ALLIUMS AND COW PARSLEY

The actual Chelsea Flower Show has been delayed until later in the year; along with the sunshine and warm weather it would seem.  But it is traditionally 'Chelsea week' and, to me, that means Lupins, Iris and Alliums.  The Lupins and Iris won't be at their best for a week or two yet, but ta da...

1. Allium Purple Sensation

In first place spot this week, and providing a welcome splash of seasonal colour, is Allium 'Purple Sensation'.  Some years the roses put on enough growth to hide them, but this year we get a good view.  All that New Perennial  Movement 'love your seed heads' stuff has meant that these have never been deadheaded.  Since they self seed enthusiastically, the result is an ever increasing swath of bulbs which is probably sufficient now.  

As we know, the downside of many Alliums is their tatty foliage.  I'm reliably informed (via Sarah Raven's podcast no less) that since the leaves have done their photosynthesising by the time the flower head appears, they can be removed without detriment.  

2. Cow Parsley

Number two on the Chelsea must have list is Cow Parsley.  To be fair, I think it should be Anthriscus Sylvestris 'Ravenswing' and not the common old one I have here.

More Cow Parsley grows with Red Campion around the base of the Mulberry Tree.

3. The Greenhouse

I didn't want to moan about the weather too much, but hasn't it been cold and wet and miserable?  

The greenhouse is full to the brim with Dahlias, Geraniums, Courgettes, Petunias, Begonias etc etc.  They should be hardening off and being planted outside, but I just can't do it to them.  They look too young and tender to face this cruel world.

But at least we haven't had to do any outside watering.

4. Astrantia Major

I was surprised to see the weather wasn't putting this little fellow off from flowering though.  It's another happy self seeder, but I can always find another space that needs a few of these.

5. Foliage

While we are waiting for the flowers to appear, there is always good foliage to admire.  Often over looked in favour of more obvious Six on Saturday material, I've chosen a some that seem to be enjoying the cool damp weather.

First is Heuchera 'Green Spice' 

and second is another prolific self seeder, Alchemilla Mollis.

and bringing up the rear is Lily of the Valley.

6. Clematis supports

Clematis are a lovely addition to the garden and I've been planting a few more this year.  What to grow them up though?  This is my home made solution.  The chains are there to support a climbing rose, but I wanted to grow a clematis up the post.  I've wrapped around an offcut of wire fencing and given it a coat of black paint to make it less visible.  Clematis 'Jenny' Jackmanii group will be adorning it.

 
 That's all I have space for this week, and I did squeeze in as many as I could.  Thanks to the Propagator as always for hosting Six on Saturday.