In 2008 I went to the Chelsea Flower Show for the first time and was entranced by another newcomer – the stunning red Clematis 'Rebecca' which was being launched at the show by Raymond Evison. The magnificent Clematis Rebecca named after Raymond Evison's oldest daughter Clematis Inspiration On the stand it was paired with Clematis 'Artic Queen' … Continue reading Clematis ‘Belle of Woking’: An Unusual History
Just getting to Chelsea this year was a bit of a palaver. Having spent the previous fortnight with a virus, then an ear infection, then labyrinthitis, I was beginning to wonder whether I would make it at all. In the end we gave it a go and apart from some rather dizzy spells, we managed a … Continue reading Chelsea Journeys
Returning home from Chelsea yesterday and on waking this morning my main recollections of the show were all infused with colour, my brain still awash with the contrasts and blends which lent a particular character to each garden and plant exhibit. I've been entertained, surprised and soothed by the colours of Chelsea in the past and there's no doubt … Continue reading Planting Palettes: Reflections on RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2016
Earlier this year I decided to focus on pollinators at the school summer fete plant stall and since then I've been a little obsessed with growing and learning about plants which give our pollinators a helping hand. I've been raising a small army of dwarf sunflowers from seed (Helianthus annus 'Little Leo' and 'Waooh!'), dividing garden plants … Continue reading The Bee’s Knees
There are so many things to love about this time of year: spring bulbs with their intricate shapes and shining colours, seedlings exploding from pots all over the house, warmer weather and light evenings for playing with plants in the potting shed after the kids are in bed. But despite these advantages, there is always a tinge of … Continue reading Dogwood Days and Cornus Concerns