Gardener and Photographer with a love of Roses and a magpie-eye for all things Horticultural
The name tag for this gorgeous and beautifully impressive specimen is lost somewhere in the neon skirts of this rhododendron/evergreen azalea (I forget, is it that 'all azaleas are rhododendrons, but not all rhododendrons are azaleas?). A meandering walk through the pathways of Battleston Hill at RHS Wisley and some real treats along the way.…
Continue reading ➞ Orange/Totally Awesome
Crocus, the online plant retailer, builder and planter of many Chelsea show gardens etc., have just sent out their June Plant Care newsletter featuring peonies. I've included it in full here as I think it covers a lot of ground. Admittedly dense text, without their pictures, sorry. Do persevere... Long-lived and beautiful at every stage,…
Continue reading ➞ Peonies – which to choose & how to look after them…
Wisteria, trained as standards - show stopping specimens, filling the air with rich, peppery perfume. Spirit-lifting indeed.
Sometimes, you just have to work with what you've got. In this case, a new delivery of flowering alliums, Pinball Wizard, and a background provided by our Biffa refuse skips... Works for me. http://www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk/item/Herbaceous-Perennials/Pinball-Wizard/VBQ
If the rose is the King of Climbers, and Clematis, the Queen, what High Rank must the wisteria hold? Beautiful, fragrant & vigorous - in May and early June, it is surely unsurpassed for sheer Impact. The Laurels nursery, near Cranbrook in Kent, specialises in Wisteria (and birch) and featured in The Garden magazine recently…
The Isabella Plantation is an ornamental woodland garden within Richmond Park and it is ablaze with colour at the moment with rhododendrons, azaleas and bluebells at their very best.Pink and orange, red and white, yellow and blue, yellow and orange, orange and blue, purple and red - hot clashes and cool combinations. Probably the best…
Continue reading ➞ Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Sneezy – and Bluebell
Time to look back at one project from 2012, as plans are made to return to the garden, assess the plot after an absence of almost six months (for winners and losers both) and agree on schemes for other areas. Some of my very favourite plants here.
"Il n'y a rien dans ce monde qui n'ait un moment decisif" There is nothing in this world that does not have a decisive moment - Henri Cartier-Bresson By which artful quote I mean, always have your camera with you. A long walk to the van this morning (parking à la maison is generally more hope…
Continue reading ➞ The Decisive Moment
Apricot Foxx (pink/peach), Brown Sugar (pink/orange) and La Belle Epoque (brown) are all stunning tulips in this fine display, matched perfectly with Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra Maxima,' the Crown Imperial and a skirt of Narcissus Suzy (yellow with red centre). A rhythm of large planters along a wide terrace with a daring, close-colour harmony. Another brilliant…
Continue reading ➞ Apricot Foxx, Brown Sugar, La Belle Epoque & Crown Imperials
The Teddington Gardener 