Much is looking rather exhausted in this EoMV. It’s been so hot and I think the OH’s watering efforts when I’m in London consist of a little vague hose waving, which we all know doesn’t really cut the watering mustard!
Having said that, the annuals are finally getting going and the roses are putting on a much appreciated second flush. Here’s R. ‘St Swithun’ surrounding the swing.
In this rather bleached photo you can see (in the centre) the Diascia personata is still flowering well, and there are Salvias too, but most of the other plants have gone over. Late season interest from Aster frikartii Monch seems to have disappeared from this bed, although there are a couple of small plants limping along in the right hand Swing Bed.
In the Grass Bed the annuals are finally starting to fill out after a very late planting. Here Ammi visnaga ‘Green Mist’, Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Fizzy White’, Calendula officinalis ‘Touch of Red Buff’ and self seeded Nasturtium ‘Black Velvet’ are jostling for position.
Although I did lose some of the Cosmos along the way, it’s filled out well despite the dry conditions.
I don’t think the Mid Century bed is doing as well as last year. I’m missing the bright pink Malope as well as the Rhodochiton (which I’d grown up the obelisk). I did plant some, but again the lack of water meant they never took off. There are a few annuals struggling along here – Antirrhinum majus nanum ‘Black Prince’ as well as Amaranthus caudatus which may yet fill out with a bit more TLC.
Lucky the dahlias and roses (here D. ‘La Recoleta’ and R.’Jubilee Celebration’) are doing their thing.
On the other side of the garden the Bronze Bed is rather overwhelmed by the Dahlia ‘Happy Single Date’. I think next year I might have to reduce the number of plants from three to two, or even one, to get some variation here. I loved the hot planting at Mottistone so perhaps should add a bit of (whisper it) red!
In the Veg Bed the Sweet Peas (yes I know they’re not veg) are rather mildewed, and the stems definitely shorter, but they’re still pumping out wonderfully scented blooms. In front of these is a very handsome row of Chard ‘Pink flamingo’. Sadly however, it seems to be remaining a very handsome row, which isn’t really the point. We somehow don’t seem that interested in eating it. Any top tips as to how best cook it?
Even further forward is Cavolo Nero ‘Black Magic’ and Broccoli ‘Early Purple Sprouting’. I haven’t grown either of these previously, and they too have yet to undergo the taste test. 
In front of the Veg the Agapanthus are still clinging on.
Some of you may remember that in the previous couple of years I borrowed a corner of a neighbour’s garden to use as a Cutting Patch. I decided I didn’t really have time this year, but I am missing it. I planted a few Zinnias (this one Z. elegans ‘Luminosa)’ in these raised beds, but they too are struggling with lack of water. Behind there are yet more Diascias grown from cuttings. I should probably move these into the Swing Beds with the rest.
Into the greenhouse and the tomatoes are in full flow. I just love walking in and smelling that wonderful tomato smell, so redolent of summer.
In the pots a new Aubergine for me after multiple previous failures. These ones are long but thin (clue’s in the name – Aubergine ‘Farmer’s Long’) which I think makes it easier for them to ripen.
Back outside for more pots. The one below has been fantastic this year. I love this little Pelargonium which was bought at the local Car Boot Sale and increased by cuttings.
The trough by the front steps is full of plants which, despite being tender, have overwintered in situ, including Gazanias and Chocolate Cosmos.
Here’s another shot of last Wednesday’s Morning Glory which is thriving under the glass canopy (where last year Sweet Peas sulked and turned their toes up!)
Dahlias on the barrow are looking a little unhappy, whilst the Abutilon is fine
Pelargonium ‘Surcouf’ has been fabulous all summer, despite a certain amount of neglect.
In the troughs the Cosmos are finally getting going. I deliberately planted the shorter Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Sonata White’ as I’m always bad at supporting them and this way they don’t flop so far. There is also Salvia horminum ‘Oxford Blue’ here, but they’ve struggled to bulk up and are now having to compete with the Cosmos!
This last shot is really an aide memoire for me – just look how the two Pelargoniums are thriving whist the Salvia (back left) Dahlia (centre) and Scabious (back) struggle. Some things so clearly like their roots in the ground it really is cruel to deny them!
And for my final pot you’ll have to wait for Wordless Wednesday later in the day!
With thanks to Helen at the Patient Gardener for hosting our EoMVs.
Duver Diary 