See the humble aquilegia, Granny’s Bonnet, a favourite cottage garden plant, single and double forms, familiar names like Nora Barlow, pale pastels though even sultry forms like Black Barlow, William Guinness. Now see the State Series (Montana, Oregon, Louisiana, Virginia, Florida, Alaska et al). Imagine that Grandma took a flight to America, bought a 60′ RV and started touring. And weight lifting. There might be steroids.
By which circuitous imagery I mean to say, the State Series have big flowers, and very long spurs, though the rest of the plant is pretty normal. Great colour combinations, dark, pale and contrasted. The first time I have seen these in flower and in the context of a fresh-green, frothy-leaved plant, I think it all works. Perhaps not in a cottage garden situation, but planted in numbers for a striking Spring display. I might be persuaded.
The Teddington Gardener 