What's looking good in June 2012

Still dire here in Kent. I am beginning to get irrationally angry with the weather. This year's topsy-turvy effort, with patches of drought interspersed with prolonged periods of heavy rain, has done far more damage than last year's hard winter managed to do. For a start, the cold slowed the activities of slugs and snails for quite a way into the season, whereas this year they have certainly been making up for lean times.

This large purple penstemon is a brilliant do-er. It just gets on with life and never complains. I'm afraid I lost the label, so I don't know what it's called.



I love this rose, which is just beginning to bloom now. Soon it will be covered with large clusters of little button flowers, like bridesmaids' posies. They are a nice crimson-mauve, which doesn't really come over in this picture, and they smell delicious. I've no idea what this plant is called; it's actually growing in my neighbour's garden, although it prefers my side of the fence! Does anyone know it?

 

Is it really wet in Shineyland! Has your 'bubble' burst Shiney?

 

That white foxglove is gorgeous Joolz.

 

Too wet to do much in the garden, so will finish laying the paving stones across the lawn to make a path.

 

Clematis 'Etoile Violette' is just about to get into its stride, despite the dismal weather. It's a very reliable variety which seldom fails, and the flowers are an intense purple - none of that wishy-washy nonsense.




In this rain, even Salvia 'Hotlips' has lost its smile. The flowers, which are white with a slash of fire engine lipstick at the mouth (as you can just see in the foreground), tend to turn a uniform red in bad weather. Still, I'm grateful for any colour at the moment.

 

That clematis is beautiful Clara

 

lovelyive just planted a etoile violette,i know what i can look forward too next yr now x

 

Very nice , looks like sour grapes 100% which I did grow until the winter killed that as well its the white part in the flower that gave it way to me

Spruce

 

I was just thinking the same Spruce, 'Sour Grapes', I grew it to before the winter finished mine off as well.
Love the clematis Clare