The main flowering period for the woodland is January, February, March and April. Over the years I have planted a few Cyclamen hederifolium corms to have some interest in there in the autumn before the autumn tints come on the trees.
Cyclamen hederifolium
The ants help to spread the seed. Nature is wonderful in that it coats the seed with a sweet, sugary substance that the ants like.
Cyclamen hederifolium.
They carry the seed away from the mother plant, lick away all the stickiness and leave the seed where it then germinates and in three more years forms a flowering corm.
Cyclamen hederifolium
These are all seedlings that have come from seeds discarded by the ants, over the years the corms will increase flowering, having more flowers coming from each corm.
Cyclamen hederifolium.
I think that maybe I ought to give nature and the ants a helping hand.
Cyclame.n hederifolium
Seed pods are easy to find as the stalk curls back on itself like a spring, there is one just right of centre.
Cyclamen hederifolium.
If I sow lots of seed, then plant them out when big enough, in three years time……
Cyclamen hederifolium
maybe………
Cyclamen hederifolium.
I will have as many cyclamen as…………
Cyclamen hederifolium
Snowdrops!
Cyclamen hederifolium.
I could also add Colchicums which are flowering in different parts of the garden. So I think with just a bit of effort from the ants and myself, the woodland could have a similar look in September as it does in the spring,- what do you think?
I was going to publish this post tomorrow, but thought I would link it with
Gillian at Country Garden UK who is starting a weekly meme to show the plants that are the best in our gardens at the moment.
