Gardener and Photographer with a love of Roses and a magpie-eye for all things Horticultural
A very wet, chill and windy day today, the first of 2014 - and I was out and about in it all - thermals, waterproofs and wellies (my trademark hat too) keeping me warm, toastie and mostly dry. More of the same tomorrow but with the hope of drier and brighter weather before we're back…
Continue reading ➞ and welcome to 2014….
Cotoneaster frigidus 'Cornubia' loses its leaves in winter. Its habit is upright when young, then arching. The leaves are long, narrow, veined and mid-green; the flowers and the red berries are very thickly borne and showy. This is a plant for a prominent position in a large garden. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/howtogrow/3338891/How-to-grow-the-best-cotoneasters.html What a busy year! The first…
Continue reading ➞ That was 2013….
Sorbus glabrescens in the arboretum at RHS Wisley The arboretum at RHS Wisley in Surrey is a useful place to see many varieties of tree in a relatively small area - in particular it is possible to compare many different types of Silver Birch, or Rowan (Sorbus) or Crab Apples (Malus) although the specimens planted…
Continue reading ➞ A Whiter Shade of….. Rowan (Sorbus glabrescens)
Narcissus romieuxii subsp. albidus A treat from the Alpine House at RHS Wisley, a tiny white narcissus - I thought I should continue with the pure white theme for a little while more, following on from the previous item on the Christmas Rose, Helleborus niger. Not one to be strewn across a grassy expanse, King…
Continue reading ➞ Narcissus romieuxii subsp. albidus – if you please….
Just two simple pictures today - most forms of Hellebore really get into their stride in very early Spring - and some continue long into Summer. In the vanguard are these delightful pure white forms of Helleborus niger, the Christmas Rose. Plenty of time for the rich ruffles of plum, chocolate and slate that come…
Continue reading ➞ Christmas Rose – Helleborus niger
Boxing Day and a brief hush before the next round of hospitality. The apples in the foreground, small brightly-red baubles, are Cocket's Red - windfalls from the orchards at RHS Wisley collected on Christmas Eve. Fragrant, crisp, lilac-scented fruits only a tad larger than a golf ball and rich ruby-red. The two named trees at…
Continue reading ➞ Boxing Day Greetings
Bright stems of dogwood, willow and ornamental blackberry by the lake in the RHS Gardens at Wisley There was a little doubt whether these gardens would be open today after the storms over night - many gardens have been forced to close today - but hard work on the part of the garden team made…
Continue reading ➞ Christmas Eve at RHS Wisley
Jude the Obscure - with a strong citrus scent, fruity, with guavas and white wine This article is by Robert Calkin, originally published in The Royal National Rose Society Historic Rose Journal Autumn 2013. If you are not a member of the Historic Rose Group, articles such as these are just one reason to join!…
Continue reading ➞ A fragrance by any other name
Well, I'm almost ready for The Big Day... The wrapping of presents is required and a little housekeeping. If the rain lets up, then I can get into my garden and clear away the last of the leaves but little else is urgent. There are jobs that could be tackled but I will postpone any…
Continue reading ➞ O Christmas Tree…
The Teddington Gardener 