Cornus – bright stemmed dogwoods at Kew

Just photographs for this piece, although I am sure I have written about these invaluable providers of colour (and form) in the winter months on other occasions - most likely with reference to the varied stand of dogwoods, willow and rubus at Wisley - like here, planted to double the enjoyment, reflecting their myriad colours…

Golden brown texture like sun…

Golden brown texture like sun Lays me down with my might she runs Throughout the night No need to fight Never a frown with golden brown Every time just like the last On her ship tied to the mast To distant lands Takes both my hands Never a frown with golden brown Golden brown finer…

Miniature Masterpieces – Iris in the Alpine House at Kew

Iris rosenbachiana - from Russian Central Asia Iris planifolia (above) from the Mediterranean Iris bakeriana - Turkey, Iran, Iraq From Israel and Jordan, Iris regis-uzziae The Davies Alpine House at Kew - home to so many miniature wonders, including these iris, hardly taller than their labels and perfect little works or art - beautiful.

The return of the snowdrop – Galanthus elwesii at Kew

Under the graceful ululations of the Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum Dissectum Atropurpureum) that is a joy of fine foliage, form and startling colour both in Spring and Autumn, something that must surely draw a gasp from every lucky passer by. Set within the bulky rockery of the Alpine Beds, adjacent to the Salvia Border and…

Prunus serrula – the competition from Kew Gardens

Prunus serrula, a young specimen just inside the Victoria Gate of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew - Prunus serrula is rather better known, I think, than the Himalayan Cherry, Prunus himalaica, with its darker glossy bark. It is a small but vigorous deciduous tree of which the main attraction is the glossy, copper-red bark.…

Cyclamen, three ways…

Cyclamen africanum One of my favourite place in Kew, the dramatic clam-shell of the Davies Alpine House - though if I am honest, I prefer the more traditional layout at RHS Wisley, with a matched pair of raised benches and specimen pots sunk into sand. The plants are all at just the right viewing height…

Acer Sango-kaku

The rather beautiful Acer palmatum, Sango-kaku, in golden garb, photographed in the Woodland Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, yesterday In fact, this garden was full of delights - more maples, a marvellous Black Walnut, the totems of Cardocrimum giganteum mentioned earlier, Aconitums (flopped but still dangerously blue), Epimediums looking lush and vigorous...

Magic mushrooms

Giant willow mushrooms (and possibly toadstools), at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Very possibly to do with the just closing IncrEdibles exhibitions and events that have been gracing the gardens for the past many months. Beautifully crafted, intricate and probably realistic representations too. Of the artist, I will have to find out more.

Salvias, Salvias, Salvias everywhere!

Salvias in a long border at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, today - every imaginable colour and flower type... So many species, varieties and cultivars - I did begin to note down their names but honestly, so many had overgrown their labels, I rather gave up and immersed myself in the moment! For those interested in…