April:
Pieris Andromeda, a very useful shrub, growing in popularity with gardeners. In spring there are long sprays of bell-shaped blooms and with popular varieties there is a bright red display of young foliage. Neat, slow-growing and requires little attention.
Magnolia stellata, has an eventual height of 3m and 4m spread. A compact and slow-growing plant its white star-like flowers are wonderfully scented and brighten up any April day.
Vinca minor quick-growing groundcover and flowers from spring until autumn why not go for Happy in deep shade or a sunny spot the variegated cream and green foliage only enhances this lovely woodland plant.
Genm coccineum early blooming perennial providing a shock of colour after the long winter, making an excellent edging along borders and walkways. Thriving in both dry and damp soil and in sun to light shade.
May:
Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ is a slender, up-right cherry tree with gorgeous pale pink blossom and great autumn colour. It needs moist, but well-drained soil and very little pruning to keep it happy.
Digitalis mertonensis the perennial Foxglove produces spires of metre-high pink flowers, which are attractive to bees, and self-seeds itself easily.
Iris Jane Phillips slightly fragrant tall bearded iris is a great performer with vibrant flax-blue, ruffled flowers that bloom from May to June.
Wisteria, a spectacular flowering climber with hanging chains of pea-like flowers in May and June. They like any reasonable soil but requires full sun.
June:
Clematis ‘Niobe’ is a must. It bears the most gorgeous cerise-red flowers with yellow anthers at the centre and in hot weather the flowers become even darker. It is not a particularly rampant variety and will reach only about 3m high. Yes, it will look stunning over that rose-arch!
Iris ‘Black Swan’ is one of the most beautiful Irises. The flower is such a deep shade of purple that it is almost black and has been compared to the texture of silk. Reaching upwards of 70cm tall it is a member of the Bearded Iris family.
Weigela produces a colourful floral display in late spring and early summer and sits well in any shrub or mixed borders. Its completely reliable, grows in all soils and flowers quite merrily in partial shade. It will withstand neglect, but for best results it needs rich soil and annual pruning.
Hydrangea the queen of the late-flowering shrubs. They have large flower heads borne in August and September. The most popular ones are Mophead and Hortensias with large globular heads of sterile florets.
