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
Plant Profiles
Fairy Gardens Growing on My Green Roof
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 Roof. The …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Small Tree – Snowy Mespilus or Juneberry (amelanchier Lamarckii)
Amelanchier lamarkii A perfect small garden tree with interest throughout the year The bed nearest our house is filled with woodland plants: clipped box, textured ferns, billowing Japanese forest grass, white foxgloves and irises. It is very close to the …
Read moreSmall Tree – Snowy Mespilus or Juneberry (amelanchier Lamarckii)
Grape Hyacinth ‘Estha’
Latin: Muscari armeniacum ‘Estha’Season: April-May Height: 6in (15cm)Location: full/half sunSoil: any Certain varieties of garden plants just exude class, managing by some magic to transcend the merely ‘novel’ or ‘interesting’. This variety of grape hyacinth, ‘Estha’, is one such darling …