I managed to find six things from the garden last week but it wasn’t looking good for this week. Fortunately I took off for a few days to Seville, Spain. In the time I was away the weather here made a leap into Autumn. Rain has made the garden easier to work but the dried out patch on the lawn where the old path was really does look dead. It’s a good time to sow grass seed so that is the number one job for this weekend. I am taking the liberty of sharing six things from Seville this week. Fred, fellow SOSer, knows I am taking a step toward more exotic plants starting with a few cannas. They are used to great effect in Seville’s lush public planting. I don’t think I’ll achieve such success but I am giving them a go from seed.
One
Yellow cannas from one of the public squares in central Seville. I have two yellow cannas from seed that I hope I can overwinter.
Two
Orange cannas. These were in the gardens of the Real Alcaza. They had reached an amazing height. I am wondering if they are tuerckheimii. There’s some deadheading to be done! I have a few of these too.
Three
A stunning red hibiscus, also from the Real Alcaza gardens.
Four
Lantana camara. This was growing through the railings of garden in the Triana district. I’ve seen this around and about on travels but is it happy in the UK? The RHS suggest full sun and frost free conditions.
Five
Plumbago is another of those plants that I see on travels. It seems to be very popular in Spain and in the South of France. The RHS gives it a H2 rating so probably another one that would be marginal here.
Six
Of course, if it is Seville there must be oranges. The bitter variety used for making marmalade. They are to be found as street trees and in gardens everywhere.
The temperatures in Seville were high twenties with a warm breeze, perfect for evening strolls to restaurants. It was a shock to land back in the UK to mid-teens temperatures but the seasons are changing so I must adapt. There are plenty of Autumn jobs to do. Jim continues to astonish with another great selection from his garden. I hope I can drag something up for next week. Happy gardening to you all.
