There is that feeling of autumn, particularly today as it is raining, but the garden has been so dry that it is good to get some rain. There are a couple of little areas that I am particularly enjoying at the moment. Above is my collection of cyclamen hederifolium, with their dainty pink flowers and marbled leaves. Two of these I rescued as they had self seeded and started growing in cracks between the patio paving. They would have been walked on, so I had to intervene and they have rewarded me by flowering.
They are such little beauties, aren't they? They are on the patio at the back, in a nice shady area.
In a complete contrast, here are some bigger treasures to enjoy. Helianthus Lemon Queen (perennial sunflower) which is bringing a touch of sunshine despite the clouds. It can be a bit invasive, but it has to compete with asters and a rose, so it is kept under control. I think the rose is winning at the moment!
It has such bright and cheerful flowers.
They make me smile (and the insects really like them too).
I adore your treasures (which will not surprise you). Small and tall they bring smiles to my face. Only last week I smiled at cyclamens brightening shady corners of our garden. And will track down perennial sunflowers.
ReplyDeleteThanks, EC. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who smiles at flowers!
DeleteI hope you can track down the perennial sunflowers - they are a good addition to a late/summer/autumn border. If they get too invasive, you can always dig parts of them up.
Best wishes
Ellie
Dear Ellie
ReplyDeleteThe contrast of the purple and yellow colors is very beautiful!
September in Japan is still hot, but how is September in England?
Thanks, Poirot. So far, September here in the UK has been quite pleasant - warmest temperatures for us towards the east are 21 degrees centigrade. However, that's about right for me - I don't like it when it is too hot in July. I really like this time of year with the autumnal colours.
DeleteBest wishes
Ellie
Your garden makes me smile Ellie and I am also a bit envious to tell you the truth :-) Having a mini balcony garden is never the same. keep well Amanda x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amanda. I'm glad my little garden makes you smile. It brings me a lot of joy and I love it. At least you are able to have some plants on your mini balcony.
DeleteI think we are lucky in the UK as we have such good gardening weather.
Best wishes
Ellie
There's definitely a sense of autumn in the air now, especially when I step out of bed on a morning, it won't be long before I have to turn the heating to come on at a regular time (I've already been using it here and there). Cyclamen are so pretty, especially in that delicate pink colouring you have there. If I remember right, ants play a part in self seeded plants as cyclamen seeds have a sticky coating which ants can't resist.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jo. It's another lovely late summer/autumnal day here, with a fresh breeze. I love the delicacy of cyclamen. I did have some in the border, but they are overshadowed by the bigger plants. Having a little group in pots means I do get the chance to see them when they are at their best. Yes, I think you are right about the ants. I haven't spotted this happening, but it must be, otherwise how did the seeds get down onto the patio and start growing?
DeleteBest wishes
Ellie
Pretty flowers. Autumns has come to us as well but no rain as yet.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thanks, Amalia. We are due more rain this week, but last week was lovely, with plenty of sunshine.
DeleteBest wishes
Ellie
Oh those cyclamens are beautiful Ellie. Well rescued. I am in awe of your Perennial Sunflowers! You can never have enough sunflowers, right? Lulu xXx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lulu. I do like the toughness of both cyclamen and snowdrops which belies their delicate appearance. I couldn't leave them to be squashed underfoot, could I?
DeleteI didn't think the perennial sunflowers were going to be any good this year, but they suddenly burst into life and have been a joy for several weeks. They are in the hottest part of the garden, with a brick wall behind them and this seems to contain their somewhat 'thuggish' characteristics. (However, they have never got out of hand for me, probably becuase they are squashed in amongst so many other plants.) I love to see them!
Best wishes
Ellie