Blue Irises look stunning with Roses

October 22, 2014Sandra

These blue irises were planted in front of this prolific rose bush and the combination is stunning.

The irises are the bearded hybrid variety and they don’t stop blooming. The colour combination is particularly striking too.

If you click the picture you will be able to see a bigger photo which will give you a much better idea of the impact of the contrasting colours.

I wrote in a post some time ago that my irises were being decapitated by birds. And that has continued for a few years in succession.

Fortunately, this year there seems to have been no such massacre of my flowers. Read more →

Daffodils – Loveliest of Spring Flowers

October 22, 2014Sandra

Daffodils are my favourite spring flowers. They bring a splash of sunshine to any garden or patio. And they start to bloom when the garden is dull and still recovering from winter.

As the poet Shelley wrote: “If winter comes can spring be far behind?

As you know, gardeners always have to think and plan for the seasons ahead.

So if you want a lovely spring show, plant your daffodils in the autumn when the nights are cool. They actually enjoy a period of cold before the bulbs start to sprout.

Daffodils are lovely planted in drifts under trees where they give a lovely woodland effect. You can even plant them in little pockets in the lawn – as long as you remember not to mow there! Read more →

Calla lilies – Pink Marshmallow Arums

July 19, 2011Sandra

I have just received a lovely gift of Calla lilies. They are actually Pink Marshmallow lily plants.

I have never seen any Calla marshmallow lilies in flower before but I did a bit of research and they are indeed beautiful creatures.

Apparently the marshmallow lily has clumps of dark green leaves and produces tall stems about 1 metre high adorned with these magnificent pink and cream flowers.

It appears that marshmallow lilies like dappled shade and flower in spring and early summer.

I’m rather excited about this. In fact I feel inspired – so much so that I have decided to make a planting of different coloured calla lilies together in one bed. A mix of yellow, red and deep mauve arums together with these lovely marshmallow arums should make quite a splash of colour.

I don’t know if the different varieties (zantedeschia) will all flower together. I’ll have to find out if they need the same growing conditions. But as I learn more about these lovely flowers I will keep you informed.

Meanwhile if there are any calla lily experts out there, please share your wisdom about these lovely flowers.