Dogwoods and container displays…. and car parks

I saw these pots at Wisley earlier in the week and very effective they are too! Cut 'canes' have been inserted into planted containers - I can see muehlenbeckia in one, though the choice is endless. Left to their own devices, these stems will very likely root but that isn't really the idea. Equally this…

Cornus – bright stemmed dogwoods at Kew

Just photographs for this piece, although I am sure I have written about these invaluable providers of colour (and form) in the winter months on other occasions - most likely with reference to the varied stand of dogwoods, willow and rubus at Wisley - like here, planted to double the enjoyment, reflecting their myriad colours…

Golden brown texture like sun…

Golden brown texture like sun Lays me down with my might she runs Throughout the night No need to fight Never a frown with golden brown Every time just like the last On her ship tied to the mast To distant lands Takes both my hands Never a frown with golden brown Golden brown finer…

Miniature Masterpieces – Iris in the Alpine House at Kew

Iris rosenbachiana - from Russian Central Asia Iris planifolia (above) from the Mediterranean Iris bakeriana - Turkey, Iran, Iraq From Israel and Jordan, Iris regis-uzziae The Davies Alpine House at Kew - home to so many miniature wonders, including these iris, hardly taller than their labels and perfect little works or art - beautiful.

The return of the snowdrop – Galanthus elwesii at Kew

Under the graceful ululations of the Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum Dissectum Atropurpureum) that is a joy of fine foliage, form and startling colour both in Spring and Autumn, something that must surely draw a gasp from every lucky passer by. Set within the bulky rockery of the Alpine Beds, adjacent to the Salvia Border and…

All about witch hazel – Hamamelis of every hue at RHS Wisley

Hamamelis x intermedia Orange Peel -  a fine, deeply coloured witch hazel Hamamelis x intermedia Orange Peel (above and below) a fine specimen at the base of Battleston Hill at RHS Wisley. (below) Hamamelis x intermedia Pallida - lighting up the woodland slopes at Wisley (above) Hamamelis x intermedia Pallida is deservedly one of the…

Prunus serrula – the competition from Kew Gardens

Prunus serrula, a young specimen just inside the Victoria Gate of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew - Prunus serrula is rather better known, I think, than the Himalayan Cherry, Prunus himalaica, with its darker glossy bark. It is a small but vigorous deciduous tree of which the main attraction is the glossy, copper-red bark.…