The Gentle Gardener

14/06/2025

Charity shop find.

The author notes:

“Years of experience of artful dodging have taught me to take the greatest pride in having a beautiful garden — pride enhanced by the knowledge that it has been achieved with the minimum of personal effort.”

10/06/2025

These Paeonia lactiflora 'Bowl of Beauty' truly live up to their name. Their vibrant pink petals cradle a creamy, frilly centre, resembling a delicate floral bowl. This striking contrast and sweet fragrance create an enchanting focal point in my customer's garden.

04/06/2025

04/06/2025

Flower of the month
(June)

Allium ‘Globemaster’

I planted these Allium ‘Globemaster’ bulbs back in October, and it was definitely worth the wait. The 90cm-tall stems are crowned with perfectly round, violet flower heads that add bold colour and an architectural quality to the garden.

03/05/2025

Flower of the Month
(May)

Convallaria majalis ‘Lily of the Valley’

Seeing lily of the valley in May is always a true delight. Their delicate, bell-shaped flowers nestle among rich green leaves, bringing a sense of purity and quiet beauty to gardens and woodland paths.

20/04/2025

Flower of the month
(April)

Tulipa ‘Ballerina’

It's a joy to see tulips in full bloom this spring, adding vibrant color to the garden. Among them, the 'Ballerina' variety stands out with its striking orange petals edged in yellow, bringing a lively energy to any outdoor space. Its graceful, lily-shaped blooms and delightful fragrance make it a true highlight of the season.

03/03/2025

Flower of the month
(March)

Narcissus ‘Carlton’

Seeing daffodils swaying gently in the breeze is a sure sign that spring has arrived. Their golden trumpets brighten our gardens, nodding cheerfully in the sun.

10/02/2025

Flower of the month
(February)

Crocus vernus 'Pickwick'

Seeing crocus blooming in February is a delightful reminder that spring is just around the corner. 'Pickwick’s' pale lilac petals, streaked with deep purple veins, bring a welcome burst of color to the winter landscape and help lift the spirits of gardeners longing for warmer weather.

03/02/2025

Camellia Japonica ‘Lady Campbell’

The mild weather has tricked some shrubs into flowering early. I wouldn’t normally see a beautiful display like this until March but I’m not complaining! I’ve given my customer a few sheets of horticultural fleece to protect them from the frost and snow.

05/01/2025

Flower of the month
(January)

Galanthus Elwesii ‘Giant Snowdrops’

These amazing little flowers are always the first to emerge from the ground in January and signal the start of the new growing season.

28/10/2024

It was such a privilege to tidy up this beautiful courtyard garden last week. I pruned the mature climbing roses, trimmed the shrubs back and thoroughly de-weeded the borders.