Special spring shrubs and new seasonal arrivals

As the gardens burst into bloom there is plenty to see throughout the garden. Ass we come to the end of the Tulip season many of the spring flowering shrubs come to their best. Dotted through the whole garden they provide interest in every corner. Tree peonies are one of the show stoppers at the moment. 

 One of the stars of the show at this time of year is the tree Peony of which we grow over thirty different types. Above is Paeonia rockii. 

 Paeonia 'Highnoon' is another wonderful cultivar in flower at the moment.

Paeonia 'Shimadaijin' makes an imposing sight with huge semi double flowers 

Despite the uncomplimentary common name of Bladdernut the Staphylea have wonderful trusses of flowers at this time.

 Jubilee wood pond was a project for last year and is starting to mature nicely.  

Another new addition to Jubilee woodland are the borders round the pond and thousands of primula seedlings. Planted last year and the year before they are starting to come to their best. When planted en masse in loose drifts they create sheets of colour and combine well with shade lovers like Tiarella and Brunnera. 

Thank you again to Nigel McCall for the images.