Notes
01.08.2023 - 15:04 / gardenerstips.co.uk / hortoris
This natural pattern of succulent leaves was spotted in my garden as the Autumn flowering Sedum Spectabile burst forth this Spring. This follows the patten in the leaves at the end of a branch of Monkey Puzzle Tree and set me thinking. Many gardeners spend a lot of time and effort to get patterns of colour and texture, variety of shape and form or harmonious patterns to please the eye but nature does it best.
The arrangement of the leaf on every plant is progammed in via nature. The position of flowers, number of petals and arrangement of stigma is also preordained as with this Flowering Cherry.
I will be looking for more patterns within my garden and the photographs from now on. A separate tag will also identify those that I think demonstrate potential. Looking back this House Leek seems to fit the bill.
A frilly Tulip creates a pattern with just the petals of one flower.
The name of a plant can indicate the pattern you might expect to see. This Acer palmatum contains all the fingers on a palm and more than a handful of digits and hands
Get your bulb catalogues out and select your planting scheme for a glorious display next spring. Plant some bulbs just to cut for indoor flowers – the bunches will be superior to those you will pay na fortune for in the shops next year and you have the fun of growing your own.
A special Daiseye.
Red, White and Blue the patriotic colours of the Hydrangea are augmented by pinks and purples like H. Ayeshia above as a variation on those themes. Flowering from mid-summer these shrubs give a magnificent display with very little effort. Did you see Hydrangea maritima on seaside holidays in large displays of sugary pink and sometimes blue.
Greenery is all very well but I like to see swathes of colourful flowers. I try to envisage how mixed planting will shape up in terms of colour but generally my minds eye falls short when it comes to the imagination department. The best tip is to keep it simple with only a very limited number of varieties chosen because they are due to flower around the same time.
Think before you allow poppies to proliferate. Poppies rob a lot of goodness from your soil.
Plants of the thistle family and close relatives are particularly good for wildlife. When in flower they attract Bees and Insects and the fine seeds provide bird food particularly for Goldfinches. In many cases the Thistles can and have provided food and medicine for human consumption.
Ulex europaeus better known as Gorse, furze, furse or whin is a very prickly shrub of the pea family. Western gorse Ulex gallii is frequent in the western side of Britain and is relatively low growing yet robust. Dwarf gorse or Ulex minor is a low growing, sprawling shrub.
The new year gets gardeners all enthused but it is also a time to show patience. The gnomes wont rush to help you anytime soon Hi-ho.
Art can be found in many situations and you don’t need to look too far in the alpine house.