It is at times like this I hanker after a Mediterranean climate or a sunny seat in California, sitting under some palm with a long cool drink, away from all the disappointments and potential disasters of gardening in such a cool, wet place as this. Still, I'm sure I would soon get equally fed up with relentless sun and heat. Each set of conditions has its own advantages and disadvantages. Enough of the weather and its torments.
Garden visitors have shown a good deal of grit and determination in continuing to turn up to my garden despite the rain, some travelling quite a distance. Of the many highlights for them to see at this time of year are some of the David Austin roses. This English rose breeder produced a new category of roses called 'English Roses,' bringing together the look of the old-fashioned roses with the repeat-flowering ability of modern roses. Growing them here, they are on the whole disease-free and very vigorous and free-flowering. However, in hot, drier climates (certain parts of the USA for example) they do behave differently. Some growers report poor disease resistance and plants growing way beyond the dimensions listed in catalogues. Whilst in places like New Zealand (with a similar climate to the UK) they perform much to type.
One old Alba rose that has bloomed extremely well this year is 'Alba Maxima,' sometimes called the 'Cheshire Rose,' a very old Alba rose which will perform well in difficult conditions.
Mine grows in a shady spot that does receive some sunshine but only towards the end of the day. Not only that, but it flourishes right next to a well-established hedge. Tough, this rose certainly is. A one-time bloomer (but a good six weeks) the blooms have that clotted cream look with a touch of blush pink on opening. They are fully double, highly scented and age to a pure white. A good performer in all respects. Another old Alba which is in its first season, is 'Madame Plantier,' a white double with a really strong scent. She, though, is sulking in a corner, waiting for the sun to come out.
Turning our focus to other plants that grab one's attention just now, we have the mid-to-late season clematis. The viticellas, so good for growing into and amongst other shrubs, are coming into magnificent bloom. Viticellas are without doubt the best clematis for this type of job. The effect can often be quite stunning, with scores of blooms draping the host shrub, providing that part of the garden with two periods of interest in the season. 'Etoile Violette' and 'Margot Koster' are two such star performers.
'Etoile Violette'
The latter grows into an old Gallica rose (officinalis) whilst the former competes very successfully with a vigorous Berberis thunbergii. Another virtue of the viticella group of clematis is their ability to resist Clematis Wilt - being almost immune to the disease.
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