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NCG 080
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Acer griseum AGM
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Paper Bark Maple
A small to medium sized ornamental tree which lends interest to the garden at all times of year. Small, yellow flowers appear in spring, followed by fresh green foliage in spring and summer, then spectacular orange, red and pink autumn foliage in autumn. At all times of year the chestnut-red… |
NCG 722
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Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' | |
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Golden Japanese rush, Variegated slender sweet flag
Although strictly speaking a marginal pond plant, this small and attractive grass-like plant will grow successfully in almost any reasonable, moist soil - in fact it seems quite content in quite dry spots in my garden. It produces strongly variegated, green and yellow, fan-shaped tufts of stiff, aromatic foliage and… |
NCG 499
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Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' | |
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Tree aeonium, Tree houseleek, Irish rose
Description coming soon. |
NCG 585
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Alchemilla alpina | |
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Alpine lady's mantle
My favourite alchemilla - the delicate, deeply cut, silver edged leaves of this small plant are altogether more refined than those of other varieties. Lovely at the front of the border and useful in containers. Sprays of tiny yellow-green flowers on wiry stems appear in spring and summer. |
NCG 313
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Alchemilla erythropoda AGM
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Dwarf lady's mantle
Much daintier than the familiar Alchemilla mollis, this miniature variety looks lovely at the front of the border or in containers. Sprays of tiny yellow-green flowers on short, wiry, reddish stems appear in spring and summer. |
NCG 401
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Allium vineale
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Crow garlic
Although crow garlic is often considered a weed (the bulbils produced at the tip of the stems fall to the ground and can cause it to spread rather too eagerly!), if you don't have space to grow proper garlic but would like to add a hint of fresh garlic to… |
NCG 215
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Allium Syn. Nectaroscordum siculum
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Mediterranean Bells, Sicilian Honey Lily, Ornamental Onion, Sicilian Garlic
A fascinating plant! Clusters of waxy, bell-shaped flowers in shades of cream, pink and green appear in early summer, dangling on tall, slender stems. As the seed pods develop the flowers turn upwards. In some European countries the plant is more likely to be found in the vegetable plot than… |
NCG 846
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Aloe barbadensis
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Aloe vera, Barbados aloe,
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NCG 462
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Alstroemeria pulchella Syn. psittacina 'Mona Lisa' | |
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Lily of the Incas, Peruvian Lily, Parrot lily
Unlike many other Peruvian lilies, 'Mona Lisa' is known to come true from seed. It makes a wonderful cut flower (if you can bear to remove it from the garden!), with large heads of dark-red, speckled flowers with tinges of green on strong, straight stems with glossy foliage. Prefers soil… |
NCG 148
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Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata
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Porcelain berry
This vine-like plant is attractive in all respects, but particularly for its stunningly coloured berries, which range from soft blue-green through turquoise to purple. It grows vigorously in the right conditions. Positioning on a sheltered south-facing wall in poorish soil and restricting root growth gives the best environment for reliable… |
NCG 749
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Anemanthele lessoniana | |
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Pheasant's tail grass
Syn. Stipa arundinacea - full description soon. |
NCG 236
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Apium graveolens secalinum
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Leaf celery, Wild celery, 'Par-Cel', Smallage
Looking almost identical to flat leaved parsley, all parts of this plant have a strong celery scent and flavour. Add a sprig or finely chopped leaves to stocks and sauces. The insignificant flowers are white, followed by masses of seed, which can be used to make celery salt (hover over… |
NCG 298
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Aquilegia vulgaris, various
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Granny's bonnet, various
A mixture of single, double and ruffled plants or seeds in a variety of colours - dark-purple, blue, white and pink. I'm also offering packets containing seeds from specific plants, but there may be some cross-pollination. Note: Plants, when offered, may be bare-rooted, depending on season. |
NCG 400
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Asparagus officinalis
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Garden asparagus
Growing this delicious and exceedingly healthy vegetable from seed might seem a strange idea, since there is a long wait before even crowns can be harvested. Seed-grown asparagus means another year's wait, but the plants will tend to be stronger and healthier than those from bare-rooted crowns that may have… |
NCG 539
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Astrantia major 'Sunningdale Variegated'
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Masterwort 'Sunningdale Variegated'
This lovely astrantia produces masses of the usual pincushion blooms, which are pink with green tinges. But it really comes into its own in early spring, when the young foliage has strong white and green variegation. The white changes to cream and then yellow as the season progresses, and eventually… |
