Finally a trip beyond the house horizon is allowed and it felt so good. Just look to see some of the things there to delight in the hedgerow. Click to enlarge. Braken Such a pest to sum but at the right time. Braken has it’s beauty. Common Vetch Ground-ivy I Read more…
These are two of my favourite Magnolia species. First the Purple Magnolia or Magnolia liliiflora. Next the comparatively delicate looking Siebold’s Magnolia or Magnolia sieboldii. Can you chose your favourite of the two?
An opportunity arose of going with a group of botanists to see a particular Orchid. This is a species I’ve wanted to see for some time. Our guide was the grounds keeper to this private golf course. Temperature in this heatwave and nature of being in a group did not Read more…
Danish Scurvygrass (Cochlearia danica) is a salt tolerant plant which has benefited from the salt put on out roads in winter. Like many seaside plants it has adapted to living in this harsh environment. Salt and the small light seeds has meant cars provide both the environment and the means Read more…
Primroses are unusual they have two morphologies, Pin and Thrum. Pin with the female parts at the top and Thrum with the male parts at the top. So Pin flowers can only fertilise Thrum and visa versa. They are a heterostylous species.
Daffodils a Sign for Spring Daffodils are an obvious choice here in the UK as spring arrives. I turned around one day and there they were in a vase. All I had to do was set up the lighting and background for this simple but satisfying painting. Painted in thick Read more…
Flowers at Killerton From the formal gardens adjacent to the house to the woodland above there are flowers for all at Killerton. This 18th century property has a remarkable collection of non-native trees. They cover the slope behind the house which has been carefully planted with these exotic tree species. Read more…
Handkerchief Tree Flower The handkerchief or dove tree is originally from south west China. Introduced to Europe in 1904. Originally thought to be in the Dogwood family. This fast growing tree with it’s Lime like leaves, is best know for the elegant white bracts. From where it gets it’s name. Read more…