have met hundreds of customers who love our plants.

Chelsea with friends

There have been challenges

However, we have also faced challenges. Covid put an end  to all the exhibitions. Rising fuel costs made us reassess how many plants we need to nurture with artificial heat. And, I have spent more and more time on admin.

It is time for a change

It is time for a change. I want to get back to basics. Get out of the office. Get my hands dirty again. It has been a hard decision. It was particularly difficult to let people who have worked with me go. I wish them well.

I have always wanted to work outside

When I changed career from music to horticulture it was because I wanted work outside. I love being in the garden.  The warm sun on my face. Wind in my hair. Dirt beneath my nails. The satisfaction of seeing seeds germinate and seedlings grow into healthy plants.

Getting back to basics

I need to run every bit of the nursery. I want to be the one to propagate all my own lupins. Raise clematis from seed. Tend the dieramas. Nurture the thalictrum.

I can only do that by going back to basics and being my own labourer.

A big step, but worth it

It is a big step and quite daunting. But so far it has been good.

I love being outside with my plants. There is so much variety and colour in nature. The cherry red, silky flowers of  Schizostylis Major make my heart sing every time I spy them.

Colourful agapanthus

Agapanthus Big Blue also provides a welcome splash of colour. Beautiful extra-large blue and white flowers, above dark green strappy foliage. What’s not to like?

The gauras are flowering abundantly. Belleza is a rich cerise pink. The Bride is pure white. Everywhere I look the colourful flowers confirm I have made the right decision.

Moving grass sculpture

It is always good to have different shapes and textures in the garden. This week I have enjoyed watching the golden wands of the Stipa tenuissima sway in the breeze. They are so silky and have an inflorescent shimmer and gleam. It is like having a moving sculpture in the border when the wind blows.

Starting to think about spring

As we move further into autumn I always start to think about spring. This year I will be planting wood anemones to give me some early colour. They are also good ground cover.

We’ll have clematis soon

I am looking forward to the first clematis flowers. Winter Beauty will be out in a month or so. It has beautiful Evergreen foliage and small nodding white bell-shaped flowers.

Business as usual

Despite the changes at the nursery you should not notice any difference. We will still have high quality plants. The mail order business will continue as normal. And we will still have the best lupins in the country. Thank you for continuing to support us.

Gardening tips Plant bulbs including snowdrops, crocus and daffodils. Remove dead and dying foliage.  Keep dead heading flowers to prolong displays.  Water pots sparingly. Bring tender plants into the greenhouse to overwinter. Plant wood anemones.

#goldmedals #chelsea #plants #garden #seeds #seedlings #lupins #clematis #dierama #thalictrum #schizostylis #agapanthus #gaura #stipa #autumn #spring #anemones #colour

Women in horticulture at Chelsea flower Show

Our lupins will be at Chelsea

Westcountry Nurseries won’t be exhibiting at Chelsea this year but our lupins will be there. We are delighted that Pollyanna Wilkinson will be using our lupins in her tribute to women in horticulture.

Her tribute will be at The Monument and Masterpiece and Salmon Star will be on display. I can’t wait to find out how she is going to use them. I am confident they will not let her down.

I will miss meeting you at Chelsea this year but my lupins look forward to seeing you there.

Spring has been a disappointment

Spring has been a disappointment. We’ve had frosts, rain and endless cold weather. Thank heavens for the glorious early flowers which have helped keep everyone cheerful. Daffodils put on a wonderful display and the tulips are still blooming.

Lupinus ‘Salmon Star’

The garden is full of blossom. Cherry and crab apple trees have put on a magnificent show. Lilac is in full bloom and the air is heady with fragrance.

Promise of more to come

There’s the promise of more to come. Dahlia shoots have appeared. Rose bushes are budding. And, the peonies are now well over a foot tall.

Tropaeolum tricolorum

Clematis is best in show

But it is the clematis which has put on the best show of all. Empress has been particularly spectacular. It has beautiful double flowers. Pink outer petals with gorgeous, creamy, pompom-like centres. It keeps on flowering from now until well into the summer. It is a winner.

Avalanche Blavaal is also a great performer. Its creamy-white flowers sit on top of dark evergreen leaves.

Flowers from spring to autumn

If you choose your clematis carefully you can have flowers from spring to autumn. Armandii is flowering now. Diana’s Delight will bloom from early summer. Abundance will produce claret flowers well into the autumn.

