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hydrangeas, but this year they are undoubtedly pink.'Blue Wave' has always been so reliable, but now it's not living up to its name.Hydrangeas exhibit a chameleon-like characteristic, changing flower colour according to the type of soil they're growing in

in colourful mixtures, but I love growing varieties in a single colour. 'Candy Stripe' has white flowers with a pink, picotee edge, while bicoloured 'Daydream' has a deeper rose-pink centre, fading to white at the edges. For reds try 'Pied Piper Red' or the new

thing, it has continued growing strongly to dominate this display. Yes it's tender, but I could take cuttings now to keep young plants through winter on a warm, bright windowsill. The contrast in colour between the cream-and-pink-veined upper surface

Rose Shades (from Mr Fothergill's seeds), producing a simple, single rosette in shades of rose pink. They only grow to about 45cm, so I've planted them closely to form a carpet between some standard Bonica roses in a complimentary shade. The marvellous

, wavy, pale pink petals.I don't want to be accused of neglect, but nerine really does like to be left undisturbed in the same pot for many years to get really pot bound. The bulbs slowly divide and multiply, and as the new bulbs mature and flower your

If I followed the adage that every plant in my garden had to earn its place then I'm not convinced peonies are worth growing. When it comes to their contribution to the display I'd have to say it's... brief. Of course, anticipation is a virtue every

down gradually by reducing watering in autumn, then overwinter their tubers to replant next spring.Calla lilies have a tongue-twister of a botanical name: Zantedeschia. They grow from dormant tubers (well I think that's what they are). They need a good

ordered from one mail order supplier in October still haven't arrived. It was actually Kate Bradbury, one of my fellow bloggers on this site, who led me to make another bulb order.In her blog Growing daffodils, Kate mentioned an early flowering narcissus

of apple trees to swell, flushed with pink, before the pure white flowers burst open. As my main reason for growing apple trees is for their fruit, I'm keen that the trees produce abundant blossom, and also that there will be plenty of bees to enjoy it

I'm always looking for plants that make an impact - things that will grab the attention and put on a good show. Seasonal bedding and bulbs are always popular, but many shrubs also grow well in patio pots.Over the years I've tried all sorts, from