As autumn is definitely here now, as can be felt by the lowering of temperatures and rain, I thought I would brighten up a rather rainy day by announcing the star plant of the season award. (Just in my opinion, taking into account what is actually looking good in my garden now, you understand). So, with no further ado, runner up prizes go to...Anemone hupehensis 'Bowles' Pink', introduced into the garden just last weekend and looking beautiful with pink flowers and bright green foliage. (I took these photos earlier in the week before the rain arrived.)
A runner up prize is also awarded to Aster novae-angliae 'September Ruby' (I think), which is looking bright and cheerful.
A third runner up prize has to go to cyclamen hederifolium, with its understated elegance and delicate swept back petals, especially as I thought I had lost it, but then it surprised me by appearing and is blooming away.
But the prize has to go to...drum roll...Aster 'Little Carlow', which is looking amazing!
It is a mass of pretty lilac flowers and is brightening up a rather dingy area rather wonderfully, all by itself.
Just look at the number of flowers (and this is just one plant).
How gorgeous are they (if you like lilac)?
I even love the way that the centres change colour as the flowers age. I think it is obvious, that to quote Brucie (yes, it is Strictly Come Dancing time again), "You're my favourite"!
So, a worthy winner, even if now it is leaning at rather a drunken angle, due to all the rain making it somewhat top heavy. Still, I have no doubt that winners of awards do lean at rather drunken angles once they are heading home after the party!
What a delightful post. I think your garden is a very cheerful place to be, thank you.
ReplyDeleteDear Toffeeapple
DeleteThank you. Even in the rain, I still love my garden and can usually find something that I enjoy looking at. I am pleased you find it cheering too.
Best wishes
Ellie
You have lots of beautiful plants in your garden. I don't have many things still in flower but I did find a beautiful pink rose which I have cut and brought indoors to save it getting battered by the awful weather. You obviously chose plants with autumn in mind
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anne. Last Sunday, I was at an Open Garden which had an amazing selection of autumn plants and I bought another Aster 'Little Carlow' and the anemone featured above. I'm a sucker for colour and for 'good do-ers' for any time of the year!
DeleteBest wishes
Ellie
Beautiful pictures xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sharon. I do like colour and my garden definitely reflects this aspect of me. I would love to have a garden which had something in flower every week of the year - that would be a huge challenge!
DeleteBest wishes
Ellie
What a beautiful post Ellie, so bright and cheery, and each plant deserving of awards. Isn't the cyclamen wonderful how it dies off - totally it seems - then next season there it is again in all its glory. I so love the pinks and mauves, my favourites!
ReplyDeleteAll the best to you too - and a lovely Sunday!
Joy x
Thanks, Joy. I was so pleased when I noticed the cyclamen - I thought it had died last winter, but here it is again! (I have just ordered a couple more for that area and am looking forward to their arrival!) Have a lovely Sunday too.
DeleteBest wishes
Ellie
Wowee! What a gorgeous explosion of flowers! Chrissie x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Chrissie. I was amazed by the aster as earlier in the year it was just a small circle of leaves but it really did explode into flower and has been a complete joy.
DeleteBest wishes
Ellie
Ellie your garden looks amazing with soma by beautiful flowers still in bloom. I love cyclamen and also your beautiful lilac flowers. Thanks for brightening up my day xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hannapat. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the flowers. The garden still has some colour in it, but the gradual descent into autumn and winter has begun. The aster is totally deserving of the star plant award - it is lovely and I smile whenever I catch a glimpse of it.
DeleteBest wishes
Ellie