Rainbow colours

Clematis come in a rainbow of colours. There’s purple Jan Lindmark and red Nubia. Michiko has striking yellow centres. Blue Dancer lives up to its name. There is a colour for everyone.

Clematis Jan Lindmark

Warm weather is needed

Clematis Jingle Bells

We must be due some warm weather soon. Everywhere I look there are signs of better days to come. Seeds in the greenhouse were slower than normal to germinate, but the trays are now full of bright green shoots. We just need a couple of weeks of warm sunshine to bring everything on.

It is not too late to plant for summer colour. Although you can sow lupins as seeds. You can also get them as plugs. Plugs cost a little more but they are much easier to handle and give great results.

Lupin plugs to plants in no time

Gardening tips  Water seedlings daily. Once the danger of frost is over transplant vegetables and flowers from the cold frame or greenhouse into their final spots in the garden. Dead head spring bulbs once they have stopped flowering but do not cut back their leaves. Harden off tender plants.

#lupins #chelsea #spring #flowers #fragrance #bulbs #dahlia #clematis #colours #warm #summer #plugs #seeds #Masterpiece #SalmonStar

Winter blues

Cold weather at last

At last we have had cold weather. It was unnatural to have such high temperatures in November although I appreciated the warmth. Flowers like dahlias which should have been long-dormant were still providing gorgeous colour. That is until winter swept in with a vengeance.

Icy blue skies and snow in December

Winter arrived suddenly

Ice, snow and temperatures of -10 arrived in a chilly blast. They killed off the whitefly and other pests. The cold weather put a stop to the last of my summer blooms. And it encouraged the final leaves to fall off the trees.

But then they outstayed their welcome. It continued to be cold and icy. With the cost of living crisis many felt unable to put their heating on and it was a shivery run up to Christmas.

It is British to moan about the weather

But, we’re British. We like to moan about the weather. As long as you are in the right clothes cold weather is fine. I love walking in the snow under cloudless skies. I prefer cold and crisp to damp and wet any day.

Hope 2023 will be good

Here we are in 2023. I hope it is going to be a good year. Hopefully we won’t lose another monarch or have three different prime ministers but I am not making any predictions.

New Year Resolutions

I have however made some resolutions.

I will try to make time to enjoy my garden. Sometimes it seems we are so busy we don’t have the luxury of just sitting and admiring all our hard work. This year I want you to join in me in taking time out. Sit back and appreciate your garden.

Grow my own

One of my resolutions last year was to grow more of my garden flowers from seeds I had harvested. I carefully collected seeds from astrantias and placed them in envelopes. In the spring I planted Roma which has large, silvery pink flowers. They germinated well and gave me a fabulous display. The butterflies loved them.

In the spring I took cuttings of Campsis radicans ‘Flamenco’. I grew them on and now have vigorous new plants which gave me brilliant red flowers from July to September.

Campsis Flamenco

Plan for the future

In these winter evenings I like poring over catalogues, planning future planting. This year I want to plant some new clematis. I fancy Empress. It is an early large flowered pink clematis. I will also go for Michiko which is one of the earliest varieties and has almost pure white flowers.

Clematis Michiko
Clematis Empress

I will plant more lupins too. Pale pink Blossom, purple Blacksmith and white Polar Princess will all look lovely together.

Lupinus ‘Polar Princess’

Signs of spring

As I write this it is dark and cold but there are signs of spring. Bulb tips are poking through. A cherry has started flowering, the earliest it has ever done so. I bet it was shocked by the freezing weather.

Bulbs just poking out beneath the trees

Stay warm and keep the bugs at bay. There is a nasty cold going round which has knocked out me and my neighbours. Still at least it is the first cold we have had for three years.

Rosemoor Glow December 2022

Gardening tips

Keep an eye out for the tips of spring bulbs which will soon be emerging. Water overwintering pots in the greenhouse sparingly once a week. Plan next summer’s purchases with our 2023 catalogue. Rake up any fallen leaves.

#cold #warmth #dahlia #colour #chilly #blooms #trees #christmas #damp #garden #flowers #seeds #astrantia #Roma #campsis #clematis #lupins #bulbs

Warm winters

My garden is confused

My garden doesn’t know what season it is in.

Christmas markets in full swing

Summer flowers are blooming

Summer flowers are still blooming. Leaves have turned every shade of orange and red. Some have dropped but others are clinging on. Tips of bulbs are peeping up in the flower beds. At the same time there are still clouds of white flies on my brassicas. What is going on?

