Forget about Autumn Lets have an Indian Summer

This summer will be my umpteenth attempt at growing Brussels sprouts. I’m beginning to wonder if I have offended a garden gnome in some way and had a hex put upon me because although I have grown a great variety of vegetables and herbs in my garden beds over the years, I have been repeatedly denied the joy of harvesting a single Brussels sprout. Some years I’ve been able to grow the stalk, but not one sprout has sprouted. Other years, the plant fizzled early and nothing grew. But last year was the real heartbreaker.I

The jewel-like colours of the dahlias were calling me today, but having featured ‘brights’ in recent vases I decided to go for more pastel shades instead. Although I started with cosmos (not as tall as some years, not a bad thing, and certainly bushy and reasonably floriferous, which they weren’t last year), cutting a few stems of each variety, they have largely disappeared amongst the other contents. Having discovered another Double Click variety, I have grown all four this year: DC Cranberries, Snow Puff, Rose Bonbon and Bicolor Rose, the latter being the newest one.

Pebbles are a popular choice for use in gardens and landscaping projects as they are attractive, low-maintenance, and can add texture and interest to a garden.Here is Everything You Need to Know About Using Pebbles in the Garden to make your home stand out.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones are based on the temperature conditions of the place. They range from zones 1a to 13b. Most of the United States comprises zone 3a, which has a low temperature of around -40 and -35 degrees (F), and zone 8a, with 10 to 15 degrees. Outdoor gardening is on hold as by December, most annual plants have finished their cycles and been taken up, and many perennials are dormant.

In permaculture garden design, we often talk about the importance of taking a holistic approach. But if you are unfamiliar with this phrase, then you may question what exactly it means. 

Monarda cambridge scarlet is one of those hardy perennials which give a brilliant show every Summer. The RHS has given this popular old variety Bergamot it’s prestigious Award of Garden Merit.

Sedum Spectabile Autumn Joy brings great colour to the border when so many other perennials have gone over.

See how Dicentra Formosa Aurora and the pink form performs in our Aberdeen garden.

Buddleja Silver Anniversary

Zantedeschia aethiopica, growing in Aberdeen. Most people liked it a few thought it was kind of funereal.

All these years of gardening and I can’t say that I was ever that crushed on Nepeta, well not until I found Nepeta Fassenii Junior Walker.

We planted the Hebe Autumn Glory in our front garden four years ago.