#writtlestudents

Plant of the Day Thursday 24 May 2018

More floral constructions from Jens Jakobsen, the Danish Florist in London, including this cascade of Muehlenbeckia complexa (Australian ivy) brimming out of this Salix (willow) container attached to the metal fencing. The onions (Allium cepa) I shared with you on Sunday 25 March 2018 have also sprouted!

The landscape architecture and garden design students and staff of Writtle University College, Essex, were wowed by the display on the way back from a reception for them, hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Lindley Library, London, at the launch of their collaborative exhibition ’Rethinking Repton’. Thank you to the RHS for this great opportunity and to the wonderful students for all their efforts and enthusiasm.

Plant of the Day Friday 5 May 2017

Euphorbia polychrome (spurge) and Euphorbia characias (spurge) were both flowering in the recently planted Beech Gardens, the new roof garden design at the Barbican, London. We visited with the students and were fortunate to meet the researcher and designer of the project Nigel Dunnett. We were shown the ZinCo planting system and discussed the planting strategy based on Steppe habitats - plants with low water requirements, ease of maintenance, successional display and wind tolerance. Thanks to all our hosts for a great day, including the City Gardens volunteers.

Plant of the Day

Monday 8 May 2017

A native of central and southern Italy Sesleria nitida (nest moor grass) forms mounds of spiky blue grey leaves topped by attractive light flowerheads in late spring. This ornamental grass thrives in a sunny open spot and once established can be very drought tolerant which is an important consideration for roof gardens. Here it forms part of the planting for Beech Gardens, the new roof garden designed by Nigel Dunnett at the Barbican, London. A Writtle University College student chats to a volunteer who helps to maintain this inspiring green space as part of the Friends of City Gardens.

Plant of the Day

Wednesday 8 March 2017

The Acacia dealbata (mimosa) were in full flower when students and staff visited the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London. These evergreen trees or large shrubs have finely divided grey-green leaves and in early spring are covered with fragrant yellow flowerheads, borne in terminal clusters. Thanks to the Park for such a great tour with Ryan Mills, an alumnus of Writtle, and great plant knowledge from Andy, an alumnus of the Royal Horticultural Society Garden Wisley.