Black plants make a great addition to anyone’s garden. They add depth and a new dimension to a planting scheme, and can even look opulent, especially if teamed with purples and reds.
Some people think of black plants as a bit morbid, but I think they’re mysterious and elegant. Plus it’s nice to have something a bit different and unexpected.
In truth, they are actually a deep purple rather than black. I used some in my Ace of Spades Chelsea garden in 2010, and they were all over at this year’s Show.
Here are my top 10 black plants from Chelsea this year:
I love Chelsea Flower Show. It’s has a fantastic atmosphere, and it’s great to see so many people coming together over a love of horticulture.
My favourite thing to do is wander around and see all the plants that are on offer. The best place for this is actually inside the pavilion, where the growers set up stands to show off their best produce. They’re always happy to tell you a bit about them too! It’s a great way to pick up tips if you’re not sure how to care for a plant, or if you want to try something new.
Here are my ten favourite plants from this year’s show:
Scadoxus Multiflorous
This has to be my favourite flower this year. It looks like an allium, but it’s actually a scadoxus. It has bold flower heads and snazzy orange petals. I’ll be planting a few in my garden.
Auricula Star Wars No1
What a great name! Auriculas make great houseplants and this one has lovely delicate flowers with rich-coloured edging.
Daffodil Chromacolour
This daffodil has really bright, unusual colours. It really shone out from the display and will give any garden a burst of spring colour.
Chrysanthemum Zivena
Flowers with green petals are a great surprise to have in a flower bed or border. This is a big, bold plant that’s really different.
Clematis the Countess of Wessex
Clematis is a classic British plant. Every garden needs a climber for walls and fences, and this is a lovely modern twist on the traditional white flower.
I love the delicate pink of these flowers. Pointy petals also bring a sharper edge to your beds and borders.
Fenella Strawberry
Who doesn’t love strawberries? They’re incredibly easy to grow in this country – try planting them in a strawberry pot for fresh fruit all summer! Did you know they’re also one of the only fruits whose seeds are on the outside? There were some fabulous displays at Chelsea this year.
Pinus Mugo
Bonsai trees never go out of fashion, and this one is a beauty. It’s like a miniature version of a full-sized tree! Plus they’re really easy to care for.
Sometimes, you just need a burst of colour. Fuchsia is a fantastic flowering shrub, and this one has big bright blooms. They always make me think of summer.
Lily Hybrid Tiger Babies
This is a fantastic bold lily with great colours. It’ll add a wild element to your garden – they always look exotic.
As you know, I’ve recently become a beekeeper! A nucleus of bees is now happy and settled into the first of my two beehives, and now a swarm has moved into the second one!
I was absolutely delighted to hear that someone had spotted a swarm in need of a home! We got a phone call from a man who thought there were a lot of bees flying around his hedge. Immediately Brian, a longtime beekeeper and my mentor, set off in his car armed with a skep, or wicker container.
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]Shaking the bees out of the skep
He arrived and found the bees stuck in the hedge. He had to cut some of the branches and drop the swarm into the skep. Then he spotted another group of bees lower down in the hedge,so he scooped them up with his (gloved) hands and popped them in the skep too.
Then he put the whole thing in a box, closed the lid and drove them over to my house!
There he put down a ramp and shook the bees out of the skep. The swarm simply walked up and into the hive!
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]Through the front door
This is fascinating. A few bees here are putting their tails in the air to release a pheromone that tells all the bees still flying around to come to the door and go inside!
I’m delighted that a swarm has moved into my hive! I’ll keep you posted on how the bees are getting on.
