Tuesday 5 July 2011

Dry Garden

I have been surprised to see plants reappearing that I have tried to grow in the past but lost. As they are plants that like dry conditions I can only presume the dry weather over the past few months has encouraged seed to grow.

Dorycnium hirsutum

The first and biggest surprise is Dorycnium hirsutum. I bought this plant several years ago but lost it after a couple of years. As it is a mediterranean plant it was doomed really.  I am really pleased to see it back. The leaves are grey with a soft velvety feel. The pea type flowers turn into dark seed pods which can be heard popping in late summer. A seed must have lasted and produced this lovely plant.

Verbena bonariensis is a favourite late summer flower. There are several seedlings in the garden.I also have a poppy seedling.

Viburnum plictatum 'Grandiflorum' in May
On the negative side, there seems to be a casualty of the dry conditions. Viburnum plicatum 'Grandiflorum' came into leaf and flower in May as usual. However, it now looks like the photograph below. I am so disappointed.
 

Finally, the one Stipa tenuissima to survive last winter is looking really good. There are also seedlings everywhere.
Geranium 'Blue Cloud' through Stipa tenuissima
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5 comments:

  1. Liz5 July 2011 at 21:29

    Hi,

    It's been a rough year with all the snow and then the severe lack of rain over the past 3/4 months now. I'm still waiting for the promised rain and continue to hold off watering the garden... As soon as I give in and water it, of course it will rain.
    I've been melting in this 25oC+ we've been getting almost every day for the past week.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Gill5 July 2011 at 21:40

    Hi Liz

    I had to water even though rain is forecast. Fortunately, I have a full water butt. I like your photographs on your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Su6 July 2011 at 13:46

    It's always sad to lose a favourite plant, my poor camelia is looking like your viburnum :(

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nellie from Beyond My Garden6 July 2011 at 13:53

    We have just the opposite. A very wet garden resulting in growth of plants I don't usually see as well as lots of weeds (yes, I know they are plants too.)
    nellie

    ReplyDelete
  5. Malar13 July 2011 at 09:43

    I'm new to your blog! You have a nice garden. Very informative too!
    Hope your plant survive well this summer

    ReplyDelete

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