Monday 23 June 2008

view from the back of the house





I always seem to take these photos when the light is rubbish, I must try to do them early or late! The echiums are magnificent this year, never seen them so good. I did take this photo a few days ago.

5 comments:

Lovely's Blot said...

what exactly is an echium? I have been trying to get the sapling sycamores that grow everywhere in my garden to grow in pots so that we can plant them in France! Lookng for things to grow that are easy and will survive neglect!

Michael House said...

Echiums (Pininana)come originally from the Canary islands. They tend to be found in maritime situations in this country, there are loads on the Isle of Wight, and I would have thought they might do well where you are now. We have sent guests off with them to places around the country and they have grwon in eg. Southampton area and further north. They are not frost tolerant, we have lost some to frost, but they have survived some minor frosts. They are neglect tolerant! We have a forest of them at the back of the house, see other blog! they might grow in France, no idea really, worth a try. I think they are fantastic, a talking point, bees love them, they dance in the wind and are spectaular.

Michael House said...

seed often sold on eBay. I culd send you some, but not sure I have ever seen the seeds!

Michael House said...

they are related to borage

Michael House said...

They are biennial or even triennials. Once they have flowered they die.