3
GARDENING
OF THE
BEST
Viburnum are often overlooked, which
is a shame as many are undemanding
and easy to grow and worthy of more
attention. Viburnum davidii, a neat
evergreen with elegantly veined leaves,
is tough without looking dull and makes
superb ground cover. Viburnum x judii
has deliciously scented flowers in April
and May and grows to one metre, making
it ideal for small gardens. Viburnum
plicatum ‘Marisii', sometimes called the
wedding cake tree, is an elegant medium
sized shrub ideal as a specimen in a lawn
or border.
Early arrival
Mystery of Clematis
be a mystery.
Clematis pruning can
ee groups
they are divided into thr
and each
for the climbing types,
t. Group I
needs different treatmen
types such as
are the early flowering
ndii which
C.montana and C.ama
with the shears
only need a quick trim
the spring. If
after they've flowered in
uired , cut all
drastic renovation is req
point at least
stems back to a suitable
immediately
one metre from the base
a general
after flowering, apply
ll in dry spells .
fertilizer and water we
Aquilegias are one of the earliest perennials
to make an appearance in the garden.
Attractive mounds of blue grey leaves are
followed by airy flocks of nodding flowers
on tall stems. Flowers can vary dramatically
in size and colour, from large fragilelooking singles to chubby many petalled
doubles in shades ranging from white to
almost black. Native to many parts of the
Northern Hemisphere they grow well in part
shade and self-seed with abandon if given
the chance. Best treated as a short-lived
perennial they last longer if dead-headed.
Magic moments
Butterflies, with perhaps the exception of
cabbage whites, are a much loved part of any
garden, adding a magical element of colour and
movement. Invite them to dine, and perhaps
multiply by planting a few butterfly friendly
plants. Sweet rocket, Hesperis matronalis is a
hardy biennial or short lived perennial plant
from the same family as wallflowers, stocks and
cabbages. Its lavender or white flowers give off a
beautiful perfume in the evening; it grows to one
metre and can be sown now to flower next year.
Orange tip and other butterflies just love it. The
sulphur yellow brimstone is a rarer sight; plant
a buckthorn bush to lure the females who can
smell this plant from five miles away.
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