The last day of summer!
However, the change into autumn will be gradual rather than sudden, thus ensuring that we have many days of garden interest to look forward to and many tasks to perform to prolong the season.
I am preparing sites for planting autumn-flowering chrysanthemums.
One of the delights of climate change is that our seasons last longer, thus enabling us to continue to enjoy flowering plants later in the year.
I am also planning to divide some crocosmia and hemerocallis as these emerge from their dormant period in late winter and are easily damaged if left too late, leading to the loss of precious blossom.
Hemerocallis are as tough as old boots, lasting for years without division, although their flower production may become less, which tells you that it is time for action.
Strong tools and strong people are called for here, be warned!
There was a new introduction this year, a hemerocallis named ‘See You Tomorrow’, a reference to the fact that their flowers normally last but a day, hence the name ‘Day Lily’.
It’s claimed this new fellow has blooms that last up to two weeks, we shall see!
I bought two plants, only two as they were exorbitantly expensive, but they have grown into stocky plants that look promising, I shall keep you posted.
I have just received some rather lovely rose plants.
A variety called ‘Mrs Oakley Fisher’ a single-flowered hybrid tea rose that I first saw at Great Dixter in East Sussex some years ago.
I’m a great fan of single roses and this one is special.
The flowers are a warm shade of apricot, a pale glowing creamy-orange and the perfume is, to me, quite dreamy.
The RHS agrees with me, but some other rose growers describe the scent as light.
This is a rose that blooms in waves, one flush of flower followed by another and another provided that it is well treated.
That is the key, so good soil, well enriched by the good things such as well-rotted manure, blood, fish and bonemeal plus watering when necessary.
Good husbandry repays dividends!
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