Aquilegias

​As I walk around the ​Cutting beds, the flowers bring back memories of people who gave me those seeds, that cutting, recommended it, perhaps that day out when we bought a plant.
Like old friends really.⁠
There's Mrs Jefferies Geraniums, Terry's Fuschia, Auntie May's Hellebores. And so many more.⁠
But if I had to choose one flower with special memories, it would be the Aquilegia because I adore them & frankly IMHO, deserve more notice!⁠
Grannies Bonnets, Pixie Hats, call them what you will - I came across them first as a cut flower rather accidentally.
There used to be WI stall on Salisbury Market (maybe still is) & I would get up early on Saturdays so I had the pick of the wonderful bunches of cottage garden flowers. ⁠ In May there would be Aquilegias aplenty. The perfect Cottage Garden flower & I wanted them in the country garden I was making! ⁠
I tried to save seeds as the flowers faded (I know now it wouldn't ever work) & eventually built a collection of plants. Many found their way here to Scotland with me.⁠
They're promiscuous seeders, happily hybridising & if allowed, quickly become a weed.
But a high quality weed if ever there was. ⁠
Well, I appreciate how they sparked my interest in cut flower growing.
And I often sneak a few stems into early Summer bouquets...