So far, so good

It's always fascinating to see plants in autumn putting effort into the following Spring. What will happen over the winter will determine the results no matter what appearances suggest at the moment.  

This Helleborus foetidus is the first one of this variety that has survived and thrived in my garden. I was so happy with this success that I ordered two named varieties in 2019.

Helleborus foetidus 'Red Silver' is from well-known gardeners and breeders, Ernie and Marietta O'Byrne. It has held its pewter leaf color nicely through the summer. It did not flower this first spring, but I bought it for that fabulous foliage, so I will be OK if it  never flowers. I merely need the plant to make it through our highly changeable winters. 

On the right side of the path is a Digitalis I planted this spring which will flower next year. All along the left side of the path, Digitalis seedlings have rooted and are looking fabulous. I foolishly tried to move one of them as they are in a rather awkward location. Big mistake. I think I will put flags where they are growing so I don't step on them as they emerge next spring. This is the best crop of seedlings I've ever had, so I am very excited. 

Rhododendron yakushimanum 'Yaku Angel' is loaded with buds. Last spring's late frost killed them all, so I am hoping for better luck next spring. 

Comments

[Lisa at Greenbow]

How wonderful it is to have digitalis seedlings with having such a drought time in your area this year. Fun fun.

[Kris P]

That Helleborus foliage is wonderful, Linda. I wish I could see the promise of spring from any angle here but, with our temperature already hitting 98F and still climbing, I'm simply worried about what this latest heatwave is going to cost me.

[Beth@PlantPostings]

That is good news. I'll look forward to your updates next spring. My mom used to have a Rhododendron plant that she moved about 10 times to different gardens. I've been scared to try to grow one, but maybe it's time to add one.