NCG 012
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Astrantia major subsp. involucrata 'Shaggy' AGM
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Masterwort 'Shaggy' (a.k.a. 'Margery Fish')
This astrantia form, with its white pincushion blooms, which are tinted green, is happy in shade and is said to repel slugs, so try planting near hostas. Makes a very good cut flower which lasts well and also can usually be successfully dried for winter arrangements. Although harvested from plants… |
NCG 069
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Astrantia mixed
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Masterwort, mixed
This astrantia mix should produce pincushion blooms which are pink or white with green tinges. It is happy in shade and is said to repel slugs, so try planting near hostas. Makes a very good cut flower which lasts well and also can usually be successfully dried for winter arrangements. |
NCG 091
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Barbarea verna
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American land cress, Winter Cress, Wild Rocket
Perhaps the best thing about wild rocket is that (as its other common name makes clear!) it produces lush foliage at times when other salad plants are not available. Its strong, pungent flavour is not dissimilar to water cress. Finely chopped, it makes an interesting addition to sandwiches. Treat as… |
NCG 171
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Bupleurum rotundifolium 'Griffithii' | |
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Common Hare's Ear
A very useful filler both in the flower beds and in flower arrangements (fresh or dried), this plant resembles euphorbia, but without the irritating, milky sap. The foliage is bluish-green and the tiny flowers a vivid yellow-green. Gently self-seeds. |
NCG 094
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Cerinthe major var. purpurascens
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Cerinthe, Honeywort, Blue shrimp plant
Deep purple, almost indigo, clusters of bells dangle above attractive glaucous, grey-green foliage. This wildflower is much loved by bees and butterflies. It self-seeds happily (but not invasively) in the gravel patio area in my garden, where it looks charming. |
NCG 235
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Chasmanthium Syn. uniola latifolium
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Northern Sea Oats, Spangle Grass
The photograph really does not do this delightful grass justice! Growing to a maximum of a metre or so (usually somewhat less), the erect stems resemble miniature bamboo in their growth habit. The seed heads are, however, quite different, being delicate, flat, diamond shapes - almost like spear heads -… |
NCG 509
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Clematis viticella 'Chatsworth' | |
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Italian leather flower, Purple clematis, Virgin's bower 'Chatsworth'
A wild form of clematis originating from southern Europe, with nodding, pale-mauve flowers with four, or occasionally five, petals (or, more accurately, tepals), each having a darker stripe down the middle. A good choice for scrampling over walls or large shrubs in a spot offering some shade. |
NCG 396
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Cobaea scandens f. Alba AGM
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White Cup and Saucer Vine
A white-flowered version of the more familiar purple/blue, this climber, which must usually be treated as an annual in the UK when situated outside, but can be successfully grown as a perennial indoors if warmth and some humidity are provided, is the perfect choice for a sunny, sheltered wall, trellis… |
NCG 342
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Cotinus coggygria | |
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Smoke Bush
The plant from which these seeds were sourced has grey-green leaves with delicate, feathery flower spikes which turn from cream to a deep pink as the year progresses. |
NCG 490
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Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis 'Hearts of Gold'
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Cantaloupe or Musk Melon 'Hearts of Gold'
An heirloom variety, dating back to 1895, which has stood the test of time and is very suitable for growing in the UK. The fruits are ribbed, dark-green with heavy white netting and the deep-orange flesh is very sweet and fragrant. |
NCG 102
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Cucurbita pepo 'Yellow Golden'
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Courgette, Zuccini 'Yellow Golden'
The golden-yellow fruits of this variety are particularly sweet! Pick when young, but allow some to develop to full-sized 'marrows' at the end of the season... they will keep in a cool, airy place all winter and are delicious stuffed with a Mediterranean-style filling, the base ingredients being onions, sweet… |
NCG 517
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Cyclamen hederifolium | |
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Hardy cyclamen, Ivy-leaved cyclamen
A delightful autumn-flowering woodland plant, with leaves shaped a little like ivy, though more tapered, strongly patterned with silver-green markings. The flowers are pink and sometimes delicately scented, usually appearing before the foliage. Looks wonderful naturalised under trees. |
NCG 844
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Elymus hystrix | |
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European or Spreading Bottlebrush grass
Syn, Hystrix patula |
NCG 417
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Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' | |
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Epimedium, Horny Goat Weed, Barrenwort
Delicate sprays of soft-yellow flowers appear on slender, straight, stems from early Spring, followed by somewhat heart-shaped leaves which quickly develop beautiful bronze markings and are retained throughout the winter. This is a rather shorter epimedium than most and is a perfect choice for the front of a dry border… |
