JANUARY 2008

There is a lot more action in the garden now and a surprising number of different snowdrops are already in flower.
On the shrub front, the old January stalwarts are flowering even better than usual - after so little cold weather.

A really sharp snap will kill Correa x harisii - but if it stays alive, it will flower continuously from November until spring. It is worth giving a sheltered spot.

The deliciously scented Daphne occasionally takes a battering - but, so far, never a terminal one.

Lonicera elisae is a little dull, and would scarcely be noticed at any other time of the year, but in mid-winter even this most insignificant flower gets due attention.

FLOWERS IN NOVEMBER

Without a doubt November takes the prize for being the most depressing month in the garden. Everything seems dank and dismal and I am longing for a slight frost to put paid to 2007.

However, I am slightly cheered by the yellow flowers that have arrived at last on my Amicia. They always take me by surprise as I have been admiring the pink/grey bracts for the last few weeks and always forget their rather unlikly finale.

The Acanthus seems hardy here but only seems to flower when the first frosts come late.

Reineckia never fails to perform but is such an insignificant thing that it is only noticed in the bleakest weather!

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ROSCOEAS

Last year the shadier areas of the garden were parched, this year they have been drowned. Neither season diminished the slugs and snails hearty appetites. By August, whatever the weather, these areas tend to look a mess!
The Roscoas come into growth late and cheer up any shady corner with fresh green foliage and showy flowers in late summer.

DREGEA SINENSIS

This easy summer flowering climber seems to have a mistaken reputation for tenderness. It is at its best on a sunny wall and can be cut hard back during the winter. It begins to flower in late June or early July, producing panicles of white flowers with a hint of pink.
The flowers have a curious and evocative scent. Each time I sniff I am strongly reminded of the smell of a child’s swimming bag, opened after spending a couple of days under the bed, – of damp towels and soggy rubber.

SOPHORA DAVIDII

This charming small shrub has fuzzy grey foliage and is smothered in blue pea flowers in early summer. It seems perfectly hardy and just needs to be in full sun.

CLIANTHUS PUNICEUS

The exotic lobster claw plant is flowering well after our mild winter - it must have reached 6' on a sheltered south facing wall.

ILLICIUM SIMONSII BWJ 8024

This, seemingly hardy, evergreen shrub is flowering now at the beginning of March.
The beautiful waxy yellow flowers have a strong fragrance reminiscent of Magnolias.
My plant was grown from seed collected by the legendary Bleddyn and Sue Wynn-Jones of Crug Farm Plants