What's in bloom?

August

Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro) The name of this spiky flower is derived from the Greek ‘opsis’ meaning like and ‘echinos’ meaning hedgehog! This perennial can be found in hot gravely slopes and dry grasslands from central Europe to central Asia and the mountains of tropical Africa. They prefer a well drained soil in full sun yet will tolerate partial shade. These are undemanding plants and would be suitable for a large border or a wild garden however, they are susceptible to infestation by aphids. The flowers will attract bees and are good for cutting. In order to maintain the deep blue colour, harvest when young and place in a warm dry room.
Sea Holly (Eryngium Bourgatii) Sea Holly is a hardy herbaceous perennial that originates from the Spanish Pyrenees. It is related to plant which is common on most of Britain’s sandy seashores but this plant is an ornamental version found in gardens. The roots of many species of Eryngium have been used as vegetables or for sweetmeats. In the past, the candied roots, known as "Eringoes" were popularly believed to be an aphrodisiac! It thrives in dry well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil. It needs to be protected from winter wet.
African Lily (Agapanthus) The name Agapanthus comes from the Greek ‘agape’ which means love and ‘anthus’ which means flower - hence the name flower of love. Another name for it is Lily of the Nile. Propagating the Agapanthus can be a slow job, therefore some varieties are expensive. The height is 80cm and the spread is 45cm. It is a hardy plant that likes moist, well-drained soil and full sun.
Yarrow (Achillea filipendulina Gold plate) The name of this plant comes from ‘Achilles’, the Greek hero who supposedly was the first to use the plant for medicinal purposes. Yarrow is from the same family as lettuces, artichokes and sunflowers, called Compositae. It is a native of the Caucasus and South East Turkey all the way to Iran and Afghanistan. Grows well in full sun and is tolerant of a summer drought. Is hardy to -25 degrees centigrade.

September

Gayfeather or Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) This flower is from the Asteraceae family and is native to the meadows of North America. They prefer sunny, moist, well drained, organic rich soil and are an herbaceous perennial. It is ideal for a sunny bed and can also provide decoration on verandas and terraces in containers. It also combines well with grasses such as fountain grass.
Clematis (Clematis Tangutica) This plant originates in China and can be a bushy enough plant to support the nests of small birds such as goldfinch or linnet. In late summer, yellow lantern shaped flowers appear and these are followed by attractive silvery seed heads. This popular climber is at its best when allowed to ramble freely.
Windflower (Anenome Japonica) The Greek word ‘anemos’ means wind and legend maintains that anemones only open when the wind is blowing. They were erroneously labelled Japanese after one was first recorded near Nagasaki in 1695; the three main species actually came from China. Apart from excessively waterlogged soil they can thrive in just about anything from chalk to heavy clay although they prefer damp, limey, loam in shady corners.
Aster (Aster x frikartii) The Swiss plantsman Carl Ludwig Frikart (1879-1964) raised this hybrid, and all of its varieties are named for the famous mountains of his homeland; 'Eiger,' 'Jungfrau,' and the most popular one, 'Mönch.' Described as “probably one of the top ten border plants”, this plant is a cross between Aster amellus and A. thompsonii. Its height is 70cm and the spread is 45cm. It needs to grow in well-drained and moderately fertile soil in full sun.