Anemone flowers for spring colour

I’m not complaining. I am delighted I still have dahlias. I know they will only last until the first frost which surely can’t be far away. Until then, Bishop of Llandaff continues to show off its resplendent, red blooms. Roxy still has luscious magenta flowers.

Salvias still flowering

Salvias and verbena are also flowering. Verbena Lollipop has clusters of lilac flowers. The velvet red flowers of Salvia confertiflora continue to provide much-needed colour. We are really in a topsy turvy world.

Verbena bonariensis
Clematis Winter Beauty

Some winter flowers are also out. Clematis urophylla winter beauty is putting on a fantastic display. It has evergreen foliage and white bell-like flowers which nod delightfully in the wind.

The cyclamen are in full flow. We have carpets of pink, Ruby Strain and white Album.

Christmas preparations have started

Cyclamen in full flow

I’ve started my Christmas preparations already. An enormous box of fat balls has been bought. They will soon be filling the bird-feeder wreath on my gate. I will decorate it with pyracanthus berries too.

I’m already eyeing up ivy, bergenia and euonymus for the wreath for my front door. The scarlet leaves of euonymus Red Cascade will be fabulous.

Plants are on my present list

My Christmas present list consists of plants. I have enough socks and smellies. Plants are a much better gift. And they will last a lot longer. This year I want Santa to bring campsis, brunnera and melianthus.

I will also be giving plants. Lupins will feature heavily. This year my nearest and dearest will be receiving Blossom, Blacksmith and Melody.

Gift vouchers suit everyone

If I can’t think of the perfect plant, I will give gift vouchers. That way they can choose whatever they want.

Getting ready for winter

I have been getting everything ready for winter. Tender plants have been brought into the greenhouses for protection from frost. Perennials have been pruned. There is only spinach, sprouts and parsnips left in the vegetable patch. The lawn has hopefully had its final cut for 2022. 

Wishing you a happy Christmas and a successful New Year.

Gardening tips –Order seeds and plants for next year. Open greenhouse doors on dry days to encourage air circulation. Continue to rake up leaves and store to provide a free mulch for next year.

#season #summer #bulbs #dahlia #salvia #verbena #winter #clematis #cyclamen #Christmas #bergenia #euonymus #campsis #brunnera #melianthus #lupins #gift vouchers #perennials

Autumn colour

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness

It really is the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. I woke up this morning to find the valley shrouded in mist. It was almost magical as the sun slowly started to burn its way through.

The birds and squirrels were mobbing the feeders. They are stocking up for winter. And there was a definite nip in the air.

Teasles are loved by Goldfinches

Harvest is finished

Harvest festival has been and gone. The porch of our church was packed with apples. The sweet scent hit you as you approached. Inside, all the window ledges were crammed with produce. It all goes to our local foodbank.

Autumn colour spectacle

Bumper year for apples

It has been a bumper year for apples. I have never had so many. I feel guilty that we can’t consume them all. But I know the birds and animals will enjoy them.

Are we in for a hard winter?

The pyracanthus is covered in bright orange berries. Is this a sign of a hard winter to come?

Sorbus berries pretty in pink

Warm days and welcome rain

The garden has enjoyed the warm days and the welcome rain. The grass is growing vigorously. I hope each cut will be the last, but it never is. The dahlias have been magnificent. They started slow but are wonderful now. I am enjoying their vivid colours as I know as soon as there is a frost they will be gone. The gorgeous red Bishop of Llandaff has been a particular star. It has been flowering for months.

Late flowers

Other stars have been the agapanthus and thalictrum. I am really enjoying the very pretty white petals of agapanthus Twister. They have a touch of blue on the outside which is just gorgeous.

Schizostylis is still flowering. Viscountess Byng is a delicate pink.

Schizostylis

Campsis and salvia are also providing late colour. I am growing campsis Flava against a south facing wall and love its yellow trumpet flowers. Salvia Confertiflora has unusual velvety red flowers which should last throughout November.

Meeting with Alan Titchmarsh

I was privileged to meet Alan Titchmarsh in September. He was appearing at the Appledore Book Festival and it was marvellous to hear his anecdotes about gardening, and much more. I enjoyed being a volunteer for the first time this year.

New assistant is causing havoc

Monty Don has made great reference to his new assistant, Ned, the Labrador puppy. He is not the only one causing havoc in the garden. We have Teddy, a bichon frise, who is also keen to help by digging. Teddy might be creating extra work but he is adorable.

