Mixed Emotions as Summer Wanes

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by Brian Denison

As Sue Gray pointed out in her August email, the weather this year has produced amazing growth and the garden can soon look overgrown. My friend Duncan has remarked that already we have seen the last of many flowers until next year. One definitely feels a sense of loss at this time of year but there are many plants just reaching their peak right now and some which still continue to perform. All the pictures shown below have been taken recently and provide some comfort to me despite the nights drawing in and lower temperatures. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

This is Clematis ‘Ernest Markham’ growing on a structure made using recycled conifer branches.
Here what was left of the conifer used for the clematis climbing structure supports three hanging baskets planted with Hostas. From top to bottom they are Hosta ‘El Nino’, H. ‘Halcyon’ and H. ‘Orange Marmalade’.
This is Euphorbia mellifera underplanted with a Begonia and two Lamium maculatum ‘White Nancy’. The latter add a new dimension to this pot display.
Senecio candicans ‘Angel Wings’ with Iris foetidissima and Lamium maculatum ‘White Nancy’. The Senecio has continued to perform well despite being a sun loving plant.
This plant was grown from Rudbeckia hirta ‘Dwarf Mixed’ seed. This is the second year I have grown this plant and I love it. More of the seed grown plants are shown in the next two pictures illustrating the variation in flower colour.
Rudbeckia hirta (same seed)
Rudbeckia hirta (same seed again)
Clematis texensis ‘Princess Diana’
Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’ is still looking good in its large, elevated pot.
This is Dahlia ‘Mystic Dreamer’. Acquired last year and growing to just 75cm .
  • Dahlia ‘Black Wizard’
  • Dahlia ‘Arabian Knight’
Two favourites of mine!
Agapanthus ‘White Heaven’ was purchased some years ago from Merriments and never fails to perform
Bergenia ciliata and Lysimachia clethroides in an East facing shady spot.
The three pots of Hosta ‘Orange Marmalade’, Hosta ‘Patriot’ and Begonia ‘Whopper’ are also facing East.
This arrangement of Photinia serratifolia ‘Pink Crispy’ with Coleus (Solenostemon} enjoys a little more sun but the Coleus doesn’t seem to mind.
Dahlia ‘Orange Turmoil’ is a little late to bloom this year but will soon catch up.
Solidago ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ A compact form growing to 50 cm.
Phlox paniculata ‘Norah Leigh’.
Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii and African Marigold ‘Crackerjack’.
Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Herbstsonne’. I must remember to Chelsea chop this plant next year.

Brian Denison

All images courtesy of Brian Denison

2 thoughts on “Mixed Emotions as Summer Wanes”

  2. Thanks Brian, I enjoyed the photos and commentary. I had Princess Diana in my previous garden and lovely to be reminded of how gorgeous she is!

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