September colour

Maybe now is the time to look at late colour in the garden to help brighten the lengthening days and dispel a little of the post summer gloom. 

There are some local gardens which do this really well; for example, 

RHS Harlow Carr https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr, 

Breezy Knees, http://www.breezyknees.co.uk/ and the incomparable 

Scampston Hall http://www.scampston.co.uk/

Always take inspiration and ideas from the experts!

Whilst at RHS Wisley this year I treated myself to a couple of plants (well, more than a couple actually) the stunning Rehmannia Walberton's Magic Dragon being one. 
                       Not easy coming back on the train with this giant!

This was one of the plants in the running for 2015 Plant of the Year award and it's easy to see why.

  Mine has flowered prolifically from May and is scheduled to continue to do so into late Autumn.

There are lots of herbaceous perennials which are late flowerers and good doers. 

Depending on your soil type, site, colour or shape preferences and with a little bit of research you can always find a plant to fit the bill.

Echinaceas and asters are my personal favourites.

Echinacea purpurea 'Black Samson'

 

Aster frikartii 'Monch'

          
            Or if you like drama and zingy combinations, how about this one?

Agastache 'Black Adder' with Monarda 'Panorama'

Or try

Tiger Lily

Which will flower in September and October.

Or maybe a collection of reds and oranges a la Christopher Lloyd?

Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus'

Gaillardia aristata

Crocosmia 'Star of the East'

  

That's got to cheer up any dark day.

So................. get out your gardening books and start making plans now!!!!!!!