Astilboides tabularis (Rodgersia tabularis) 💚🌱

I’ve had a lot of pleasure from this herbaceous perennial since I bought it earlier in the year from Sunk Island Garden Centre.

I have 3 small Astilbes planted in the raised planters on this gravelled area (Mochachino, Cappuccino & 1 I don’t know the name of which I grew from seed I collected off a plant many years ago). I also have 2 different Rogersias in these planters, so it is fitting to have this Astilboides tabularis which is also part of the Saxifrage family planted here as it thrives in similar conditions such as shade & moisture.

If you have followed me for a while, you will know I prefer to pot new plants up into large tubs before eventually planting them in my raised beds to enable me to cater for their individual needs & to allow me to move them around if I wish before deciding on a more permanent place. But I knew I wanted the Astilboides tabularis for in this area as the fabulous rounded scalloped leaves would provide me with a good contrast in leaf shape to the more feathery Astilbes & palmate leaves of the Rodgersias; & also provide a juxtaposition for the spikiness of yuccas & my Tetrapanex papyrifer Empress I bought from Sunk Island Exotics at the same time.

I sit in this area regularly to write my blogs as I can see my screen in the shade, I love feeling engulfed by the plants. I spend such a lot of time just being present & looking: at the stems; the leaves emerging; the leaf cells & vein patterns illuminated by the light; patterns made by the rainwater collected in the leaves - it is so good for mindfulness - just that observation of nature. Stopping, looking, really looking, & appreciating the wonderful calming effects these plants can have on our bodies & minds.

I like how these large lobed leaves are attached to the stalk near the middle. I love the dimpled centre where this attachment is - & when it rains, how the rainwater collects there. I like the slight scalloping on the edge of the leaf. Mine hasn’t flowered yet this year, but that hasn’t mattered to me at all, I love the form of the plant, how the leaves naturally tier like a cake.

To me, this is the plant that should be the most obvious gardener’s choice as an alternative in a planting scheme to Gunnera Manicata (since DEFRA in partnership with RHS determined that it is most likely the invasive hybrid Gunnera × cryptica, & this has banned the sale of it). I know some say Rheum Palmatum (Chinese Rhubarb) is a good alternative but to me, this pales into insignificance as it does not have the interest of the hairy stems like the Astilboides.

Have you taken time out lately to enjoy your plants? What are you enjoying, I’d love to know?

@just.me.in.my.garden