I mentioned in my last post that I had emptied the flower containers in the garden. Despite the frost which we had at the start of the week, this pot of Zonal Pelargoniums are still blooming, so they got a reprieve. As you can see, there's still buds waiting to open, but I fear it's too late for them now with the colder weather around. I bought these plants from my local nursery as tiny seedlings and potted them on until they were big enough to plant out. I've bought my bedding plants this way for a few years now, but the nursery in question has closed down this year so I may have to revert back to growing my own from seed next year. I shall definitely grow these plants again, often mistakenly referred to as geraniums, they're really hard working plants flowering all summer long. I had a bright red variety in some tall blue pots at each side of my back door, and they looked stunning, so I shall repeat this again next year.
I was hoping that the lawnmower had been put away for the last time this year, but it seems we'll have to get it out again. The grass was cut nearly three weeks ago, but it's grown so much since then that it's definitely going to have to have another mow before winter comes. That's a job that my son can do this weekend if the weather stays fine, he can earn his keep.
We had high winds at the start of the week, which have helped the lilac tree outside my window shed it's leaves. There's only a few leaves still hanging on now, which signals that winter is on it's way. With this in mind, I'm making sure that the bird feeders are kept topped up, firstly so that the birds are well fed ready to take on the cold months ahead, and also so that they know where to come to get a regular meal. Suet blocks are a favourite and are devoured in no time at all.
Will you take the pelargoniums inside to keep flowering and how about taking cuttings. When I have raised them from seed they have been late to flower.
ReplyDeleteI don't bring anything indoors, a shame really as they have so many buds on them still. I won't take cuttings from these, but I moved the red ones in to the greenhouse. They've just about finished flowering now, but I thought I might either take cuttings, or else try to over winter them. I might try both if seed sown ones are late to flower as these have been wonderful all summer, even in the wet summer we've had this year.
DeleteMay just be the sort of seeds I bought so don't let me put you off - why not try both?
DeleteI don't need many of the red variety, just enough to fill the pots outside the door, so if the cuttings or overwintered plants take, that should be enough, if not I'll have a go at raising from seed.
DeleteMost of the time my Dad get 2 or 3 years out of his pelargoniums. He overwinters them on the window still of his shed and give them a little tidy up before planting out again. He only replaces them when they get too woody.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll try that this year. I may set some off from seed too though. Belt and braces approach.
DeleteBeautiful flowers Jo. I know what you mean about the lawns, I cut mine again this week and I really do hope that's it but now it seems to have warmed up again a little I am beginning to wonder. The problem when you have to cut them this time of year is they always look so messy.
ReplyDeleteMy bird table is nicely stocked but at the minute not a huge amount of visitors...doubt it will be long though.
Hope your cuttings take well.
I'm hoping that one more cut will do it, but as you say, it does make it look messy. We usually have plenty of sparrows and starlings eating from the bird feeders, and the odd one or two other birds too.
DeleteI've a similar looking plant that I've had indoor all summer but mine is a geranium 'claudio rose eye'. It has been flowering since July and is still flowering profusely. I've the bird containers filled as well, great to watch them from the warmth of the indoors.
ReplyDeleteYour plant should be ok through the winter months if it's indoors. They're such hard working plants, flowering for long periods. I love watching the comings and goings on the bird feeders, it's like a soap opera watching what they get up to with their squabbles.
DeleteStill trying to find a suitable replacement for that nursery.
ReplyDeleteThe starlings are making short work of our fat cake and the goldfinches quickly going through the sunflower hearts. Keeping the birds fed and watered through winter can be quite a challenge but rewarding.
I haven't found anywhere else yet, the garden centres near here have been taken over with Christmas stock. I've found that the starlings eat most of the suet blocks, the other birds don't seem to get a look in. I'd love the goldfinches to be regular visitors but I only see them once in a while.
DeleteMine are still flowering too, and I've moved them to the safety of the greenhouse in an attempt to over winter them, something I've not tried to do before. Will have to see how successful I am!
ReplyDeleteWe'll have to compare notes come spring as I'm going to have a go at overwintering the red variety. It'll be good if we can keep them going for another year.
DeleteIt's nice to have some colour like this at this time of year.
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased to see the chaffinches are back eating the seed that I scatter out front. Flighty xx
There's little else left flowering in the garden now so it's nice to see that something's hanging on. I never get chaffinches here, I think I've only ever seen one in the garden in all the years I've lived here.
DeleteI'm not able to grow most pelargoniums Jo - for some reason the aroma of the foliage triggers off asthma attacks :( I most upset that I can't make room for them as they are not only colourful but so long lasting too. Have been busy shopping and stocking up for the birds too :)
ReplyDeleteIt's the first time that I've heard of a specific plant having this affect. They are hard working plants, definitely one to squeeze in if you have room, and don't suffer from asthma.
DeletePelargoniums will just go on and on. They are great little plants. I've become a great fan of the scented leaf ones. The flowers are more delicate and not as showy but I just love the perfume of the leaves.
ReplyDeleteJust bought a huge bag of bird seed yesterday. As Wellyman said a drugs habit would probably be cheaper :) I'm sure they'll eat us out of house and home over the coming months.
I've never grown the scented leaf pelargoniums but I know that many people are fans of them. Bird seed is really expensive, but worth it to know we're doing our bit to help them survive winter. I get so much enjoyment watching them on the feeders too.
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