ENJOYING THE JUNE TREATS – WITH TOM PATTINSON

Paradoxically, the hardy ornamental plants in this garden, especially shrubs and herbaceous perennials, have sailed through the inclement weather and are flowering on time. So, we’re enjoying the regular June treats.

The evergreen Choisya ternata (Mexican orange blossom) is in full fragrant bloom, and clusters of pink flowers are opening against a background of fresh variegated leaves on the Weigela florida ‘Variegata.’ From the conservatory window three large patches of white bloom are catching the eye. Spiraea arguta (bridal wreath) is a mass of arching sprays in the long, mixed border. Beyond that, stands a group of Syringa ‘Madame Lemoine’ (double white lilac), and an arc is completed by a tall hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) standing across the lane, awash with May blossom.

The lilac is notorious for sending suckers to the surface.

When these are dug up with roots attached in autumn or spring, they can be replanted and produce flowers true to form. As soon as the garden shrubs mentioned have completed flowering, new growths that appear make ideal softwood stem cuttings.

There are some interesting colour combinations emerging in the borders right now. A red-stemmed dogwood (Cornus ‘Elegantissima’) with variegated foliage provides background for the red-purple flowers of the herbaceous Knautia macedonica. The dark red bracts of Astrantia ‘Hadspen Blood’ contrast strongly with pale blue flowers of Rosemary ‘Miss Jessop’s Upright.’ And Allium ‘Purple Sensation’ is performing alongside golden yellow flowers of woad (Isatis tinctoria).

The combination most bees are heading for is a mass of blue. Symphytum caucasicum (comfrey) that stands one metre tall alongside a two – metre high standard form of Ceanothus ‘Concha’ (California lilac). It has literally thousands of flowers and is far and away my plant of the month!