- A time for Asters to take centre stage. This is Little Carlow, planted in a client’s garden in March. It has done really well and is looking stunning right now. Farncombe Lilac (I passed through Farncombe in Sussex last weekend and went, “Oh, where the Aster comes from”) in the churchyard has succumbed to mildew and another unnamed variety I got from a friend is yet to bloom. I really like them, but am thinking of splitting and dividing them over winter to colonise wilder ground in the churchyard.
2. Cyclamen hederifolium. Just such a lovely thing, especially in this garden where there are self sown dozens established. I cut down the Leucanthemum stems to let them peep out, but should have done so more thoroughly. Mental note to self: cut stems to the ground, ya eedjut.
3. When holly trunks embrace. This rather ancient holly has a characterful trunk reminiscent of elephant legs or a giant’s knuckles. The two trunks have fused in the middle in a rather appealing way.
4. I love both these plants: Euphorbia characias and Stipa arundinacea. They go well together, especially now in Autumn when the grass tints attractively. I reckon they need around about the same annual attention too: ten to fifteen minutes. Easy.
5. Pots. Spring and Autumn are the best time for pots, I think. Not so much watering to do. Not that these, in my protected front porch, need much anyway. They are mostly succulent cuttings taken from mother plants or holiday destinations. However, the cooler, slightly moister air over the last few weeks has brought about a noticeable change in their foliage: brighter and more lustrous.
6. The Blueberry in a big pot on my front path is always the first thing to change leaf colour. I love grabbing a handful on my way in and out of the house, but the foliage colouration is an added bonus. Bud break isn’t a bad thing to watch either. What else do you want from a plant?
Tim Hewitt, Gardener 
I wish my asters would hurry up. We may have a killing frost before they decide to bloom.
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They do keep us waiting don’t they?
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That black aeonium in the pot looks shiny and luscious, obviously enjoying the weather and its position. Quite a few cyclamens being posted, and why not? Such pretty things.
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Your featured picture is stunning ! These asters are very nice near the front door… Your client must be happy !
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Thanks a lot, Fred. I think they are, and even if they aren’t, I am!
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That blueberry is really special. Is it grown in a pot, Tim? I might have to get one if they survive pot life. The aster is gorgeous, of course, & I do like whatever’s in front of it making long lovely seed pods.
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It is in a fairly big pot, with pure ericaceous compost which is topped up every couple of years. A bit of watering in the dry times, but otherwise easy. I can recommend them.
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Nothing – the blueberry is upholding its part of the bargain.
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Asters are lovely at this time of year. And today is St Michael’s Day (Michaelmas) so what better way to celebrate than photos of these lovely plants. I have three in a large pot from when I didn’t have a garden and I must get them out after they finish flowering and into the ground, but goodness knows how I shall do that!
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Well good luck with that. At this time of year, I start wanting to split and divide lots of stuff.
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Love your pots with an assortment of goodies in them, and the euphorbia grass combo is wonderful. Autumn here we come ……!
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Houseleeks seem to be a popular subject today!
Both the cyclamen (hederifolia) and aster also seem to be popular topics for this time of year. Neither are popular here. I have only seen the common florist’s cyclamen, which I like naturalized in my own garden, but dislike as a common bedding plant. I think that Cyclamen hederifolia is too unrefined for the popular style of landscape. I think it would be preferable in unrefined landscapes that get a bit of water, but it would need to be mail ordered. Asters are simply unpopular here. I do not know why. Some are grown as cut flower crops, but they are not seen in home gardens.
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Lovely aster. I have that one in my garden, a decent size clump now. Flowering like mad!
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