Narcissus romieuxii subsp. albidus – if you please….

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…

Christmas Rose – Helleborus niger

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…

Boxing Day Greetings

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…

Christmas Day Greetings

Time for Santa Claus to take a little R&R, now that the night's work is over. I hope that you have all been good little boys and girls this year and that Santa has left a suitable present under the tree. A pair of Felco secateurs, a subscription to Gardens Illustrated, a new shed?! I've…

Christmas Eve at RHS Wisley

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…

A fragrance by any other name

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!…

The Generous Gardener

A vase full of rose hips from The Generous Gardener, a favourite from David Austin No flowers for the Christmas table this year, but a display of these rather fat and rosy orange hips from The Generous Gardener. A very adaptable large shrub or climber, with large soft pink, highly fragrant flowers, flaming red fresh…

O Christmas Tree…

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…