In the spring the highly scented lilac blooms of the perennial honesty, Lunaria rediviva, is usually in full bloom when we hold our April Plant Sale (the first of the Season) and is much sought after. The many hostas are the next to put in an appearance and make a long lasting display with their varied leaves and shapes.Then come the paeonies, aquilegias, irises and alliums followed closely by the geraniums that always give a good long lasting show with their many colours and forms. The leguminosae bed makes a pleasing display with Lathyrus ‘White Pearl’ and the red Lathyrus rotundifolia with a backdrop of the yellow Piptanthus nepalense. 

Later in the season the phlox are a stunning sight with pinks, reds, blues and white forms. The grasses are always eye-catching and a good talking point when we are open to the public on Sunday afternoons. The many forms of fritillaria, hemerocallis and kniphofias make a colourful long-lasting display through the summer and in the autumn the many different salvias cause quite a stir among the visitors. 

We aim to grow some of the traditional older varieties of perennials whilst still keeping up to date with more modern plants. As well as the flowers and perfume we also have many foliage plants. The group is very conscious of the need to renew and develop the garden so, we are working our way round the garden renewing the planting schemes.