As I write this on Friday afternoon, we are forecast overnight lows of somewhere in the 0-2 deg c range, with clear skies, so frost is a distinct possibility. I have taken preventive measures, lopping off the remaining dahlia flowers, they are now in a vase. I’ve been off work all week, mostly spent pottering about in the garden, tidying up, cutting back, weeding, shredding, composting, all the high points. I have also been on visits to two gardens, Waterperry and Wisley. Naturally, I bought plants in both places. Quite a few plants. Not sure how that happened. Anyhow, time for Six on Saturday. Six things, in the garden, on a Saturday. Could be anything – a flower, foliage, wildlife, a pest, a weed, a favourite bit of kit – anything at all. Join in!
My Six this week are from my garden visits.
1 – Scabiosa atropurpurea ‘Burgundy Beau’. The scabiouses (scabii?) I know are blue or maybe lilac, so I was interested to see this dark red scabious at Waterperry.
2 – Aster ‘Alma Potschke’
Waterperry have a lot of aster of various stripes in their herbaceous borders. Annoyingly, we were about a week late with our visit, the great majority of them had gone over already. There were enough to be interesting though, and some clues as to how fantastic it would have looked just a couple of weeks back. Alma here was one of several varieties still at it. She is mildew resistant, being of the New England persuasion. I did buy a couple of asters in the shop, but not one of these, they were sold out.
3 – Clematis tangutica ‘Bill Mackenzie’. These seed heads had such a sheen on them in the late autumn sunshine. Some of that is visible in the photo, but they were a lot shinier in the flesh.
4 – Miscanthus sinensis ‘Flamingo’. I am increasingly aware of the desirability of extending the period of interest in the garden into the latter part of the year. This grass is a good example. It can be left till the spring before cutting back to make room for new growth. In the meantime the golden stems and the wispy tops can be enjoyed. I read an article today on grasses with winter interest and this was the top of the list. Wish I’d bought one.
5 – Trapaeolum tuberosum var. lineamaculatum. This fella was in the Exotic Garden at Wisley. It looks suitably tropical, but in fact it will tolerate winter conditions in the south of England or other mild corners. If you can leave your dahlias in the ground, this will probably be ok too, otherwise the tubers need lifting and storing over the winter. It’s a climber, growing to about 2m. It’s a cousin of the typical nasturtium, and I for one would much rather have this. I’m going to look out for seed.
6 – Amsonia hubrichtii. Another plant that does a second shift in the autumn. At Wisley there were great swathes of this, and other amsonia varieties. They flower with little blue stars, pretty enough I’m sure, but the plant fades away into a golden shimmer. It’s quite something en masse. Seeking to achieve a similar effect on a smaller scale, I have bought one and will seek to increase stocks with cuttings next year.
Those are my Six, what are yours? If you’d like to join in just publish your post and pop a link to it below in the comments. If you also mention my blog in yours that would be fab. For more details and for other ways to participate, please read the brief participant guide.
Have a super weekend, don’t forget to check back in as more links are added during the day.
I’ll be back next week with another #SixOnSaturday.
I think I need to visit Wisley again – I’ve got a nasturtium in my six. It was glorious sunshine in Manchester this weekend but gosh it’s getting cold. Sorry for lateness as needed to add your link on the laptop.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely places to visit. I love the Tropaeolum, I used to have one like that called Ken
Aslet, he seems to have gone AWOL. I wonder how hardy they are.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Six things I don’t have and not one I would turn down if offered, even with nowhere to put them. I envy and resent people who exercise restraint in about equal measure. Even when I don’t weaken, I get plants; Hibiscus given and Rhododendron won in raffle was yesterdays haul.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Like the amsonia, love the trap… trapc…. the one before the amsonia! Will look for it! Its snowing now here (Sunday 6 a.m.) Very pretty in the pre-dawn.
LikeLiked by 3 people
What great spots on your visits. I love the look of Amsonia hubrichtii. Good luck with increasing your purchase of the same next year. I hope to hear about your success. Here are my six, just in in time for Saturday 🙂 – https://wp.me/pM8Y1-7fD
LikeLiked by 2 people
So excited to share a simple post with you this week. Happy Fall! https://patch405.com/2018/10/27/six-on-saturday-10-27-18/
LikeLiked by 3 people
Carving out a little “me” time right now and will take a tour through some of the Sixers’ gardens. Love all the shimmer and sheen I’m seeing. Especially enjoying your clematis seed heads here. Here’s my little offering for the week. https://barefootlilylady.com/2018/10/27/six-on-saturday-searching-for-beauty/
LikeLiked by 2 people
As always I am so envious of all the color in your garden as mine has little to none.
https://stoneyknob.wordpress.com/2018/10/27/six-on-saturday-…so-colorful-fall/
LikeLiked by 2 people
Not my garden on this occasion, I wish it was.
