Alright, enough now, all this wet stuff has been marvellous but where’s the sun? This time last year it was scorching – so scorching in fact that my day at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show was made bearable only by copious ice-cold Laurent Perrier and the good humour of my heat-hardened Aussie friend Helen. Happily, tomorrow’s temperature is going to be more Margate than Melbourne, but please, no more rain. It hasn’t stopped since Chelsea, so let this be the end of our damp squib summer and the start of a long-awaited heat wave.
Among the plants that haven’t been complaining about the deluge are our hostas. Where they haven’t been nibbled, chomped or shredded by slugs and snails they are looking superb, especially Hosta “Halcyon”, quite simply one of the best blue-leaved hostas out there. If I could take only one Hosta to my desert island, it would be this one, although it wouldn’t last long in the heat. Halcyon’s not too big, not too small, ace-of-spades-shaped leaves are covered with a smoky bloom which causes raindrops to bead and bounce from their surface. It never wears off and helps the relatively tough leaves to repel slugs and snails as well as water. Clumps of Hosta “Halcyon” take a little while to build up, but once mature make incredible patio pot plants or front-of-border fillers for semi shade. Lavender-blue flowers, which are a nice bonus, appear in July.
Off now to perform a little sun dance ahead of visiting Hampton Court Flower Show tomorrow. Fingers crossed it works – I don’t do plastic ponchos!
Categories: Container gardening, Daily Flower Candy, Foliage, Photography, Plants, Uncategorized, Weather
I really enjoyed my day at Hampton Court today; will be interesting to compare notes and see what you think. I concurred with the majority of the medals. One article written, many more to go! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you for dry and mild temperatures tomorrow.
Sadly I could not go today as Mondays are sacrosanct at work, but I am sneaking in a visit tomorrow. I was not very impressed with the images of the show gardens on the RHS website so am encouraged to hear you enjoyed it. My ability to write anything up will be thwarted by builders (now in both houses), work and preparing to go on holiday. Hopefully I’ll manage to post something!
Lovely photos. I’ve just bought one of these so pleased to read your positive write-up!
Treasure it. You’ll be well rewarded 🙂
I’ve never met a Hosta I couldn’t love and this is no exception. I’ll send some sun and heat if you’ll send some rain. Gardeners are never happy with the weather. 🙂
Too true!
Hi, will you come and see our stand in the Floral Marquee? Madrona Nursery. We’re at the far end this year. Display’s looking good, we have had several lovely comments already!
Best regards
Ylva
I certainly will. I nearly popped in to the nursery a couple of weeks ago but it was tipping with rain and I was bit late getting to Dixter. Will be super to see you tomorrow.
Fingers crossed that the sun shines for you Dan! Have a great day!
What a simply stunning hosta, Dan. Look forward to hearing about the Hampton Court highlights soon.
Queuing outside. I am hoping I get in before it pours with rain. My sun dance was not very effective!
Fingers crossed for no more rain. It would be a pity if your plastic poncho was more of a talking point than the hostas. I’m definitely going to look for a ‘Halycon’.
That is a beauty! Hope Hampton Court was fun, mind you I am sure you find it where ever you go 🙂