NCG 471
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Eryngium agavifolium
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Agave-leaved sea holly
This most unusual and exotic looking plant looks as though it should need a heated conservatory to survive, but it is in fact quite hardy. A straight stem topped with clusters of spiky, greenish-white flower heads grows from a pineapple-like rosette of fleshy, toothed leaves. The picture really does not… |
NCG 139
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Eucomis bicolor | |
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Pineapple lily
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NCG 407
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Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald 'n' Gold' | |
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Winter creeper 'Emerald 'n' Gold'
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NCG 906
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Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii | |
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Mediterranean spurge
Young plants often available, sourced direct from the garden. Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing. |
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NCG 758
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Euphorbia lathyris
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Caper Spurge, Mole plant
Said to deter moles. More soon... |
NCG 212
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Euphorbia mellifera | |
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Canary spurge
A bold architectural plant, making a large dome of bright green leaves with central white veins. The small flowers, which appear in spring, have a reddish-orange tinge and are followed by interesting seed heads with pretty, textured pods. |
NCG 058
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Foeniculum vulgare
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Common fennel (herb)
An attractive culinary herb, fennel is a large plant with feathery leaves (these seeds will probably produce a mixture of green and bronze-leaved varieties) that looks well in ornamental beds. The flat umbels of small flowers are followed by aromatic seeds with a liquorice/aniseed flavour, Both leaves and seeds are… |
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NCG 592
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Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum'
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Bronze-leaved fennel
The bronze-leaved variety of this attractive culinary herb. Fennel is a large plant with feathery leaves that looks well in ornamental beds. The flat umbels of small flowers are followed by aromatic seeds with a liquorice/aniseed flavour, Both leaves and seeds are traditionally used in fish recipes. The seeds also… |
NCG 533
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Galanthus nivalis | |
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Common snowdrop
Snowdrops, with their delicately green-tipped white flowers, flower in late winter/early spring and look beautiful naturalised in drifts under trees, but will be happy in most other locations, including containers. Bulbs offered will be sourced to order from my various patches of naturalised snowdrops and delivered potted, so that there… |
NCG 068
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Geranium pratense f. albiflorum
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Meadow cranesbill
This delightful geranium, which has a long flowering period, appeared from nowhere! A tall variety with strong, upright stems bearing pure white blooms about 1.25in/3cm across with green veining. Happy in full sun or part shade. Since there are other geraniums growing in the garden, it is possible (although in… |
NCG 225
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Hakonechloa macra 'Alboaurea' AGM
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Golden Hakonechloa, Golden Japanese forest grass
A stunning, deciduous grass that does very well in both sun and light shade. Produces lush clumps of arching, cream, yellow and green, narrowly-striped foliage that catches the light in a breeze. Flower racemes on slender stalks appear in summer, followed by delicate seeds heads. I have not found it… |
NCG 309
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Helleborus foetidus
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Stinking Hellebore
The flowers of this interesting, shade-loving plant are very soft, pale green, sometimes with a red margin and are leathery in texture. It is a haven for hibernating ladybirds, which can be found nestling in and around the flowers all winter. |
NCG 577
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Hieracium maculatum Syn spilophaeum 'Leopard' | |
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Spotted hawkweed
An unusual and decorative addition to the front of the border, this variegated form of hawkweed (usually considered a weed!) produces a low rosette of intricately blotched, dark red-brown and blue-green leaves, above which nod small, yellow daisy-like flowers on tall, wiry stems. It is for the foliage that this… |
NCG 472
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Hosta syn. funkia x hybrida | |
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Hosta, Plantain lily
The seeds offered were mostly from the variety illustrated, but from a couple of others too. In any case, they are very unlikely to come true, but it could be fun to see that they produce and you may even discover some unique variations of this attractive shade-loving plant! |
NCG 251
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Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' | |
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Hydrangea 'Annabelle', Smooth hydrangea, Wild hydrangea, Sevenbark
I've never known anyone unfamiliar with this delightful plant not to request it when they see it in bloom in the garden! The domed flower heads are composed of masses of small blooms, lime green at first, turning creamy-white (and almost spherical) when in full bloom and a lovely parchment… |
NCG 026
