SUMMER 2003

Hedychium assams orange

A fantastic hot summer as seen the garden thrive, growth rates have been amazing. Canna Durban, which is permanently planted out, was 1.7m high and flowering on the 26th of July the earliest it has bloomed. Hedychium assams orange is proving to be the best reliable ginger for my climate, and was in flower on the 16th of August. Other members of the Hedychium family that I have planted out permanently put on good growth with their exotic looking leaves but alas the season is too short for them to flower reliably. My second attempt with Musa Sikimins seems far more promising and I have been amazed with the growth it has put on in just one season. It is quickly catching up in height with Musa basjoo that has been planted out for several years.

The garden was open under The National Gardens scheme again this year, 251 people visited, raising a very nice sum for charity. I think this may be the last year I open for a while, as next year I have a few changes in mind for the layout and don't think it will be ready for visitors.

Tetrapanex rex was planted out this spring and seems to be settling nicely. Unfortunately I have planted it under my pergola and next year I will either have to move this monster of a plant or remove the pergola to allow it room to expand!

Washingtonia Filifera unfortunately seems to have been adopted as a scratching post for a neighbours cat but seems none the worse for its ordeal and continues to put on good growth. This palm seems quite happy as a garden subject and any leaves damaged in winter are quickly replaced the following season.

Winter will soon be upon us once more, and this year I intend to put the garden to the ultimate test and leave everything outside to fend for itself, the only protection is to be the odd bit of fleece on the coldest nights. Brave or mad- I'm not sure but my goal is to create an exotic garden that can truly survive year round in a cool climate.

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