“Soft pastels conjure up a dreamy colour mix,
interspersed with
occasional spots of dark or bright colour for contrast.”
Last week I visited Ladybrook Nursery to
discuss my choices and the likelihood of them actually being in flower for the
last week in July. Unfortunately some of them are ruled out due to past
experiences; one season’s worth of growth may not be sufficient time for them
to be tall enough for the show. Its not like choosing plants for your own
garden, when it doesn’t matter when they come in to flower, or don’t! I have to
make decisions now that could impact on the standard of medal that the garden
could be awarded. Can you imagine if no plants flower in time? That thought
gives me butterflies!
Between us we settle on a short list of plants.
This includes the pastel shades of Achillea
‘Lilac Beauty’, Achillea ‘Salmon Beauty’ and Linaria purpuria Canon J Went and
for contrast, the dark purple of Scabiosa atropurpurea ‘ Black Knight’. I have
left enough of the allocated plant budget to cover last minute purchases if I
need to just before the show. I think I have everything covered, fingers
crossed!
I now have to decide on exact quantities so
am back at the office contemplating my options. I’ve erred on the side of
caution and am going to order 70 to 80% of the perennials that I need, leaving
20% to be bought in a mad panic right at the last moment, choosing any plants
that are flowering (in the correct colours!) in those last weeks of July. I
will now confirm my order so that the nursery can set all the plants to once
side and then its over to me to visit them regularly basis over the next eleven
weeks to stake, deadhead and weed! I’ll enjoy getting my hands dirty!
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