Anticyclonic murk is the order of the day yet again. Gloomy yes, a chill creeping in but still quite mild. As I peered into the garden this morning I caught sight of the first parakeet of the year on the persimmons. They are not quite ripe yet but the parakeet didn’t seem to mind. There have been squadrons of them swooping through the garden on a daily basis. Occasionally the menacing shape of a red kite circles above, coming closer in to the urban areas. Twice this week I have headed down to the back of the garden only to be startled by the sound of a fox scrabbling over the fence. It’s busy out there! Here’s six other things from the garden this week.
One
Work continues on emptying shed and greenhouse. I show this pile because it is all propped up against a water storage unit. I read Jim’s blog on storing rain water this week and recognised many dilemmas. I have emptied most of the water butts for the winter, keeping just one for the moment as I need the odd can here and there as I water in moved plants. But that one will be emptied out soon to give a clear path for the delivery of the shed.
Two
The seed heads are beginning to give some structure to the garden. I planted phlomis russeliana specifically for its seed heads and it does not disappoint. It also clumps up very tightly and gives good ground cover.
Three
I’ve not cut back the agapanthus yet as it’s starry seed heads are also looking good.
Four
The hakonechloa macra is turning colour. I have three lots in pots and three in the border. I count this as a successful foray into adding grasses to the garden.
Five
This heuchera is still doing well. I tried for a long time to find a couple more of this variety, ‘Grape Timeless’, as the flower and leaf colour are so good together but as yet no success.
Six
And of course, lastly a rose. Natasha Richardson, which does so well all the year round.
It’s the last push on emptying the greenhouse for me this weekend. At least the weather is dry. Wishing you all good gardening this weekend. I notice that I now have to option to add AI generated images. I can assure you that I have not been tempted so far but who knows what I will stoop to in the depths of winter! Please take a look at the SOS Participants’ Guide if you would like to take part.
n20gardener 
The rose is looking great. As is the heuchera. I always use Heucheraholics to buy my heucheras from and I had a quick look, but sadly this one is sold out.
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Thank you for having a look. I’ll make a note of your supplier for next year. Noelle is also encouraging me to divide in the spring.
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They do pull into pieces quite easily. I split mine up when they get leggy.
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More encouragement. Thank you.
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I had a fox catch me quite by surprise in the afternoon while I was rummaging in the cold frame. I looked up and there is was, just watching me.
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They are so cheeky aren’t they. Mine does move on pretty quickly if I’m moving in it’s direction.
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Maybe you could ‘sacrifice’ this heuchera by splitting it next spring and you could judge how many new plants you will get even now. I’ve split the two varieties I have very successfully in the past.
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I always plan to split the heuchera but haven’t risked it so far. I will have a go next year – and I will have you on my conscience to hold me to it! Thank you
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Parakeets visiting the garden sounds exciting. I’ve seen them in the London parks occasionally – noisy things! The hakonechloa macra is turning a lovely colour.
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I love Phlomis seedheads but sadly am not so keen on the plant in growth. Natasha R is a beautiful colour and form.
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How amusing that someone else also leaves Agapanthus floral stalks out after bloom. I would not have guessed that they would last in damper climates. They work nicely with dried flowers, and adventurous floral designers can spray paint them.
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I’ve sprayed some gold in the past.
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I simply must report a spot of blue sky and a shaft of sunlight has appeared here in Waterford, southeast Ireland, the first such happenings in a fortnight…the anticyclonic murk may move along!
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