Weather watch and in praise of shrubs (or at least some)

I had not expected so much wind today and it was generally not a particularly pleasant day to be in the garden (so most of the time I wasn't!!).  As for the longed-for and promised rain, as confirmed by Peter, there was not really even a trace and none currently forecast for the week ahead so can we please have a communal rain dance!   

This compares with only 10.8 mm of rain last year which followed three other very dry weeks.

I often think shrubs get a bad name;  some can be very dull, but there are a few which are flowering in our garden at the moment which I think are worth their place. In some cases you may argue that they are not strictly shrubs, but they are of that type.   

The first one is a plant I remember from my childhood - weigela;   we did not plant it, so it has now been at Skinners for close to 20 years;  the people who we bought the house from wanted low maintenance and it certainly fits into that category but it is also very attractive  at this time of year.  

We also have a very attractive broom which is currently in flower

This honeysuckle is looking very healthy and full of flower.

Other shrubs from my youth which I have fond memories of are what we used to call syringa but is now called philadelphus because syringa has now become lilac and the guelder rose. However, these are out later and so no pictures at this time. 

Now onto three shrubs or "sort of  shrubs"  which may be a little less well-known. The first is fremontodendron morning glory;  I first saw this in the hot garden at Sissinghurst where it grows proudly up the cottage which stands in the corner.    I put this in about 3 years ago and it is flowering nicely, although I would not call it vigorous.  

Next up is  the Crinodendron hookerianum; this is flowering really well this year; it prefers shade and that is precisely what it has.   

Finally, I bought a rubus a few years ago (not idea what type), but it has very simple white flowers on arching branches and is very charming. I also have a more upright rubus with a pink flower which my sister gave me which flowers later and i think is also very attractive.  

Unfortunately, I must end on a less upbeat note;  I have a buddleia alternafolia which I think is a stunning plant and is not that easy to get and does not self-seed like the more traditional buddleias;   it forms a lovely contrast with the apothecary rose which comes out at the same time. It is currently looking very sorry  for itself;  it could be the lack of water, and I have given it a large watering can full and will keep a firm eye on it; if anyway has a similar experience do let me know. 

with best wishes

Rosemary