What's Looking Good in July 2024

That's very kind of you @Michael Hewett .
I enjoy the pond at all times of the year, and I know what you mean about having a restful space. I have bursts of colour in some areas at certain times of year, but I mostly like a harmonious look throughout my plot, and something to look at in the long winter months. I have a good view of the pond from the kitchen windows, as well as my bedroom, so I spend a good bit of time looking out at it from those.
I especially love seeing the birds that visit to use it.

 

They do but with winter protection.

 

I wondered about that @pete , but I wasn't sure if it managed your temps/weather well enough with a wall or similar to help.
I remember seeing one in a garden at a house I was viewing. The chap was clearly a keen gardener, and I'd admired it, but it was potted and he took it into his conservatory for winter. It would never have managed here otherwise.

 

Yes, once established down to zero c is OK but not much lower.
I let if have all the rain during the winter and it seems to enjoy it.

 

Yes, even in these mild winters we've been getting here, around zero would still be mild for frosty weather, and we still get upwards of forty frosts in those winters.
I'd have to have somewhere inside for it if I had one, and I just don't have a suitable site as I don't have a conservatory, or even a porch, French/patio doors or similar, which would be very handy! I love them though.

 

Delta's Sarah JENNY NAMASTE

 

Harebell

 

Some rain soaked offerings!

Fennel.



Achillea, this one doesn't flop!



Dahlia, a nicer colour than on the label!

 

Your pond is lovely @fairygirl, a great focal point and very tidy!

 

Fuchsia magellanica ...



Clematis 'Madam Julia Corrivon' ...



Rose 'New Dawn' ...



Sanguisorba hakusanensis ...



Sulcorebutia arenacea ...



Rose ' Dorothy Perkins' ...



Malva sylvestris ...



Unknown Fuchsia ...

 

I purchased a Delta's Sarah just yesterday, @Jenny namaste. I really like the mauve colour. Homebase had loads and loads of them, though some were quite floppy where the stems met the soil, possibly due to teabags round the roots.

 

I love it when fennel has rain on it @Plantminded - especially on the foliage. I should have taken a pic of mine a couple of days ago. Love the colour of the dahlia. Mine are yet to flower, but some have got buds. Thank you for your kind comment about the pond. Once a few of the flowering plants get going over the next few weeks, it'll change again

My harebells have been crowded out by other plants which have been far more vigorous this year than normal @Jenny namaste , although I think the slugs have finally discovered them too. They're usually fine with those - whereas many other campanulas get attacked very quickly. Yours are very tall though! I grow them partly because a common name is the Scottish bluebell, but it also reminds me of being out on the hills, as they're very common on the lower slopes at this time of year. They're beautiful with the rain on them
I might buy more seed and start them again as I love having them next to the pond. I leave them to seed around too, but I haven't noticed any seedlings.

 

Just a few