The Judas tree at Kew – 2015 but every year since – Cercis siliquastrum in the Mediterranean Garden – a real star performance @kewgardens

Well, I think that just about gives you every angle! This remarkable tree, Cercis siliquastrum, also known as the Judas tree, forms part of the Mediterranean Landscape at Kew Gardens and is just about at its best just now. Alone it is both striking and beautiful but contrasting with the yellow, fragrant gorse, the combination…

Teetering before the fall but still beautiful, the Cherry Blossom Empire @kewgardens 2015

The Cherry Walk at Kew Gardens, coming up from the Mediterranean Garden and heading towards the roses and Palm House. A couple of weeks ago, this path was lined with pink and white confections, flurries of blossom in candyfloss shades - but now green is the theme. Yet... There is still rather a lot going…

Nymans, pure Romance …

  Lockdown continues and these gardens, as are all, are closed to the public and so it is back to the archives and this collection of photographs from early May last year. I've brought it forward as the Wisteria has really taken to the warm days we have enjoyed this past few weeks and is…

A guide to spring-flowering bulbs in the garden – planting ideas from January to May in kaleidoscopic style

  Bulbs in the spring garden. The text and images are timely in this piece, looking through the late winter and spring months January through to May, though it was originally written for a September story when the bulbs and corms would be available for planting. There are practical tips and hints planting of course,…

Remembrance of An East Sussex Odyssey and the jewel in the crown, Great Dixter (2018)

  An impossibly bright day, just like today, but taking us back two years to 2018 and a late spring coming back after the Beast from the East chilled (froze) the country over several weeks. Too bright for really good photography but a pleasure to remember. Enjoy. Well this time I'll let the pictures do…

A Grand Day Out (it was in 2018) – Part 2 – King John’s Nursery and Gardens, East Sussex

A second stop in my East Sussex odyssey, having been to Pashley Manor Gardens and now calling in at this very peaceful nurseries and gardens, King John's. A quirky nursery and plant centre, with a delightful cafe and a beautiful garden surrounding the adjacent house. A wild orchard garden, large lawns, canal, woodland garden, statuary…

A Grand Day Out (it was – this day 2018) – First stop, Pashley Manor Gardens, East Sussex

Such a glorious day to go out exploring and so I headed out to the wilds of East Sussex to take in these gardens at Pashley Manor before heading on to .... King John's Nursery and Gardens, Merriments and Great Dixter, and ending up making a few purchases at The Old Rose Nursery in Northiam.…

A rainy day at Wisley, well it was in 2016 – there’s Cherry, Camellia, Rhododendron, Magnolia & more…

An exceptionally damp day, last Friday, at RHS Wisley in Surrey but undeterred was I, with my Driza-bone coat, wide-brimmed hat, umbrella and camera - it was business as usual ... Much opportunity for photography with ornamental cherries and Magnolias in blossom and looking fine; Camellias dotted throughout Battleston Hill and Seven-acre Wood; likewise some…

A speedy 44 minute Hanami Festival – the Rise and Rise of the Cherry Blossom Empire @Kewgardens #Hanami A look back to 2015

Back again - a return to Kew after two incredibly hot and sunny days which have brought on the display immeasurably. I thought it was good on a dull Monday morning, but today, more, more and more blossom, puffed out, expanded and exploded and there is still more to come! Some of the trees that…