Three of the Best (w/c - 23/4/12)

(Clockwise from top left)  Forget-me-not - Delicate and vigorous at the same time, they are best left to seed around whereever they like. Seedlings are easy to identify, and pull out, where not wanted. Fern - Another shade-loving plant, some ferns, such as Polystichum setiferum, are also surprisingly tolerant of dry conditions. The unfurling of the fronds is always a delight and can best be enjoyed if planted near the front door. Bluebell - Always best in a natural woodland setting, but also a beautiful addition to any shady part of the garden. Needs space to roam and is usually too vigorous for a border.

Three of the best - w/c 16/4/12

(Clockwise from top left)

Viburnum carlesii - This medium sized deciduous shrub has beautifully scented flowers (out now). It also turns lovely shades of orange and red in autumn. Geranium phaeum - An excellent perennial groundcover suitable for a relaxed planting scheme in a shady area. Seeds around gently. Euphorbia - Many evergreen spring-flowering varieties such as E. characias & E. amygdaloides inject the spring garden with their vibrant lime flowers.

Three of the Best (w/c 9/4/12)

(Clockwise from top left)

Cherry tree - There is no escaping the flowering cherries at this time of year. There are some dwarf varieties but generally medium sized trees with pink or white flowers. Some also have spectacular autumn colour. Crabapple - Smaller trees than the cherries with textured bark and either rich crimson ('Rudolf') or white (floribunda) flowers. The whites are often pink in bud giving a lovely two tone effect. Amelanchier lamarckii - A small medium sized tree that is best as a multi-stemmed specimen. The new leaves emerge bronze at the some time as the flowers, before turning green and eventually a fantastic orange in autumn.

One Man Stopped Mowing

Lawns are a quintessential part of the English garden and in many ways there is nothing more inviting on a hot summer’s day than a soft verdant carpet of grass. However, is the lawn’s place at the heart of our garden being put under ever-greater scrutiny?

Three of the Best (w/c 2/4/12)

As a new feature, I will posting each week photos of three plants that are currently looking good and are worthy of inclusion in a garden. Here are last weeks:-

Clockwise from top left - Bergenia cordifolia - An evergreen perennial that is fine in both sun and shade. Its big leaves act as a foil for other foliage textures. Works well en masse. Clematis armandii - Vigorous evergreen climber that has beautifully scented flowers. Magnolia soulangeana -A small to medium sized tree that is fairly common but spectacular nonetheless. Even when its flowering is cut short by the weather its lush foliage and attractive shape earn it a place in the garden.

Gardens re-visited (2)

A garden nr. Grantham