Datura from seed
Still enjoying the results from seeds generously provided by Botanical Interests at the Portland Fling. I sowed Datura seed in several pots. Each bloom is short-lived, starting out like this early in the day.
By early afternoon, it will have fully opened. Pam (Digging) has some mysterious evening shots you won’t want to miss. She mentions the scent, which I failed to notice. The next blossom to open is definitely getting the sniff test.
The seed pods are nearly as interesting as the flowers. I am allowing them to go to seed. They are very easy to grow from seed, and I will obviously have enough to share. If you want some, just let me know.
Anemone ‘Honorine de Jobeert’
I look forward all year to the late appearance of Anemone ‘Honorine de Jobert’.
Anemone ‘Honorine de Jobert’
She towers regally above her shady companions and the buds (little balls) are as interesting as the full blown flowers.
Kirengeshoma palmata
New to me this year is Kirengeshoma palmata. Some things are well worth the hunt.
Dahlia ‘Sunshine’
Because I lost Dahlias to gophers last year, I put new ones in pots. They are less showy than they would be in a border, but you do what you have to do.
Same story with the lilies. I was so impressed with the lilies at the Portland Fling that I just HAD to have some. Out of several that I planted, this was the only one to produce a flower, and it was not the deep, rich orange I was after…one of the dangers of growing from bulbs or seed.
Dianthus gratiannopolitanus
One of the truly xeric plants is Dianthus, so I’ve been adding them here and there in the hope that they will survive no matter what the weather gods throw at us. The thing is, they have a heavenly scent…so I put a few of them in this planter near the front steps to seduce visitors (and me) with their clove-like aroma.
Abutilon megapotamicum
Nearby is an Abutilon megapotamicum that has vining tendencies, unlike the more upright versions.
Bat-faced cuphea
How cute is this? Bat-faced cuphea.
Crocosmia “Emily McKenzie’
You can see by the sunburned foliage in the background that the Crocosmia have not fared so well in this hotter than usual summer, but ‘Emily McKenzie is blooming after skipping last year…so what are we to make of that?
Phygelius ‘Moonraker’
How subtle is this? Phygelius ‘Moonraker’ is one of those quiet presences so easy to overlook.
Now let’s look at a posy of field daisies that makes a nice centerpiece for a luncheon out under the trees.
They won’t last long, but placed into the square red vases, they make a statement about nature’s contribution to a luncheon “en Pleine air”.
This is what happens when writing a post after a long day and a couple of glasses of wine. I forgot to add links to Carol (May Dreams Gardens) for Bloom Day and Cathy (Rambling in the Garden) for In a Vase on Monday.
A very creative use of the meme’s! And a beautiful table setting.
Your shot of the Datura seed pod brought back memories of ants parading off with seeds from a split pod on my patio in Spokane. They were so big the kept dropping them, the next spring I had a lovely little Datura forest coming up in the cracks.
Ants are such busy little creatures. They also help peonies to open their buds by nibbling away at the nectar seeping out of the tight buds. I like the image of a Datura forest.
I used to have a Datura that was similar to your but it grew huge; from nothing until early summer to height 1.5 m x spread 2 m! The flowers were incredibly perfumed, so much so that the bees would bore into the flower before it even opened to get at the nectar. Mine were night flowers, opening at dusk and fading soon after the sun reached them the following morning. I still have a plant but it has not grown well at all this summer and there hasn’t been one flower. I love the happy daisies in the stunning red vase. Hope you had a good lunch.
Hmmm…between your comment and Pam’s post, I’m starting to think that these are two different varieties of Datura.
What an interesting plant, Datura. And lots of lovely colorful blooms. The vase of daisies is perfect for the brightly colored table!
I kind of did the whole table around the idea of using the daisies. Glad you like it.
The daisies are a brilliant addition to the lunch table – how do you support them in this lovely lacquer-effect vase? Japanese anemones can be quite thuggish here but as long as they are planted in the ‘right’ place to begin with they are so dependable aren’t they?
My anemones have finally reached critical mass so I can dig a couple to share. There are a couple of fern fronds helping to keep the daisies upright.
‘Honorine Jobert’ is one of my absolute favorites. I had some but they seem to have faded away. That seed pod looks vaguely ominous. Sure there isn’t an alien growing inside?
Oh dear…Invasion of the Body Snatchers (original, black and white version) was the scariest movie ever.
Your floral centerpiece couldn’t be more perfect for its setting. I love the Anemones, which I’ve seen no sign of in my own garden this year.
My Anemones continue to multiply, much to my delight. I would be so disappointed if they failed to show up. Hope yours are merely tardy.
Oh, those daisies are the perfect addition to your outdoor table. I’m taken with your Kirengeshoma palmata too. Lovely.
All the volunteer daisies are beginning to dry out. I’m glad I got a bouquet before pulling them up. No matter how many I pull, there are always more the next year.
I’ve had Kirengeshoma palmata in my shade garden for several years , it always looks lush , just refuses to bloom . I’ll have to go out and check , just in case.
The foliage is not as lush as I would like, but lots of blooms coming on.
The daisies really pop in the red vase, and look so nice as a picnic centerpiece. I love the dangling red Abutilons, and the Japanese anemones always make fall so special, but mine seem affected by all the heat and drought this year, not as full as usual.
Everything seems to be suffering in this unusual (I hope) year.
I just came back from checking out your blog and enjoying your vase. Thanks for commenting and leaving a trail for me to follow to find you.
I do know that. I’m letting just one plant go to seed, though it did produce a second flower after the first seed pod began to form. Two pods should supply my Datura farm with seed to spare.
I also planted Datura seeds that Botanical Interests gave us at the fling and have been enjoying the flowers. Your daisy and fern arrangement is perfect for the table you put together so nicely!
They were so generous with their seeds…and the illustrations are worth keeping.
Those seed pods are amazing and I do like Anemones and Kirengeshoma too, lots of colour in your garden, looking fab 🙂
Thanks…i always appreciate your words of encouragement.
Rain supposed to be coming up this weekend…can’t wait!