This week Six on Saturday includes two grasses, two plants grown for their leaves, and hydrangeas in tubs. My garden is quite small and so quite a few pots are necessary, in sunny spots, in empty corners, in the Fernery, and just as ‘overflow’ from the rest of the garden. So here we are again, a week later and at the start of a warm and sunny day – BUT – the sun has turned round and is heading south again – too soon!
1.Carex Pendula (Pendulous Sedge) appeared in the garden two years ago and I think one of its relatives may have sneaked into a pot in the fernery!
2.Hakonechloa Macra ‘Aurea’ has always been grown in a tub and seems to be very happy. I divided it up a few years ago and potted on some cuttings which are now spreading under taller grasses and alongside the steps. I love this plant!
3.Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ is doing well under a tree in partnership with Japanese Anemones. I deadheaded the plants c.two weeks ago and the leaves are now expanding nicely.
4.Heuchera ‘Purple Palace’ was planted in a tub because I couldn’t find anywhere else to put the plants and it has proved a good move. In fact, as soon as I can empty some tubs I am going to plant another one with these wonderfully coloured leaves. (The little tray next to the tub is filled with Alchemilla seedlings for a friend, dug out of the garden.)
5. I bought some small hydrangeas at a B&Q store, as ‘bin ends’, and one is planted out in the garden while the other is doing rather better in a tub. I thought I had enough space in the garden itself, but miscalculated. I don’t think it ever had a name but the bush is getting ready to put on a show. The flowers promise to be interesting.
6. Hydrangea ‘Dark Angel’ is doing quite well but I think needs feeding – I have been remiss – or perhaps I just pruned it incorrectly in the spring. It’s next door neighbour clearly needs some encouragement as well. And yes, both are in tubs – actually bins!
And those are my Six on Saturday in the City Garden.