Allium rosenbachianum in the Davies Alpine House at Kew Gardens (something a little sparkly – little else was….)

Not strictly an alpine bulb - it is quite garden worthy - but one of the earliest Alliums to flower and a favourite of Vita Sackville West. Here it was sitting in the Davies Alpine House at Kew. Dare I say it, this was probably the most exciting thing there, large or small; I'm usually…

Lady Waterlow, Maigold, Hansa, Dunwich Rose – an early start to the rose season at Kew

Lady Waterlow - proving to be an early-flowering variety here too (as it is at Petersham Nurseries) at Kew Gardens and with the distinctive loose form, pale colouring, streaked with darker stains. Just beautiful. Here it is climbing up the brick pillars supporting the long, gently curving wooden pergola in the Family Beds garden at…