Flowering still

This photograph was taken this morning at 11:00 - such lovely sunshine. And how remarkable it seems that so much flower is still in the garden to delight this late in the season

We face directly south-east and my upstairs study overlooks the garden - as does the kitchen. This means, at this time of year, we get the full benefit of the rising sun. It was beautifully bright this morning so I thought I would share with you a few photographs of the flowers that we are still able to enjoy

Chrysanthemums

I have mentioned before that I am only a beginner with these plants which, I'm told, are making something of a garden comeback. We have three sorts. First, a tall type that produce sprays that are great for cut flowers - they last for weeks in a vase. The arrangement shown here was done in mid-October and they have only recently been despatched - recycled via the compost heap, of course

We still have plenty more in the garden. A lovely white version recently came into flower - caught in this photograph in the evening sun

I have a lot to learn about their cultivation. I am hoping that I can produce more from cutting so that others can benefit, as well

Pot chrysants 

We also have, what I call, pot chrysants. These started life as house plants - often presents. Old Codger likes to experiment, so I tried them outdoors, often splitting a pot to produce more. These do well in pots on the patio - as you can see here. Incidentally, I find that one can never have enough pots. If I see a pot going cheap, I buy it believing it will come in some time. Have you noticed that TV gardeners seem to have an inexhaustible supply of large pots? Must cost a mint! So, look out for bargains

A new variety

Earlier in the year, Mrs Codger spotted a magazine advert for a variety called Tula. I think I mentioned these the other week. The Dutch call them spider chrysanthemums - I think you can see why

They came as what the trade call 'slips' - I imagine that is another word for a cutting. The result has been good. I gave them some protection at first - then, out in the garden - and away

Again, I hope to propagate so these can be shared next season. have I whetted your appetite?

A nice surprise

One plant has surprised - and pleasantly so: Rudbeckia. Early in the first lockdown we got through a pile of Rudbeckia - the variety was Little Goldstar. They started out as a plant rescue from B&Q and featured in our Harvest Thanksgiving display in 2019. 

They took on a new lease of life this Spring - if you have a box of plants from me you may well have been enjoying Little Goldstar in your own garden! We then tried another variety: Prairie Sun. I overstocked somewhat, so our own garden has been the beneficiary. Many are still powering away. I certainly recommend this variety

Roses

Roses never seem to want to give up. The rose shown here is one of our David Austin Old English roses: Jubilee Celebration. Is is deliberately planted near to the conservatory where it can be readily appreciated. Magnificent, isn't it?

Please don't forget

Well, old Codger could go on and on but we must take advantage of today's sunshine to get out into the garden so we catch up with the jobs - many now well overdue

Before we sign off we would like to mention our BCM Toylink push again. Just to remind you: any donations received here during Lockdown 2.0 will go to the BCM Toylink initiative

See last week for details on this - especially the excellent and informative video which you can see here. However, I need to mention one point. The very nice Venetian planters I mentioned - see photo - are now out of stock. Although I have tried hard, I have not been able to track down a direct replacement so have had to substitute a different design. Hopefully, the delivery will be here soon so I can show you a photograph next week. For now ...

... best wishes from the old garden Codger