BLOOMING FROM midsummer to early autumn, Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lilies), comprise a group of perennials with thick fibrous roots. Their funnel shaped flowers are red, purple or yellow. They are drought tender, so not a very good plant to have in the garden this very dry summer, and most are frost tender. The one pictured, hybrid Alstroemeria ‘Rock and Roll’, is planted in a large pot, so that it can be moved into a sheltered position in frosty weather. A. psittacina is the most intriguing of the species, as its narrow funnel shaped flowers are red with black-striped green throats. As Psittacus is a genus of parrots, it must be assumed that its colouring resembles the colours of parrots’ feathers. Although listed as frost tender, the one in this garden at Dunorlan, even although it is growing in an exposed position, has survived the frosts. It is just beginning to flower at time of writing – 20 February.

In the vegie garden
It is somewhat of a paradox that lettuce, the vegetable most associated with summer salads, suffers miserably in the hot days we have been experiencing this year. To prevent their shrivelling up, lettuce need a piece of shade when in very hot sun. They are also drought tender, so need regular watering. Big-hearted lettuce like Great Lakes have gone out of fashion in favour of loose leaf varieties, such as Red Oak, Red Coral and green and brown Mignonette. These can be picked just a few leaves at a time. As salads are now served with most restaurant meals, either hot or cold, they may be sown throughout the year. A warning – they will bolt to seed in hot dry weather, so shade and moisture are vital in hot weather.