You’ll be glad to know I survived the arctic wastes of South Oxfordshire last weekend. It was pretty chilly but also bright and sunny so it was actually rather nice to be out in (with suitable layers, hats, gloves and so on). I am out in the Chilterns once more this weekend so will communing with nature in a non-gardening fashion, dealing with miles and miles of gloopy mud. If that doesn’t result in a serious snooze, I will get some more rose pruning done, and maybe cut back a few clematis while I’m at it. while I’m buggering about doing that, it’s time for Six on Saturday. Six things, in the garden, on a Saturday. Could be anything, you decide. Join in!
Here are my Six for this week.
1 – Your basic snowdrop. I bought 100 very dried up bulbs for a pittance a couple of years ago. There are about 4 left, it seems. I should get some more, perhaps in the green, and plant them in the borders. These are highly likely to get stood on in the lawn.
I mainly don’t see the fuss about snowdrops…
2 – Breaking news. Among the results of my recent pruning, this new rose growth is breaking from the horizontal stem of r. ‘The Pilgrim’. It should bear flowers later in the year.
3 – First daffodil. Just a basic daff, among the first I planted years ago. A novice at the time, I planted them individually and at sporadic intervals around the garden. They look rather lost as a result, but as a harbinger of spring, I’ll take it.
4 – Wisteria buds. They aren’t doing much yet, but I could convince myself that they are swelling a little. Three short moonths and it will be in flower.
5 – Euphorbia amygdaloides ‘purpurea’. Rather uninspiring at the moment, this should bush out quite a bit, perhaps to 75cm, and should spread by runners to give good ground cover. Happy in partial or even full shade, it will produce vivid lime green flowers that will be contrasted with the purple tinged foliage.
6 – Chilli seeds, finally sown. I’m taking a risk here, at the time of writing I haven’t actually sown them. If a picture of sown seeds appears here it is because I have shamed myself into finally sowing them at some point on Friday evening, about 6 weeks behind my preferred schedule. If no such picture appears then I have let you down, let the class down, and worst of all let myself down.
Those are my Six, what are yours? If you’d like to take part, and all the best people do, then just publish your post and pop a link to it in the comments below. If you also mention my blog in yours that would be lovely. For more details you can read the brief participant guide.
Have a great weekend, maybe get some gardening done, and don’t forget to pop back as more links get added during the day.
Stay safe, I’ll be back next weekend for another #SixOnSaturday.
The Propagator 
Better late than never! https://wordpress.com/post/davidsgardendiary.com/3846
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Haha – I had to smile at your apparent chilli seed sowing success! And if it wasn’t dark I would be rushing out to look at my wisteria – I remember a post of yours last year prompted me to do the same! If you want some bog standard snowdrops let me know and I can send you a few clumps. My post, including some of the aforementioned, is here: https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/2021/02/20/six-on-saturday-christmas-comes-late/
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Love the buds, snowdrop and euphorbia, I photographed the first Tete a Tete which are now in flower, but decided they weren’t part of my 6. Deciding what to include is such an interesting process. I love snowdrops and am attempting to get a collection, but I’m not good with labels. There’s a frisky feel in my garden since it’s warmed up: http://kasmaty.blogspot.com/2021/02/sixonsaturday-with-frisky-feel.html
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It always feel weird seeing spring bulbs on blogs in the Northern Hemisphere when I am just thinking of buying some to plant.
I’ve recorded another 6 herbs I’ve recorded 42 so far over the last few weeks and still more to record.
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The buds of rose and wisteria are indeed full of promise. I find myself patrolling the garden on a weekly basis, on the lookout for buds or any other signs of life this time of year. I appreciated your comment regarding the importance of clusters with bulb planting. Something learned through experience, it seems. I have also dotted individual bulbs across the landscape and lived to regret it. Mine this week are, as usual, at https://roguegarden.wordpress.com.
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Yes, I think there is a learning curve to planting just about anything! Well, for learning about gardening in general as well! That is why it is so nice to come to your blog and see what everyone is doing! I learn so much! Thank you!
Here is my post from another garden…I am going to post these until I can visit a proper garden again! https://thecadyluckleedy.com/2021/02/20/six-on-saturday-theres-more-to-west-hoathly/
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My daffodils have a ways to go before they catch up to yours! And I wish your chilli seeds well. Do you like to use them in cooking, or is this more of a gardening experiment?
And here’s my link:
http://mindfulfoliage.com/2021/02/20/six-on-saturday-20-feb-2021/
Hope you have a fun week!
