Plant cuttings

A few days ago I took some cuttings of the euonymous (I'm pretty sure it's 'Silver Queen').  I cut off short lengths of new growth, nipped off the bottom few leaves, and planted them up in potting compost.  A quick water, then placed under the propagator lid.  The next day they had all collapsed in shock!  We brought them indoors, gave them another drink and arranged a clear plastic bag over the pot to act as a mini greenhouse.  We put the cuttings on top of the kitchen cupboards, out of the way, and to be honest I forgot they were there.  

While putting something else away this morning, N checked up on the cuttings.  I fully expected them to have shrivelled up and died, but not a bit of it:

                                                     . . . they look quite healthy!

Taking cuttings is something I have only tried my hand at, but it's very satisfying to propagate plants in this way, and considerably cheaper, too.  I have succeeded in the past with clematis and lavender cuttings, and divide clumps of perennials at the end of the growing season.  I'm always on the look-out for likely specimens to 'pinch' cuttings from.  

N and I had a trip out to visit one of two nurseries and garden centres this afternoon, and we were a little surprised at the prices of plants, so if we are able to propagate one or two ourselves, that's a few extra pennies that stay in our pockets.  

I have a new loaf dish - a good-sized glass one - from the charity shop (you can just see it in the previous photo).  It's bigger than either of the tins I have, and makes a 'proper' sized loaf.  Spread with butter and topped with homemade damson jam . . . lovely!