Growing alliums makes me happy. I love their versatility, their diversity and their sheer brilliance in the spring borders. They are equally at home in cottage gardens, amongst perennial grasses, in containers and as an architectural feature throughout contemporary planting schemes. I've grown quite a few varieties over the years and have reliable favourites which … Continue reading 7 Best Alliums To Plant This Week
We took the kids to RHS Tatton Park this year and they thoroughly enjoyed the children's activities - decorating plant pots, studying butterflies, sky-riding on the big wheel and learning about the history of the site on the discovery trail. But when my 8 year old asked to explore the floral marquee (it had been … Continue reading 3 Floral Favourites at RHS Tatton Park
The winter garden is waiting, the new raised beds watching me through the windows, daring me to step out into the frost, the drizzle, the sunshine to tackle a host of gardening jobs. Instead I've been cooking, eating, playing, crafting, walking, cycling and enjoying this unusually long period of family time together. But this afternoon I … Continue reading Planning a Cutting Patch: Annual Choices
I started a cutting patch in the back garden last year. It was a disaster. I planted Echinacea purpurea, Monarda, Calendula ('Indian Prince' and 'Porcupine'), sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus 'Barry Dare', 'Cupani' and 'Arthur Hellyer'), Gladioli ('Flevo Cool', 'Flevo Flash' and 'Flevo Sylvia') and nasturtiums. It was a bit of an odd mix with little forethought, just plants … Continue reading Planning a Cutting Patch: Bulb Time
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