Earlier this week, I was encouraging you to overhear flowers talking. This one might be easier. You just have to imagine the smell of lilacs. Continue reading “Fragrant Flowers: Lilacs”
In Praise of Alstroemeria
It’s ironic we gardeners are often highly suspicious of plants that have the potential to be really happy and spread in our gardens, whilst lavishing energy, love and concern on ones that only ever hover on the edge of survival. Continue reading “In Praise of Alstroemeria”
Floral Treats
Five pictures of flowers for anyone susceptible to their beauty. Continue reading “Floral Treats”
Corydalis flexuosa ‘Purple Leaf’
After the pink roses, I thought cool blue Corydalis flexuosa ‘Purple Leaf’ would be an interesting contrast. Its decorative, deeply lobed leaves are on the reddish side rather than the purple the name suggests, but are no less attractive for that. Slender green seed pods follow the flowers. Continue reading “Corydalis flexuosa ‘Purple Leaf’”
Convallaria majalis var. rosea (Pink Lily of the Valley)
Like me, you probably think of Lily of the valley as being white but there’s also a dainty pink form, which is quite rare. The pink is stippled and subtle, as if it has been spray painted (although we’d better not go there, let’s say powder coated). Both forms prefer shady conditions, from dappled to full. Continue reading “Convallaria majalis var. rosea (Pink Lily of the Valley)”
Decorative Garden Trees: Flowering Dogwood
We often hear about plants with all-round interest. I’m not always convinced by that claim, but when it comes to dogwood (Cornus), I can see the point. Continue reading “Decorative Garden Trees: Flowering Dogwood”
Plant Companions: Azalea With Green Alkanet
This boldly coloured azalea has been underplanted with green alkanet to cover its woody lower stems. You might remember this plant from my recent Is This a Forget-me-not? post. Continue reading “Plant Companions: Azalea With Green Alkanet”
