Monthly Archives: August 2017

One of the vivid memories of my child hood was my Mothers beautiful Delphiniums, which had long stems of little blue flowers with big black stamens . They ranged from the palest soft sky blue to deep indigo and  purple. She had vast drifts of them during the summer outside our deck. I have never been able to produce such beauties in my garden in St Clair

On my stopovers in Dubai twice year I am always enthralled by the stunning flower arrangements in the hotels foyers – in our hotel Al Manzil it was a collection of Cerise orchids which will always look fabulous on mass, but, a peek into the lobby of the prestigious Palace hotel is always worth it not only for its opulance but for the extravagant impressive flower displays.

This time it was my favourite delphiniums and hydrangeas  arranged in a creative collection of blue patterned vases, sitting on a huge round table with simple bowls of purple succulents placed underneath. I had never seen hydrangeas with theses delicate white lace edges and will certainly be looking out for them.

I have my grandmothers blue lace hydrangea  along with many more varieties and cuttings  from  friends. . S0 maybe its time to have another go at the delphiniums!!

I depart on my Italy / France tour in a day and I am going to miss Larnach Castle’s Snow drop day on Sunday. Margaret Barker the doyen of gardening and creator of the magnificent gardens surrounding the castle invited me for a coffee and to view her stunning nurtured spreads of Snowdrops.

Described as …. Snowdrops are some of the earliest bulbs, and flowers in general, to bloom in spring. Galanthus nivalis is the most common species, and its cultivars are the most commonly grown snowdrops on the market. They are reliably hardy and perennial. They grow to 4 inches tall and wide and flower in mid- to late winter, long before most other plants. They are the first sign of spring around the corner. Flowers are nodding and white.

I  have my own incredibly small patches of bulbs and I’m waiting the 5 or so years it takes for them to bulk up. Margaret is dedicated and driven and after patient hours of work has achieved the most beautiful stunning drifts of snowdrops. It’s a Dunedin treasure and visiting her snowdrop day on Sunday is a must. What better way to celebrate the beginning of Spring with a lady so passionate about Galanthus.