November has brought us days that got up into the 60°'s and a lot of nights, like last night, that hit the low 20°'s. That means last weekend was the perfect time to stroll through the chilly garden to see what is still looking good.
The pond froze on Saturday night but it was warm enough Sunday that it melted again.
The mossy rocks are always a thrill for me to discover. The densely weedy shoreline less so.
I moved and divided Pulmonaria 'David Ward' rather rudely midsummer. I was worried that I lost it by my thoughtless behavior in hot weather since it is not a plant that I see to buy anymore. This is the only Pulmonaria that I intentionally grow, so I am thrilled to see it again.
False Rue Anemone (Isopyrum biternatum) is one of the treasures of the cool garden in early spring and late autumn. It has white flowers in the spring but I grow it for that lovely foliage.
Some of my Hepaticas are looking good while others have disappeared.
A lot of gardeners consider Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium 'Aureum') weedy, but I love it. The tiniest seedlings are recognizable and easy to pull. I appreciate the note of bright green it adds whenever and wherever it appears, and the tiny daisy-like flowers are perfect additions to any bouquet.
Epimedium 'Waterfall' has been one of the stars of the autumn garden. None of my other Epimediums have this thrilling mix of color in their leaves.
Who doesn't love Hellebore foliage? It is dramatic at any season, but especially now when it has a lot less foliar competition.
Deeply envious of your 'David Ward'. I think our summers are just too hot & steamy for it, but now that I've learned how to care for lungworts, I long to try again. Among other things, they have to be caged against groundhogs. Because all the lungworts here are now within easy reach of a shady bench where I retreat regularly during summer garden work sessions, it's easier to remember to give them extra water and some grooming.
Posted by: Nell Lancaster | Monday, November 23, 2020 at 08:08 AM
This was a lovely morning walk about for which I thank you, Linda. After a week of sticking inside during perfect fall weather I'm hoping to change that and get some things done in the garden while there is still time.
Posted by: Barbara H. | Monday, November 23, 2020 at 08:50 AM
I remain completely envious of your Epimediums, Linda. I'm glad the weather permitted you to get out and survey your garden. It's in the low 50s here this morning and damp and I haven't been able to bring myself to venture out even though there's plenty that needs doing.
Posted by: Kris P | Monday, November 23, 2020 at 11:41 AM
Very nice! These are all great perennials. I need to check for my False Rue Anemone foliage--wonderful plant. :)
Posted by: Beth@PlantPostings | Monday, November 23, 2020 at 07:04 PM
Aaahhhh those mossy rocks. They shine sitting there on the edge of the pond. All of these plants you highlighted are definitely garden worthy and a special delight this time of year.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 03:46 AM
NELL– It seems like lungworts that I don't want seed in the garden from neighbor's gardens all the time. But I am having trouble keeping the treasured one alive.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 11:48 AM
KRIS P. — It snowed this morning so I am just enjoying looking out the window and being done with the garden pretty much until next spring.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 11:49 AM
I HAVE lost my David Ward. They don’t appear to be as robust as other pulmonarias. Or perhaps it just didn’t like my conditions, also entirely possible. Rare here too but I believe it was bred at the Beth Chatto garden, I shall have to get another one from there. The colour of the flowers is so wonderful too.
Posted by: rusty duck | Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 03:29 PM