The current mix of sunshine and warmth is now bringing many of the early flowers into bloom. Snowdrops and Cyclamen are looking beautiful under the trees. The green, purple and white Hellebores are showing well in the Exit Garden, along Lady Lucy’s Walk and on the banks outside the Conservatory. Early Rhododendrons are flowering in and around the Victorian Flower Garden and in the Wilderness. Primroses are everywhere. Did you know that 19th April is ‘Primrose Day’?
Inside the Conservatory and flowering strongly are the Mexican bush sage and also the striking Cigar plant. This unusual Mexican native has bright orange flowers tipped with a thin white rim and two black/purple petals. It resembles a lit cigar, hence the name. The scent of the blue and the white Hyacinths is quite heady. Look out for the aptly named Kangaroo Paw. The usual habitat of this native of South-western Australia is high rainfall forested areas and riverbanks. It’s only around 3 months since the Conservatory was planted and already some of the climbing plants have reached the roof.