The Royal Horticultural Society, which runs the nationwide gardening competition, ‘Britain in Bloom’, has added another gardening opportunity for groups such as ours at Erasmus Darwin House. It is called ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ and is described as ‘a non-competitive scheme for community groups who want to ‘green up’ local areas – adding some colour to your…
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) As this is the last article in the present series for this year, it seemed appropriate to celebrate autumn with a bold splash of colour to raise our spirits. We are probably all familiar with the cheery nasturtium which now comes in a wide variety of reds and yellows and can either…
This rather untidy plant (in the Dyer’s Garden) can grow up to 1.5m in height and it climbs with tiny hooks on the leaves and stems. The flowers are very small with pale yellow petals followed by small red to black berries. Madder roots have been used as a vegetable red dye for leather, wool, cotton and silk…
In the Herb Garden this week no 16 (12.9.20) Polypody (Polypodium vulgare) This fern’s name is derived from poly (many) and podos (a foot) and this is a good description of its rounded fronds which give it an unusual and distinctive appearance. At this time of year you can find the under-surfaces dotted with rows…
In the Herb Garden this week no.15 (5.9.2020) Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) This member of the mint family grows in a cushion close to the ground, with bright green leaves, tiny mauve flowers and a strong pungent scent. The name ‘pulegium’ is derived from the Latin ‘pulex’ meaning flea, because both the fresh plant and the…
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