LikeLike
Aha! What a great idea. I didn’t think to wander off and look at other gardens.
LikeLike
This was a wonderful post – loved reading how your brain reacted to new ideas in another garden. Liked a few of them myself!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amsonia is new to me. Just had a look on line and will investigate further! Investigate of course means want to buy it! I covet Tropaeolum tuberosum but I’ve tried several times without success. My soil is too alkaline for it. You definitely need Alma in your garden next year, I wouldn’t be without her.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sounds like a wonderful week, I have never been to Waterperry and only to Wisley once, so envy you. Would you like some seed of Scabiosa ‘Plum Pudding’? Agree about the grasses, they are amazing in the sunlight, the aster is a great one, such an amazing colour. Here are my six, not as colourful as yours! https://offtheedgegardening.com/2018/10/27/six-on-saturday-dreary/ Now off to see who else is in town …..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Do I LOOK like someone that needs more plants? Oh. I see. Yes, ok then, that would be lovely, thanks! Shall I DM you my address via Twitter?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good plan Stan!
LikeLike
Those grasses look lovely. I love them in other people’s gardens, but I always think they need a big clump and a lot of space to look really good and I don’t have room. I do have some quaking grass though in pots which are so delicate in the summer and I wouldn’t be without them. I took my photos yesterday when the weather was gloriously sunny and bright – just as well ‘cos it’s wet and windy today. Here’s mine anyway
LikeLiked by 1 person
Only one of them.is a grass actually, the miscanthus. The amsonia looks grassy but is a woody herbaceous perennial. Is has very narrow fine leaves that go that gold colour in the autumn. It does look quite grassy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m with you on the grasses! I love grasses and couldn’t have a garden without them!
Here you go! https://fromourisland.wordpress.com/2018/10/26/six-on-saturday-october-27-2018/
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have two or three now, I could use some more.
LikeLike
The clematis seed heads remind me of a high-end shampoo commercial – so luxurious. I just cut down our clematis (Clematis paniculata) and dug out the roots. My husband loves it, but I find it very invasive and a bully, crowding out my other vines. It’s also growing wild in our nearby national park, and that alarms me. Our deer will eat it sometimes, but it doesn’t seem to be a favorite. What clematis variety do you give high marks?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the Montanas for early flowers but they are very vigorous. I have mostly late flowering hybrids.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clematis paniculata is considered invasive in our area (mid-Atlantic east coast USA). It spreads like crazy and this year overtook a yellow jasmine in a library garden I help maintain. We didn’t notice until late in the summer. It is hard to keep it out of the garden.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi from a very wet, cold and windy Cornwall – several hail showers since the early hours, but no frost. I managed to bring in most of my more tender plants during the week, but have run out of plant trays so must pop down to the garden centre. I shall close my eyes to the plants. That Trapaeolum does look interesting and would be much more useful in my garden where the nasturtiums grow as it could cover the fence for me. A day to sit in front of a fire and read the seed catalogues I think – have a good weekend Prop.
https://cornwallincolours.wordpress.com/2018/10/27/six-on-saturday-annual-round-up/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes you too. Who are you kidding, btw, garden centre, no plants!! Is that even allowed?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I might have a little peek.
LikeLike
https://thepotter973907073.wordpress.com
Hello Everyone, here’s mine for today. Thanks to the Propagator for another great Six! I’ll certainly be ordering that Trapaeolum seed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad I worked in the garden yesterday. Raining this morning and supposed to continue most of the day. Here are my six. Enjoy!
https://doesthisfontmakemelookfat.com/2018/10/27/six-on-saturday-another-one-bites-the-dust-october-27-2018/
LikeLiked by 1 person
I take it as a personal affront now if it rains at the weekend. Don’t they know I’ve got things to do?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m “retired” so have no excuses about not getting out in the garden when the weather permits….except that I am way busier now than when I received a pay check.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I wish you had bought one of those Miscanthus grasses then done your usual 6 plants from one – I would have taken one from you gladly! I haven’t grown any ornamental grasses before, I shall have to buy my own. Here are my Six-on-Saturday for this week.
https://grannysgarden22924407.wordpress.com/2018/10/27/six-on-saturday
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes me too. I’ll look out for some.
LikeLike
This URL didn’t open.
LikeLike
Morning! I have finally found this weeks post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like you have had a wonderful week. I agree about extending the season with grasses. That Miscanthus is lovely. I have just bought myself a Miscanthus ‘Adagio’ and am loving it.