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Hyoscyamus niger
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Black Henbane, Stinking Nightshade
Black henbane produces soft, downy leaves and strange, but beautiful, pale creamy-yellow flowers intricately veined in purple. The seed pods are also rather attractive; they have a little round lid which falls off when the pods are ripe, releasing the seeds. All parts of the plant are toxic. The whole plant… |
NCG 579
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Lamium maculatum 'Beacon Silver' | |
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Spotted dead nettle 'Beacon Silver'
This lovely, low-growing ground cover plant has a spreading habit, but is relatively easy to keep in check. The heavily marked foliage is delightful, and the plant has the added bonus of pink flowers. Best grown in shade or part-shade and will happily tolerate both dry and wet soils. |
NCG 439
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Lamium Syn. Lamiastrum galeobdolon subsp. Argentatum 'Herman's Pride' | |
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Variegated Yellow Archangel 'Hermann's Pride'
A small, variegated nettle with spikes of yellow flowers. A good choice for woodland planting or at the front of shady borders. |
NCG 033
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Lathyrus chloranthus
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Yellow Sweet Pea
An unusual species sweet pea, the small, unscented flowers are green-yellow. I often grow them up loose wigwams made from buddelia sticks inserted into large tubs, underplanted with lobelia, small antirrhinums and perhaps a lantana in the middle. They are also happy scrambling up trellis. |
NCG 558
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Ledebouria socialis | |
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Silver squill, Purple squill, South African Scilla, Leopard Lily
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NCG 494
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Lupinus arboreus alba | |
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White Tree Lupin
This variety of tree lupin bears masses of beautiful white flower spikes in early summer. Although generally short-lived, plants produced from early-spring sowings can attain 2m in their first year, so casualties can be replaced very easily. NOTE: Externally sourced seeds. |
NCG 299
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Maianthemum dilatatum
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False Lily-of-the-Valley
False Lily-of-the-Valley has beautiful, heart-shaped, mid-green leaves, which are shiny and textured with deep veins. Slender spikes bearing waxy, creamy-white blooms appear in Spring and early Summer, followed by green berries, which later turn translucent red. Prefers shade and nitrogen-rich soil, making this a good plant for underplanting in woodland… |
NCG 726
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Melothria scabra
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Cucamelon
Looking for all the world like miniature watermelons, these bite-sized cucumbers are full of flavour, with a hint of lime! Usually grown as an annual, but see growing instructions below. |
NCG 365
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Nicotiana alata 'Lime Green' AGM
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Jasmine tobacco, Sweet tobacco, Winged tobacco, lime green
A most unusual take on the familiar tobacco plant, this variety produces masses of rich, acid-green flowers. Mine are planted in a fairly shady area where they do very well, adding a touch of brightness throughout the summer and well into autumn. A good cut flower if you can bear… |
NCG 209
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Ocimum basilicum 'Sweet Genovese' (Organic)
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Basil 'Sweet Genovese'
Almost everyone must be familiar with this very aromatic basil variety, with its large, green cushion-leaved foliage. For companion planting enthusiasts, basil is said to encourage the growth of tomatoes, peppers and chillies (and of course it is also a perfect companion in the kitchen for these and many other… |
NCG 002
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Panicum elegans 'Frosted Explosion'
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Switch grass 'Frosted Explosion'
As the seed heads emerge, they resemble fibre optics! Lovely plant for floral arrangements. Remove seedheads if you don't want the grass to self seed, but unlike some grasses is not difficult to control - roots are shallow so young, unwanted plants can be removed easily. |
NCG 498
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Persicaria virginiana var. filiformis 'Lance Corporal'
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Virginia knotweed, Jumpseed 'Lance Corporal'
An interesting shrubby perennial with strong, v-shaped markings (looking rather like bats), which are dark brownish-red - sometimes almost black - on a bright green ground. In the autumn delicate spikes of bright-crimson flowers appear on thin, wiry stems. Although it is recommended to grow in part or full shade… |
NCG 153
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Petroselinum crispum var. crispum
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Curly Leaved Parsley
This variety of parsley forms bright green clumps of tightly crinkled leaves. No doubt everyone will be familiar with its use as a garnish in diverse situations (including, traditionally, the butcher's shop window - although often as plastic replicas!) and as a vital ingredient in stocks, soups and stews. Parsley… |
NCG 041
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Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum AGM
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Flat-leaved parsley
Sow wherever you have spare ground that retains moisture and provides some shade and you will have an almost continual supply of this verstile, vitamin C-packed herb throughout most of the year. A ridiculously simple, refreshing and healthy salad idea: finely chop a large handful of parsley and mix with… |
NCG 201
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Phytolacca acinosa Syn. esculenta
