The leaves fell from most every plant this week, with the exception of a new spirea that surprised me with its late vivid colour. I had a gift of two small pots of Double Play Artist spirea (Spiraea japonica ‘Galen’, 2 x 2 feet / 60 x 60 cm, Zone 5). I planted them, and as leaves fell, the little plants were concealed. Sweeping leaves around in the beds, I uncovered these now flaming spireas, and they’re the last and brightest leaves in the garden today. The foliage is also red when it emerges in spring, and the shrubs have cerise pink flowers in summer.
My goodness, but my ‘Marie Boisselot’ clematis has burst its buds and put out leaves! I’m afraid Marie is in for a rude shock later this week. But I’ll be ensconced indoors with seed catalogues that arrived this week from Stokes and Veseys. It’s never too soon to plan for next spring.
Other posts by Judith this week:
Posts by Judith last week: