Androsace

Androsace villosa

This is one of my favourites. For many years it was in a small pot in a place that didn't get sunshine in winter. It never failed to flower. A couple of years ago I planted it in shingle in the rockery and I was amazed at how quickly it spread. The centres of the flowers turn red as they age.

Some of you might recognize it from when it was a by-stander in this shot.

Today's nor'wester was cooler and less turbulent than the last couple of days. As no real damage has been done I have to admit that I've seen worse. While it was hot and dry here things were very different on the other side of the mountains. Over there they had 200mm (almost 8 in.) in 12 hours. It was worse further south.