Phormium Firebird
Phormium Firebird from New Zealand
Many plants in the garden centres look just too exotic to possibly be fully hardy in this part of the country. This one, Phormium Firebird from New Zealand, planted in the garden in 2005 is one such plant. Felt after it being in the garden for a few years it was fully hardy. However the severe Winter of 2010/11 finished it off. Very disappointing, will I give it another go, well,I am not sure however it is a beauty for those of you in the far south who may not be frightened off by the bold appearance.
Firebird was introduced by Margaret Jones from New Zealand in 1982, looks fantastic as a feature plant or in the mixed border placed in a sunny position. The bright scarlet strappy leaves fade to purple as they age. This evergreen plant also does very well planted in a container.
Hardiness – Borderline
Height – 4/5ft
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A look at the garden on the 8th of April. Temperatures have been above average on a number of occasions in the past few weeks, 6th and 8th of Apeil it was a lovely 20c
A spot in the garden where we like to Show off Auricula Old Irish blue at this time of the year
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The secret garden ready to spring in to life.
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.The round garden was once so shaded with overgrown trees the grass was dying off, now recovering nicely.
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Just a little hideaway in the back garden.
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The main area of the back garden, Myra doing a bit of pruning.
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Our wee garden pond coming back to life, see I have stuck Marys head back on.
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Another wee spot in the back garden.
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Finally another shot of the main area in the back garden.
Thanks for the comments and visit Donna, I do unashamedly like your observations of our garden.
You have a garden within a garden within a garden. Like the Russian stacking toys, littler ones just keep coming. Nice room-like gardenenig.
Yes Jennifer, I have to say this is my favourite time of the year.
This is a great time of year to show the layout of a garden, when the plants are just emerging and do not obstruct the view. I especially like your round garden and the pond- there is just something so pleasing about both these areas of your garden. I am glad Mary has got her head back on- poor thing to be decapitated like that.
P.S. the Aurilcula is just gorgeous!!
Thanks guys, yes I was recently banging on about how Cordylines at one time would never survive in Aberdeen. Of course this past Winter has killed most of them off, except for those near the city centre.
Hi Alsitair, haven’t read what everyone else has said so far but you’re not on your own when it comes to losing Phormiums, nearly the entire country lost their with the exceptionally cold December we just had, same fate with Cordylines commonly found here down south. Well worth trying again I think 🙂
Thanks for visiting Frances, I think even the green New Zealand Flax struggled to get through the Winter here in the East.
Alistair thanks for showing long shots of your garden I really do appreciate seeing plants in more context, I sorry you lost your phormium, I bought a red one from a stool in the producers market in Stornoway a couple of years ago and the leaves wer torn to sheds this winter, I’ve cut them down to a few inches and am hoping it will throw new ones this year, if it does I am going to move it early autumn to a more sheltered position, it’s near a large green New Zealand flax but is clearly not as hardy as the green one which is as tough as old boots,
I love your pond, Myra’s fairies and all the seats from which to enjoy your garden,
Lol, Only stuck on at Myras insistance.
b-a-g!!! she knows now. In fact she reads all of my emails and messages.
Alistair – The firebird is bold and beautiful. Everytime I think I have pictured your garden in my head, you post more photos with new dimensions. I agree with the others, I like the way it is divided up into private and open spaces. Does Myra know about your secret garden ?
Alistair, It is so fun to see all your gardens. My favorites: the secret garden, the hideaway, and the “wee” pond garden, all so intimate and ancient looking. You didn’t have to stick Mary’s head back on just because I revealed your Scottish flair for beheading. I thought she was quite charming in her headless state. Carolyn
Yes Holley, I think the standards do set it off.
Thanks Donna, In spite of my flamboyant language at times, the fairies really are Myras addition.
Sad to hear that this stunner did not make it…but seeing all your beautiful gardens was heart warming…such beauty and I can’t wait to see more of them…love garden fairies and the last picture caught my eye especially…
Your firebird was gorgeous! And your surrounding plantings really set it off perfectly. I can see why you want another. I loved seeing all the little hidden areas of your garden. The pond is beautiful (glad you got Mary’s head back on). Love the standards in the back garden! Oh, that’s something I’ve got to incorporate in my garden!
Hi Cat, it is only in the last three years that we have had Auricula, wouldn’t be without it now, and yes they are amazing this year.
Thanks Masha, I will post more pics of the garden as the Summer moves on.
Hi DD, If I recall correctly the Japanese blood grass was borderline in our garden. Think I will try it again sometime.
Thank you Janet, I will show more as the season progresses. Getting so busy now that I am comfortable with one posting per week.
Thanks One, it is our hobby, and we don’t half enjoy it.
I love the landscape of your garden including those cozy spots. All very well planned. I see that you also have a greenhouse and a pond too. It’s so complete and beautiful.
How lovely to get a look around more of your garden, I had no idea you had so many different areas. I love the “secret” garden. Lawn looks good – proper lawn as opposed to grass. FIL would approve!
Great Pics, Alistair. Good to see Scotland getting it’s fair share of the good weather. It’s a shame to hear about your Phormieum though. I’ve just ordered some Japanese Blood Grass (Imperata) Red Baron, from Suttons and I’m really hoping it’s going to give me the clour in the autumn it boasts. I’m not sure how hardy it is and as I’m on the South it will be avery different climate in my little garden, but I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes. Fingers crossed we don’t get a late frost!
I enjoyed all the pictures of your lovely garden – so many different spaces, each well designed and maintained. It was a pleasure to see – thanks for the tour!
Thank you for your comment Alistair, I agree we definately need more photos in the catalogue, sadly in the mayhem of spring at the nursery it is low down the ‘to do’ list, hopefully will get done soon though, it looks like it will be a good year for taking photographs. I love your Auricula Old Irish Blue, we have our Auricula theatre up just now and they are looking particulary gorgeous this year dont you think?
Looking forward to reading more of your blogs – Cat