Geranium maderense
The dahlias are coming into flower
Now that most of the roses are going over there is far more green than colour in the garden. Geranium maderense does a great job filling the gap between the early and late flowerers, especially as it self-seeds readily (in mild areas). Meanwhile the first of the dahlias are in flower, the sweet peas provide a daily picking and annuals like cosmos, orlaya and cornflowers are starting to add touches of colour amongst the green.
Sweet peas
Oh the capriciousness of the British weather! I was feeling happy that proper rain had fallen after weeks without any – and then it goes and spoils it all by whipping up 60mph winds that have left shredded tulip tree leaves all over the garden. Fortunately I went around tying dahlias, sweet peas etc to their supports yesterday, so with any luck the damage will be mainly cosmetic – nothing a broom won’t sort out.
The Luxembourg Gardens in Paris mounted their first ever display of their collection of rare orchids
I’m not very keen on some of the foliage colours of heucheras and heucherellas but this display did make me smile
This interesting and informative display in the Great Pavilion explored historic gardening techniques.
I’d never heard of hot bed growing described as French Gardening
Medwyn Williams grows vegetables like no others – and has now been joined in the business by his son and grandson
Avon Bulbs make bulbs irresistible
More temptation from Avon Bulbs
The luxuriant and fragrant Alhambra-like display at David Austin Roses
Garden Organic are promoting their One Pot Pledge in the Great Pavilion
>
Proof that insect hotels can be modernist as well as rustic
The wirework sculpture was so realistic I can imagine that it trotting round the Great Pavilion checking the other displays at dawn
Caramba! Dahlias have evaded the taste police and are back in the Great Pavilion
Hilliers Nurseries explore various colour themes of which this was the prettiest
Hilliers star new introduction – although its name will take some learning
Single white paeonies are much in evidence
The Matucana sweet peas are at their peak. One of the oldest surviving varieties, its fragrance is unrivalled.
Matucana Sweet Peas
This Phlox – I think it is ‘Eventide’ – does surprisingly well in a shady area.
Eventide
The lovely hydrangea ‘Ayesha’ has florets more like lilac blooms than hydrangeas.
Myrtle was a traditional flower in Victorian wedding bouquets. I’m gradually pruning off the lower branches of this multi-stemmed shrub to reveal the lovely cinnamon-coloured bark.
Ayesha and Myrtle
The white Agapanthus are at their best outlined against dark foliage
Despite the very cold winter, the dahlias I left in the ground have al survived and are now in full bloom. Our free-draining, sandy soil does have some benefits!
White Agapanthus and Dahlias
Dahlias at a Discount – Sarah Raven selects her premium range of dahlias with a discriminating eye. It is not too late to plant them now, especially while she is offering her remaining stock at a discounted price.
Make your life a little bit Rosier – If your own garden is a bit short on roses, take advantage of the current offers from David Austin Roses. Choose from several selections including The Premium Border Collection and The Highly Fragrant English Rose Collection. These multiple collections all offer good savings on the normal prices. Log on and look for ‘Special Offers’.
