I just can’t resist new bulbs!
Every autumn I’m determined not to plant any spring bulbs, especially as so many are toxic to cats. But, having hit on the idea of planting them in hanging baskets, which are out of their reach, I’ve filled my boots with miniature fragranced narcissi and early-flowering tulips!
Although we’ve had some spectacular rainfall, we’re having
prolonged dry spells, and it’s surprising how much watering is still needed. I’ve also been regularly feeding the patio container displays, which are still providing intense colour from cannas, begonias, fuchsias, abutilon and impatiens.
The front garden still looks good, with interest provided by contrasting foliage colour and shape. I’ve added a couple of small evergreen grasses for more winter interest.
The poor plants don’t know whether it’s spring or autumn. Having cut back all the shade lovers and ferns after the heatwave, the recent rains brought on fresh new growth. Ironically, after such a parched summer the garden looks the best it’s been all year! The prairie-style central bed is in its prime, miscanthus surrounded by wispy salvia, vernonia and bidens ‘Hannay’s Lemon Drop’. At its edge is a lovely lime green persicaria with red flowers and persicaria ‘Purple Fantasy’, which had previously been eclipsed by the contorted willow.
A rainbow of heucheras at the front of the borders look lovely.
In the sunny border, aster ‘Calliope’ stands head and shoulders above me, a backdrop to white phlox. Cornus kousa is covered in red fruits and mahonia ‘Soft Caress’ is coming into flower.
Our first Horticultural Society Autumn Flower Show since 2019 was well attended. Although floral, fruit and veg entries were limited due to the July heatwave, the hall was full of colour and fragrance. David won Best in Class for his tillandsia and our climbing rose ‘Étoile de Hollande’ won the Sweetest Smelling Rose.