The heat is damaging the plants in the garden and the scorching sun is taking its toll too. An early spell gardening at around six this morning meant I was able to pick a few stems of the hydrangea before they start to flop. For other fine arrangements from garden material do go over to Cathy's post.
To give you an idea on how hot and dry it is, the washing dried in two hours!
The Hydrangea was first cultivated in Japan and flowers during their rainy season of June and July and etymologically hydrangea stems from the Greek words for water, hydros so fitting since hydrangeas require constant moisture to stay happy, healthy and blooming. And spare waste water goes to them every few days.
Hylotelephium erythrostictum 'Frosty Morn', aka 'Alison's sedum' by me since the first plant was given to me by Alison who used to contribute to IAVOM. It certainly is a cool looking plant, with its cream edged thick waxy leaves. The blooms are still at the tight bud stage, and may not open. Another IAVOM gift from Cathy, which I love is the Persicaria Red Dragon, and to finish off the arrangement, I have added some poppy seed heads.
That's a bright pink hydrangea, Noelle, and I rather like the effect of the variegated sedum against its brightness. Isn't it lovely being able to link our plants to people we know? You have made me resolve to give my few hydrangeas a bit more TLC!
ReplyDeleteHurrah the Hydrangeas would shout it only they could have some rain Cathy. Yes I love plants which I have received from friends over the years.
DeleteI adore Hydrangeas and very much regret that they don't want to grow in my garden. I keep asking myself if I should try one in a pot, seated somewhere I'd remember to lavish it with the water it wants.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that the UK continues to experience a miserable heatwave. Our own temperatures are beginning to climb as our morning marine layer is giving up the cool blanket it provided us throughout June. July and August can feel like one long heatwave here.
I've already noticed how different plants cope, and my garden reflects the change with more drought tolerant plants taking the place of the ones I used to grow a few years ago.
DeleteA very pretty arrangement Noelle and I am sure that Hydrangea is happier in your vase than outside at the moment! When I was in Japan I was taken to a hydrangea park in the rain - they say it is the only way they should be viewed and I must say they did sparkle and the colours were very vivid. Hope it cools down for you and your garden soon!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have visited Japan. I am sure you enjoyed the gardens there.
DeleteVery pretty, and especially fun with the Poppy seedheads and the Sedum. Very creative! I hope you will get some relief from the heat and the dry conditions.
ReplyDelete