October in the Northern Hemisphere

[Roma]

Having just read the discussion started by Ian McDonald in the Members Board I think it's time I started showing more pictures on the Forum.  Back soon.  New bed has arrived!

[Roma]

A narrow border at the roadside.  I've planted fairly thickly but there are still gaps. 
A bit of colour at the far end
Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm' and Schizostylis coccinea (can't get the new name into my head).  There are still flowers on Geranium 'Rozanne' and I think Verbena bonariensis is one which survived last winter.  The red gladiolus in the centre is (I think) 'Cladia' another survivor from last year.
At the end nearest the drive Succisa petteri from Gothenburg Botanic Garden seed is still flowering.  It is a bit invasive but under control so far.  The seed heads are as attractive as the flowers.
Another Gladiolus 'Black Velvet' is flowering for the third year.  Only one this year bit there are two robust looking plants nearby so maybe more next year.

[Roma]

Autumn colour on Menziesia ciliicalyx 'Honshu Blue'
Salvia 'Amistad'

[Carolyn]

I bought Honshu Blue last spring. Mine is still green. Autumn seems to be a week or two ahead of us up in Aberdeenshire. Thank you, Roma, for showing what I can look forward to.

[David Nicholson]

Roma, I have avoided Salvia 'Amistad' because it's reputed to be tender and I don't have room to keep it in the greenhouse for the winter. Do you risk it outside?

[Roma]

I tried it a couple of years ago and it didn't survive the winter.  I liked it so much I bought 3 young plants from Sarah Raven in the spring.  They were excellent plants and thrived in the pots till I got round to planting.  It is a bit late but I will try a few cuttings.  It has grown so well I would be happy to buy it every year.

[Gail]

'Amistad' came through the winter unprotected here so certainly worth trying outside.

[David Nicholson]

Thanks Roma and Gail. If it would cope with our moisture then it should be able to cope with our temperatures. I'm tempted to try it next year.

[ikizzeki]

Antalya, Turkey..There was no rain so no bloom.  But I have watered and here is difference..:)

[ikizzeki]

ID please..
Antalya, Turkey,26,09,2017

edit: ID given in Cyclamen page as C. cilicium

(Thanks so much Maggie for editing )

[meanie]

David - Amistad is pretty much at the limit of its hardiness here in the UK although I do suspect that drier winters would see it's cold hardiness improve. It also needs to be sited where it can catch any early morning sun that may be going in the winter. I've found its parent S.gesneriiflora hardier but sadly that is a autumn/winter/spring bloomer so that sort of treatment is pretty pointless.

The photos of Swainsona formosa were taken a few days ago but it continues to look just as good today. I can't believe how long each bloom lasts...............
Swainsona formosa by longk48, on Flickr

Swainsona formosa by longk48, on Flickr

Salvia atrocyanea................
Salvia atrocyanea by longk48, on Flickr

[David Nicholson]

David - Amistad is pretty much at the limit of its hardiness here in the UK although I do suspect that drier winters would see it's cold hardiness improve. It also needs to be sited where it can catch any early morning sun that may be going in the winter. I've found its parent S.gesneriiflora hardier but sadly that is a autumn/winter/spring bloomer so that sort of treatment is pretty pointless.

Thanks for that meanie, it proves the point of what Gail said as she is based in Norfolk. Think I shall give it a miss.

[Gabriela]

I will try to upload a larger image, see how it goes. The bee-licious Allium thunbergii 'Ozawa'.


It worked very well, the initial size was 1000x750. Very hard to count the bees even when seen big size.

[Lesley Cox]

I bought Salvia 'Armistad' last summer here in New Zealand and planted it out in a mixed border. I also bought another identical in every way except colour, which was a rich maroon. They were a lovely pair BUT both succumbed to our southern winter, - 5C which is actually not so much but combined with a horribly wet winter as well and it may have been the combination that did the job. Usually salvias are pretty good here, even the Mexican and southern USA species. I may try them again if for sale this coming summer and perhaps do cuttings before planting them out because they are super plants.

[Robert]

The back part of our house is completely gone now. The last of the concrete foundation has been hauled away and now there is only the final cleanup before we start planting our new garden. 



The remaining part of the "sun room" now has a window. We love the light!  The other opening will have a full length window door (more light    ). Now we need to save up for the attached greenhouse and aviary. This is provide solar heat during the winter, a place to move tender plants during the winter, a place for our birds to fly around (we have flighted birds), and a place to start early spring vegetables and other plants that might want warmth to get started.



The garden can now get some much needed attention. Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue' has been blooming for some time now. Other autumn blooming Savias are also looking good too.