Daffodils on the green roof

Although our green roof isn't particularly deep, there is enough soil for some of the smaller varieties of daffodils, such as Tete-a-tete (which is particularly successful). 

Don't dilly-dally with your Dahlias

The trouble with dahlias is that they tend to conjure up images of men on allotments growing flourecent blooms for the local flower show.  They are seen as old fashioned, which is a shame because there are hundreds to choose from, they flower prolifically and are pretty easy to grow.

I can resist everything except...a good seed catalogue.

Tomato seedlings

Yes, it's that time of year when keen gardeners want to start sowing seeds. We know we should probably wait. But, we just can't help ourselves.

Orchids at Kew

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, currently has its annual exhibition of orchids in its Princess of Wales Conservatory, until March 3rd - UPDATE, now extended to March 10th. 

The First Bee of Spring

We spotted the first bee of Spring on Saturday, on a chilly day at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where it was busily flitting between the fragrant catkins of the Musk Willow (Salix aegyptiaca).

Dahlias on trial

One of the important things the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) does is conduct plant trials. Those plants that meet the criteria are awarded the AGM (award of garden merit). 

Chelsea 2012: The Laurent-Perrier Bicentenary Garden

Arne Maynard’s romantic Laurent Perrier garden was one of our favourites at Chelsea, and deservedly won a Gold Medal.

The Taiwanese Orchid Tree

This Orchid Tree on the Taiwan Orchid Growers Association stand at Chelsea was made up of orchids in test tubes that were attached to a bare tree.

Chelsea 2012: (Not So) Fresh Gardens

This year Chelsea had a new category of gardens on show, replacing their Urban Gardens, but we didn’t think the Fresh Gardens were an improvement, although there were a few good ideas.

Chelsea 2012: The Brewin Dolphin Garden, by Cleve West

This Gold Medal winner was also voted Best Show Garden by the RHS judges, and was certainly a very accomplished, beautiful and sophisticated garden, full of nice touches.