Teddy loves shoes!

Gardening tips – Take advantage of dry days to give your lawn a last cut (hopefully!) but remember to raise the blades. Prune hedges. Lift tender bulbs and plants and put them in a frost free area for the winter. Mulch dormant perennials. Prune roses. Dig over vegetable plots. Collect seeds from annuals and vegetables.

#agapanthus #dahlia #thalictrum #schizostylis #campsis #salvia #perennials #garden

Our Queen

Our shared love of dogs.

Memories of Her Majesty the Queen

Watching the funeral of Her Majesty the Queen brought back memories. I never had the privilege of meeting her but my flowers did.

I exhibited at the Chelsea Flower Show many times when she visited over the years. But, to my knowledge, she never came to our lupin stand.

Lupins for a Queen

However, my lupins though went to her. Beefeater and Masterpiece were used by Rachel du Thame to decorate the Royal Barge for the Diamond Jubilee in 2002. It was an enormous honour and a source of great pride to all of us.

Although I didn’t meet her I did see her at Chelsea. She always wore brightly coloured outfits so that she would stand out. She was a constant at Chelsea and she will be greatly missed.

Sedums are popular for late colour

Beautiful garden flowers

It was lovely to see flowers from Royal gardens bedecking her coffin. I particularly liked the dahlias, pelargoniums and Sedum. Most of the nation I was transfixed by the little spider that had stowed away in the greenery.

Plenty of colour still

Gardens at this time of the year still have lots of colour. Another very reliable autumn flower is crocosmia. Rosea has delicate pink flowers. If you want a dash of red, plant Lucifer.

Aster ‘Monch’
Penstemon flower for months

Preparing for Harvest Festival

Like many others our village is getting ready for harvest festival. We are no longer asked to provide fresh produce. It’s a shame as it has always been a good way to send some marrows to a new home. Instead, we are asked for tinned and dried goods for the local foodbank.

Room for flowers too

There will be flower displays too. I will contribute Echinacea. I have some very beautiful Hot Papaya which has orange pompom-like flowers on dark stems.  Southern Belle’s dark magenta flowers are also striking. I will also throw in a few squashes, pumpkins and courgettes from the vegetable garden. After all it is a celebration of harvest. If the food bank doesn’t want them, I can always bring them home again.

Echinacea ‘Hot Papaya’

Glorious year for apples

It has been a glorious year for apples. All varieties have thrived. I have never seen so many crab apples in every colour from pale yellow to deep purple. The cooking apple trees are groaning with fruit. And, I have more eating apples than I have ever had before. There are too many to eat, stew or press into juice or cider.

Autumnal nursery

Fabulous penstemons

Penstemon ‘King George V’

Penstemons are fabulous plants. They are easily cultivated and flower for months on end. They don’t mind drought, although this summer was a challenge. And they are not bothered by pests. As an added bonus they are robust enough to stand on their own without needing staking. What more could you want? The flowers resemble foxgloves and are from the same family. My favourites are the purple and white Charles Rudd and the scarlet King George V.

Gardening tips – Keep dead heading flowers to prolong displays.  Plant bulbs including snowdrops, crocus and daffodils. Keep mowing the lawn. You never know when it will be too wet to mow until next spring. Water pots sparingly. Remove dead and dying foliage. Bring tender plants into the greenhouse or a cold frame to overwinter.

#chelsea #lupins #flowers #dahlia #pelargonium #colour #crocosmia #harvest #echinacea #penstemon #bulbs

Raindrops …..

Magical rain drops

Those first few drops of rain were magical. I wanted to dance outside for joy. You could hear the grass and flowers imbibing the much-needed moisture.

Summer of flowers
Summer of ’76

I was a teenager in the great summer of 76. It was much easier being a care-free child than a nursery-owner. I spent the entire time on the beach rather than in a sweltering greenhouse.

Echium Blue Steeple outside the greenhouses

Plants perked up quickly

Having looked very disconsolate in the heat, it was amazing to see how quickly plants perked up once they had had a drink. Dried out dahlias put on new growth. Verbena raised its head. Astilbes had another push. Cosmos which had been very reluctant to bloom all summer were suddenly a riot of colour.

Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’

The grass which had been brown and crisp underfoot turned green. It has even started growing which is a shame as I have enjoyed my break from mowing the lawn.

