Where does the time go, or is it that my energy levels are declining with the decreasing hours of sunshine? Wednesday was a complete wash out, a deluge of rain that lasted all day. But I was determined to get some bulbs in the ground this week and Thursday saw the camassias go in. I may be pushing the boundaries for their growing conditions, liking moist conditions is one thing but I think my chosen spot for this batch may be erring on the wetter side. Time will tell. Here’s six from the garden this week.
One
I struggle to get nasturtium seeds to germinate – can you believe that? But one year I did get a couple going, they languished in their growing spot so much so that I uprooted them and put them at the back of the garden along the edge of my failing asparagus bed. Here, left completely to their own devices, they have begun to take hold and are flowers have been forthcoming. A rather nice treat for this time of year and for the mainly shady conditions that now represent home.
Two
There are still flowers in the garden, dahlias, cosmos and zinnias clinging on but this week I was very aware of the foliage beginning to change. The persimmon tree is going from green to reds and will eventually become golden yellow as the leaves fall, leaving the fruit behind to ripen.
Three
The fig tree leaves are already heading to yellow and the numerous fruits will not ripen. What a job that is, taking them all off. It is a large tree and those much above head height never get removed.
Four
There are one or two flowers on the bergenias but this striking red leaf against the green was the attention grabber.
Five
The pulmonaria are enjoying the wet conditions, looking fresh and zingy this week. Such a contrast to their withered summer look. I didn’t think they would survive but they really are tough plants.
Six
Saving some flowers for last, helenium ‘Short and Sassy’ is still giving. What a trooper.
I have the borders to selectively clear, mulching to be organised, tulips and alliums to plant. A few more dry days would be helpful. And a little sunshine would be a bonus. Just hoping. The Prop will be a source of inspiration – so join me in taking a look at this week’s SOS from his garden. There will be much to enjoy from other gardens too.
n20gardener 
I enjoyed your photos, am new to the Six on Saturday lark but have done my first one! It’s a great idea. On nasturtiums, mine have already all self-seeded in my veg patch and I don’t really know what to do with them, I don’t think they will survive the winter. Yours look great, I like the marbled leaves.
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Welcome to SOS, it’s a good community! Hopefully your nasturtiums will drop their seed again and when the time is right it will germinate to give next year’s flowers. Just clear away any soggy leaves as the winter takes hold. Mine are ‘Alaska’ I’ll stop by and read your blog.
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I am soooooooo impressed by your persimmon, do you get many fruit?! Very true about the contrary nastursium, they suit themselves here too. Stay safe and well 🙂
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We do usually get a good crop – but to be honest they are not my favourite so they get given away or left for the birds. The parquets love them! The awful weather is keeping us at home at the moment, wishing you and yours safe and well too.
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I’ve never had much success with nasturtiums either – I’ll try a shadier spot next year. Thanks for the tip 🙂
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It’s been interesting to hear how contrary nasturtiums are. Mine are in a spot that catches the late afternoon sun. I hope that helps!
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It does – and I have just the spot 🙂
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I haven’t grown nasturtiums in years but the one you show above is of a colour I would love to grow. I must get back to them.
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If I remember rightly these were ‘Alaska’. I’m happy they have found the right spot and will leave them to get on with it. 🙂
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I’m another one who hasn’t had success with nasturtiums. They grow so rampantly in other gardens self-seeding all over the place, but not in mine and I’d love to have them here.
Slightly envious of the persimmon tree. I’d love to have one, but they’re not easy to find in nurseries here.
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Isn’t is strange that the simple nasturtium seems so picky. I wish I knew what the answer was. I inherited the persimmon when we moved here so I don’t know the variety but it is lovely in winter when the leaves have fallen and the fruit remains.
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It’s fun seeing your figs and persimmon. How great when we have fruit to look forward to! I’ll need to go check my bergenias for that awesome color.
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SOS is a good way of getting us out in the garden looking for new delights. So much needed at the moment. We have awful weather and awful news. As you say, good to have some things to look forward to.
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I hope you will be able to enjoy your figs even if the season is almost over here too. I still have hundreds of fruits on the tree and maybe four or five that will ripen …
Very pretty yellow helenium with this large dark heart.
I haven’t grown any nasturtiums this year but I love these flowers (to watch and eat) so much that I will be planting a few for next year.
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I might have one or two that will ripen, but they will not be as sweet. The nasturtium is a lovely plant and this one is tumbling down the sides very beautifully.
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Rather glad to hear I’m not the only one who can’t get nasturtiums to thrive. I bung in so many seeds and nothing much happens except a lot of leaves if I’m lucky. But I keep buying those packets with the lovely pictures on the front. I shall try again next year. best wishes, Julie
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Wishing you well with next year’s sowings! I hope these that have established themselves will go on to self seed rampantly! They are doing a good job of tumbling down a raised bed. Stay safe and well and dry!!
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Thankyou. All the best to you too for the next few months. roll on Spring.
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I get Alice to scatter nasturtium direct and they seem to better than when I mollycoddle them.
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My lack of success was driving me mad as they are so often the seeds that are suggested for children to sow. So glad to hear that Alice has more success. They are such a sunny plant.
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Yes the. Nasturtium is cool. Alaska I think. I love the single red leaf on Bergenia. Hope you had a pleasant week.
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You are absolutely right on the id. I checked back after Paddy mentioned them. It was another wet week here and today the rain has arrived yet again with gusting winds to follow. Still, it wasn’t too bad a week! I hope all goes well with you.
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That is hard to believe about nasturtiums. Once they get going it is difficult to prevent them from germinating where they are not wanted.
Is that Bergenia crassifoilia? What is described as Bergenia cordifolia looks just like it. I suspect that it is really Bergenia crassifolia.
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