Here are a few bobs & bits from the garden this week. Unbelievably, the weather gods looked kindly down, as it remained almost entirely dry. In fact, as the week moved through, it became drier and drier. A high pressure system blew in and decided to stick around. It’s been such a long time coming. What’s rare is wonderful.
In other respects, what’s rare is most definitely NOT wonderful, as I finally succumbed to a light dose of Covid week before last. I was out of circulation for six days and recovered promptly. I always try to look on the bright side: as soon as I was clear again, the fine weather appeared so I got to do some gardening. All is well in my world.
Cyclamen
The evenings are dark. In fact even the days are dull and dreary. Yes, dry but dull and dreary nonetheless. So I treated my darling wife to this cheery Cyclamen. There are six in all, scattered around front and back. She’s worth it, for sure.
Winter Windowboxes
Window boxes here are not well suited to summer bedding. Yes, it’s a great spot for a blaze of colour and from the kitchen the display is usually great. However, it’s next to impossible to keep them watered properly in warm weather.
On the other hand, I love having just a little colour, together with a few small evergreens here between between Halloween and Easter.
Cacti
In return for the Cyclamen I bought for Marion, she returned the love by purchasing this pretty container. In fact she bought me two of them. I am a fortunate man. Several cacti that had been on the south-facing window in individual containers were repotted and I think they look well.
All Leaves Not Down Yet
I love how the fallen leaves have been trapped at the base of these planters on the patio beneath the Crabapple. Tumbling over the edge is the annual Lysmachia, known also as Creeping Jenny. These plants & fallen leaves will remain in place until after Christmas because more leaves will fall between now and then. It’s a great place for bugs and insects to shelter during cold weather ahead. We await a hard frost to denude the tree completely
Viburnum
Out front, I planted this last spring. It is approximately 30cm. It has settled in very well. I also have it beneath the (above) Crabapple. They both need pruning, a job I’ll get at shortly. Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’.
Rosa ‘Orange Dream’
Last week there was some discussion about Acer ‘Orange Dream’. This week it’s the turn of this lovely rose by the same name.
I have no rose expertise. This one was completely underwhelming. I think there were only half a dozen blooms this year. Not terribly exciting. What to do? Pass it on to someone who can get the best out of it? Persist here for another year? Food for thought. If plants could speak… Would this rose ask to be rehomed?
On the other hand, wanting to be as positive as is possible… there’s still this one bloom remaining. When nearly everything else is gone over, the single bloom is a highlight.
Until next time, I hope you get to enjoy some time in the garden.
In other news my first book, ‘The Write Time’ has been published and launched.
Note: This is included here not as a sales pitch; rather as my way of recording the event and how it synchronised with my gardening. When I read this post in twelve months time, I’ll be delighted to see that it is out of stock!
Páraig
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Hmm, your Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ looks the picture of health. Mine has been been sulking since I moved it last November. I love the widow box collage of photos.
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Hopefully it continues in a healthy state. Mine is very sheltered. Also, viburnum can tend to get leggy; this a decent pruning each year ahead will be required.
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Your window boxes are lovely, they should certainly brighten the dark days. Love the collage. I’m very boring and have only planted pansies in mine this year but the benefit of our mild autumns here is that there is still a lot of colour in the garden, including roses and summer annuals. Winter will come, but I’m enjoying it all in the meantime. I think I’m following this blog as well as your other one now!
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We too will get a blast. It usually arrives in February, but as you likely know, we get away lightly because of seaside location.
Thanks for following, Lis. My thinking is that because this one is FREE, I’ll do the gardening stuff here and keep the other for deep thought, philosophy and promoting my book…
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Lysmachia was once in a pot here and I had thought I would have nothing for a six next week, thanks for the inspiration. I love the way you two love birds have found a way to demonstrate your true loves through the gifts of plants and plant displays.
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You’re so good to say so… Be aware, however… I’m a bit of a spoofer. I buy everything for myself but offer some items as gifts! 😜
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I almost giggled out loud there. My mother used to say get gifts that you would like to receive yourself, which of course I do! If they are not for Mr S I often have to go out and buy a second one as I want to keep one.
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I love your window boxes and the selection of plants. I wish my window ledges were better sized to take them. The viburnum is growing well, it must be happy in that spot.
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I think you’re right, Catherine. A plant in a happy spot thrives. Bit like us humans, too. 😜
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I love your window boxes full of lovelies, I have some window boxes near our house entrance that I keep colour with annuals, it is always nice to see something colourful near the house. Your baskets would be improved with a plastic tray underneath them holding in the moisture for longer. I use this trick around my garden in very hot weather it makes window baskets possible. Some I even use at the side of the house for an all year round cutting growing area, my own little garden centre! Nice leaf mulch. I’d keep the lovely rose, she’s earned her keep by flowering in winter, don’t you think? 🌼🌸
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Yes, of course you are correct. In summer I have deeper window boxes with a deep 3cm deep tray for water.
Buíochas mór also for your affirmation about Rosa Orange Dream. You’ve made up my mind.
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PS. Congratulations on the book! 🙂 📖
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Buíochas mór, Sarah. 🙏
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What lovely window boxes! I’ve always struggled to keep things alive in them and it’s definitely because I usually only fill them during the warm seasons. Will have to try some cold season interest next year, though usually there’s such a rush to wrap things up around that time that it completely slips my mind until it’s far too late! Rosa ‘Orange Dream’ has a very pretty color, even if it’s less than floriferous. How old is the plant and when was it last pruned? Last but not least, congratulations on the book!
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Thank you, Angela. I’m being urged to hold on to Orange Dream. Bought in 2021 it’s been neglected. I work hard at plants I love but roses don’t respond well for me.
Window boxes in winter can be interesting. Not the colour of summer, of course, but a little goes a long way when the weather is dreary.
The book… Many thanks! 😉
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