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You make the Euphorbia amygdaloides ‘purpurea’ sound very attractive–even if it is a little uninspiring at the moment. If it can prosper in the shade, I might try it this year. I hope to be back with six next week.
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Thank you for saying that about Snowdrops, I am mystified by the numbers of varieties. And I want that Euphorbia! https://theshrubqueen.com/2021/02/20/six-on-saturday-seeds-and-bulbs/
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I made exactly the same mistake when planting some of my first daffs – they’re in a straight line so you really don’t get the impact of them. Maybe I should add some more. Here’s my Six this week https://greengirlgardener.com/2021/02/20/six-on-saturday-20th-february/
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I have to admire the winter flowerers. Snowdrops are stubborn and persistent, qualities needed to survive these new england winters. Another 6 inches of snow fell last night….its getting a little old. Here’s my link https://pruneplantsow.wordpress.com/2021/02/20/sixonsaturday-february-20th-white-and-waiting/
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Good afternoon. We went for a walk this morning and didn’t get wet but any paths through woods or along riverbanks are too muddy to contemplate so we stuck to pavements. I’m glad the chilli seeds appeared, it would have been so disappointing otherwise. Nice to see so many shoots and new growth, very promising.
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Morning! I was tempted to include my matching euphorbia in my six today but decided against as it’s already popped up a handful of times this year! Instead, I’m particularly enjoying hellebores… https://mysecretgarden61808037.wordpress.com/2021/02/20/sixonsaturday-2/
Happy weekend!
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I love snowdrops, which is weird, perhaps, since the flowers are white and they appear pushing up thru white snow….But, as the first flower of the year in my garden (no Hellebores here…) they get my spring gardening fever going. Here my snowy garden sux this week:
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Spring is certainly coming. More six here https://murtaghsmeadow.wordpress.com/2021/02/20/six-on-saturday-spring-is-coming/
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Glad to see the chilli seed update on my second visit. A variegated Euphorbia has completely collapsed in my garden. I think it’s the wet rather than the cold so I am very tempted by E. a ‘Purpurea’. I’m desperately hoping that we get let out just a little bit from next week, I neeeeeeeed to do some nursery visiting.
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It is lovely to see those hopeful signs of spring in your garden – the rose shoot, the daffodil and the wisteria! All three are something to look forward to, and will help shake off those wintery blues!
My Six for the week can be found here: https://hairbellsandmaples.com/2021/02/20/six-on-saturday-w8-2021-the-suckers-are-back/
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Nice one John. It brightens my morning when I read your blog. I’m sure the chilli seeds will be just as great no matter when you sow them. All the best. Have fun.
I managed another Six on Saturday here it is http://gardeningmyway.home.blog/2021/02/20/six-on-saturday-20th-feb-21/
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I can recommend eurobulbs.co.uk for showdrops in the green. I buy 100 (or more) each year so am starting to build up decent clumps now
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A really nice, spring-like six, making me feel all happy (especially the wisteria buds and that rose ‘Pilgrim’. That’s a lovely euphorbia – long may it do well for you! Here’s my six: https://gardendreamingatchatillon.wordpress.com/2021/02/20/six-on-saturday-20-february-2021/
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A basic daff is a wonderful sight. A spot of sun in the gloom and oh, so much promise. Snowdrops, on the other hand seem quite significant to me, but I’d be hard pressed to see them in my neck of the woods. It wasn’t until I started blogging that I realised they were such a ‘thing’.
Here are my six: http://janesmudgeegarden.com/high-summer-sos-february-20-2021/
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Insignificant, I should have said.
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Chilli seed picture intact. Class continue to follow reverently. So be it.
Fussing about snowdrops? I’m sure Paddy and others will be having a word with you! I’m sitting on fence but leanin to your side.
I’m including a few daffs too, and a Sweety Pie Sweet Pea.
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Ah, the chilli seeds appeared between my first and second visits to your post. I have germinating seeds needing to go where the light is, thanks for the reminder. Here’s my six: https://wp.me/p6bCCa-2J8
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It was cold and it certainly is muddy! And a desperate desire to get out there and do things.
My six: https://peerlessgardening.wordpress.com/2021/02/20/six-on-saturday-20-2-2021/
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Morning Jon, I admire your courage for your comment on snowdrops! I also find them underwhelming, unless planted in a huge mass in natural woodland perhaps. Mine are very disappointing too, not even worth featuring. Unlike that euphorbia, I’m also looking forward to the lime green, it’s on my six too.
