I did predict this as the schools have broken up for summer here and MrC has gone camping with a Scout troop. At least there is some chance of getting tent pegs in the ground.
There have been plant casualties but how far that goes remains to be seen. Every day for the last month I have found a new plant shrivelled or drooping, some have been saved but some not. Well established shrubs have suffered as well as new planting. We have barely had any rain for two months and that, along with high temperatures, has meant plants are struggling.
The water butts are filling up again, at least for now, so that will help the water bills a little.
The good news is that there is still plenty flowering. Many flowers love the hot weather as long as their roots can find some water.
Here is Cosmos 'Cupcakes' collected together in a vase with their own foliage.
Every bit as pretty as I'd expected and they last well as do the normal Cosmos. These are a mixed packet so each one is different pink and white and even a blush. Airy and delicate. I feared they would never flower as they produced lush foliage and not buds. I've discovered that it is too much nitrogen which produces this effect.
If I was Cathy I'd have a cupcake enhancing my photo but I need to have a baking session so none are available.
Also here are a couple of Dahlias. 'Cafe au Lait' - every florist wants to get their hands on this, I need plenty more tubers next year - and 'Thomas A Edison'. This dropped into my basket last autumn and has not disappointed.
I've even done indoor jobs today, without feeling I should be outside, some long overdue so now I must get on with the outdoor jobs. The sky is still threatening more rain.
Thanks for visiting. I'm linking with Cathy at Rambling in the Garden for In a Vase on Monday.
That's a cheery vase of cosmos and the dahlias are beautiful. We've had similar rain stories this summer and at last are having some relief.
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased to hear that you are getting rain too. It certainly makes life easier.
DeleteI trialled this variety for Which? Gardening before it was on the market but my plants were quite poor - I have seen it since though and found it really pretty, as yours are. And cosmos foliage is always lovely. Hope Mr C and his scouts have fully waterproof tents!
ReplyDeleteThey are a hardy bunch (the scouts not the flowers) and always have a good time even covered in mud.
DeleteWhat a sweet variety of cosmos, so very pretty. Your dahlias are gorgeous; 'Cafe au Lait' has been very popular here as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Cafe au Lait is 'in vogue' but will it last?
DeleteCongratulations on the rain! I hope you get some more. The cosmos are frilly and very, very pretty, Alison, and the dahlias are absolutely gorgeous. I'm disappointed that so many of my new dahlia tubers rotted this year (entirely my fault I suspect).
ReplyDeleteI had a few rot too, perhaps 30%. Probably I over watered but I thought I was being careful. It's such a waste of money, isn't it?
DeleteWith a little more rain today, at least you can have a bit of a rest. The Cosmos are delightful, and with their own foliage feathery and green, they are just perfect. I love that cafe au lait dahlia, when I saw it, it was very sunny, but with your photograph I can't help but admire the subtlety of its colours. You still have time to try a few cuttings, and overwinter them in the soil in your poly-tunnel. They will romp away next spring.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good idea. The colouring changes as they age and fade. It certainly feels more relaxed now it has rained.
DeleteThose Cosmos are so pretty and I love the dahlia - I've avoided them as they seem such high maintainance and I'm not sure I would know what they needed when. Do you lift them for the winter?
ReplyDeleteThey are high maintenance but I think worth it. I do lift them and store over winter, then they need to be potted up in spring. The only one I left in did survive, even this harsh winter, but was then attacked by slugs in spring and has never recovered properly. It was may favourite too. It's still alive but no flowers.
DeleteThe arrival of the school holidays invariably coincides with rain but it seems to be warming up yet again! Oh that is a most pretty cosmos Alison. I've stayed true to my old favourite 'Purity' but not a single open flower as yet!
ReplyDeleteI much prefer this cooler weather and have done some actual gardening rather than just watering and deadheading. Hopefully 'Purity' will open soon. Do you have big leafy plants too?
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