PUSHING THE BORDERS

Taken awhile this year before I have noticed anything worth pointing a camera at!

Anyway here is a sort of post what you like thread, saves have to start something new if you just want to make a comment or share a picture.

First up for me is one of best purchases of 2023, a hybrid fruit tree, Plumcot, been exceptionally good, much better than the plums and its well ahead of the apricot which is actually in a poly tunnel.

plumcot 001 by charliepridham, on Flickr

Its a heavy cropper, our only problem is that the grand children have discovered it!!

Plumcot 002 by charliepridham, on Flickr

Also looking and smelling good is the good old Coronilla valentina

Coronilla valentina by charliepridham, on Flickr

I like the pure white flowers on the plumcot - I have a vague memory of murdering one of these a number of years ago.

My ume tree, Prunus mume, just finished flowering. Other than that, not much happening out there yet, just the snowdrops and Edgeworthia are flowering.

Aristolochia californica
Happy now its in the ground in a cool greenhouse, covered in flowers in March.
No good outside here as the wet, slugs or deer finish it off !

Isn't that the cutest thing! :)

How does it smell Mark? I have been rather put off the genus since getting down wind of one that smelt like rotting meat!!

Checked on the scent in the warm afternoon and nothing unpleasant! hardly any odour at all.
I have grown some species that smell of rotting fish but A. californica is far more subtle.

Good to know, thanks Mark

Lobelia fistulosa in my sun room


Unfortunately the plant outside in the ground didn't survive the winter even though it has been a very mild one

That's lovely. Mine didn't even survive in the greenhouse. It's certainly been a tougher winter up here with frost again this morning, though a lovely, sunny and warm day now.