Architectural Pond Plants
A bud of Water Lily (Nymphaea) Gonnère pushing up through the spiky leaves of Water Soldiers (Stratiotes aloides) Photos taken 22nd June 2019
Fairy GardenS Growing on My Green Roof
MAY 2019 Alpine plants weave togethercreating miniature landscapes fit for fairy-folk Mid May This series of photos was taken at dusk between May and July 2019, up on the roof of my Workshop where I have a well established Green …
Creating a Planting Plan — The Design Process
A good coherent planting plan arises out of careful considerations that take into account multiple factors In my last post (The New Pond Garden Planting) I showcased the shrubs and perennials that I have just finished planting in the refurbished …
the New Pond Garden Planting
This is a new part of my garden which has replaced the vegetable beds that used to be here with something more ornamental. The four L-shaped raised beds that frame my pond have been recently upgraded (see previous post: ‘Renovating …
Renovating the Vegetable Garden
Background Ideas I am in the process of repurposing and revamping the vegetable garden. It’s not really going to be a vegetable garden anymore. I’ll suppose that means I’ll have to rename it. The pond-garden perhaps? Why the change? Well, …
Wild Marjoram and Traveller’s Joy
While walking in the South Downs National Park this weekend I came across a meadow with several wild-flower species. None of them are uncommon, but it is lovely to see them thriving and provides a reminder of the long-lost splendour …
Ancient Yew Trees of Kingley Vale, Sussex
Kingley Vale is the site of one of the most impressive natural yew woods in Europe. This national nature reserve is nestled in a south-facing valley in the chalk hills of the South Downs. (Google Map) In the dry valley …
Three Fantastic White Hydrangeas
Hydrangea Annabell produces good cut flowers up to 30cm across People seem to have mixed feelings about hydrangeas. Before I started designing gardens I had a rather negative opinion of them myself, mainly because of the ubiquity of the blue …
Roselily ‘Carolina’
The Roselily Series was developed by the De Looff brothers who began in 2001 with a chance double-flowered Oriental lily seedling. From there they embarked on a breeding programme which led to the development of a whole series of double-flowered, …
Cow Vetch
Travelling home along a narrow country lane near Colworth, West Sussex, I was suddenly struck by a large splash of purple-blue flowers growing on the bank at the side of a field. The UK has an impoverished wildflower selection compared …