Author: Stephen Ryan
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Halleria lucida
Attractive and interesting multipurpose evergreen shrubs are not that easy to find hence the proliferation of such abominations as the James Stirling Pittosporum grown in the thousands to annoy good gardeners everywhere. Were I looking for a quick growing shrub to 4 metres or so to hide my strange behaviour from them next door I
Stephen Ryan
Fatsia japonica ‘Variegata’
I love a tropical look in the garden even though I come from less than tropical Mt. Macedon! And this plant really floats my boat. It is not only cold hardy but grows well in dry shade to boot, what more could you want? Well it will also do well in a pot and makes
Stephen Ryan
Disanthus cercidifolius
Of all the autumn colouring plants I have grown this would have to be one of my favourites, albeit quite a prima donna. It requires a cool aspect and a moist acidic soil to do well which probably means you need to live at Mt. Macedon or a similar climate to even grow it. But
Stephen Ryan
Polygonatum falcatum ‘Variegatum’
The whole Genus is stunning and worth collecting from the commonest old fashioned Solomon’s Seal to the rarest. Most are fairly hardy and require little more than a bit of shade and some winter, spring moisture to get things going. The form I am waxing lyrical about today is a fine example with its arching
Stephen Ryan
Crinodendron hookerianum
It has been some time since I have had a crop of this highly desirable plant to sell so here it is again. It is not for the faint hearted as even if given ideal conditions (which I will give in due course) it can still die promptly. In fact the best that can usually
Stephen Ryan
Smyrnium perfoliatum
This has to be about the best self seeding biennial or perhaps triennial I have ever introduced into my garden! It has only two seed leaves the first season then Italian parsley like leaves after that and then when it decides to flower it grows to about 60cms tall and looks like a cross between
Stephen Ryan
Allium siculum
This bulb has for a long time been excluded from the Onions into the much harder to spell Genus of Nectaroscordum but thank heaven it is back again! However no matter what it is called it is a fine addition to any garden. It grows during the late winter through the early spring and then
Stephen Ryan
Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus’
Apart from having more ‘U’s’ than almost any other plant name that I know this herbaceous perennial climber is a boon to the garden as long as you don’t mind controlling its suckering habit by digging excess out, putting in a root barrier or growing it in a large pot. It is ideal to grow
Stephen Ryan
Anemone flaccida
The smaller anemones make great plants for semi-shaded aspects in moist soil and as such make good bed fellows with such choice things as Trilliums and Erythroniums. Certainly plant the European wood anemones of the nemorosa persuasion and don’t miss this little Japanese beauty. It flowers first every year for me so extends the season
Stephen Ryan
Anopterus glandulosus
This stunning evergreen shrub is a native of the cool forests of Tasmania and it usually surprises those that don’t know it as it looks more at home amongst Rhododendrons and azaleas than with Bottle brushes and Eucalyptus. This plant will slowly grow to 2 to 3 metres and has rich deep green serrated leaves
Stephen Ryan