Friday Musings from Prospect Cottage.

Eupatorium purpureum or Joe Pye Weed as it is commonly called is a hardy perennial which likes a sunny spot with a moist soil. Its common name was derived from a Native American who was said to have cured typhoid fever with it by inducing extreme sweating. It was also used as an antisyphilitic. The plant is also a benificial for bees and butterflies.

A bowl of Pot Marigolds, 70 heads to be exact, these ones were used to make an ointment which is excellent for any skin problems. An oil can also be made by covering the heads with sunflower oil, placing in a sunny place for a few days then straining off the resulting beautifully coloured oil. Again an excellent treatment for any skin problems.

This Lysimachia with the variegated leaves will hopefully spread like the plain leaved one. I was careful to plant it where its rapid spread can be absorbed. It too likes a moist situation. It can be divided in Autumn or Spring every 2 or 3 years.

The recent heavy rain has played havoc with the Poppies although they continue to produce masses of new blooms.

I think their seed heads look rather attractive anyway. I wonder if the seeds of these Opium Poppies can be saved and used in cooking? Anyone know ?

The Grapes are slowly starting to ripen in the polytunnel. They are in dire need of some sun which has been very scarce this Summer. Typically the forecast is good for next week just as all the children return to school.

More Summer flowers from Prospect Cottage.

Thalictrum (Meadow Rue) adds a lovely light and airy feel to a border. Last year I saved lots of seeds and planted them in Spring, not one plant resulted. Maybe they need to be sown when fresh? There were however lots of self-sown seedlings so I got my extra plants anyway!

Lysimachia or Loosestrife loves a damp area and will tolerate shade. It is however a rapid spreader so be careful where you plant it. It is propogated by division of clumps in Autumn or Spring.

In the polytunnel Antirrhinums or Snapdragons as they are commonly known continue to do provide lots of colour. They propogate themselves from year to year.

Cosmos is doing well too, I love this shade. Deadheading ensures a continuity of blooms. Towards the end of the season I will allow some seed heads to form for propogating next years flowers. Gardeners always need to think ahead.

Galega officinalis “Alba” also known as Goat’s Rue or French Lilac does well in moist but well-drained soil. It isn’t fussy about siting, I have it in full sun and also in a partially shaded spot. It does well in both situations. It can be propogated by division or seed. It is on the Noxious Weed List in parts of America because of its rapid spread, I have not found it to be such a rampant spreader here.

Shasta Daisy, another perennial which does well in our area. It has a long flowering period and it too divides well to provide extra plants. It is very hardy which is useful considering our increasingly colder Winters in Ireland.