Kolkwitzia Week

Key features of 2009/22 are Pyracantha and its sprays of white flowers and Cotinus, which has its auburn "wigs" towering over the dark red leaves, and Kolkwitzia amabilis with its sprays of more delicate pink flowers. Oriental poppies suddenly burst into flower. These grow well on our sandy soil, and most gardeners prefer the giant form to achieve the maximum colour effect. But two medium-height flowering Allium simply vanish: some predator - a slug? a rabbit? - has eaten the leaves and flower stems complete, and when I weed over the bed, I accidentally dig out the roots that are left.

Weigela Week

2008/22: Weigela florida and its hybrid relation W. x 'Eva Rathke' burst into their fullest glory. Viburnum opulus makes a brief showing. Perennial oriental poppies are coming up, with well-established specimens the first to show flowers. Eschscholzia californica 'Mission Bells' poppies are the brightest feature in the borders.