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I feel jealous that you have had bright days when you could be outdoors while here it has been almost constant rainfall such that the garden is wet almost beyond imagination, with splashes at each footstep. For you, it might be a case of reading only so far in my weekend report this week for it is all snowdrops, a total white out. I find them a great winter plant and enjoy them very much and there is also have a big community of snowdrop enthusiasts so there is a great communication among them, a wonderful way to be in touch with other people when so much of our social interaction is restricted.
Best wishes with your running and seed sowing – something I must do a little of today.
Otherwise, I hope everybody is keeping well, in the best of health and spirits etc and may the vaccine be with you!
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Morning Jon – so lovely to see that rose responding so quickly to the pruning. I bet you’ll have an abundance of flowers this year. I’m intrigued by that euphorbia as it sounds like a good un. I have yet to plant a single seed but hope to do my sweet peas soon – first I have to deal with the rodent problem in my greenhouse…
https://www.teabreakgardener.co.uk/pretty-plants-and-pesky-pests/
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Nothing wrong with your good old fashioned daff. I have to disagree on the snowdrop front though – I’m a fan. Are you going to start a running blog? Maybe Running and Rose-pruning?
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i already have one!
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Nice to see some daffodil cheer. A couple of mine are on the cusp of flowering, although they may have second thoughts with all this rain https://onemanandhisgardentrowel.wordpress.com/2021/02/20/six-on-saturday-20-february-2021/
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I planted a lot of snowdrop bulbs a few years ago and like you I don’t have many anymore. I had put them in the lawn and I suspect the worms or other pests have eaten or buried them. Here too the first daffodils have opened and I just took the first photo this morning. Joy! https://fredgardenerblog.wordpress.com/2021/02/20/six-on-saturday-20-02-21/
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I got only ONE flowery picture this week, but the last of my six is the most important.
I do not understand the allure of snowdrop either. I like them, particularly since they are white, but to me, it seems that all those different cultivars are not as variable as they seem to be. I am told that I would appreciate them more if there were not so many flowers in bloom through winter here. Daffodils make so much more sense to me, particularly the traditional sort like yours.
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I’m not that bothered for snowdrops apart from as a mass. However, they seem to be returning well so I’ve ordered some more from gee-tee in the green. The crocus I prefer seem to be rotting but can’t fight the conditions so looks like I’ll be having more snowdrops.
This week lots of beauties: irises, snowdrops and crocus. Pulse the BTO neat week.
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Perseverance: so you landed back in your garden after your run last week, but are fit enough for another similar week? If you are after standard snowdrops, I am sure some find their way to you. Here are my six this week: https://noellemace.blogspot.com/2021/02/six-on-saturday-20-february-2021.html
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I like that idea, write something and then it happens. Let me try “George Clooney just happened to be passing and popped in for a cup of tea (no gorgeous wife in tow)”. I’ll let you know if it works. Always nice to see the first daff and shoot and even a snowdrop! Here are mine, hope you enjoy them https://offtheedgegardening.com/2021/02/20/six-on-saturday-all-the-fun-of-the-fair/
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Last week you shamed me completely by tackling the pruning of Madame Alfred despite a) freezing temperatures and b) running. This week I’ve bucked my ideas up and got on with the rose pruning and Madame looks all neat and tidy, for a little while at least.
If you would like to have another try with snowdrops without wasting your money, I’d be happy to send you a clump some if you let me have your address.
Here’s my Six for this week
https://www.hortusbaileyana.co.uk/2021/02/snowdrops-and-roses.html
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For some reason I can’t comment on your post, very impressed by your rose pruning!
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Thanks. It flowered well last year so fingers crossed it will put on a good display again this year. I’ve no idea why you couldn’t comment. I think Blogger must be having an off day.
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As you say, she’ll soon get unruly again, but it’s nice to have the temporary illusion of control! That’s very kind of you to offer some snowdrops to this skeptic, who am I to turn them down!
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Let me know where you want them sent and I’ll pop them in the post. My email is
hortusbaileyana@protonmail.com
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Good morning! I’m glad I’ve caught you early, because I must warn you: in certain circles, disparaging comments about snowdrops may result in serious bodily harm. Good job you’re going for a long run!
Nice to see that your daffodils are out – yours’ is the first I’ve seen (with the exception of some alpine species). Here are my six:
https://kindheartsandcorydalis.co.uk/six-on-saturday-20th-february/
Thanks!
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I shall be on the lookout for rabid galanthophiles on my run!
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Good evening! Or good morning where you are. Here are my SoS for the week. Lovely to see your signs of spring, even though we are still having summer weather here.
https://basia329.wordpress.com/2021/02/20/six-on-saturday-20-02-21/
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Evening! Summer feels a long way off still here.
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