I regret to advise that the Bishop of Auckland is no more. In his dotage he became rather scruffy and spilled over in a most inappropriate manner. I think he forgot that if you are going to be on display outside the front door you have to be on your best behaviour at all times. In the end he had to be retired but I kept the last trimmings to catch the morning sun on the garden table. The feckless Bishop has been replaced by pots of white Gaura, clouds of tiny butterfly flowers fluttering against the brickwork, which will last until the frosts.
my deepest condolences. it's always a bit awkward when decorum slips and Changes Must Be Made. still, time marches on and there's no room for sentimentality when front-door standards must be upheld.
ReplyDeletehaving said that, i'm feeling pangs of guilt, knowing a rather bedraggled urn of assorted annuals needs overhauling with some cheerier mums :) xo
My window boxes are looking disgracefully disreputable. 'Orrible Little Plants. You can assume that some Discipline will be applied ASAP.
DeleteI hadn't come across Gaura before but I shall look out for it next season, thank you Alice. x
ReplyDeleteDeliciously frilly but very reliable.
DeleteSorry to hear about the Bishop's fall from grace but Gaura is a lovely replacement.
ReplyDeleteIt was a disappointment - I can only assume that it is because he is from Overseas. I am quite sure that the Bishop of Dover would have remained respectable.
DeleteQuite a few plants have lounged and flopped about in this rather dreary summer, hopefully they will be more to attention next year (in all that sun we will get ....).
ReplyDeleteTo be honest I have felt a bit floppy this summer so I can't be too cross with the plants even though I try to maintain standards.
DeleteMy dahlias have been a disappointment this year. My Gaura is pink and has stopped flowering.
ReplyDeleteI like the pink Gaura too - especially the variety with deep pink flower stems.
DeleteDoes Gaura last from year to year? I have enjoyed two pots very much but don't know if it overwinters.
ReplyDeleteLast year I cut the stems right back and they grew back very nicely this year with a small dose of Osmocote. I suspect that they are only half-hardy so you might want to put them in a sheltered place if it freezes. I am pondering dividing them this year.
DeleteAlas! And yet to every thing there is a season (turn, turn).
ReplyDeleteIs the Bishop permanently de-frocked and exhumed or will he get another chance to flaunt his vestments next year?
ReplyDeleteexhumed! Ouch.
Deletehangs head in shame
ReplyDeletethis Overseas front door is still waiting for the first appointment to be filled.
Haven't even got a pot ...