Lancewoods

 I have been using Lancewoods for many years in my designs. They tend to be a plant people either love or hate. They are so sculptural, and change so much from juvenile form to adult tree, that makes them more interesting in my eyes. A unique small tree, ideal for urban gardens. They are also ideal as you can see beyond them to a view, where often the framing makes the view more interesting than having it all spread out in front of you. 

I noticed these trunks in my garden recently, so out came the camera! Here are a few more photos from various gardens I have done. 

Wildflowers Over Winter.... An Update

 These amazing cosmos have kept going and going. This photo was taken mid June, and they were still going, albeit much lighter flowering. Remember this is an experiment for me - so with a little trial and error I am seeing what works. 

I have pulled out the older cosmos that had gone to seed, and left these younger plants in for now. The zinnia have also been amazing but I think the frosts will finish them off. I have also added daffodil bulbs for winter interest. The Rudbeckia started flowering very late in autumn, and do not seem to be affected by frosts. I scattered various seeds around in early autumn, and some of them are now flowering - Queen Anne's Lace, Amaranth, Verbena etc. 

I cultivated several 4 square metre areas in mid autumn then added a mix of seeds saved previously from this patch. They have germinated but growing slowly. The double white cosmos is there, plus other bits and pieces. I expect them to take off for spring flowering. In spring, I will redo the main areas with some patches of fresh cultivation, and others just cut the plants back to see what comes away. 

All of these photos below are from early winter - June.