Rhododendron

I removed the roses and cleared the way for a rhododendron and azalea bush. There roses were in the wrong place – boggy and dark area of the garden. There was the occasional yellow flower but it just wasn’t worth the attention and care I had been giving it. When I pulled it out it was a relief and I wondered why I hadn’t done it sooner. I discovered a nice clear area that I could “green” up. I would much prefer an evergreen plant to look at rather than to wait for 6 months for some prickly stick to produce one flower. I chose a variegated leaf rhododendron as the centre piece. Nearby are nasturtiums to fill the back, bloodleaf for contrast, an azalea for winter colour and ferns at the front for more green. Pictured are the before and after shots.

Boston ivy

Paid a visit to my friend’s garden and took some pictures of the first week of winter.

Dwarf cyclamens resting on a suspended chair.


A leaning lemon tree is abundant with fruit ready for picking.


The purple wall brings out the vibrant bloodleaf.


Camellia in a pot and Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) creeping up the wall.

Bloodleaf (iresine herbstii)‏

The bloodleaf (iresine herbstii) was getting gangly after summer and through autumn it had a massive growth spurt. Despite the red foliage fading (from too much sunlight), I was just glad it survived especially during the extremely hot days. Another reason to trim it back to a compact bush was so I could get some cuttings – so easy propagating them! Just cut and stick the cuttings into some dirt. I love this plant for its rich crimson leaves with beetroot pink veins. It’s perfect for those areas that require a big impact of red. Other common names for this plant are Beefsteak Plant and Chicken Gizzard.