Planting partnerships

At this time of year you can't help but notice those planting combinations that work and those that look fairly dismal. One plant that seems to team up well with pretty much anything is the hardy geraniums.

The lovely magenta flowers of Geranium 'Ann Thompson' works well alongside a variegated euonymous and will provide a lasting display well into October...and beyond!

Another combination is G. 'Rozanne' with Santolina romaranifolia subsp. 'Primrose Gem.'  Both plants on there own would look ok but by adding a contrasting colour your borders will be much more pleasing and dynamic to the eye. So remember, plant with a partner in mind and not in isolation!

Worth the wait

Beth's poppy (Papaver dubium subsp lecoqii var. albiflorimis - phew!) at last showing its gorgeous flower.  A lovely blushed pink, turning slightly paler towards the edges. The flowers are a little small and I can only guess this is due to a late winter sowing rather than an early autumn start.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

RHS Chelsea Flower Show comes to an end but I wouldn't miss it for the world. Inspiring gardens, some more than others and the plants in the pavilion are to die for.

Many nurseries have been attending for a number of years and provide a colourful feast for the eyes. In my mind, one plant stands out amongst its neighbours and entices you in;  leaving you totally captivated by its beauty.  Meconopsis - simply stunning!

Going native

On a recent beach walk with the family, it was really satisfying to see native plants thriving in their harsh environment. Sea kale (Crambe maritima) and sea thrift (armeria) happily co-existing side-by-side. No requirement for watering, feeding or dead heading. The least interfered with the better.

If you choose the right plants for the right conditions, very little maintenance will be needed, not to mention growing much healthier and more resistance to disease. It's a win, win situation for both plant and human. 

Drooling wisterias

Wisterias are displaying their long, pendulous and fragrant racemes at the moment and Wisteria sinensis from china, is the one most commonly seen in our gardens.

The Japanese form, W. floribunda, native to Japan, provides the most eye-catching display with racemes much longer than its Chinese cousin.  Here, Wisteria floribunda 'Lipstick' is in fine form and like all wisterias, certainly benefiting from a twice yearly prune. 

Self sowers

Warmer weather and moisture still in the ground enables self sowers to put on a lot of growth at this time of year.  Here, Eschscholzia californica (california poppy) is ready to put on its dazzling bright display in my small front forecourt. In truth, they need to be thinned out at an early stage otherwise you'll be over run by them but by leaving the odd one here and there, you'll have a lovely natural display.

Shoulder to shoulder

A few weeks a go I tried a new poppy called Papaver dubium subsp lecoqii var albiflorum (what a mouth full).  Also commonly known (thank goodness) as 'Beth's Poppy.' A delightful blush pink flower should have a few admirers.  I would have had an earlier display if sown last autumn but I'm sure a later display is still feasible from an early spring sowing.

Poppies, apparently, dislike root disturbance but if you prick them out at a very early stage you shouldn't encounter any problems. These were pricked out a couple of weeks a go and will soon be placed in their location.  Nothing rigid - just a casual threading through parts of the border.   Hopefully, they may self seed thereafter and provide a relaxed coittage garden feel.