Anyone recommending erigeron and hollyhocks as companion plants would draw a few strange looks because of their disparity in habits, but they do look strangely suited in this pavement garden. Continue reading “Hollyhocks In The Cotswolds”
Flower Power: Gladioli
Penstemon ‘Alice Hindley’
Penstemons’ throaty flowers have a lustre that comes from their blend of highlights and lowlights. P. ‘Alice Hindley’ is a popular purple variety that tends to grow taller and bushier than most. Continue reading “Penstemon ‘Alice Hindley’”
Flower of the Day: Rubus Odoratus
We saw this Rubus odoratus (also known as purple flowering raspberry) in mid-August a few years ago at Scampston Hall. I remember the five petalled flowers being quite large, almost rose-like, held in clusters on a sturdy, thornless shrub. Continue reading “Flower of the Day: Rubus Odoratus”
Not All Plants That Glitter Are Gold
In horticultural circles, new varieties are released with a fanfare of publicity. But we all make mistakes, even plant breeders.
Lilies are often grown for cutting but their ample pollen has an unfortunate way (from a human-centric viewpoint) of staining paintwork and wedding dresses. In double lilies, the pollen-bearing parts (anthers) have mutated to extra petals, removing the problem. So in the last few years, several companies have been marketing double forms of Lilium orientalis as Roselilies, Lotus lilies or Double Orientals.
When I photographed Lilium ‘Roselily Samantha’ a couple of years ago, I noticed that some of the blooms had a curious blunt look before they were fully open, caused by incurved petals at the centre. I liked the effect, although it reminded me more of a bromeliad than a rose. The upper petals had a tendency to open over the tops of the previous layer rather than to overlap as a double rose would. Continue reading “Not All Plants That Glitter Are Gold”
Flower of the Day: Yellow Lily
We came across this pale yellow, typically half-toppling lily tower beside a garden seat. Had we needed further temptation to sit, the scent and colour would have amply provided it. Continue reading “Flower of the Day: Yellow Lily”
Colourful Pavement Garden In Lancashire, England
I’ve been fascinated by the use of containers clustered together to create the illusion of a garden since my first visit to Japan where the style is widespread. This fine example of a container garden is much closer to home.
Diminutive, but for me, as sweet as they come, it brightens up the entrance to a traditional stone-faced terrace that opens directly on to the pavement. Continue reading “Colourful Pavement Garden In Lancashire, England”
