Garden in August

 

Although the Antirynums in the bedding border look fine in the photo above, they have been the least successful of all time. Straggly, falling over (now supported by props) and far too tall. Despite the fact that I gave them a chop over a month ago. Yes, they are colourful, thank goodness. But next year I think we might be back to dahlias.

The only colour in the main border is this delphinium "sky blue and white". I would have preferred a deeper colour, but at least it's flowering. 

The cosmos I grew from seed are nearly all tiny and white and not worth a photo. All except this maroon one in that tiny border next to the conservatory. Maybe it's sheltered and gets warmth from the wall? Try some more next year.

Next is the hydrangea macrophila that was given to Alison. On the plus side, it loves it in the sheltered spot next to the roses. (I thought hydrangeas were difficult to grow). The downside is that it is tucked away and difficult to see. Hey ho. 

Maybe the most extraordinary feature is this flower on the spring-flowering clematis montana. Just one flower.

The dianthus in pots seem to like the hot weather.

Next to the side patio, the echinacea and the verbena "lollipop" have survived.

At least a shrub in the main border is late flowering. This hibiscus is years old.

The achillea in the far round border has survived without any watering. I found advice that they can be less tall by pruning in spring.

Below is a buddleia growing wild at the very far end of the long border. I thought it only had na couple of flowers, but I had to deadhead over twenty, and there are more to come.

In the same border as the achillea above, one of the two huge poppies is sprouting after it was pruned. No sign on the other one.  

There is only one flower of note in the wildflower border, and that is the centaurea scabiosa, or greater knapweed. A wildflower I planted many years ago. I do not water, and it loves the sun. There is even no sign of a cornflower.

This is the Salvia Amistad, the early Christmas present from my sister-in-law. Doing well in the big pot, but I have a good place for it in the garden in spring.  

Still flowering after all this time is the Weigelia Red Prince. The shrubs have survived the drought.

Another view down the side patio with the rose on the right blooming again.

The best flowers of all are the roses. As advised, they never get any water, and these are flowering on repeat.

The pink rose below has just come into flower again. The branches are all straggly and have to be supported.