Summer would simply not be summer without sweet peas. Mine have been struggling this year truth be told, so I am delighted that I am now able to pick in sufficient quantities to hopefully fill vases for some time to come. I sowed one batch of different named seeds at the start of March and the other at the end of that month. Both started life sown in root trainers in the greenhouse before being hardened off and then transplanted at the allotment, where they grow up bamboo cane wigwams. The second batch are definitely looking happier than the first.
In amongst their numbers is 'Matucana' which I've grown for years especially for its scent. There is also long stemmed pink 'Gwendoline', the cream with a delicate pink flushed edge 'Mollie Rilstone', sober 'Almost Black' and two toned lavender and pink 'Erewhon' which is fast becoming a new favourite. There is also a mysterious striped impostor which I certainly didn't select as being part of the mix. All in all I think that I sowed some nine or so different varieties so I will try at some point to compose an end of term report on their progress. The vase was probably a milk jug in a former life and is one of a small collection of rosy china that I've accumulated over the years.
A quick peek over at 'Rambling In The Garden' reveals that this week our lovely hostess Cathy's 'In A Vase On Monday' includes warm and sunny shades. I wonder what will be in other summer vases. Do have a peek if you haven't already!
P.S. Apologies to anybody who has struggled to post a comment here recently especially to those patient souls who have commented twice in order for their comment to be published. I'm having problems myself and have even found myself unable to reply to comments which is so frustrating. I have for the time being turned off the facility for anonymous comments which I'm hoping may make life easier. I'm reluctant to move to another blogging platform but may well do so when I have some time on my hands.
I love sweet peas but I really struggle to grow them here. Fortunately I found a garden gate seller with a bucket of bunches for £1
ReplyDeleteOh how handy Su :)
DeleteI don't think you can beat sweet peas for scent. I'm missing them this year now I no longer have the allotment.
ReplyDeleteYes the scent is unbeatable Jo. I would just have to sneak some in the garden if I didn't have the allotment. They seem to do reasonably well in pots if ground space is an issue.
DeleteOh what a delight to see your sweet peas....gorgeous! Mine have struggled all season too and I have gotten a few blooms. I hope a few more show up finally so I can put them in a vase.
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna. Fingers crossed that yours get a move on and fill plenty of vases this summer :)
DeleteMy comment disappeared just now so who knows if this one will reach you. I enjoyed your sweet peas in their lovely range of colors. They're a spring flower here but it's wonderful to see them again.
ReplyDeleteYour comments came through Kris :) Thanks for your patience and persistence. I had an inkling that they would appear much earlier in the year for you.
DeleteI have also just started picking sweet peas after what seemed a slow start. Mine were sown in modules on 3 April and germinated on between 13 and 18 April. I also sowed nine named varieties but all different from yours although I have grown Gwendoline in the past.
ReplyDeleteThis is my second year of growing 'Gwendoline' Sue and I'm most impressed. Looking forward to seeing and reading more about your nine varieties :)
DeleteDefinitely the essence of summer Anna. The free ones I sowed in Feb have more or less flowered at the same time as the ones I planted in Oct (not counting the Winter Sunshine ones, that is). I have been pleased with Cathy's flowering habits and always return to Purple Pimpernel but do like Mollie Rilestone too. Sometimes you just can't beat a good mix though. I shall miss them more than most other when they have all stopped flowering... :(
ReplyDeleteInteresting to hear that your October and February sowings were neck and neck Cathy. I wonder if it would have been different if the winter had been colder. I'm glad to hear that your namesake has been a source of pleasure. Yes it's always rather sad when it's time to pull them up.
DeleteBeautiful sweetpeas. Mine struggled too this year, in a spot where they thrived last time. Looks like you had success in the end. I don't think you are the only Blogspot user to struggle with comments... I often find I can't post on blogs using this platform. It must be very frustrating for all the users and Blogger really should sort it out asap.
ReplyDeleteI think that mine are not doing well Joanna possibly because they are in the same spot where they have grown well for some years. I've added goodness to the soil every year but perhaps it's time for a change :) The other wigwam is thriving in a spot where I've not grown them before. Sadly the comments issue has been going on for some considerable time. Maybe if it was not a free platform there would be quick improvements :)
DeleteI love sweetpeas so your vase is perfect!! I've never had any success growing them, not even when I lived in England, but I've always lived where there was poor, free draining soil which I'm sure is why; I'm hoping to grow some of the winter ones later this year in a pot in the greenhouse, but until then I'm very happy to enjoy yours.
ReplyDeleteOh thanks for your kind words Christina. Good luck with your winter variety experiment. I wonder if you will be picking them on Christmas Day for a vase ? :)
DeleteI think it was due to the cold spring that sweet peas were a little slow to get going this year Anna. They are making up for it now. All the different blogging platforms seem to have problems from time to time.
ReplyDeleteI think that my first batch may have stuttered after they were planted Brian. I also think that the patch of earth where they were planted could be suffering from sweet pea fatigue :) You are quite right the other platforms have their blips too but Blogger's blips seem to be a long running show :)
DeleteIt's lovely to see your sweet peas Anna. They don't cope well with the heat in my garden, so I enjoy seeing them on other blogs instead. Just wish I could smell them now...
ReplyDeleteI'd love to dig my nose in, Anna!!! Such a lovely bouquet and the title so well chosen. Happy summer days :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous bouquet, I love them. I can smell them from here. I am so envious, mine all got eaten by slugs.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous, I can almost smell them, a great combination of colours :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Mine were sown in December into deep pots on my balcony. I was just trying to use up old seed so was very surprised when they germinated, survived and thrived. They're just coming to an end now so I'm having to get my sweet pea fix through other blogs! Incidentally, a few of my plants have become stripey over the flowering period, they certainly didn't start out that way so I have no idea why!! Caro x
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