I don't think they will mind a good soaking Poppy. I put mine out in the heat, and it didn't rain, and I gave insufficient water, some leaves closed down to conserve water and they looked awful for a while until I rescued them. It hammered down last night and drizzle today, so they are well served. Lets hope this dull and dreary stuff clears in time for a bit of glitter for the river pageant.

It's STILL raining heavy here in the" middle"I plan to watch the pageant on TV but I'm sure it won't spoil the atmosphere along the Thames today,but always SO much nicer when the sun shines......My begonia plants I sent for are "garden ready" because I don't have room for them indoors but are still very small,hope they don't rot.

Whenever I receive plug plants that the wife orders, which I assume were sent to you, I always pot them on before planting out. More chance that way of being successful when you eventually plant them. Bit late this year I know, but maybe useful for next year.

I know thats the best way Scrumpy but can you do that and leave them outside or do they need to be in a greenhouse,because I have nowhere to keep them?

Normally I'd put them inside my greenhouse, or cold frame, but in your case it would be better to pot them on and leave them outside than put them straight out if they are so small.

If the begonias are the small fibrous rooted bedders they will in any case take no harm from the rain and wind as they are more or less weather proof.

My geraniums(perlargs) have endured yet another very wet night, by the looks of the debris under the Hawthorn and the Laburnum. They love it, to see them still upstanding and no going mushy in the middle either. What terrible rain towards the end of the river pageant! Surely no more talk about drought.....just gentle reminders to conserve water.....puleeeese

Been a nice evening for the concert at Buck'Palace (:0))