PENNY’S FAVOURITE SPRING PLANTS

Rosa banksiae ‘Lutea’: A rambling rose, with gentle yellow flowers and fragrance in late spring. The Judas tree, Cercis siliquastrum: A small, bushy deciduous tree, with copper-coloured, heart-shaped leaves and tiny purple flowers in spring. The leaves turn flame-red in autumn. Purple beech, Fagus sylvatica ‘Atropurpurea’, and yew, Taxus baccata: Both of these trees could grow to be massive, but those in the topiary garden at Wick Farm are clipped once or twice a year to remain at their current size.

Tulipa ‘Black Parrot’: Rich, dark maroon, purple frilly petals borne in late spring.

Deep-hued tulipa ‘Black Parrot’ (left). The Judas tree in flower (right).