Such a pretty little thing...don't ya think

In a shady spot, nestled under a philadelphus and flanked on one side by Adiantum leauticum Imbricatum and on the other Epimedium pinnatum colchicum is Begonia grandis evansiana. One might think this position is rather dry for this little beauty but fear not.  Each year it has a light mulch and each year I can enjoy the delicate flowers and attractive foliage from August right up to the first frosts. Once this happens it will wither and disappear underground, only to return next year with a few siblings in tow. At around £4.00 to £5.00 per bulb it's fair to say it's not cheap but once positioned, you will soon see a return for your investment.

Hello Beth

Earlier this year I tried a poppy very much championed by Dixter and I later noticed its use at the Cheslea flower show. A tricky seed to source to say the least. However, move forward a few months and I now have my own stock of Beth's poppy (Papaver dubium subsp. leqoqii var albiflorum).

A little late with my autumn seed sowing but better late than never. 

An elegant lady

It's very satisfying when some seeds were sown back in February and are now in full bloom. This year's 'coup de coeur' is Persicaria orientallis, otherwise known as 'Kiss me over the garden gate'. These beautiful pink, drooping tassels really add an unusual lift to your borders and I'm sure will have eyes turning by those curious onlookers.

I have however, had some misfortune.  Whilst some plants have really reached for the stars (at least 6 foot), one or two others have looked weak and not grown above 2 foot.  Maybe I didn't pot them on when needed? Certainly worth trying again next year where I hope it will provide an even greater spectacle and increased curiosity.