I can't help noticing the stem colour you see on shrubby Cornus (Dogwoods) at this stage of the year. They create punctuation in the Winter garden and when planted en-masse, they can produce an eye-catching show. Even the onset of snow makes it more appealing,...
As Spring approaches, you begin to notice subtle changes in the landscape with new foliage and flower bulbs emerging. Things coming to life...
[caption id="attachment_2513" align="alignleft" width="329"] Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus in flower[/caption]
Ornamental grasses are not everyone's cup of tea, as they don't tend to bring the desired colour to your garden. I feel it's the movement which grasses offer, that can bring life and character to your garden....
It is the time of the year where the Lavender begins to fill the air with it's uplifting scent and tantalises our senses. How can you not be attracted to the beauty of Lavender and all the beneficial properties that the plant has to offer....
If you think of one climber that puts on a huge show for us in Spring, it's Clematis montana varieties. The plants are adorned with masses of four-petalled single flowers in a range of pinks and white from late Spring to early Summer. They are...
It's the time of the year when the Magnolias begin to show colour. With blooms so bold, how can you not be blown away when you see a large Magnolia in full flower. With so much variety, there is also a Magnolia to suit everyone....
As the depth of the Winter draws closer, Hellebore blooms begins to emerge from soil, celebrating the start of the gardening calender and providing us with impressive Winter and Spring colour. Species such as niger, nigercors, x hybridus, foetidus and orientalis will extend the flowering...
It's so rewarding to walk around towards the end of the Summer season and see gardens alive with colour when most have given up in preparation for Winter. If you have ever wondered which plants can provide that colour well into the cold season, I...
I always refer to this show as my 'dose of design inspiration' and leaving the show, I'm always filled with drive, renewed enthusiasm and inspiration to test out new planting combinations within my clients gardens.
The gardens that stood out for me were:
The Macmillan Legacy Garden...
It's great to see the Spring growth and flowers already starting to push through on some of the shrubs and perennial with the milder Winter we have had this year. It begins to focus us on making sure we are ready with our plans for...