Three Hostas, Gunnera, Bamboo and Hydrangea aspera

This photo shows 3 different Hostas, I stupidly never made notes of the various Hostas I have planted but I do know that the one in the back is 'Sum & Substance'. This Hosta has enormous golden leaves and gives are very exotic effect, its gold colour shows up well in shade, I have it planted next to a black bamboo which makes a good contrast. The other good thing about this Hosta is that slugs leave it alone for some reason.
The Gunnera is the species 'tinctoria' which is slightly smaller and more manageable than its cousin 'manicata'. A very easy and impressive plant to grow.
Hydrangea aspera is, I think, the best Hydrangea. Its large rough leaves have a lovely colour and its flowers are very distinctive. A very easy shrub that does well in shade and adds another shade of green to the composition.
This photo was taken on July 16th 2008. This post is added as an attempt to build a database of good plants to this blog.

Crocuses

Crocuses
Originally uploaded by emagen

Spring! I like early Spring bulbs but can never get enthused enough to plant them. The short hours of daylight mean that I never see them during the week and even at weekends bad weather can limit time in the garden. BUT today the sun shone and it was quite mild, these crocuses looked great - at least - until I accidentally trod on them!!!

Phyllostachys nigra

Phyllostachys nigra or the 'Black Bamboo' is probably the most widely planted and widely available bamboo in the UK. Having said that it is without doubt a spectacular plant! This one grows with its feet in shade and perhaps this is why it is not a problem to control. (Bamboos generally have a bad press for being invasive). From a small plant this one has spread to about a square meter and is about 3.5m high with canes of 3/4 inch diameter.

It has become one of the main features of my garden and looks good throughout the year (this photo was taken in early February).

It could be left to its own devices but does benefit from watering during the late spring and summer and it seems to enjoy a good dollop of garden compost. If you want to enjoy the sight of the black canes then you must do a little cosmetic work on it! I call this 'shaving its legs'! All the lower branches need removing to expose the canes, the best and easiest time to do this is when the new canes are coming through and the lower branches can be easily snapped off with your fingers.

This post has been added in retrospect to help build a database of plants.

Musa Dag

Musa Dag - Cavus
Originally uploaded by emagen
This is the mountain Musa Dag close to Adrasan in Turkey. Adrasan (also known as Cavus) is where we have spent summer holidays for the past 5 years.

Musa Sikkimensis

Musa Sikkimensis
Originally uploaded by emagen
The first photo posted on this bog has to be of a banana plant - botanical name (genus) Musa.