As its the first day of December, and as its Day 1 of Cathy’s meme, A Week of Flowers 2023, I decided to go back exactly six months to June. What a great idea to remind ourselves of the beginning of summer in these dreary days! It also reminds me that in six more months, these scenes will return again. It’s a beautiful world out there.
Dianthus, commonly known as Sweet William, grown from seed in 2022. I’ll get another year from this biennial. More seeds sown last spring, so I should have a revolving supply. Looking forward to sowing more next summer. Some of he seeds are taken from this one. Will the flowers be same colour or different? Anybody know the answer?
Here what my friend Arty McIntellectoric sent me:
Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) is a charming biennial or short-lived perennial flowering plant native to the mountains of southern Europe. This popular garden flower is renowned for its clusters of vibrant, multi-colored blooms that exude a delicate, sweet fragrance. The plant typically reaches heights of 12 to 36 inches and thrives in well-drained soil under full sun or partial shade. Sweet William is adored for its ease of cultivation and ability to attract butterflies, making it a beloved choice for borders, rock gardens, and cut flower arrangements. With its rich history and captivating beauty, Sweet William remains a cherished favorite among gardeners worldwide.
Páraig: “Arty, have you ever taken a moment to appreciate the beauty of Sweet William flowers?”
Arty: “I can’t say that I have. What’s so special about them?”
Páraig: “Well, for one, their vibrant colors are truly captivating. And the fragrance, it’s like a sweet, delicate perfume lingering in the air.”
Arty: “Sounds lovely. Where can we find them?”
Páraig: “They often grace the edges of gardens and rocky outcrops. They’re quite popular in cottage gardens too. I have a few I can give you.”
Arty: “Thanks for the offer. I’ll keep an eye out for them when I’m off hiking. Maybe we could gather some for a bouquet.”
Páraig: “That’s a splendid idea. Sweet Williams would add a delightful touch to any floral arrangement.”
P.
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A lovely memory of summer… I used to grow them and they reseeded, but one year none came back and I forgot all about them. They smell so good too. Thanks for joining in today!
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The seeds are remarkable! Very unique.
Great in an indoor vase because of the scent. Thank you for the nudge to get stuck in. 🙏
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My Sweet Willams have been flowering for several years! I just cut them back after flowering and the following summer they bloom again! Not bad for a few plants I bought as pot toppers for my tulips.
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It’s a win win!
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I’ve got some coming along as seedlings and others as adults. These are wonderful.
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That’s the way to do it, Rosie! 👏👏
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I love a sweet William! For some reason the variety they sell here in punnets is a more dwarf variety with little scent. But it has gone our of fashion and I seldom see it in punnets. I will have to grow the original tall variety by seed. 🌸
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We live & learn, Sarah. 🌸❤️
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I grow Sweet William in my garden, but here in Australia they are commonly known as Dianthus. The white variety in your photo with pinkish centres are beautiful. 😊
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Indeed, it’s a plant known by both names here on Ireland’ SE coast. Dianthus… Believe it or not, my memory is slipping… I was looking at photo but Dianthus just wouldn’t come to me.
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So you are in Ireland – I wondered where you are located in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s always interesting to see the different plants that grow in other countries to where you live yourself.
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Indeed. Duch a diverse world. Perhaps our challenge as gardeners is to help it along.
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