this plant isn’t going to set the world on fire but I think it is an interesting and worthy addition to the garden for the following reasons. Most importantly I imported it!!!! But seriously it is an interesting evergreen shrub to 2 to 3metres with handsome evergreen leaves on a shrub with a tiered branch […]
No Comments. Continue Reading...This tough as they come dwarf herbaceous perennial was something I originally imported from Beth Chatto’s nursery in England although I seem not to have been the only one. As the accompanying picture attests its spring foliage is ruby coloured turning slowly grey-green and its heads of bright green flowers are a stunning complement to […]
No Comments. Continue Reading...The Canadian Blood Root is a stunning if ephemeral woodlander from “you guessed it” as well as the USA. The single poppy flowers last only a few days but what a joy they are. The green scalloped leaves are charming and will keep you entertained for months afterward and as it doesn’t take up all […]
No Comments. Continue Reading...This isn’t a plant for the timid gardener so I obviously love it! In the non variegated form it is a North American native and worth growing for its green leaves with a red-brown chevron about half way. It also produces spikes of tiny white flowers from deep pink buds at the end of the […]
No Comments. Continue Reading...Once included in Senecio this soft wooded shrub will quickly grow to 3 metres or so and with its huge round furry leaves make a tropical statement in any garden. In winter it produces large panicles of tiny yellow daisies to add to the fun. It will grow well in sun or shade and although […]
No Comments. Continue Reading...This Genus has something for everyone and this Asian evergreen shrub is a bit of an unsung hero of the group. It has narrow evergreen leaves on an elegant open framed shrub to 3or 4 metres. Don’t then use it to screen your weird behaviour from the neighbours! The panicles of tiny flowers are produced […]
No Comments. Continue Reading...This blackberry relative from Asia must have one of the most beautiful leaves imaginable! The five leaflets are all pleated in a texturally stunning way and even this doesn’t prepare you for the silvery reverse. It is a suckering evergreen shrub to 2.5metres tall that likes a moist soil and some shade from the hottest […]
No Comments. Continue Reading...This hardy small upright evergreen Chilean tree is a must in the garden with its light upright habit, its tiny gross green leaves and its incredible perfume. I have several around my garden as they make great quick screening plants that don’t grow too wide and I get to appreciate the scent from all over […]
No Comments. Continue Reading...I have a great love of this evergreen shrub from New Zealand for several reasons. Firstly it is a first rate foliage plant with huge soft green leaves with a felty white reverse. secondly it is fairly cold tolerant but looks tropical, Thirdly it grows well in semi-shade and is comparatively drought tolerant and lastly […]
No Comments. Continue Reading...I love Dogwoods and in fact hold the national collection for ‘Plant Trust’ so they must be good! This salmon pink form of the Chinese dogwood is a stunning form with flat branches showing off the bracted flowers to perfection in the late spring after the early nonsense is over. It also has lovely berries in […]
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