Deschampsia ‘Tatra Gold’

We still need rain

Although we have had some rain we could do with some more. The rivers are running low and more and more hosepipe bans are being introduced. Maybe we need a Minister for Drought. When one was appointed in 1976 the heavens opened immediately.

Gaura The Bride has been a superstar in the hot weather. It is drought tolerant and loves the sun. I will plant some more for next summer.

Gaura ‘The Bride’

Autumn is upon us

Autumn is coming. The leaves on many trees have already turned orange and dropped. Cyclamen is flowering. Ruby Strain and Album are providing a gorgeous pink and white swathe of colour.

Cyclamen Ruby Strain
Cyclamen hed. album
Schizostylis Pink Princess

My schizostylis are already flowering a few weeks earlier thanormal.Viscountess Byng is a vibrant pink. For something a little softer try Pink Princess.

Thinking of bulbs for spring

I need to plant bulbs for next spring. Anemones are top of my list. Virescens produces a carpet of unusual greens blooms and does well in woodland areas.

Anemone virescens

Room for more lupins

I shall add some more lupins too. Beefeater, Manhattan Lights and Desert Sun will all be found a place.

Lupinus Desert Sun
Lupinus ‘Rachel de Thame’

I am down to do the flowers for the church at the end of September. I don’t think there will be much left in my garden. But, my two week stint covers harvest festival. So hurrah for vegetables which will have pride of place. Anyone for a marrow?

Gardening tips – Keep dead heading flowers to encourage more blooms.  Divide perennials for more colour next year. Start next year’s planning for next year. Keep watering

#dahlias #verbena #astilbes #grass #autumn #cyclamen #schizostylis #bulbs #spring #anemones #lupins

Summer rolls on

Hot weather was great for some

The hot weather in July was a mixed blessing. It was lovely to have day after day of endless sunshine. All that Vitamin D is good for us as long as we continue to smother ourselves in suncream. But it was too hot to sleep at night. My plants and I were both wilting.

Thalictrums love cool damp soil

Some flowers do well in a heatwave but most would prefer something a little cooler and damper.

Plan garden changes now

If global warming means we should expect more hot weather we should start planning changes to our gardens now.

Hemerocallis Chicago Royal Robe

Plants which thrive in hot weather include hemerocallis, phlox and verbascum. I have some wonderfully hemerocallis. I particularly like Chicago Royal Robe which is a delicious maroon. Frans Hals is also striking with its apricot yellow and mahogany red markings.

Phlox are much less showy. Try Clouds of Perfume with its powder blue flowers. Or go for the highly scented White Perfume.

Try verbascum for height

If you want some height in your garden try a verbascum. Helen Johnson with its beautiful rusty peach flowers is a firm favourite of mine.

Eryngium Big Blue
Verbascum Helen Johnson

Other sun lovers include eryngium and echinacea.

Echinacea ‘Hot Papaya’

Grasses like sun

If we continue to have long hot summers I will plant more grasses. Imperata Cylindrica Rubra is a must. It is the only grass with truly red leaves. Stipas are also good. Gigantea is a giant feather grass with grey green leaves.

Stipa gigantea AGM
Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’

Planted on its own it is a stunning addition to any garden. If you want a grass which shimmers and gleams plant Stipa Tenuissima. It looks like dozens of ponytails swaying in the breeze.

Stipa tenuissima

Endless watering

The hot weather has meant a lot of watering. I am very careful not to waste water. I have water butts and use drip systems. But my thirsty plants still drink gallons.

Courgette glut

The hot weather has produced mixed results on my vegetable patch. The onions have started to bolt. I have pulled them out. They are still good to eat but won’t store very well. After a slow start I now have a glut of courgettes. I have made chutney, courgette cake and given loads away. I still have a mountain of them. A friend has suggested making courgette jam. I’m not convinced but will give it a go.

Wimbledon misses a trick

I was very lucky to win tickets for Wimbledon in the public ballot this year. The tennis was magnificent. The flowers were stunning. The organisers have missed a trick though. If the tournament was a month earlier, they could have used lupins. Blacksmith and Cashmere Cream would have fitted in perfectly with the colour scheme perfectly.

Lupinus Blacksmith
Lupinus Magic Lantern

Gardening tips – Water, water and then water again but don’t waste any. Start planning next year’s garden displays. Dead head flowers to encourage new blooms. Encourage seed pods on annuals you want to grow from scratch next year. #rain#hemerocallis#phlox#verbascum#eryngium#echinacea#grasses#stipas#flowers#lupins