Summer

Welcome readers to the first installment of my gardening blog

Softening Light

Hello You,

Salvia mexicana 'Limelight'

Well I'm not sure if I'm wanting to start each blog off by writing about the weather but, man, I love autumn!  I just love the cooler nights and snuggling into the doona. And those warm,  cloudless days....superb. Just perfect for gardening in.
And plants love it too. It's a great opportunity for plants to put on some leaves before winter comes in and you can almost hear them sighing with relief that the hot weather is over.

I also love the possibilities the cooler weather brings to the garden. The idea of dividing plants and making the decision of whether to spread a drift of this or that, remove them altogether, renew the clump or relocate. Decisions!

Canna 'Tropicanna'

I find it hard to throw plants away that I have divided up. I feel like they're my babies and I can't discard them just like rubbish. I give them away to friends or leave them on a tray by the front gate for lucky passers-by. They are always snapped up by other eager gardeners. The idea of strangers taking my plants home and enjoying them makes me think of waving off my offspring as they head off into the big wide world in search of an adventure. Gardeners are always sharing their spoils. You often hear of folk swapping this and that plant and educating each other with stories of where plants came from and  how to grow them in the process; friendships forming.

Salvia 'Black and Blue'

Over the years I have been collecting different varieties of salvia. I seem to have developed an addiction to them having countless numbers now. I find them so rewarding with their vibrant array of colourful flowers. And they are quite tolerant of dry spots in the garden making them perfect for water-misers and gardening in drought conditions. It seems so long as they get a sunny spot in the garden then they are pretty happy with life. If only people could be so easily pleased! Most of my salvia's are still looking great. Many of the salvia genus are very long flowering, some for up to 9 months of the year. The tall Salvia 'Black and Blue', 'Lime Light' and 'Black Knight' are still performing well in my garden. All they require is a light deadhead every now and then to keep them blooming well.
Salvia leucantha are now starting to push out their first buds of colour that will last well into next spring. Their furry little buds and leaves glistening silver in the sunlight. Just a delight.

Enjoy the warm before the chill.

Lee