A Collection Of Succulents

My collection of succulents is getting larger. I'm trying to get a variety of smaller to medium ones so I can make some living wreaths. I did a living basket but I think it was much harder to start learning with so will be letting my baskets sit until I do a few of the others first.

This Poppy Blew Me Away . . .

For years I have tried to start Poppies. I'd bring home seeds or plants from my Mothers gardens and they just would not live. But I kept trying - I don't know how many years I've been doing this. But last year for some odd reason they lived. I had quite a few and planted them in 2 different places. And miracle of all miracles they even reseeded and came back this year. Only in 1 place though which was rather a happy accident because they clashed with all of the flowers in the one spot I put them. They were just to orangie for all of my pinks. My Phlox looked horrible with that Poppy next to them. For some reason I didn't take a picture of all of these little miracle babies blooming but I did get a single one after a rain.

But that Poppy wasn't the one that really blew me away. I know nothing about Poppies, how could I? They never would grow here. But last summer I also got another one from a neighbor and I guess it's a Peony Poppy. It bloomed, a little sickly looking and it wouldn't hold its head up but it did bloom. And it even reseeded too. Must of been my lucky Poppy year! So you can imagine how excited I was to find out that not only did Moms Poppies come up this year but here comes this other one up from the ground. The plant looked pretty good but the bud was hanging over and I thought well, looks like it won't be holding it's head up again.

Then one morning I get up, look out the window and see this plant standing straight up with a big bud standing at attention. I couldn't believe it. I immediately went marching out with my camera to take pictures. My word that thing is a foot above the foliage. Straight up!
But no sign of anything to come yet. Just a big old bud.
I just kept watching it and took a picture when it showed signs of opening. This all happened in a matter of about 3 or 4 days I think.
Then yesterday I looked out and here was this gorgeous Poppy in my garden.

I am so thrilled to death with the little beauty and hope I have a kazillion of them next year. And look how the petals are all crinkled after unfolding. I had to touch it because it really looked like paper that had been all wadded up. Ok I knew it wasn't paper but . . .
Is this just absolutely gorgeous or what? And it has a couple more buds that are going to bloom. I think it's my new favorite flower - well for a minute anyway.

NOVEMBER IN THE GARDEN

I am so behind with posting and catching up on other blogs but I decided to post a few photos of the garden last week. Of course this was a cheat bought from the local street market but a welcome sight by the front door.

These hardy Fuschia come into their own at this time of year all grown from cuttings from a friends garden in Newquay.

Nicola's Blush Hebe a cutting from a neighbours bush it is a very worth while Hebe to grow. All the Hebes I have tried have taken well from cuttings.

Winter Jasmine already putting on a good show.


In the back garden Fairy Rose again taken successfully from cuttings.

I finally removed the Dahlias last week and I was pleased that the ground elder was not as bad as I had expected. Pity I didn't sweep up after myself but nice to see soil without ground elder here.

Whilst I dug, these little beauties smiled down on me. Vitecella Vernosa Violecea quite dainty clematis but so worth growing where you can enjoy their lovely faces.

One last bloom of Edward Elgar. Sadly the perfume is lost in the cooler weather.
I even had a tidy up along this wall which is something I rarely get round to doing. The ferns are still looking nice.

I was so pleased to see so many flowers on the Arbutus Uneo because I lost one plant and this it's replacement looked as if I might lose as well earlier in the year.

Hermosa has bloomed since May so well worth growing although the stems can be a little weak.
The leeks are doing well and ready to eat.

What a different view at this time of year. I replaced many of the Lavender on one side of the garden and have pruned very hard back with others. If the pruned ones do not survive because I don't think Lavender enjoys such hard pruning, I have got several cuttings in pots which can be used to replace them.

As you can see I have had fun loading larger photos and putting my name on them. As if anyone would be interested in pinching them Hah! I think I was like a child with a paint box and made the names too colourful. Must follow Tatyana's advice and choose more discrete colours.

The reason I have not blogged so much recently is because there has been lots to read and e mails to send regarding my other interest. Yes you guessed following developments with Lyme Disease. The news about XMRV retrovirus is also fascinating to read. Many people with ME/CFS diagnosis are found to have Lyme and there are so many parallels with the two illnesses and the politics that surrounds them.

So rather than compromise this blog I started another one Looking at Lyme there is a link on my side bar. I will use this new blog to post anything that catches my eye, of which there is so much. It will also make a suitable place for me to retrieve information quickly.

I am more than happy if anyone chooses to visit and by all means add your comments.

Fertilizer Friday . . . Still Blooming

It's Fertilizer Friday so be sure to go over and visit our hostess Tootsie after you leave here and see what's blooming in everyone's gardens! And while you’re there why not join in on the fun. The Dinnerplate Dahlia is still trying to make it but I don't think it will. It's about 'teacup' size now.

This Dahlia must have had it's Cheerios . . . look how this stem stretched up above the others.

I laid a stem of Baby's Breath on the Snow In Summer. Looks pretty together, doesn't it?!

This is the bright orange Geranium the lady sold me saying it was pink. It's losing color and looks really pretty now.
I hope my Cleome re seeds. This one is new to me and came up from seed. I want lots now!
Bachelor Button
Begonia
Malva Zebrina still going crazy!
Sedum Autumn Joy
Soapwort
There are still Campanulas, Snapdragons, Dianthus, Asters, Mums, Spanish Lavender, Fuchsias, Dahlias, Begonias, Primula, Petunias, Purple Heart, Geraniums, Roses and Bleeding Heart showing their last blooms of the season.