Six on Saturday - 6 November 2021

 This week the first frost of the season hit the garden.  Nothing seems to have been affected, but we did have the lovely fern shapes on the top of the conservatory.  

1. Before the frosts one and only Dahlia David Howard was cut down earlier in the week, and since it was growing in a large pot, for now, I have just brought the pot into the shed.  Please would someone explain if I should take it out of its soil and 'dry it out' then put it back in some damp soil/sand or whatever, ready to spend its few months rest. As we haven't had any rain, the soil in the pot was already on the dry side.

2.  I have been resisting buying bulbs or anything new to grow on for the spring, as I want to grow more from seed.  Over the last three years bulbs have been planted in the garden, but as we were walking past our small independent nursery where I tend to pick up pots, I thought I would support them by buying a little packet of bulbs.  We were walking, and really could not manage any more as I had gone to buy feet to prop up my pots so they don't get waterlogged over the winter, freeze and shatter.  Half of the bulbs were damaged/wizened/mouldy.  Usually at this price I would not have bothered to return or make a complaint, but I have decided to be less timid.  By the time I had cycled back a 'student' was covering the lunch time slot, so I said an exchange would be fine.  This time I decided to open the packet in the shop.  The same thing happened.  Rather than throw two packets away, and I get my money back, I felt the kindest way forward was to suggest that I choose the best 6 Cabanna Tulip bulbs.  They have been planted, and I shall report back sometime next year.

3. Shadows and morning light offer up aspects of the garden which are easily overlooked.  I  had to be quick to go out and catch the shadow cast by the Cyclamen Hederifolium which had pleased me so much over breakfast.

4.  Turning around I caught the sun shinning through the last remaining blooms of the little patio Rose.  I had to check the name and what a coincidence it is called 'Shine On', new to the garden this spring.

5. Meet Verbena bonariensis 'Little One' which is a souvenir of my visit to Beth Chatto's garden.  It will add a little height in a diminutive sort of way to the gravel garden.

6. I am still fond of the little Viola Tricolor which I grew from seed sent to me by Jim.  Some of the larger plants were trimmed back, and I am pleased to say they have bounced back.  I ought to look for seed to save to sow again this spring. Violas is a good small plant to pop into gaps after the early spring flowers are over.

And Violas are edible and a delightful little garnish which help make a salad lunch quite pretty. I do like an edible flower and we are still eating our own lettuce.  My plate was piled high with lettuce, this was Mr S's place where I have to bury both the green and purple leaves under the beetroot!

Even though I am writing this a little late in the day, having had various issues with connectivity...I wish all my gardening friends a good week, and if you have time, you won't be disappointed by what awaits you on The Propagator's site, as you find not just my post linked into his, but many others too.