#markshallarboretum

Plant of the Day

Tuesday 13 November 2018

Even herbaceous perennials can contribute autumn colours to the garden. Here the clump-forming Geranium × magnificum (purple cranesbill) puts on some spectacular colours before dying down for the winter. For a short time in early summer it is covered with purple flowers.

Plant of the Day

Wednesday 21 November 2018

A dramatic foliage display from the deciduous shrub or small tree Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' (Japanese maple). This is considered to be one of the best cultivars for intense red autumn colour. In spring the fresh green leaves make a striking contrast with the red flowers.

Plant of the Day

Sunday 18 November 2018

The clipped forms of these Lavandula × chaytoriae 'Sawyers' (lavender) create a pattern that will sustain this garden display through the winter. This evergreen shrub has linear, silvery-grey leaves and in the summer there are spikes of light purple flowers.

Plant of the Day

Wednesday 7 February 2018

As if a drift of Galanthus (snowdrops) flowering in woodland was not enough these were being visited by the resident peacock who was getting ready to look his best for spring! Now is the time to visit snowdrop gardens - this was Marks Hall Arboretum, Essex, UK.

Plant of the Day 

Thursday 10 August 2017 

 A planting of annuals creates a cheerful labyrinth at Marks Hall Arboretum, Essex, UK. At the moment the major players are bi-colour Coreopsis x hybrida (tickseed) and blue flowered Centaurea cyanus (cornflower). This feature has been created from cultivated soil sown with fast growing annuals, some rainy weather and lots of creativity and imagination! 

Plant of the Day Friday 21 April 2017

 A member of the Hamamelidaceae family Fothergilla major (mountain witch alder) forms a rounded deciduous shrub. Here it was lighting up an edge of woodland setting with spiky white flowers. This plant favours humus-rich, moist but well-drained acid soil in sun or partial shade. The ovate dark green leaves turn brilliant colours in autumn.

Plant of the Day

Wednesday 24 February 2016

Last year's flower heads are still providing a display on Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle hydrangea) and protecting any breaking buds below from late frosts. If in a smaller garden it will soon be time to prune away the old flowers as the new growth emerges to control the size and form a framework of branches. This plant produces gracefully arching branches and pyramidal clusters of white, then pink-tinged flowers. It is noted as one of the most cold-hardy species.

Plant of the Day

Saturday 22 August 2015

The blue flowers and grey foliage of Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Heavenly Blue' (bluebeard) compliment the giant white flower installations at the Marks Hall Garden Sculpture Exhibition, Essex, UK. The white flowered Lavandula (lavender) was providing a good foreground for the black flower sculptures. Both Caryopteris and Lavandula need a moderately fertile, light, well-drained soil in full sun. The giant flowers require minimal cultivation but an admiring audience!