greentapestry : IAVOM - 'Some Like It Hot'

Monday 8 August 2022

IAVOM - 'Some Like It Hot'


The thought of another spell of hot weather stretching ahead isn't doing much for me. Despite having some Mediterranean genes heat and I are not compatible companions. Gardening tasks will be accomplished early in the morning or in the evening, a supply of cool drinks has been stockpiled and there is some much anticipated reading to keep me occupied as well as several less anticipated neglected housework tasks. Although I don't enjoy the heat I am drawn to some of the hot colours that are coming into prominence now so in my vase this week are :

  • Rudbeckia 'Sahara' - which is now a regular stalwart and in my must haves to sow back in the spring. They come in most attractive shades although there are never quite enough of my favourite shade which is a soft rosy red colour. 
  • Helenium 'Sahin's Early Riser' - a division of this perennial was kindly given to me by the owner of a holiday cottage that we stayed in for a holiday in 2009. I had admired it in the garden and had asked her the name. To be given a plant to be taken home was a welcome surprise as we handed the keys in on departure and a permanent reminder of that holiday. It's an easy going perennial and this year has really benefited from me remembering to give it the 'Chelsea Chop'. Along with the astrantias it was the plant that flagged the most in last month's heatwave. I was all set to revive it with the watering can when even better we had a decent amount of rain which revived it almost overnight. We've been fortunate enough to have more rain than some part of the country this summer and it has had a good drenching within the last few days. Still I will keep a close eye on it this week to watch out for any signs of distress.
  • Dahlias - I included a couple of stems of dahlias namely 'Waltzing Matilda' and ' Copperboy'. I've not grown either before and have enjoyed seeing them come into flower. 'Waltzing Matilda' more than lives up to her name with twirling petals and has a fascinating habit of closing up for the night.
  • Some cooling down from the pale creamy yellow flowers of the perennial anthemis 'E.C. Buxton', which started life as a small cutting coming home with me from a propagation course at a local nursery.
Thank you to Cathy who blogs at 'Rambling In The Garden' for hosting come heatwaves or hail. I've just remembered that I must water a new plant that I risked getting in the ground last week so will make tracks. What are your hints and tips for keeping cool?

7 comments:

  1. I'm not into heat either but hopefully it won't be as hot as last time. Our plants aren't delivering on flower colour this year.

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  2. Your hot hues are lovely. Good you've had some rains. We've turned dry again here.

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  3. Helenium 'Sahin's Early Riser' sums up a must do in this heat, which does not suit me either. Doesn't that stone jar suit the 'marmalade' colours? Keep and carry on....

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  4. Rain? Drenching? Oh Anna, how my heart yearns for something similar here... The helenium is really striking and I am gld it does well for you. I have some similar courtesy of Jon the Propagator, but I suspect they will have been struggling - I should have kept them in pots longer... I have given up on Sahara after so many failed attempts, but thank you for your seed contribution. Definitely a marmaladey sort of vase today!

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  5. You made great use of your hot blooms, Anna. I laughed at your comment about the failure of your Mediterranean heritage to prepare you for the challenges of exposure to a Mediterranean climate - I've made similar comments about the failure of my Scandinavian genes to prepare me for the slightest bit of cold weather ;) I wish I could grow Helenium. Technically, it can be grown here but I've never seen it offered for sale locally, probably because it needs it needs too much water. I love Rudbeckia 'Sahara' too but it's at best an expensive annual here.

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  6. Your bountiful summer bunch is helping me to feel warmer down here in the southern hemisphere, Anna! How lovely that your helenium will always remind you of your holiday - I love plants with a story behind them.

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  7. A lovely mix of warm summery colours Anna. I have that Helenium too, and it is looking very sad, despite being pampered with hand watering. Good to know the Chelsea chop can be performed on it. Stay cool!

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All your comments are much appreciated and treasured. I wil try to reply to everyone who leaves a comment, but it may take me a few days, especially when I start spending more time in the garden and at the lottie. I know that you will understand :) I am sure that I will also visit your blog if I have not already done so. If you have any specific questions I will either reply to them here or you can email me at : thegreentapestry@gmail.com

Namasté

- Anna.