Sunday 5 May 2013

'Averil Hunter', you Little Beauty ...

I have just discovered Auriculas, with their strange, compulsive magnetism . Probably not the best thing for a compulsive ex-stamp collector to discover ! I have a feeling this is only going to get worse...

I got 9 little plants from a Spring Fair in gateshead a few weeks ago, from the 'National Auricula and Primula Society- Northern Section'. I was told that they would not flower until next year, but lo and behold, I found buds on 'Averil Hunter' a few days ago.

My recent post  'Theatre , darling, but not as we know it ...' details the early days of my acquisitions, whilst  'Waiting in the wings...'  gives an update, should you feel the urge to find out more.

Anyway ... the upshot is that Averil Hunter is now flowering and what a lovely little maid she is ...






This is how she looked when she moved in.


This is what I saw a few days ago...



So, what is the attraction of this stiff, upright little plant ?  I usually like Gertrude Jekyll - like profusion in a plant, ones that flop over the path, or go quietly crazy at the back of a border. I love rambling roses and sweet peas and delphiniums and peonies - and the Auricula seems to be the exact opposite of all of these. Brisk, neat and precise, it looks almost artificial in its perfection. Luckily there is room for all-comers in the garden and the greenhouse, so I don't have to choose between them !




8 comments:

  1. Its a neat plant with dainty flowers. I've not seen this before and I've already fallen in love with it. I wish the nurseries here will stock this plant later.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't understand why I love them so much. They look hand painted somehow! You are right they are very dainty ! If it seeds you are welcome to some of it !

      Delete
  2. Hi, Jane!
    I love your post about this primrose!
    Thank you for stopping by mu blog,
    Nadezda

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Nadezda

    thankyou ! I really enjoyed your post ! Did you enjoy your pie ? :-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nature is the best artist...and got out her airbrush for this one. Lovely in every stage.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How right you are ! It does look airbrushed ! I keep willing my other little Auriculas to come into flower but I think I will have to wait until next year !

      Delete
  5. This is an exquisite beauty Jane! From bud till full bloom, it has captured my heart. And the blue color is truly deep and velvety. Would love to have this dainty beauty in my garden anytime :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Velvety is a good word to describe it , Ash !

    ReplyDelete

All Gardening Sites