1 Nov 2011

The Jewel in Mum's Garden

I just want to say thank you to everyone who wished my mum well after her recent accident.  Having spent three weeks in hospital (she suffered quite a blow to the head when she fell), she's now home and slowly making her way back to normal life, albeit finding that the spirit is willing whilst the flesh is still weak, to paraphrase.  My dad is with her and they're muddling along nicely together which is what they like. Next year will mark 60 years since they met! (And, very sweetly, they still hold hands as they sit next to each other.)

Cosmos Cloud

During recent visits to the parental domicile, one of my favourite things was to look out into the garden throughout the day and see this beautiful cloud of pink cosmos. My sister Julia grows lots of flowers every year for Mum and, while she swears she's not a gardener, I'd beg to differ as I've never had any luck with cosmos and these are truly uplifting.

Cosmos close up

They're planted against an east facing wall so get morning sunlight and warmth for several hours of the day.  The soil is very dry but, even so, the plants are still budding and flowering even at this very late stage.

An almost flower

I've just finished reading Monty Don's account of The Jewel Garden where he talks of his chocolate cosmos still presenting a striking display in October; is this usual, I wonder? If so, cosmos is definitely one for my garden next year.

Cosmos buds

10 comments:

  1. I'm so pleased to hear that your mum is out of hospital, Caro. I was going to drop you a line today to enquire after your mum, but thought you'd have enough on your mind at the moment without having to answer, so I'm so pleased to read an update. I do hope she feels back to her old self very soon. Cosmos is a wonderful flower, and yes, it is one which seems to go on and on producing more and more flowers. I'm very fond of Purity, a white variety.

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  2. Wonderful Cosmos blooms - your sister certainly is a gardener despite her protestations. Glad to hear your mum is on the mend.

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  3. Nice to see you back on line and that your mum is mending. I always grow Cosmos in the cutting patch - they are really good value for money, and are still flowering at the moment - it's November for heavens sake!

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  4. Glad to hear that your mum is on the road to recovery Caro - a worrying time for you all. Hope that you are looking after yourself. Beautiful healthy and happy looking cosmos - you have given me food for thought as I have an east facing wall :) As for chocolate cosmos I purchased a small plant earlier this year which has put on a lot of growth and is still in flower now here on the Mersey estuary. Not sure whether it will come through the winter but if not I have had my money's worth. I did grow it many, many moons ago but can't remember whether it regularly flowered so late on.

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  5. It's good to know that your mum is on the mend.
    Cosmos will continue to flower until the first frost. I really like them, especially the white one Purity, and grow several varieties on the plot. Flighty xx

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  6. Hi Caro, great news about your Mum. Those deep pink cosmos are wonderful. I find my often bloom well in to October, and this year are still going strong now, since we haven't had a frost at all yet, let alone a heavy one. You can buy them cheaply as plug plants and just a few go a long way.

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  7. Pleased to hear your mum is getting better. I love Cosmos too and grew a lot for cut flowers this year. I would particularly recommend the variety 'Candy Stripe'.

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  8. Yet again a wonderfully heartwarming batch of comments from internet friends. Thank you all so much for commenting, it's really cheered my day! Caro xx

    Jo, I'm so touched by your kindness in wondering how my mum was doing, thank you. Apparently her recovery could take up to 8 weeks so we have a way to go.

    Suburban Veg Gardener, I agree! My sister's input keeps the garden colourful every year.

    Elaine, I can't bear to cut flowers from the garden as they last longer outdoors but I like the idea of growing Cosmos to look at!

    Anna, I'm glad to have inspired you! Reading other blogs is where I get most of my ideas!

    Flighty, you and Jo both like Purity; It's one I'll look out for now!

    Janet, thanks for the tip about buying cosmos as plugs. I haven't seen them in the past but will keep my eyes open for them next year.

    Wellywoman, I think I have Candy Stripe seeds in my box! Out of a whole tray, I managed one little plant that grew to about 6 inches! I seem to do better with veg!

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  9. Loved the colour of your sister's Cosmos. I grow some around the base of a Japanese Wineberry and now they self-seed and come back every year. A joyous plant and mine tend to keep flowering well into autumn too as long as I dead head them every now and then.

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  10. Naomi (outofmyshed), you've reminded me that I must deadhead my mum's cosmos next time I'm there! I hope they do self-seed for next year, it will be something to look forward to.

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