From the garden - Six on Saturday at the start of September

 It feels as if Summer is over, the light levels have plummeted, we have had lots of rain, and very little sun.  Sadly I cut a slow worm  when I was cutting back the thick top growth off the Phuopsis stylosa, which really upset me.  Later I saw another large one disappear down a hole, and today as I started to clear the Kenilworth Ivy from the wall, I was surprised to see a few of them quite a way off the ground.  They probably were enjoying the warmth of the wall.  For now I am leaving this job till much later in the year when they will have gone into hibernation..  The weather forecast for next week is much better, and I look forward to seeing a different phase in the garden.  Meanwhile I am linking this post to Jim's blog, where lots of other keen gardeners congregate.

Here are my six this week: 

1. This allium seems to be later than usual this year, compared to last year it is nearly a month late. 

Allium carinatum  subs pulchellum

In the front drier Mediterranean plantings it hasn't fared so well. I have decided to dig them all up, separate them and replant them with a little enrichment of the soil in slightly different positions.

I continue to cut things back especially as they get bowed down with the rain, but in several cases , I feel that I need to leave the remaining flowers for the last bout of foraging by the bees and other flying insects.

2. It certainly pays to cut back plants at least ones such as these Nemesia Wisley Vanilla from time to time, I did this about five weeks ago and now it is flowering again.  I first acquired small plug plants in 2022, and with heavy pruning around twice a year, these plants bounce back and there is a nice froth of white blooms ready to scent the garden again for a few weeks. After I cut them I apply a compost dressing and give them a feed.

Nemesia Wisley Vanilla in the same pot for two years

3. This Echeveria is spilling out around the pot, and is almost a colour match for the blue table. 

Echeveria elegans

Rather than have the bottom of the half pan sitting in water in the saucer, I turn the saucer upside down.  I could remove the saucer altogether but little bits of soil are apt to fall through and stain the table.

4. This week a friend noticed and admired another succulent.  It is Crassula perforata variegata which I purchased as a small plant when we were staying on Tresco last year.  I cut back the mother plant when it was growing well, and placed the cuttings in a pot of gritty soil.

Crassula perforata variegata

They grew tall over the summer, and only recently I have noticed that new growth is starting from the axils.  I have a 'succession' plant, and some to give away.

I have now cut them right down to these and potted them on individually.  I could of course start again with all the cuttings, but I don't really have enough room especially through the winter when they would need to be under shelter.

5. As well as the alliums, the asters have been a magnet for the bees, and this one has so many flowers.  It has a pleasant lax habit, but I have chosen to prop up some of the stems to add height to this section.

What is great about this plant as well, is that it is definitely mildew free.

6.  I've already picked a few tomatoes, and I am hoping the sunshine next week with ripen those now turning red.

I'm off to the Rare Plant fair at the Bishop's Palace tomorrow morning, just for a look and to see what is on trend.  I shall report next week if I fail to keep to my no more plants promise!  I do have a few plants on my wish list, but I have not yet cleared space for them.