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Friday inspiration ~ The Sedum

October 12, 2012 By Jill Anderson Leave a Comment

 

One of the joys of gardens is the way they develop through the seasons, looking different from one week to the next. But maintaining that level of interest can be a bit of a challenge though, so I bring you Sedum Autumn Joy.

 

 

Colour plays a huge part in the autumn garden and whilst I love the the orange and russet reds of autumn, it’s been good to see the deep reds of these Sedum plants in recent weeks.

These herbaceous perennials bring a strong shape to borders, there are lots of other varieties mostly with a range of red flowers, but also white.

The clusters of flower buds start off a light appley-green colour, then pin-pricks of pink begin to show through until all the tiny pink flowers have emerged by mid-summer. The pale pink deepens to this strong red as summer changes into autumn.

 

The flower-heads eventually turn chocolate-brown and can be left until they start to disintegrate as the winter takes hold. In very wet weather they turn into an unattractive brown mush, and that’s the time to cut them down.

The fleshy leaves remain this soft colour, gradually fading to yellow, before they too disintegrate in winter.

They’ll be dormant over winter until the rosettes of fleshy green leaves start up again the following spring.

 

Butterflies and bees love them, so they’re a plant that contributes a lot to your garden. They need a very well-drained soil in a sunny position and look best planted in groups.

They suit the company of grasses such as Stipa tenuissima, whose wafting shape contrasts beautifully with the outline of the Sedum.

Their vital statistics are 50 x 50cm.

Have a good weekend.

Jill

images: Jill Anderson

 

 

 

Related posts:

Late flowering treasures for your garden RHS Hampton Court 2012 ~ A preview of plants & gardens Friday inspiration ~ Spring colour plant combination Some of the best gardens at The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2013

Related posts:

Late flowering treasures for your garden RHS Hampton Court 2012 ~ A preview of plants & gardens Friday inspiration ~ Spring colour plant combination Some of the best gardens at The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2013
Filed Under: Blog, Inspiration, Plants Tagged With: herbaceous perennial, pink flowers, Sedum Autumn Joy

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Hello, I’m Jill Anderson.
This is where you’ll find good, solid information about gardening, growing fruit & vegetables and how to keep it all looking good.
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The healing, calming power of nature in one photo. The healing, calming power of nature in one photo.
These wonderful autumn colours won’t be around for much longer. But that’s ok, because now is what matters, & their fleeting beauty makes them even more precious.
It’s easy to see how being among trees & nature is so beneficial for our health & wellbeing. 
Have a great Sunday.
Savouring all the autumn colour, & doesn’t it lo Savouring all the autumn colour, & doesn’t it look spectacular with this bold front door.
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Charming glasshouse at Houghton Hall, Norfolk. Vis Charming glasshouse at Houghton Hall, Norfolk. Visiting to see the Anish Kapoor sculptures, which are amazing, but unprepared for the beauty of the grounds & garden. 
Such a treat, worth coming to Norfolk for this alone!
Hope you’re keeping well, & managing to smile some of the time. x
P.S. more of Houghton Hall & Anish Kapoor on my stories
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Enjoy the rest of your Sunday x
Hope is a decision I’ve thought long & hard abou Hope is a decision
I’ve thought long & hard about how to view the tumult in the world we’re living in now. 
The only thing that works for me, is to choose hope.

It’s a tall order, but avoiding mainstream news & speculation helps avoid the anxiety, that’s often waiting in the wings.

One day soon there’ll be grandchildren clambering over this again.
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