Camellia time at 'The Shambles'

Camellia crapnelliana one of our successful species Camellias currently in flower.

At last wintery weather has turned up and autumnal colour such as the golden Persimmon and the red and gold virginia creeper makes a brief appearence. There are still plenty of flowering shrubs and perennials to make the garden colourful and Camellia japonica cultivars are starting to flower, taking over from various Camellia sasanqua types which are finishing from now. Favourites are 'Aspasia MacArthur', 'Takanini', 'Brushfields Yellow', 'Donna Herziliada etc' and 'Commander Mullroy'. Species Camellias such as Camellia crapnelliana, Camellia rosiflora and Camellia lutchuensis add colour and botanical interest.
Holmskioldia sanguinea has flowered and continues wonderfully after years of disappointment. Maybe it's just maturity? Likewise our long awaited Justicia aurea, Barleria micans and Browallias (blue and white) are in flower.
Winter Salvias including Salvia iodanthe, various cultivars of Salvia leucantha and Salvia involucrata are doing well as usual to brighten gardens in both sun and shade. Of course many salvias such as Salvia microphylla types, Salvia coccinea cultivars and the indomitable 'Meigans Magic' never seem to stop flowering.
Roses, even those with the best positions started to have sights of botrytis with affected buds probably due to relentless rain and prolific new growth.he worst affected were 'Perl des Jardins'. There has been a pretty comprehensive cut back, buds disposed of and spray with triforine, but also wetable sulphur. Hopefully the cool dry windy weather at the moment will help the problem not recur.
Our poppy seeds have been disappointing so far but will attempt a late re-sowing
All in all over 100 pots with cuttings of many plants were prepared yesterday for a planned December plant stall. Wish us luck.
Michael Simpson