Monthly Archives: February 2014

I am joining in with Clay and Limestone‘s meme of Wild flower Wednesday this month. I discovered this amazing orchid last week growing on the roadside near Grimaud on the Cote d’Azur in France. My scream of ‘Stop the Car!’ … Continue reading →

If like me you love mimosa then the place to be in February is the South of France on  the 130-kilometre, Route du Mimosa which stretches from Bormes-les-Mimosas to Grasse. The best part of this mimosa road is behind the … Continue reading →

Last summer I went to a talk by the writer Rory Stuart about his book: What Are Gardens For? He brought up the question: ‘Is the garden an art form? He suggested that if our gardens are to be considered as art … Continue reading →

One of the most spectacular views on the Cote d’Azur is from the hill top town of Eze.  It is situated between Nice and Monaco. From here you look down on Cap Ferrat and on a clear day you can … Continue reading →

Reginald Farrer was a great plantsman, explorer and writer. His book: In a Yorkshire Garden is a particular favourite of mine. I love Farrer’s way with words. Vita Sackville West said he was ‘half poet, half botanist’. He does sometimes … Continue reading →

My snowdrops are still enchanting me. Lovely Galanthus Lady Elphinstone is elegantly dressed in yellow petticoats. She is a double form of nivalis,  but made special by the yellow markings. Another lovely snowdrop: Galanthus nivalis ‘Brenda Troyle’. She has large,nicely … Continue reading →

Cyclamen coum Pretty in Pink.

  The dwarf irises which usually flower later in February have all come out early this year. The first to bloom is as usual Iris danfordiae in lovely deep yellow.  If you peer down its throat you can see it has … Continue reading →