Category Archives: perennials

No longer a perennial

Posted on June 24, 2021 by Helen

After picking all the florets off the Nine-Star broccoli, I kept an eye on it for more shoots, so that they didn’t turn to flowers. Under its cloche and a layer of micro mesh, however, it was difficult to keep … Continue reading →

Posted in perennials, Wildlife | Tagged , , , | 24 Comments

A flower on the globe artichoke

Posted on June 14, 2021 by Helen

One of the joys of growing a plant I have no horticultural experience of is the suspense. What will happen when? Thus, early this morning, whilst out with the watering can, I saw the beginnings of the first globe artichoke … Continue reading →

Posted in edible flowers, Gardening, perennials | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Not moving but doubling!

Posted on May 12, 2021 by Helen

Many moons ago, I had a blackberry bush. I’d bought it just as I crashed into a major depression in 2011. I didn’t know very much about horticulture at this point but it amazes me that I had the gumption … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, perennials | Tagged | 7 Comments

Yep, it’s broccoli

Posted on May 9, 2021 by Helen

Over the last year (nearly), I have watched the progress of the two types of broccoli growing in the garden. One is annual purple sprouting broccoli, the other perennial Nine-Star Broccoli. Bar the fact that the perennial had had to … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, perennials | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Spoilt for choice

Posted on April 24, 2021 by Helen

My daughter had asked if I could give her a lift to school yesterday morning. She is really shattered at the moment, getting used to the two mile walk there and the two mile walk back. No doubt I will … Continue reading →

Posted in climate change, Days out, perennials | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

Christmas growth and flowers

Posted on December 24, 2020 by Helen

After much angst over nearly two years, it looks like the globe artichoke is not only going to survive but may become the plant I’d been hoping it would be. On the other hand, the Nine-star broccoli doesn’t seem to … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, perennials, presents | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

A Halcyon at last!

Posted on October 29, 2020 by Helen

When I first saw a blue Hosta, I was charmed. The name of this particular variety was ‘Halcyon’ and ever since I have been on the hunt for one. Last year, I found another blue variety, which seems to keep … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, perennials | Tagged , | 15 Comments

Summerfield Nursery

Posted on October 6, 2020 by Helen

I can’t remember why I was attracted to follow Summerfield Nursery on Twitter but perhaps it had something to do with the fact that it sells hardy perennials. In any case, on Sunday they tweeted that they were open and … Continue reading →

Posted in Days out, Gardening, perennials | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Nine-star broccoli

Posted on July 15, 2020 by Helen

It’s a few years since I was introduced to The Backyard Larder. This is a specialist nursery which sells perennial vegetables. I get the impression that business has been booming since lockdown, which is undoubtedly one of the plus sides … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, perennials | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

No pear tree this year

Posted on March 1, 2020 by Helen

My plans for a dwarf pear tree have floundered this year. What with the bumpy start to the year for myself as well as the weather, the pot I was going to use for the tree is still full of … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, perennials, soil management | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments