Work continues in this dreary, grey Winter. However Last week was perfect for planting roses, moving deciduous shrubs whilst musing on what to grow from seed, as I sat in several greenhouses waiting for the rain to stop.
So, with time on my hands I contemplated colour. Coral, raspberry, primrose yellow, burgundy, chocolate brown and burnt orange are the main contenders at present. I took this image last year. I loved the colour combination and the edible element it bought to the flower border.
Thompson and Morgan have a new Cosmos this year. Xanthos is described as soft yellow. To date this is the only definite on my must grow list.
I recently moved a vast amount of 2015 seed sown Stipa tenusimma from one garden to another . It was grown specifically for a new border that needed gapping up last year. There is now a definite structure plan that does not include Stipa, so it is venturing elsewhere. Sharing plants is such a great way to create beautiful gardens.
I firmly believe that in a large border, and if soil conditions and light levels permit, you can never have enough Verbena bonariensis, Stipa tenuissima or Globe Artichoke (Violet de Provence is a favorite of mine, and comes via Sarah Raven seeds). I spent around £6.00 on seed, ending up with at least forty decent sized plants last year.
Wednesday 13th January the frost finally arrived in Shropshire. At long last some decent Winter pruning can begin in earnest. Pruning is one of my favorite tasks. My tools of choice are as always Niwaki secateurs and my Wolfgarten anvil loppers.
My favorite January images follow. Enjoy.
Sally Wicks 