My newest burgundy plant to flower is Dianthus barbatus ‘Sooty’, commonly known as Sweet William Sooty. I planted it last summer and have been enjoying its burgundy-green foliage, but over the last week it has flowered and now I am really enjoying it. First, it unfurled a collection of spiky burgundy flowerheads. Then, one by one, buds began … More Sweet William Sooty
I think I have always loved plants with interesting foliage. This appreciation stretches from grasses and flaxes to colourful broad-leaved perennials. Somehow my garden is now home to grasses, sedges, heucheras and various other ‘foliage plants’ of many different colours. This happened almost subconsciously. Perhaps it is the latent artist within me that desires these … More Spring Foliage
There is only one camellia in my garden. I don’t really like camellias very much. I think this is a combination of their uniform, somewhat boring shape, their tendency to often be pink and their flower shape, which is too frilly for my liking. But a few years ago I discovered Camellia ‘Night Rider’. I found … More A Camellia For The Non-camellia People
Not a lot has been happening in the garden over winter, partly because there isn’t as much to do in winter, but mostly because we have been banished from the house by the dreaded EQC repairs. The repairs have been going for 7 1/2 weeks now. I miss my garden terribly. I have done a … More Winter Blues & Winter Jewels
Wild Hope Homestead 