The last day of the month. Where has September gone? I must confess to being rather preoccupied this month, with no time to read or write. Even gardening took a back seat.
We created mayhem by ripping out built-in wardrobes and painting the floorboards in our bedroom. In the midst of this mess, we took a week’s holiday in, what I always used to consider, sunny Suffolk – a wet week that, thankfully, didn’t dampen our fun. And, of course, the rugby World Cup has started!
But enough about me! We have restored order and I have rediscovered my clothes, that have been buried for the past month. I am now able to change my shoes! So I can turn my attention back to the garden.
I’m afraid the scent in the garden this month hasn’t been overly exciting. Mainly stragglers and single blooms. One chocolate cosmos flower, and a single Jasmine bloom, still able to pack a perfumed punch.
The sweet peas in the allotment are still flowering away, as are the night scented stocks in the pergola pots. That’s one thing about annuals – they do flower forever!
The Trachelospermun jasminoides is still going strong, too. It’s done so well.
Sadly, my Clethra “Hummingbird” is showing no sign of flowering this year. I moved it from its pot and planted it in the Scented shrub border, to fill a gap in the flowering period. I thought I was doing it a favour, but obviously not. It is supposed to cope with shade. As for my Clematis rehderiana, which is romping away through the surrounding shrubs, it is still not blessing us with its lovely, lemon bells. I’m still waiting to experience its cowslip perfume.
However, another clematis, Clematis flammula, pictured at the top of its post, has not let us down, and is rewarding a sniff, with a hint of hawthorn. I’m just waiting now, for its partner, Lonicera “Belgica”, to join it.
There have been some new blooms this month, though.
Caryopteris clandonensis, with its fluffy, clear blue blooms, is in flower. Mind you, it’s not the flowers, but the silvery leaves that are scented – like mint a bit, when they are rubbed. This poor little shrub seems unfazed by still being in its pot, awaiting a rethink of the border. I feel many of the shrubs are under performing and a revamp may have to be considered. I suspect removal of the problematic ash will be needed!
I digress!
Scent was also provided by a new shrub I bought – Cestrum parqui. Not the most pleasant perfume from the leaves during the day, but the perfume when night falls, is lovely and heady! Its flowers are tiny lime green tubes, but they were short lived by the time I bought it, so I wasn’t able to get a photo. It can be tender so needs to be protected during cold spells, so is awaiting a container. Hopefully, I will be able to appreciate it for longer next year.
It looks like some of my roses may join in soon, with a second flush of blooms, namely “Brave Heart” and “Alec’s Red”
“Braveheart”
“Alec’s Red”
And that’s it! I wonder what next month will hold?
How does your garden smell? Do share with us! It would be lovely if you could join in. I love seeing scented plants!
Thanks to Wellywoman and Backlane notebook for starting this off!
I will end with an apology – for being late again, but better late than never!
And for this being a rushed post. You see, I’m off now to Cardiff to the World Cup! 😀
The Long Garden Path 
I do like that Caryopteris clandonensis. It looks like a very tough customer – and a great bonus to have scented foliage and lovely flowers!
It is lovely. Such a beautiful shade of blue! And at a time of year, when it is sorely needed, too.
Well done, you managed to find some scented plants for September even though you have been busy. I knew you would.I never thought of sniffing Caryopteris, it is a lovely plant. My Clematis flammula is long gone. Where did you go in Suffolk? Do pop in here next time you visit.
Thank you. I do usually have something scented all year round, but this period can be tricky. Yes, Caryopteris is lovely with its aromatic leaves. We went to Southwold for a week. We do love it there. Next time we’d love to pop in, thanks!
Didn’t realise caryopteris had fragrant leaves – and (sigh) I must try C flammula again… ps will email you about your garden design in due course. Great job 🙂
Clematis flammula is lovely in full flower – quite dramatic! Especially, when planted in conjunction with Lonicera “Belgica”, as we have over one of our arches, as it often has a second flush now to coincide. Glad you got the plans. Hope you liked them!
Trachelospermum is still flowering for you? Wow, do you think they flower for longer as they get older? Your C. flammula looks stunning.
It is going over now, but it has flowered for quite a while now. You may be right. It’s flowering has improved with age.
I am not doing to bad in the scent department this week – roses are doing well and the Actaea and Heptacodium are just coming into bloom.
You may find there are still issues posting on my blog – one day there will be a fix!
Thank you, Angie, for letting me know what scented delights you have just now. I must investigate the latter two – don’t know much about them. This is what I love – finding new scented plants! Sorry to hear about your blog issues. I will persevere!