Growing gracefully

This purple leaved shrub is Cotinus 'Grace', a hybrid between Cotinus coggygria 'Velvet Cloak' and C. obovata and raised by Hilliers Nurseries. These shrubs are commonly called 'Smoke Bushes' for their plume-like clusters of tiny flowers. C. coggygria comes from C & S Europe and across Asia through the Himalayas to China - the other species is from SE USA.

The yellow-flowered scrambler growing through 'Grace' is Tropaeolum polyphyllum, a relative of the more commonly seen 'Flame Flower'. It's a native of the high Andes of Chile and Argentina, up to 10,000ft. 

This wasn't a deliberate combination; the tropaeolum was always there, but as it dies down early I had forgotten about it when I planted 'Grace'. Now the shrub will have to be pruned or it will cover the tropaeolum!

My extra picture today is of a Pied wagtail which was hopping about on the lawn seemingly oblivious of the two cats beside me! If it's not totally sharp it's because it was a random telephoto shot!