Here’s my six – happy Saturday!
https://carrotsandcalendula.co.uk/2018/10/27/six-on-saturday-theatre-of-trees/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Adagio sounds more refined than flamingo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is going to be cold in London today but no frosts so far and my dahlias are looking the best they have all summer! I opted for a Pennisetum villosum as my first venture into grasses. I was at Beth Chatto’s garden this week and got tempted by your ‘black stockings’!! I didn’t wait for seeds but went for two pots. Here’s my six – five courtesy of Beth, here’s the link https://wp.me/p97pee-j3 . The Trapaeolum is pretty.
LikeLike
Many have been tempted by my black stockings!
LikeLike
Wow – what a great selection of plants to share with us from two amazing gardens. Let us know if you find that Trapaeolum seed. Shame the asters were just going over at Waterperry – you’ll have to visit again next year!
Here’s my six, including an Edelweiss disaster and a hefty sweet potato. https://www.teabreakgardener.co.uk/my-gardening-week-six-on-saturday-27-10-18/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes mid September is the time to go it seems.
LikeLike
Waterperry Garden has an opening for the NGS in mid September. This usually coincides with their big herbaceous border looking at its best.
I decided that miscanthus were too big for a crowded garden, so I have opted for upright varieties of molinia caerulea and panicum virgatum. Pennisteum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ is another good’ un with fluffy seedheads
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love your grass choices! I love all the Panicums! Panicum Cheyenne and Northwind are favorites too.Just make sure to check their ultimate heights.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We always enjoy a visit to Waterperry. Haven’t been for sometime so perhaps another visit is due.
Here are our six for this week
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d like to go back again at the height of the season.
LikeLike
The Miscanthus and Clematis make very interesting shapes and shadows in the sun, and I so agree about the Trapaeolum- what a charming flower! I wonder will our gardens ever get so full we’ll be able to go places and say, ‘No thanks, I don’t need any more!’
Here are my six: http://janesmudgeegarden.com/a-tale-of-six-roses-sos-october-27/
LikeLiked by 1 person
If i focus on your last sentence I can make out the individual words, but I’m afraid it just doesn’t make sense!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Here’s mine
https://oldhouseintheshires.com/2018/10/27/six-on-saturday-fading-beauty/
I’ll be along later to comment. Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
The seed heads of the clematis are a show. I grew some scabiousesses? from seed this year – a mixture of lilac, cream and that burgandyish red. They’re great as they just go on flowering https://onemanandhisgardentrowel.wordpress.com/2018/10/27/a-shrub-moving-six-on-saturday-27-october-2018/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good, i have a couple to plant out myself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love clematis heads. In some ways more than the flower. My six looking at podcasts https://wp.me/p7AXpE-2hU
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes they are an interesting bonus.
LikeLike
No time to look now, here’s my six https://wp.me/p6bCCa-1GT
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fine! Got something better to do! I see…
LikeLike
Here, the west-facing front garden was heavily frosted overnight – had to scrape the car’s windows this morning – but the east facing back stayed above 5C all night. At the rate I’m going, I should get the tender stuff moved into the greenhouse by January. Still, here’s my six for the day: https://rivendellgarden.blog/?p=3805.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just a light one here. Not a killing frost.
LikeLike
Odd, but one of my links wrote a comment in yours without wanting to. Here is my comment on your Six: the seed heads of clematis made me think of Barbie / doll hair (which I did not have). Otherwise, I‘m interested in growing your Trapaeolum, interested to see if it works in your garden. here is mine https://fredgardenerblog.wordpress.com/2018/10/27/six-on-saturday-27-10/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Barbie dolls! You seem to know a lot about them Fred. Are you *sure* you didn’t have any? 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sure ! And I didn’t have daughters either 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
At least i have that excuse!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That Miscanthus variety is really stunning! I have to say thank you for this blog because it has inspired so much in my own garden. I completely forgot to take in any dahlia flowers or prepare for last nights temperature drop so I will be out in the garden today doing what I can.
My six are here this week and it’s all about plant lust http://www.cottagenotebook.ie/grow-plant-lust/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh good, glad you are enjoying it. There’s always something new to see across all the Six posts.
LikeLike
Here are mine. They lack captions because I do not know much about them.
LikeLike
That is the first picture that I have seen of Bolivian nasturtium that was not in a mail order catalogue. I purchased seed for it, as well as for blue nasturtium and canary bird vine (nasturtium), but none of the (notably cheap) seed were viable. I should have known better. I will be back with my six shorty. it is still five minutes to Saturday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello from a very wet Wellington, New Zealand. It wasn’t a day to be outside, so a mix of things this week. Love those grasses in your post.
https://basia329.wordpress.com/2018/10/27/six-on-a-saturday-3/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Evening! I kind of like gardening in the rain. Feels like cheating the weather. Up to a point…
LikeLike