June 2011

I love the concept of the National Garden Scheme (NGS). Visiting private gardens, secret for rest of the year, is very special indeed. Particularly, with the knowledge that one’s visit will generate much needed capital, for several worthy charities. Though despite much bestowed esteem, several days passed, where the concept of an NGS open day, generated little more than a profusion of anxious frustration. You see, last Sunday (19/06), saw [...]

The idea of chopping off stately plant growth in mid pride, seems utter madness. Though, the inevitable sag in one’s floppy sedums, always brings fourth that nagging question. Should one brave the famous Chelsea Chop? Completely contrary to last weekend’s gardening plans, Rachel (thank-goodness-my-husband-wasn’t-watching) de Thame’s report on the Chelsea chop, encouraged me to take the plunge and start chopping. In last week’s packed episode of Gardeners’ World, RHS Wisley [...]

Typically textbook; herbaceous plants are classified according to plant lifespan. That is, annuals, biennials and perennials, where the latter outlives the former. The widely accepted definition of the herbaceous perennial, is hence a plant that lives longer than two years. No surprises there. However, as so cleverly argued in Noel Kingsbury’s recent article in the Plantsman, entitled ‘The long-term performance of herbaceous perennials‘, despite their prototypical portrayal and the best [...]