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Indian Pokeweed, Inkberry, Pidgeonberry
Although invariably referred to as American pokeweed (P. decandra Syn. americana), the variety seen in UK gardens is almost certainly Indian pokeweed (P. asinosa Syn. esculenta). Both look very similar, but P. acinosa has vertical, upright inflorescences, whilst P. americana has lax, dangling, flower stems, with single, spherical fruits on… |
NCG 832
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Pseudofumaria alba subsp. acaulis Syn. Corydalis ochroleuca | |
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Pale corydalis
Creamy flowers appear in spring and continue throughout the summer, above beautiful light-green divided foliage. Generally a short-lived perennial, but gently self-seeds. |
NCG 425
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Rudbeckia occidentalis 'Green Wizard' | |
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Cone flower 'Green Wizard'
A wonderful cut flower, fresh or dried, this unusual hardy rudbeckia has its origins in Western USA. From late-spring and well into summer it produces elongated, russet-brown cones above a circle of green bracts on tall, strong stems bearing dark green leaves. Much recommended! |
NCG 436
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Rumex acetosa
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Common sorrel
Description coming soon |
NCG 542
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Rumex sanguineus var. sanguineus
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Bloody dock, Red-veined dock, Red-veined sorrel
This most unusual and attractive foliage plant produces dense clumps of deep-green leaves with striking, beetroot-red veins. The colouring is usually more pronounced at cooler times of the year. The flower spikes have insignificant blooms and are best removed to encourage more foliage and to prevent self-seeding. |
NCG 536
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Sanicula Syn. Hacquetia epipactis AGM | |
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Broad-leaved sanicle
You'd be forgiven for not knowing that this unusual and attractive low-growing plant for shade is related to the carrot! It produces masses of tiny little yellow flowers surrounded by lime-green bracts in early Spring, with mid-green foliage appearing a little later. One of my favourites! |
NCG 495
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Scirpus atrovirens
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Dark-green bulrush
A popular marginal pond plant, this bulrush has very attractive dark brown (almost black) seed heads in spring, above dark-green, grass-like foliage. The seeds, although extremely small, are popular with garden birds. |
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NCG 660
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Scleranthus biflorus | |
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Lime lava
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NCG 460
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Smyrnium perfoliatum | |
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Yellow Alexanders
Resembling euphorbia or bupleurum - a very pretty woodland plant that can take two to three years to come to full maturity. More info coming later... |
NCG 103
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Solanum lycopersicum 'Marmande'
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Tomato 'Marmande'
Medium-sized beefsteak-type tomatoes growing on sturdy vines. A wonderful, full flavour... an essential ingredient for authentic Mediterranean-style recipes and salads! |
NCG 106
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Solanum lycopersicum 'Sun Gold'
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Tomato 'Sun Gold'
The small, golden yellow fruits are sweet and juicy. It's just as well that they fruit prolifically, because it is difficult to pass by the greeenhouse in summer without snacking! |
NCG 804
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Soleirolia syn. Helxine soleirolii | |
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Mind-your-own-business, Baby's tears
A mat-forming, creeping perennial with tiny round leaves. It spreads rapidly so needs to be sited carefully, but does have its uses. Some sources describe it as tender, but mine has thrived in the passageway down the side of my house for 20 years! But it is perfectly happy as… |
NCG 581
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Sophora tetraptera | |
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Large-leaved kowhai, New Zealand laburnum
A very attractive small, semi-evergreen tree, native to New Zealand. Produces masses of pendulous, waxy, yellow blooms in spring. Needs a sheltered spot (against a wall is ideal) and full sun to grow as a tree, because although it is hardy to -15C/5F, it can be knocked back somewhat by… |
NCG 414
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Stachys byzantina syn. lanata
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Lamb's-ear, Woolly hedgenettle
Description coming soon. NOTE: Depending on season, plants, when available, may be trimmed back and/or barerooted for shipping. In this case they will look untidy, but will soon produce fresh foliage. |
NCG 347
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Tellima grandiflora | |
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Fringe cups
A lovely woodland plant with a rosette of light-green round, lobed foliage and slender stems bearing insignificant, but nonetheless attractive, downward-pointing bell-shaped flowers down their length, sometimes creamy yellow, sometimes tinged with pink. |
NCG 526
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Vinca major 'Variegata' | |
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Greater periwinkle 'Variegata'
A trailing vine, usually used as ground cover, with bold creamy-yellow and green variegation. Pretty purple flowers and inch or so across appear sporadically from spring right into autumn. The plant spreads by rooting along the stems where they lie on the ground and can become quite dense, but can… |
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