Precious plants

I have spent a bit of time in the yarden today.

If you’ve been following my posts of late, you’ll know I grow the more unusual and where possible rarer type of plants and flowers.

I was really happy that these petunias survived the winter and have started to re flower.

I don’t normally grow petunias, but when I saw these silky black flowers I couldn’t resist and bought a couple of plants.

These pictures do not do these flowers justice.

I have grown black violas before but sadly they were no longer. I found these at weekend, I must try and propagate these to ensure I don’t lose them again. They maybe small but aren’t they stunning?

Viola ‘Molly Sanderson’.

Another plant I’ve grown before but sadly not been able to keep alive are these dark leaved ipomoea. sadly they have never flowered for me but still. How delicate are the leaves?

Another amazing plant that is a must in my yarden is Aeonium Swartzkopf

This year I also have these stunning but highly poisonous Ricinus New Zealand Purple. I’m hoping that those leaves will grow huge!

Another amazing plant that is showing itself is this Arisaema ciliatum var liubaense. I can’t wait until it’s flower comes out more.

Since we moved here I have tried to encourage wildlife by adding plants, water, food and different habitats. I am pleased to say we have regular visitors, bees and birds mainly however today I saw this stunning black and red moth – The Cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae).

Whilst pottering about I tidied up some areas and also decided it is about time I made a ‘feature’ out of my lovely piece of art that I bought off eBay some years ago.

Let me know what you think of it.

It reminds me of my travels around Asia and how they have such ornate pieces of art. Also how water is often placed at the front door – I believe that this is meant to ward of evil spirits but I may be wrong.

What do you grow? I’d love the hear back from you.

I have to give special thanks to my friend David who has given me many unusual plants and who is teaching me more about the rarities out there. He actually gifted the aeonium, Arisaema, Hedychium and ricinus in these pictures.

Fenced off!

Here is a simple drawing of a water feature I’d like to attempt to make for our yarden.

Looks at the lovely leaves on this ipomoea quamoclit, looking forward to this being planted out and towering over me with its beautiful leaves and red flowers.

I have never grown this before, it is related to the more familiar Morning Glory (blue flowering climber) plant. Both being poisonous, however they are also related to the sweet potato!

I have nearly finished painted the fences and basically just chilling out before heading to bed.

Wondering what to do this year for World Naked Gardening Day tomorrow (2nd May 2020). What will you be doing?!