Top o’ the morning to you. Or indeed afternoon or evening. Another week has been and gone (where it went I’m not sure), bringing us back round to another Saturday and another Six things from the garden. The Propagator is, as usual, presenting many other Six on Saturday offerings so do pop over and take a look. There’s nothing particularly spectacular going on in the garden this week, but plenty of promise and even the odd bit of resilience on show too.
1. Bonny Bellis
They’re common as muck but they bring a little bit of good cheer to the garden on those dull days where such things are in short supply.
2. Super Snowdrops
This clump of doubles is well ahead, taking full advantage of the shelter offered by the Weeping Hazel that hangs above it. This one’s a double, so the flowers are mostly sterile and last for longer than your run-of-the-mill singles.
3. A Tale of Two Oxalis – Part I
Oxalis convexula has been working on this little flower for a while now. I assume at some point it might deign to open up for me. In the mean time, the leaves are filling out nicely and looking suitably fresh and verdant.
4. A Tale of Two Oxalis – Part II
While the first Oxalis seems to clinging to perpetual youth, never quite reaching maturity, this one (‘Slack’s Peacock’) seems to be desperately clinging to days gone by. It’s meant to be a spring grower and flowerer but in mid-December, despite being kept dry, it decided to put out a few extra leaves and this rather sad looking flower. There’s no telling some people.
5. Aristolochia californica
Back in the autumn I was watching this one with baited breath, hoping it might just make it into flower. It didn’t. This frost-cooked bud is all that remains of it’s efforts. Never mind; next year perhaps.
6. Pennisetum (of some description)
I’ve never been particularly impressed by this one, although in it’s defence, I don’t think it’s too impressed with it’s positioning either. I’ve recently changed my mind about it. I wouldn’t say I’m impressed but I’m certainly more kindly disposed to it than I was previously. Perhaps it deserves a spot a bit more to it’s liking.
That’s it for this week. Have an excellent weekend!
The Bellis are very cheerful along with the snowdrops of course – very different characters! A pity about the Aristolochia…is this one that will benefit from climate change and milder weather? The ‘californica’ in the name seems to suggest that. Interesting article on that theme that you posted on Fred’s site.
I suspect it would enjoy some warmer weather. Hopefully next year it will get a better start; I planted it quite late last year, so it only got into growth quite late in the season. Time will tell!
“If you can hang on until all the beauties have disappeared, someone might just notice you” said the Pennisetum to whoever wanted to listen. Maybe it is just because there is just one, three would make a show! I like the texture of the leaves of the first Oxalis, with its thick convex leaves arranged almost rossette like. Did you grow these from seed?
I think you are right about having three Pennisetums. It’s probably big enough to do it this spring.
The Oxalis convexula was bought as a pot plant. It has tiny bulbs that look like the won’t do much. As you can see, they get along fine! Slack’s Peacock was bought as a bulb.
What sort of outlet sold you the O. convexula, as I would like to go in search of one.
I believe it was Border Alpines – they had quite a good selection at the time.
You’ll have to grow more snowdrops!
I don’t know if I dare go down another collector’s wormhole! Having said that, they are a delight to have at this time of year. I’ve noticed some fine specimens of yours cropping up on Twitter.
I always love seeing your oxalis, whatever state of the game they are at. The aristolocia is very exciting, this time next year Rodders!
Let’s hope so!
I followed the first link to start with, still an interesting article, I was asking Fred if they fruited or not.
Anyway, moving on, I am enjoying all the snowdrop photos, mine haven’t shown yet. I think I shall go out and check for them again.
Ha – a mistake, but an interesting one!
This particular clump of Snowdrops is more advanced than the others – there’s one that’s only just poked it’s head above the soil.
Too bad for your Aristolochia, you have to wait another year… Was it overwintered indoors? I had read that it resists at least 10° minimum and when mine flowered I brought it in. Now it’s in the greenhouse at 6° ( but just with leaves)
I’d left mine where it is in the hope of it flowering, but left it too late. Seeing as it got frosted, I’m leaving it where it is (outside) to see what happens!
Come on little Oxalis convexula flower bud, you can do it… My Bellis are far from bonny. I’m tempted to show them that photo of yours in an attempt to motivate them.
My white Bellis are less enthusiastic than my red ones. Whether this is significant I couldn’t tell you!
I’m fascinated by your oxalis and what a pity your aristolchia flower got zapped. Does it need to live in the greenhouse?
The Oxalis has just flowered, so I’m sure it’ll make an appearance this Saturday!
The Aristolochia is borderline hardy – I was planning to lift it but it was so close to flowering that I kept leaving it. At the moment, there are some buds forming so I’m feeling optimistic for spring!