Trees in winter

I like winter trees. Against a blue sky they look like sculptures...

..they look dramatic with the sunshine and a grey sky....

.. they look pretty with raindrops shining like beads...

...and picturesque with snow.

Looking back

2012 has been a strange year for a gardener.  Spring was very dry, summer was the second wettest on record. The wet weather has continued throughout the year. This view through my kitchen window has been a common one.

I managed to lose my bag of seeds so only had my new purchases to sow. I kept hoping I would find it but It still hasn't turned up. I really missed the sweet peas. 

Calendula 'Sherbet Fizz'

Ageratum 'Red Sea'

 I grew the Calendula and Ageratum pictured above. They were for cutting but I was disappointed with both of them. 

Scabious 'Black Night'

Scabious 'Black Night' was different. Larger flower than the other Scabious I have grown. Lasted well in a vase. I loved it and I will grow lots in 2013.

Rain at last

Flowers on the windowsill

Garden is looking much better after some much needed rain. It has become cooler, the days seem to be shortening rapidly. It's all feeling quite autumnal.

Selinum wallichianum

The Selinum pictured above was planted several years ago and has always looked good with its ferny foliage and white cow parsley flowers. It has been suffering in the dry weather, I have had to water it a lot. It will get a new home in the autumn.

I have noticed that the taller flowers in the garden, such as the aster and gaura below, don't seem to have grown as tall this year. Perhaps this is due to the drier conditions?

Aster 'Little Carlow'

Gaura lindheimeri 'The Bride'