Stinking Gladwyn

Dry shaded areas are always difficult to fill with plants, but one that is very easy to grow in this situation is Iris foetidissima sometimes commonly known as Stinking Gladwyn or Stinking Gladwin. Spelling is different but the same plant.

It is pretty hardy, ours grow in the shade of conifers in soil that can get pretty dry. The stinking comes from the smell when the leaves are crushed emitting an unusual smell, some find it unpleasant, but we don't mind it.

The flowers are subtle, a greyish blue in colour. But the berries make up for the unprepossessing flowers with their striking colours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They are worth having for that punch of colour in difficult places. Look out for the variegated leaved form.

Early Cold

Early cold has swept across Britain. Okay those who live here don't need reminding of that. Some of us are deep in snow, but thankfully here in Pembrokeshire we have escaped that so far.

Frost though is everywhere and penetrating deeper with each day. Look on the bright side though, slugs will be less numerous for us next season as eggs laid too close to the surface will be frozen and killed by the cold.

Frosted leaves.

The Sedum gave us a lovely showing this year and still bring a touch of colour to the stark early winter months.

Saxifraga umbrosa is as tough as old boots and completely unaffected by cold.

The Sweet Chestnut leaves had just lost their crispness with the rain, then along came the frost making them snap and crack once more as they are walked over.