It’s Topsy-turvy in the Garden

There’s no doubt it’s been a strange autumn in my garden. In fact, I seem to have all the seasons at once.

Despite two frosts, some summer things are determined to keep flowering.

The nasturtiums have had a mixed reaction to the recent cold snap. Some, as expected, have turned to mush but many more are still flowering their hearts out.

The antirrhinums are also still pretending it’s summer though interestingly those in the cutting bed have finished unlike the plants I put in the borders to fill gaps.

Also still flowering is the passion flower, while both the alstromeria and euphorbia are beginning again. Naturally, the calendula are still covered in blooms but then they have some flowers for most of the year.

I’m even managing to cut a few helichrysum flowers, which is pretty good for mid-November.

The dahlias at least have got the message that it’s time to settle down for the winter. The frosts have blackened the foliage and they’re ready to be lifted – when it stops raining!

Somewhat later than usual to the autumn party was this cotinus, which has only just turned colour. The purple varieties I grow took on their autumn hues weeks ago and are now starting to shed their leaves.

This was give to me as ‘Grace’ but I’m not convinced that’s correct. Whatever it’s called, it’s a beauty.

Adding to the garden confusion, there are late winter and even spring flowers starting to appear. Odd primroses have had flowers on and off all year but now they all seem to want to get started.

The early daffodil, Narcissus ‘Rijnveld’s Early Sensation’ is in bud – a bonus as last year it produced just leaves. It usually flowers in January but might be earlier this year.

Also further ahead than normal is the snowdrop ‘Colossus’, which, barring a sudden prolonged cold snap, seems certain to be out before Christmas.

And the winter jasmine, Jasminum nudiflorum, is adding a bright splash of yellow to the garden. This usually stands out as a lone flower on an otherwise fairly empty stage. Not this year.

Is your garden still showing off its summer colour? Do let me know in the comments section.

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