Versatile commonorgarden walk

2012-02-17T16:30:00.000+02:00

Mid-February, high summer although we have had a few cooler days. Commonorgarden and summer rainfall plants are hunkered down for the duration. Some have faded off into the sunset murmuring – It’s hot in Porterville … The roses have been fed and given a handful of wood ash, dutifully watered, every 5 days, 10 litres of grey water to each bush. New sprouts are coming for the autumn flush, but only Lavender Jade has good flowers today.

Lavender Jade

My foreign flowers must be waterwise. I’m sad when Amy discards Bulbinella (Texan frost), or Catmint discards Agapanthus (Oz summer thirsty). But I’m learning to give up battling to keep ailing plants on life support.

Dianthus allwoodii

Many of my bulbs are in pots. To be moved around or raised up when there are flowers, and tucked away when we are resting.

Eucharis Amazon lily

Santolina cotton lavender seems to be indestructible. Needs heavy pruning, rejuvenating, take cuttings. But a wonderful luminous grey presence.

Santolina cotton lavender

Keeping a watchful eye on Mare’s Tails as it is an invasive alien. A golden luminous glory.

Mare's tails grass

Treasured Japanese maple tucked in a pot with the wall shielding the afternoon sun, and the arrow slits giving air movement and coolth.

Japanese maple

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There is a Versatile blog award doing the rounds. 7 things about me? My short list of Fine Blogs? I'm flattered that Jean, and Patty at womenandthegarden focused on my blog. The response to this award ranges from Laura (and I) to CasaMariposa happiness-and-joy. I prefer to promote blogs where they fit my posts – stats show me those links are clicked more. The long lists lie fallow which is sad. For a few days we’ll be busy with RL, but I'll be back for our Wildflower ‘Wednesday’ on the 24th.

Pictures and words by Diana of Elephant's Eye

- wildlife gardening in Porterville, near Cape Town in South Africa

(If you mouse over brown text, it turns shriek pink. Those are my links.)