We are on the brink of the 6th month of the year – it is the end of May in London – already! I can hardly believe it. I thought I would glance back and see what concerned me ten years ago (!) and was quite surprised by the changes.
An ending
Sadly, the arum lilies are coming to the end of their flowering for this year. I have enjoyed them so much, and they reminded me of the masses of flowers I enjoyed when I was a child living in Cape Town, in South Africa.
Bling!
Brilliant, clashing colours – well, why not! Geraniums, trailing geraniums petunias, and lychnis.
Elegance
By contrast, the foxgloves in the shady part of the garden are tall, cool, and elegant. But how do I look after them? Will they come up next year? Will they self-seed?
A different elegance?
The artimisia was standing around in a pot for many months, waiting for the central bed to be built. It looked awful, so I cut it down, and waited, and it is responding. Same with the Senecio Angel Wings, which is very attractive. I am sure I will be able to take cuttings…
Philadelphus
I planted this in February/March and although the shape of the bush is ungainly, I am pleased to see the flowers. This means I will have white flowers in the garden in May and June.
Cistus
I love the brilliant pink flowers, which only last a day, and have planted a new cistus, a paler pink, and a white one. They take cuttings quite easily, and I can’t resist making new plants… I first saw these on hillsides in Spain, outside Madrid. They are tough, and deal with high temperatures.
And that is the garden at the end of May. I am looking forward to seeing the hydrangeas in June – they are just starting out!
