Spring Marches On

After a very unpleasant hailstorm the other week that prematurely terminated my crocuses and tiny irises, the next round of bulbs and spring flowers have marched in.  Another of my favourites are the species tulips.  Blooming early and finishing before the trees fully leaf out, they flourish and spread in the spring sunshine and will grow under trees as long as they get the early … Continue reading Spring Marches On

Early Spring Blooms

There’s nothing more cheery for me than when the early spring blossoms burst out of the ground and bring cheery colour to a late winter or early spring day.  even better when the sun is out!  Everyone is familiar with crocuses, the dependable bulbs that come back year after year and feature bright primary colours guaranteed to lift your spirits. There are also lesser known … Continue reading Early Spring Blooms

Gardens of Sweden – Carl Linnaeus

Back in 2009, I had the privilege of visiting my dearest friend in Sweden and seeing some of the loveliest gardens and historic landscapes in northern Europe.  She lived in Uppsala, the home of the famous “father of taxonomy” Carl Linnaeus.  He first studied at the University of Uppsala and later became a professor and rector of the University.  His home is now a public … Continue reading Gardens of Sweden – Carl Linnaeus

The Language of Flowers

Flowers have been associated with mankind since ancient times.  The earliest evidence of flowers and rituals was found in a grave, over 13,000 years old, in Israel.  Aromatic plants and flowers lined the grave in which two skeletons were found.  Earlier controversial evidence of pollen found in Neanderthal graves is still being debated on whether it was deliberately placed there by humans or naturally by … Continue reading The Language of Flowers

Magnificent Magnolias

One tree/shrub that should be in every garden is the magnificent magnolia.  Ranging in size from compact shrubs like M. stellata to large majestic trees like M. grandiflora, there is a magnolia for every size garden. Magnolias have an ancient lineage.  Fossil records show magnolias first came on the scene over 100 million years ago across North America and Europe. Back then there were no bees so it was … Continue reading Magnificent Magnolias