The life and loves of a time-poor plantsman
As the sun sets on August, what will be my abiding memories of summer 2018? It goes without saying that the heat and drought that descended on the South East from early May until early August will not be forgotten. Sustained fine weather, with many consecutive days in the high twenties centigrade, provided exceptional […]
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I write this post, naked from the waist up, basking in the sun at The Watch House. It’s not a pretty sight, but only I can see it. Beyond the garden gate bodies of all shapes and sizes litter the beach, reclining on vast towels, shielded from their neighbours by gaudy windbreaks despite there being […]
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At 8.30 this morning I had the pleasure of showing Margie, Helen and Sarah from our fantastic local gift shop around the garden at The Watch House. Being a retailer myself I appreciate that weekends are not always available for doing as one pleases: customers must come first. We arranged a pre-opening tour and […]
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I have loved a great many aeoniums, and lost a few too. Not to frost, which is is their main enemy in UK gardens, but to lack of sunshine and a mysterious, munching caterpillar. Back at home in Broadstairs they demand some winter protection indoors, which invariably results in pale, anaemic leaves. These are quickly […]
Read MoreIt’s been a hot and thirsty few days in the garden. A plant which takes these conditions in its stride is Berkheya purpurea, a member of the Aster family from South Africa. With its jagged, thistle-like leaves and abundant lilac flowers it’s a superb plant for a dry, sunny spot. Berkheya can easily be grown […]
Read MoreIris foetidissima is one of only two irises which are native to the UK. A hardy perennial, it’s better known by a variety of common names based on the unpleasant smell of the bruised leaves – ‘Stinking Gladwyn’ is one of my favourites. But fear not, there are no nasty niffs under normal circumstances. Until […]
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