Canna all wrapped up and ready for bed
I finally stopped dithering and made an attempt to give my Canna some protection over the winter. I convinced myself that reading the weather forecast and muttering weakly “perhaps we won’t get any frost” is not good enough. I am a gardener - gardeners should be decisive - I will take action!
I have had the Canna in a pot for years, dragging it into the greenhouse each October. To be honest it didn’t do well for me. I don’t think I give it enough tender loving care, despite repotting frequently. Now I’ve planted it in the garden it’s taken on a new lease of life. The ‘Purpurea’ part of the name refers to the lovely dark foliage.
Canna indica 'Purpurea' in late August
I’m not digging it up again especially as it’s doing so well. However with the colder weather it’s looking a bit sad.
Looking bedraggled in November
Raking through the junk in the garage I came up with an idea. I produced a four sided framework using parts of an old pet rabbit run. I’ve cut down the Canna and placed the frame over the top.
The frame placed over the cut down Canna
I filled it with about 10 inches (25cm) of straw.
Filled with straw
I then covered the top with bubble fabric to keep out excess rain (and cats who might pop inside for a nap). It looks rather cosy.
Topped off with bubble fabric
If by chance we get a really prolonged spell of cold weather I’ll wrap some fleece around it. I’ll have to remember to keep an eye out for new growth next year - don’t want the slugs to get in there first and ruin the foliage. I’m trying not to think about that - it’s next year’s problem!
9 comments
Looks well protected!
How was your trip to Bruges?
Zoë
This is a cute idea. I hope it works. I also like your saying about next year’s problems. That is a favorite of mine too:) Too much to do this year!
Nice - can you come and make one for me?
Perhaps I should try putting my canna in the ground next year it has not thrived in its pot this year - although it was fabulous last year.
Yes …. How was your trip?
K
Cute canna cabana! Or cottage. Or… something. Canna sauna? I like it, whatever it’s called.
What a clever idea! I am complete beginner and I don’t know anything about gardening…yet! I moved to a new house a couple of months ago and I am so frustrated for not being able to take care of the plants. Anyway, this is my first time here. I really like how clean your blog looks.
My dad used to fill sacks with leaves and tie them around the tender plants. They smelled lovely when wet and always seemed to do the job.
Very clever way to recycle some existing bits into a nice little protective structure for your tender canna. I have that same Canna & didn’t know the name for years. Thanks! Mine dies back each year & comes back. If we have an unusually cold winter I do lose some to rot. They multiply like bunnies in my garden so I don’t sweat it too much.
That’s such a nice colour. With all that cosy protective covering, I hope it does well next year. Good luck!
Zoe - See next post on Bruges!
Tina - Nice to know someone else thinks the same about putting things off.
Karen (the Artist!) - Give it a try. There are only so many I can make out of my rabbit run (lol)
Karen - I like Canna cabana!
Racquel - Well if I lose mine you can get one of yours to hop over here (lol)
Kanak - Thanks, I’m hoping all goes well
Alex - Thanks and good luck with your garden.
Lottie - What a good idea.
Leave a Comment