GARDENER'S WORD - IDEAS AND TIPS

I introduced yet another narcissus variety of bulb to my garden last autumn, 'Ice Follies', and it has put on quite a display in its first spring in a tub at the top of my garden where it faces south-west.  It is quietly understated and yet manages to attract the eye. Just look at those frilly yellow trumpets which fade delightfully with age. Narcissus 'Ice Follies' Narcissus 'Ice Follies' has received the RHS  Award of Garden Merit (AGM). 

I first posted about  Lathyrus vernus in April 2020 , a year after I first planted it and now, seven years later, it is still putting on a show.  It remains in place, a neat and beautiful clump of foliage and flowers, not wandering and never growing very big. I can see that a ground cover geranium is encroaching so I'll need to check that out and move the geranium if it is going to cause a problem.   Lathyrus vernus (spring pea) 'Rainbow' Mine grows in a situation near the bottom of my garden where it gets partial sun and a moist neutral soil.  According to the RHS Lathyrus vernus , is category H6, which means it is hardy down to -20c, and it has the RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit).  

Geums have always been so reliable in my gardens but a while ago one died, as all plants do eventually, and this year I have bought two that I have never grown before.  One is Geum Mai Tai which came as a bare root plant and right now is in a pot with little top growth.  The other is Geum Pink Petticoats, below, which I bought at a large garden centre.  I think it is something rather special.   Geum Pink Petticoats Sorry about the quality of the above image, try as I might I cannot get the flower in perfect focus.  The breeze isn't helping! Interestingly, when I look at pictures online this flower appears to be all kinds of pinks but my Geum Pink Petticoats is as my photo, rather a salmony kinda pink.  Geum 'Pink Petticoats' which flowers all spring and summer, seems to be unfussy, tolerating any soil conditions, any aspect but north, sun or partial shade, and grows to a height and spread of up to 0.5 metres (20in). More importantly, it has the RHS Awa...

What a sweet little spring flower. I have grown Anemone blanda (also known as the Winter Windflower) in a small tub and it is flowering beautifully. I've never grown them before. It's always good to try new things in gardening and that is part of the pleasure of it. Some you win and some you lose.  Anemone Blanda According to the RHS , Anemone blanda is not fussy about soil conditions but should be well-drained, it tolerates full sun or partial shade (mine are in full sun), exposed or sheltered positions, any aspect but north, and is fully hardy (H6) down to -20C.  It achieves a height and spread of up to 0.5 metres (about 20in).  It flowers in spring and, being herbaceous, loses its foliage in winter. 

Armeria pseudarmeria 'Dreameria: Sweet Dreams' is commonly, and much more easily remembered as, 'Thift'.   Armeria pseudarmeria 'Dreameria: Sweet Dreams' Armeria pseudarmeria 'Dreameria: Sweet Dreams' The  RHS states that Armeria pseudarmeria needs a sheltered position as well as being suitable for coastal areas. I take it that Armeria pseudarmeria cannot tolerate strong winds and it is Armeria maritima  (RHS) that is a little toughie. 'Sweet Dreams' flowers during spring and summer, enjoys full sun, is hardy down to -15c, any aspect except north-facing. It seems less fussy when it comes to soil type, and likes moist well-drained soil. I think. 

Oh wow, I nearly overlooked posting about this fabulous narcissus called Jetfire. It has  wonderfully rich yellow petals and an orange trumpet. This year is the first time I have grown them. I stuck them all in a single pot, and it has worked out very well, I think.    Narcissus 'Jetfire' Narcissus 'Jetfire' I'm looking forward to Jetfire reappearing year after year.  Talking about reappearing, some years ago I planted a few bulbs into the garden borders after they had flowered in pots, and they never really seemed to make an impact but this year, this year they are really starting to showing off here and there!  Narcissus 'Geranium' It is highly fragrant and multi-headed. Narcissus 'Geranium' Not everything is a success as any gardener, professional or amateur, will tell you. Several varieties of Narcissi seem to have disappeared and I may buy more this autumn because they are so beautiful.  Narcissus 'Silver Chimes' Narcissus 'Silver C...

I felt sure I had grown one of these before in my present garden, which I have had since 2009 since it was nothing but grass, but if I had I certainly didn't give it a mention on my blog.  Anyway, here is a mention now.  I think every gardener must be familiar with this particular plant which is, as the RHS says is attractive to pollinators. I am catering as much as I can for pollinators to visit my garden, that means in particular bees, hoverflies, and butterflies.  It flowers through summer and autumn.  Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue' The label shows this plant leaning more towards a lavender colour but the flowers on the plant I just bought are as shown above. Even the labels says that "Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue' is a perennial with masses of intense 'lavender-blue', rounded flower heads above neat clumps of finely cut, grey-green foliage. It has a height and spread of 20cm (8in) x 25cm (10in) and should be planted in full sun or partial shade with well-dra...