top one is japanese anemonen not sure if the blue one is Monkshood ? Glad you had a good time in Devon, anywhere near Budleigh Salterton by any chance ?

I think its Aconitum (monkshood) too... and agree with japanese anemone of some variety for the first one.

Both spot on. Beware of the Japanese Anenome, it can be very invasive!
I lifted the patio to get rid of ours, but it's still come back!

Many thanks for the response. The Japanese Anemone is very like Mallow - isn't it or am I having a senior moment?

Senior moment, I'm afraid. Except they're both often pink. I find jap anemones invaluable - very reliable, long flowering, no pests, rabbit proof, will grow in deep shade or sun - and come in some less thuggish varieties if you're worried about them spreading. There are far worse spreaders IMHO

Thanks Beattie! That's done wonders for my morale LOL. I now have to admit to my friend's husband that he was right about the Anemone! They gave me a clump of the plant when I came home and I planted it in my front garden today. It was rather forlorn looking, most of the leaves had withered by the time I got it home and the flowers are gone, just what looks like seedheads left. I was also given a clump of the Monkshood. No flowers, just a root and about 4 " of stalks. Have planted that and hope it will survive.

Sorry Bizzyb, I didn't answer your ? about where I was in Devon. I was at Buckfastleigh. My friends are active members of the South Devon Railway & my partner is also a steam train fan. So they all played trains while I painted and kept all our dogs company.

I like going to other countries, not to my friends as much, as then I don't feel guilty about taking home some examples of the plants I come across that are nice. Last three trips Lanzarote, Corfu and Menorca all fruitful, as I hope tenerife will be at Christmas lol

You might find that your clump of anemone sulks for a year or so - it has a reputation for not liking to be moved. I think it's worth being patient with though.
And, by the way, monkshood is poisonous. Many websites recommend that you wash your hands &/or wear gloves, just to handle it. And should you eat it, they give you about half an hour! SO DON'T EAT IT!

Buckfastleigh Abby does the best cream teas in the world. The lectern & ceiling candle radious (possible not in use anymore ) were built by one of my great great's. I still remember the steam train journey down to Exmouth, what a magic time that was.

I don't go abroad for holidays these days. It is too expensive to kennel the dogs/cats besides which I feel guilty at the thought of leaving them! In any case, I have been all over the world thanks to the dogs and quite enjoy exploring the UK. Beattie, thanks for the warning about Monkshood. I will bear it in mind when I next have to touch it. BTW, do you have half a hour to get help, or half an hour left? Bizzyb, I didn't try the cream tea at the Abbey, although I did do the tour when I went down before. It is quite, quite beautiful.
Yes there is something so romantic about steam that the modern trains dont have. I remember when I was young how that certain smell from the engines used to flow back through the open windows. Not the same today, so it is good that these railway enthusiasts preserve the old engines.

Half an hour left - less to get help! :-(

Thanks Beattie!