PUSH THE BOUNDARIES

5TH APRIL 2023

NERD WORD: Hexamerous, with parts arranged in sets or multiples of six (a flower that has six petals and six stamens).

Just lately, life has been a little manic.

Work tends to be my time to relax, time to switch off from the day to day hustle and bustle. And to indulge myself in endless repetitive tasks in order to create something beautiful, to be fully engaged, mentally and physically.

During winter I find it harder to be engaged, mainly due to the internal whinge of complaints about the weather, the temperature and need for hibernation.

Though preparing for Easter events, readying the gardens for growing season and seed sowing, the pace is starting to kick up a notch, finding the next gear.

Join me in the garden

The gardens are starting to wake

Blossom gradually cascades like confetti, ocean floors of daffodils gently swaying and the fresh forest, lime and harlequin shades of green, popping through the bursting buds of herbaceous, shrubs and trees.

Watching the transformation of life emerge.

More than enough to silence to internal whinge.

All of the properties I maintain have traditional English oversized herbaceous borders. They're one of my specialties. I love pushing the boundaries. Trying new textural combinations, adding overpowering and varying shades of a singular colour that seamlessly pairs with the opposing on the colour wheel. Breaking the traditional rules of height and instead creating pockets and windows of interest. Experimenting with new training, feeding and pruning methods to observe how o achieve the best performance.

There are minor details that catch eye and feed my soul at this time of year

Colourful strapping and fresh growth of Crocosmia

Crocosmia can become a nuisance because it tends to spread quickly through its corms and can crowd out other plants in the garden. Additioally, if left unchecked, Crocosmia can become invasive and difficult to control.

Though with correct care, Crocosmia can be a great addition to gardens for several reasons. Its vibrant and colourful, flowers can add a pop of colour to any garden, and they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Crocosmia is also a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of soil types and climates, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. Additionally, crocosmia's tall spikes can add height and dimension to garden beds and borders.

An old fashioned personality

Contorted flower growth of White Parrot Tulip

A full, feathery, flamboyant must-have in my eyes

'Resembling the feathers of a dove or angels wings, Tulip White Parrot is an elegant parrot tulip that produces pure white feathered petals.'

'Its cup-shaped flower heads open out as the plant matures, providing an ongoing and varied display. White Parrot is a versatile variety which goes with any tulip display. Its clean white colour can break up colour-heavy blocks of colour, but also look classy when planted alone. Perfect for pots, borders and cut flower displays.' JParkers

Open eyes flowering on Euphorbia

Euphorbia characias variegata is personally one of my favourites.

Most Euphorbias tend to be sheen, lime and lizard green leaf and a yellowing flower. Pairing perfectly with those warm yellows, oranges and reds.

But variegata steals the show with a blue/silver tinged leaf and creamy/

white flower, a perfect addition to the Mediterranean styled garden or an unusual pop of colour to a Herbaceous border.