It’s Day 3 of A Week of Flowers, hosted by Cathy from Words and Herbs. 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.
Sorbus acuparia
There’s an old Irish saying that goes: “Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.” A rough translation is that we live and thrive by sheltering in the shadow (support) of others.
I do love a good quote. Someone who said something which others found to be worth writing down to pass on to others, that I in turn want to pass on to others. I normally use Goodreads as my source, so I searched for “tree”. My favourite one is:
A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit.
Some Greek fella.
I hope to care for this lovely tree for quite a while, and leave it to someone else to sit in its shade some fine day long in the future. He or she might even write about it.
Early March 2023
Joining in with Cathy’s Week of Flowers to brighten up the first week of December. You can find Cathy’s post here.
Only my gardening stuff here. Other stuff is OVER THERE: The Three Hairs.com including fiction, satire, cycling and recent launch of my first book, The Write Time’.
Here we are on Day 2 of Cathy’s’s meme ‘A Week of Flowers’ over at Words and Herbs, What a great idea to remind ourselves 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.
Hello and a big wave to those I enjoyed reading yesterday. 👋
Grown from seed several years ago, Verbascum is a long-flowering perennial. Never have I seen a stem so covered in flowers so closely packed together
More…
Did you know? The leaves of some species are also known for their soft, fuzzy texture, which has led to their historical use as toilet paper or as a material for torches.
Verbascum, also known as mullein, is a genus of flowering plants in the figwort family. These biennial or perennial herbs are known for their tall spikes of striking yellow flowers. Verbascum has a long history of medicinal and cultural uses, and its leaves are often used in herbal remedies for respiratory conditions.
It’s frosty outside, and seeing this memory of June 2023 brightens my heart. Enjoy your gardening this weekend, even if it’s from the comfort of indoors.
Would you believe it? Two in a row! Dry weeks, that is. Here are a few bobs & bits from a second consecutive dry November into December week here on the SE Irish coast. We had three consecutive nights of light frost, but the remaining annuals are obviously as tough as old boots.
We have bumped up the air-to-water for indoor warmth and the machine is whirring on a more regular rhythm.
1. Salvia
It’s called Salvia ‘Hot Lips’, given to me by my friend Ann. I’ve featured this previously as there was a quirky story to the first time I bought this charming plant. It since died because I didn’t prune it and it snapped.
Ar aon nós, I bought it at The Market in town. Simon said it would be a great gift for Marion, given the Hot Lips name. Later, as I was passing by on my way for coffee, Simon was selling another Hot Lips to a woman. If I were you, he said, I’d not buy it. Just send your husband in to buy it for you!
I’ve a feeling he’d sell sand to the Arabs!
2. Cotoneaster
Planted here four years ago, the Cotoneaster ‘Carpet Queen’ has filled all the gaps. I’ll be able to get rooted cuttings from the edges as there is a two-centimetre covering of loose stone beneath. I’ll grow them on for a year, perhaps six or eight (plants, that is, not years), and plant some at the front of the house. I see some red edges appearing on the evergreen “leaves”. That pleases me.
3. Fuchsia
Three things happen at this time of the year.
The flowers on the Fuchsia are at their very best.
I can begin to see through it because the leaves are dropping.
The low sun from the west in the afternoon wafts through.
Photographs taken are very interesting, if I say so myself. In a few weeks, this will be bare, as a result of the cold, and I’ll cut it back to about 50 cm from ground level.
4. Agapanthus
The blue flowers of Agapanthus from June and July are well gone and only the skeletons remain. Generally I leave them in place until late winter. When I do pull them (literally they come away with a gentle tug), I make them into a posy. Below is one of the two bunches from last year.
5. Bacopa
This annual Bacopa is on its last legs. Two or three of these fill a pot to overflowing.
Here’s what AI says: “Bacopa, also known as “water hyssop” or “Brahmi,” is a delicate and beautiful flowering plant that is popular for its ornamental value and medicinal properties. The Bacopa flower is characterized by small five-petaled blossoms that come in shades of white, lavender, pink, and blue, creating a stunning carpet of color in Páraig’s garden. Native to wetlands and marshy areas, Bacopa is often cultivated in gardens and as a trailing plant in containers, where its trailing stems create a cascading effect. Additionally, Bacopa is highly valued in Ayurvedic medicine for its purported cognitive and stress-relieving properties, making it a fascinating and versatile botanical specimen.”
Thanks very much, AI. I wonder do government departments know that I bought two or three of these? I think I’d be concerned.
On a positive note, it’s a stress-buster so I’m not worried in the slightest.
6. Uncinia
I grew Uncinia from seed in 2021. There are half a dozen scattered around the front and back garden. I think this is an attempt to air-root. I may have lost my marbles.
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.”
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. Available online HERE. (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!)
Readers on my other Thethreehairs.com blog will be aware that my first book is being launched this week. All the preparations are in hand, so I’m just about ready to return (on a more regular schedule) to Six-on-Saturday hosted by Jim. I’m on my new WordPress blog (yes, another one!) because many Six-on-Saturday contributors are unable to find my (irregular) Saturday contributions on my self-hosted domain. To be clear, the issue lies with me, not them. There, that’s clear.
Here are a few bobs & bits from a wet, wintery week here on the SE Irish coast.
Acer Seiryu
It’s just beyond that lovely time of the year. The colour of several Acers in the garden was magnificent until about two weeks ago. Mostly, all are now bare, but there’s usually an exception.
Here it is. Acer palmatum Seiryu. It’s east-facing and very sheltered.
Gladiolus
There’s beauty within. Yes, we marvel at the beautiful flowers of plants, but when old age arrives, there’s a tendency to look the other way. I’m choosing to gaze in wonder at the dead stalk. I think it will serve as shelter for many insects over the cold winter. Perhaps I’m over-optimistic.
Cyclamen
Taken outside our local Civic Offices recently. Cyclamen bring beautiful colour and triumphant energy to this dreary time of the year.
Ferns
I constructed a timber fence to shelter the refuse & food bins from sunshine. It was a good idea, and as a result, there was no scent smell even during warm weather. It’s also an ideal spot to keep potted ferns. Bins on their own are not attractive, but this adds to the situation.
B&T: Begonia and Thistle
Who would have thought things could get so bad? Because of our daughter’s summer wedding, and finishing my new book, The Garden was left to its own devices to a much greater extent this year. Now, look what pops up! Beyond doubt, my favourite annual is Begonia (the annual variety) but when I notice the well-established thistle, my eyeballs roll.
Office
I’ve worked hard here since February. It’s my small conservatory office space. Now almost abandoned, I can spend some time once more appreciating the cacti & succulents.
So, hey everyone… Have a great week. I think there may be some high pressure approaching SE Ireland. I live in hope.
The Three Hairs Garden 