OTHER GARDEN FAVOURITS

One particular very stubborn iris grown in the greenhouse is Iris Gatesii, it has flowered once for us in 2006 by which time we had been growing it for 5 years.

An iris that brings a splash of colour in the winter is Iris unguicularis.


Iris Gatesii	Iris unguicularis

Derek grows several Californian irises in a bog garden and Iris winogradowii in the greenhouse.


Californian iris	Iris winogradowii

Tree paeonies are gradually finding their way into the garden and large plant pots. Some were purchased, most were grown from seed totaling thirteen in all with more to come as seedlings germinate.

Lachenalias have been a favourite of Derek's for many years. They flower in the winter and are kept frost free in the greenhouse. The Tricolor was yet another gift from the late Jack Brown from Welwyn Garden City who was once garden correspondent for the Welwyn and Hatfield Times.


L. Rolina	L. Rupert	L. Romaud	L aloides tricolour	L Aloides Pearsonii

Derek in his time as a nurseryman had introduced several varieties of Paris Daisy ( Argyranthemum ) and a Penstemon Oaklea Red, most can still be found in specialist nursery catalogues. Levada Cream, Qinta White and Donington Hero were awarded AGM's after trials at Wisley in 1992.

Cuttings can be taken from the daisies before the winter as they are not frost hardy. Oaklea Red is very tolerant of the winter cold providing it is not cut back.


Levada Cream	Gills Pink	Donington Hero	Qinta White	Oaklea Red

Pat's favourite plants are those which we can eat. We have apples, pears plums, damsons, nut bushes gooseberries and rhubarb alongside a vegetable plot. She also grows hellebores and a collection of snowdrops which are forms of Galanthus Nivalis, Elwesii and Woronowii all with different petal markings. One has been named and is called Poachers Green. The earliest to flower opens up just before Christmas the rest following on through to March.

Five snowdrops and six hellebores are shown here.

anemone centred Hellebore Niger

There are twenty seven trees in the garden some ornamental some fruiting, along with many shrubs, conifers and hollies ranging in size from a tall laurel down to the sun roses. Many provide good Autumn colour as well as flowers and berries through the year. The flower on the Magnolia Grandiflora measured 11" (80cm ) across.

Fifteen of our favourites and one parasite are.