Iris Germanica, better known as Bearded Iris because of soft hairs growing in the centre of the flowers, have long been a staple of our cottage gardens and herbaceous borders. They come in such a wide variety of colours and colour combinations that you might think that the breeders have just about achieved all they[…]
Plantaholic’s Choice – Reblooming Irises
By Mark - Garden for Pleasure Cut flowers, Ornamental gardening, Perennials, Plantaholics choice Feb 05, 2020
Plantaholic’s Choice – NEW Alstroemeria ‘Valley’ Collection (Summer Paradise Series)
By Mark - Garden for Pleasure Container gardening, Cut flowers, New plants, Ornamental gardening, Perennials, Plantaholics choice Feb 04, 2020
There are a great many varieties of Alstroemeria, some short, some tall, some bright and some in delicate pastel shades. The brand new Alstroemeria ‘Valley’ Collection (Summer Paradise Series) however have an attribute seldom held by other varieties. That is that they are exceptionally winter hardy. Many other Alstroemeria series have had the[…]
Plantaholic’s Choice – NEW – Peony Coral Sunset
By Mark - Garden for Pleasure Cut flowers, New plants, Ornamental gardening, Perennials, Plantaholics choice Jan 08, 2020
Peonies have long been a great favourite of mine, and I am familiar with many varieties. However I was quite taken aback to see this stunning new form which I believe may be one of the best herbaceous varieties. Below I have listed some of it’s many endearing attributes:- A very long lived, perennial garden[…]
Plantaholic’s Choice – Helleborus Niger Christmas Carol
By Mark - Garden for Pleasure Ornamental gardening, Perennials, Plantaholics choice, Winter Nov 27, 2019
Many of us will be familiar with Helleborus Niger, the Christmas Rose. It’s English name however is a bit of a myth as it is rarely in flower before late winter in our gardens. Helleborus Niger Christmas Carol however can be in flower from Christmas through to mid spring. This evergreen, hardy perennial will provide[…]
Plant Profile – Hardy Osteospermums
By Mark - Garden for Pleasure Container gardening, Ornamental gardening, Perennials, Plant Profiles Sep 30, 2019
Many of us are used to growing Osteospermum in our summer patio containers for their bright and cheerful daisy flowers. There are a wide array of beautiful varieties but they are not winter hardy in all but the very mildest areas of the UK. How many of us new though that there are a few[…]
NEW – Giant Dinner Plate Iris
By Mark - Garden for Pleasure New plants, Ornamental gardening, Perennials Sep 19, 2019
You might have heard of dinner plate Dahlias but Irises?! Iris ensata, sometimes known as Iris kaempferi or Japanese Iris, are a stunning group of moisture loving Iris I have long been fascinated with. They are hardy and perennial. The new Dinner Plate Series however are brand new, superior breeding with huge blooms 15cm[…]
Chick Charms® – New Breeding in Sempervivums
By Mark - Garden for Pleasure Container gardening, Gardening for beginners, Ornamental gardening, Perennials May 20, 2019
Sempervivums, also known as Houseleeks or Hens and Chicks, were a plant often seen in rockeries in the nineteen seventies and were widely available on the plant stall at your local jumble sale as they are easy to propagate and grow. They sadly fell out of fashion for some time. That is until new breeding[…]
Plant Profile – Gerbera Garvinea Sweet Series
By Mark - Garden for Pleasure Container gardening, Cut flowers, Ornamental gardening, Perennials, Plant Profiles May 08, 2019
Gerberas, sometimes known as Barberton Daisies or Transvaal Daisies, have always been an attractive plant, but in the past they have been best grown in a warm greenhouse. That is until the Garvinea series of Gerberas were bred and came to the market. Garvineas have proven to be hardy plants in UK conditions. They are[…]
Plant Profile – Westcountry Lupins
By Mark - Garden for Pleasure Ornamental gardening, Perennials, Plant Profiles Mar 05, 2019
Lupins were introduced to the U.K from North America by David Douglas and they were a fairly insignificant perennial. It wasn’t until 100 years later in 1937 that George Russel exhibited at the RHS Westminster Show the plants that he had spent 25 years of his life breeding on his allotment in Yorkshire. The Russel[…]
Itoh Peonies (Intersectional Peonies)
By Mark - Garden for Pleasure Ornamental gardening, Perennials Feb 20, 2019
Itoh or intersectional Peonies are thought by many to be the best Peonies available. They are produced by crossing herbaceous garden Peonies with Tree Peonies. The initial reason for doing this was to create herbaceous Peonies with pure yellow flowers which were previously only found in Tree Peonies. It was once thought to be an[…]
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