Colour in the garden

To help to forget about the rather unseasonably cold weather, here are a few photos of plants flowering happily outside.  This bright orange (I'm gradually starting to think orange might be a good thing in the garden) flower is Tithonia Torch which I grew from seed this year and which has finally started to bloom.

It is a very cheerful thing. 

 Here's another success from my seed sowing.  This is Malope Triffida Vulcan (a relative of the mallow).  This particular specimen is rather spindly and leggy because I left it too long before planting it out, but the flowers are fabulous.

 The colour is so bright.

 Even the buds are rather lovely. However, this plant is a magnet for slugs and snails and I only have a couple of these plants left, but I am really enjoying them.

 Hibiscus Syriacus Red Heart is flowering well too.

 I like the swirling pattern the unfurling petals make.

 Anemone Bressingham Glow is flowering really well this year with very tall stems.

My latest clematis (Clematis Heracleifolia Wyevale) is one which I absolutely love.  It is a herbaceous variety with tall strong stems and lovely bluebell-like flowers, which have a beautiful scent.

 Such pretty blue flowers.

 Finally, Crocosmia Princess for another burst of fiery colour.  I bought this at Newby Hall and it is a smaller variety but still packs a colour punch.  Yes, I am definitely coming round to the idea of orange...

Higgledy Garden - seeds

 I was looking at a blog I follow and found this lovely post about a seed grower from Cornwall whose business is called Higgledy Garden.  Being of a naturally curious disposition, especially where anything about gardens is concerned, I went to explore.  Of course, I was seduced by the beautiful annual plants Benjamin Ranyard grows and loved the way he wrote - he is so passionate about what he does.  So, I ordered some annuals for next year.  Two days later, they arrived, and with great excitement, I opened the envelope.  Here's what arrived:

Gorgeous stamped seed packets and a handwritten note from Benjamin himself.  He has also included some Dahlia seed free for me to try!  So what did I buy?  Here's what they should look like next year:

Nicotiana 'Lime Glow', Cerinthe, Tithonia 'Fiesta', Calendula 'Art Shades', Phacelia, Corncockle and the free Dahlias.  (Mosaic made from photos from the Higgledy Garden website and using PicMonkey).  I now need to buy some verbena bonariensis seeds and some Stipa Tenuissima seeds and then I am all set for next year.  Can't wait! Incidentally, if you wanted to order any seeds from Higgledy Garden this weekend, you'll get some free Rudbeckia seeds.   It is great to support a UK business and get some lovely things too and I haven't been asked to advertise, but I was impressed by the business and wanted to share my excitement!