Plant Heritage Essex Group

Achillea millefolium 'Pomegranate' (Tutti Frutti Series)
Hardy rhizomatous gently spreading perennial with feathery green leaves topped by flat heads of shocking pink flowers 45cm (18in) tall from June to August. Likes a sunny site in ordinary to well drained soils. Dead heading encourages re-blooming.

The public choice winner of our Threatened Plant of the Year Competition 2024 is Rhododendron 'Leonardslee Primrose'. Thanks to all the finalists and to everyone who voted, and visited the display RHS - Royal Horticultural Society

This hybrid was raised at Leonardslee by Sir Edmund Loder from a cross between R. campylocarpum and a white-flowered form of R. arboreum. This is now classed as an endangered cultivar, rarely if ever found in cultivation outside of Leonardslee.

Particularly interesting for its many small and delicate bell-shaped flowers of translucent primrose-yellow, spotted with maroon inside which appear throughout March and April.

Sir Edmund Loder is known for creating the Loderi group of hybrid rhododendrons at his estate in Sussex in the early 1900s, his work was continued by his widow after his death.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/TPOTY_2024
Leonardslee Gardens

Pterocephalus spathulatus is endemic to several mountain ranges in SE Andalusia, where it grows on dolomitic substrates, rich in calcium and magnesium.

The silver-grey mats are covered in pink flowers in summer. In the UK, it is best grown in a sheltered, sunny position with good drainage or an alpine house (like the plant here, photographed in the AGS alpine house at our headquarters in Pershore).

Iris lacustris comes from North America, in the Great Lakes region, where it often grows on stony lake shores and moist sandy places. Flowering in summer, this small rhizomatous species is suitable for a raised bed or rock garden.

Rosa Pure Poetry 'Tan 04719' PBR
Hybrid tea rose with large full very fragrant purple red blooms, repeat flowering until the first frosts. Glossy bronzed toned green foliage, disease resistant. Reaches 90cm (36 inches).

Argyranthemum, sometimes known as the marguerite daisy, have large shaped flowers which add bursts of colour from late spring to the first frosts. Often grown in pots as they are tender perennials. Their long blooming season attracts a range of too, including bumblebees, honeybees & hoverflies too.

We are now looking for a new of - do you grow them?

Visit https://bit.ly/missingcollections to find out more, or just get in touch with us.

Image: Argyranthemum 'Vancouver' Credit Plant Heritage

On Friday a Green Plaque was presented to Roger and Linda Hammond who hold the National Collection of Epimediums in Essex.

Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Kobold'
Hardy clump forming short lived perennial with loads of large rich red daisy flowers tipped with yellow on stems reaching 30 cm (12 inches) tall from June-September. Ordinary garden soil in a sunny position. Good in pots. Best if regularly deadheaded.

Some of the Alstroemeria stock plants. I have a nice selection in the nursery now

First blooms on my Dinner Plate Hibiscus today

Today the Essex Group presented a Green Plaque to Rob Brett of RHS Hyde Hall as they hold 3 National Collections

Please note the change of venue for Plant Heritage Essex Group's Autumn Plant Fair.

It will be held at Markshall Estate on Sat 14th and Sun 15th September. Free entry to this beautiful estate and gardens.

We are very proud that His Majesty The King has chosen to continue as royal patron of Plant Heritage, especially given his longstanding interest in plants and plant conservation. There are two National Collections at Highgrove - Fagus (Beech Trees) and Hosta (large & giant leaved) - plus a National Collection of Morus (Mulberries) at Buckingham Palace.

Photo credit: John Paul

Beautiful early rose

Great news and well deserved

We are absolutely delighted to be named one of the best spring bloom gardens in the world by Lonely Planet!
The garden features in the new Lonely Planet book- The Joy of Exploring Gardens- which includes a brief history, Beth's legacy, and also her connection with other horticultural gems Great Dixter and Prospect Cottage.

The garden is looking fantastic at the moment- full of spring colour and lush green growth.

We are open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm.
The Gardens will also be open for the bank holiday weekend- including Sunday (5th) and Monday (6th).

Read more here:
https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/27510359/uk-garden-best-spring-blossoms-in-world/

📷 Julie Skelton: photography

Plant Heritage Essex Group's Spring Plant Fair
Sat 20and Sun 21st April 2024
10 am to 4 pm
At RHS Hyde Hall.
Great plants sold by specialist nurseries

Open Garden

🌷Feeringbury Manor🌷
📆Every Thursday and Friday 4th April - 26th July and 5th September - 11th October
🕙 10:00 - 16:00
📍Coggeshall Road, Feering. CO5 9RB

Adults £6. Kids go free. Tickets can be purchased on the door or in advance via the NGS website https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden-list?search_term=Feeringbury%20manor&sort_by=By%20opening%20date&filter%5Bdays_open%5D=all&filter%5Bgarden_name%5D=Feeringbury%20manor&filter%5Bopen_status%5D=no-upcoming-openings

There is always something to see in this peaceful 10 acre garden. Jewelled lawn in early April then spectacular tulips and blossom lead onto a huge number of colourful and unusual plants, culminating in a purple explosion of Michaelmas daisies in late September.
The garden of Feeringbury manor is on an ancient site originally belonging to William the Conqueror, parts of the house date back to before 1500.

Visits by arrangement also available from 4th April - 11th October for groups of up to 30.

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year

Looking for a great gardening gift for Christmas - support plant conservation, access those rare and unusual plants too and meet like minded plants people too.

Buy a Gift membership of Plant Heritage - with a free gardening too & Johnsons Seeds too. Mr Fothergill's SHOWA Gloves

Visit https://bit.ly/PlantHeritageShop

Image: Daphne bholua 'Hazel Edwards' Credit Plant Heritage (GG)