For almost the first time ever, my garden has had good late summer colour. Periodical rain (as opposed to continuous drought), prolific self-seeding and lazier hens have resulted in some splendid fauvist colour combinations, highlighted by that fabulous late summer light.
Verbena bonariensis grows like a hedge along the right hand brick path, but not the left, and has gloriously mixed with Rudebekia ‘Prairie Glow”, which you will have seen if you follow me on Instagram or Twitter. I had over 800 likes on Twitter for one photo, unheard of success. The herb fennel has grown to almost the same height as the Giant Fennel in spring, mixed with Red Orach and the seedheads of Allium ‘Summer Drummer’ for a riot of colour.
I don’t imagine this weather will repeat itself next year and imagine May will be the apex of interest for our Open Gardens as usual. Changes to our NGS routine for next year however, include dividing Town Centre and Joy Lane into two groups that will open separately, and hopefully double our fundraising as well as giving visitors twice the fun. May 22nd and July 2nd are our dates for 2022.