Wordless Wednesday: Vases

 

Have a nice Wednesday!

GBBD: September Annuals

Despite the fact that it's already the mid-September, the weather is nice. The days are still warm enough, often even sunny and rains have become rare.  Autumn pleases with warmth, the summer was cold and rainy. My annuals continue blooming, they perfectly tolerate cool nights and warm days.
Now annual Asters (Callistephus) blossom decorating beds with their colorful heads, constantly new buds appear. I think this will last until the end of September.

Since May I started planting seeds of annual flowers in small pots. At first they stood in the greenhouse and when it became warmer I moved them on the shelf in the garden. So the annuals and cuttings grew and later were planted in the soil.

I love Cineraria maritime, its silvery leaves suit well to the flowers. Therefore, I sowed the Cineraria seeds and have had seedlings on the windowsill. Then I transported the grown seedlings into the garden.

Annual dahlias from seed usually grow quickly and bloom with pleasant flowers. They can withstand a little frost so I believe that they will grow until October. Other dahlias that tubers I store in winter have a few flowers. Perhaps  it's time to finish with them.

Generally Monarda (Bee balm or Wild bergamot) is a perennial plant but it can be damaged by winter frost. I'd sown a few seeds of Monarda in spring, hopefully it survive next winter. I picked up its leaves to make bergamot tea (natural herbs)

Some asters and nasturtiums grow between hostas, nice combination.

I love the smell of nasturtium, its flowers, leaves and even the seeds smell very nicely and by the way they are edible (BBC cooking). Seeds of nasturtium rapidly germinate and usually there are no problems with plants, except snails and slugs. This year I have nasturtium of cream and orange colors.

Of course the autumn is here and it can be noticed everywhere: falling yellow birch leaves in the pond and on the lawn, faded asters and ripen fruit on the plum tree.

 
Autumnal work gets now as well. I re-made the pond bed, it's narrower and higher now. The yellow striped hostas are planted along the edge. As there is some empty spot I bought tulip and muscary bulbs and will dig them in there.

Do you like to grow annuals from seeds or do you prefer to buy seedlings in a garden center? What are your autumnal works?

On Yelagin Island

Today I want to  tell you about my favorite park on Yelagin island. It's an island at the mouth of the Neva River, St. Petersburg. It's shooting out with the narrow cape into the Gulf of Finland, Baltic sea. It was a nice day when I crossed the bridge to the park on the island to stroll there.

There are several ponds within the island, big and small. Now in early autumn I enjoy nature, bright sparks on the water surface, old trees hanging above the water surface. I like to photograph weeping willows and water.

I met some animals, the squirrel was eating his breakfast a little pony named Sydney waited for kids want to ride.

Then I went to the other side of the Yelagin island. I have come to the 'swan lake' there 4 swans live but they didn't want to pose :-) Strolling along the pond I was wanting to see the perspective of the Gulf of Finland. Or better say the ex-perspective because it was closed by the new built highway.

Back to the park going to the Yelagin Palace I liked quietness, silence, shine water, large green lawns and high grasses, old trees lit by sun rays, I saw people on the green grass.

It was time to have lunch. I've sat at the table having crumpets and cold tea and looking at the Yelagin palace in a distance. 
Must to say I remember this palace many years. The palace and island takes its present name from the former owner Ivan Yelagin. In 19th century the island was bought on behalf of the Russian Monarchy. The Palace was constructed by Italian arquitect Carlo Rossi, English landscape park was created with the system of canals, bridges and ponds on the palace grounds.

Nowadays the Yelagin palace is the museum of Russian arts, crafts and interior, with a permanent exhibition on the ground and first floors.

I walked around the Palace, as I remembered a large rose garden in front of it. But alas, instead of roses I saw a green lawn. As I was explained the classical music concerts are held on the lawn every Wednesday.

Coming closer to the beautiful marble staircase, I happily noted that the old vases with sculptures looked pretty nice after the last renovation.

I spent some time just sitting on the grass, feeding ducks looking at the reflection of the willows. It was time to go home. 
I hope you liked this park on Yelagin island. If you're interested in here is a map of the island:

(click to enlarge)