I posted a six on 1st June 2024. I thought it would be interesting to photograph the same areas of the garden to show progression. As my day job is in learning & development, I’m all about progression!

Last year I described the weather as cool and windy. This year it’s warm and windy. Let’s get to these six. This is the link to last year so you can compare if you wish https://lifeonalondonplot.com/2024/06/01/six-on-saturday-3/

  1. Sarcophagus bed – This year the floribunda rose Champagne has just starting blooming whereas Scent from Heaven has been in bloom for 3 weeks. The orange colour seems less intense this year and it is growing on me. Combined with the scent from the jasmine, it’s a very pleasant place to sit (until I spot another job to do!)

2. Pots – the number has increased slightly as you will see in the sunny South border but this is to admire the size of the hostas and fern in the blue pot on the patio steps. The hosta has acquired a slightly lacy appearance but we don’t do perfection here.

3. North border – the rhododendron has done its thing for another year and I’m contemplating some serious pruning later in the year, which will mean fewer flowers next year. It think the ferns are suffering a little from the lack of rain but the hydrangea and Japanese anenome aren’t complaining. Note the progress of the periscaria, should I be worried? I moved the thalictrum to the south border, so have a vacant spot for another shade lover – recommendations welcome.

4. South border – much the same as last year. The clematis growing through the pittosporum was fantastic last week. The plan is to give the shrub a light prune, also taking out the spent clematis flowers, which may prompt a second flush or a deep sulk. The foxgloves are behind the hydrangea which has completely overwhelmed them. Oh well, there’s always next year…

5. Sunny south border – I’m very pleased with this section of the border, they have appreciated the dry sunny conditions and the occasional watering can. A few more pots have joined the gang. The missing element are the dahlias who were eaten by nesting ants – I never knew that was a thing! Lesson is to not overwinter in pots.

6. Pergola bed – this definately could do better and this autumn I really must apply myself to moving and thinning out plants. I’m getting the screening effect mostly from the bronze fennel, which is a monster this year. Less good is the powdery mildew on the knautia macedonica – too dry and the complete absence of flowers on the delpininium. However, the nepeta looks lovely next to gertrude. Oh and there are apples forming…

That’s me. I’m off to Jim’s to find out what’s growing in everyone else’s garden, why not come with me?