As observed during November 2011
29/11/2011
Fast and fulgens
Salvia fulgens is set to enter December with flower colour worthy of summer. The warm weather of the past weeks
has extended the flowering season of this evergreen sub shrub. Although perennial it is best propagated vegetatively annually to ensure a fresh batch of plants that have vigour and as a guarantee of winter
survival. Not a plant to survive a prolonged cold dank wet spell through our winter. A native of Mexico with aromatic leaves. The plant develops to 1.6metres in height dividing and growing to form a mass of flowering stems. 
The Labiate flowers are of a deep red that reverberates in the border. The recurved lip of the stigma, protruding slightly from the mouth of the petals resembles the tongue of a snake ready to strike. The upper petal is covered in a mass of hairs giving extra presence to the flower. The papery calyx is long lasting on the stem, gradually turning light brown. Leaving evidence as to the succession of flowering.
22/11/2011
A late entry into the Alpine House
Single golden yellow flowers are perched on the end of 150 - 180mm long stems of this autumn flowering bulb,
from warm temperate Uruguay and Argentina. It is labelled Ipheion hirtellum at the moment. The poor plant has changed name a number of times since being discovered and is now known as Nothoscordum hirtellum. The flowers scent of rubber or deep heat depending on your imagination. 
Pot cultivated and plunged in a sand bed to give a cool root zone but naturally found growing in open grassland where regular rainfall is experienced. A member of the Alliaceae (the onion family); smell the leaves for confirmation.
15/11/2011
A scent to savour
Satureja spicigera, often referred to as “Savory”, a sub shrub with highly aromatic foliage that appreciates the free draining nature of the limestone alpine wall in which it is growing.
Other members of the genus are often sold as herbs, the foliage used to flavour Mediterranean foods.
Combine this with a south facing aspect and the late flowers are a positive bonus. More usually 
flowering in September but the mild weather we have been experiencing has prolonged the flowering season.
Found growing with ground hugging form through the Mediterranean Region to Iran.
8/11/2011
Late autumn colour
Now that the clocks have changed and day length is becoming squeezed visit the garden to kick through carpets of fallen leaves. Appreciate the remains of the autumn colour and the views and vistas created within the landscape
and by the topography of the garden. .jpg "Autumn")
Low early morning sun lights up foliage to great effect. There is still plenty of colour on the semi tender planting to the south of the Front Range. Come and appreciate this before the impending frosts suck the life from the chlorophyll.
From the lawn at Inverleith House are panoramic views south over the city skyline. The mature and majestic specimens of Fagus sylvatica framing the view.
1/11/2011
Dash and a splash of red
The foliage in a strip of Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ planted through the biodiversity garden has turned flame red with autumn colour. 
These plants were stooled down in April, just at the start of the growing season. With a steady supply of
rain and a deep organic soil the dormant buds soon shoot out and by the end of the growing season have reached 1.4m in height.
The resultant display of autumn colour provided by the foliage is extended through the winter by the mass of vibrant red stems.