"Solar Flare"

Our Wednesday jaunt this week was to Houghton Hall garden centre. There were lots of flowers to choose from but, instead, I chose this coleus. Their leaves are often vibrant and I liked the crenulated green edge to this plant's leaves.

These plants were outside, but it's a tropical plant and will only be an annual if left in the garden. They are better as houseplants.

My first job was as a lab technician in a school. (That's how I met The Man.) It was part of my job to look after the science lab's greenhouse. Plants were kept to teach about growing and propagation. After the classes had  used them. I used to prick out seedlings and take cuttings of things. These coleus plants grow well from cuttings and, one year, I propagated a huge number and organised a sale to pupils on the Friday lunchtime before Mother's Day. I think I sold 100 for department funds.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have one of these plants, nip out the flower bud as soon as it appears. The flowers are insignificant and the plant will benefit.