Written by 
Spring Green tulips and polyphyllum Spotty Dotty
By Sarah Syborn, Head gardener
The recent sun and corresponding warmth has had a magic effect on the garden. Forget succession planting, everything that should be flowering now, later this month and into the middle of next month is out in a blaze of colour and scent.
Halesia carolina, silver bell or snowbell tree
Halesia carolina, silver bell or snowbell tree. This grows opposite no. 54 on the south side of the square and has proved rather tricky to grow over a longish period of time but well worth the trouble. It has clusters of pendulous flowers followed by wonderful autumn colour and large hanging seed pods.
Cornus kousa was introduced to the UK in 1756 by Irish linen merchant, John Ellis,
Cornus kousa
from seed send from South Carolina, US. It was named by Ellis in honour of Stephen Hales, a 17th century clergyman and botanist who was a pioneer in the scientific understanding of animal and plant physiology. It has a rather delicate scent.
This tree peony, Nigata akashingata, can be found on the right hand side of the pergola opposite the single gate. A native of Yunnan, Western China, and a relatively recent introduction. Major Lawrence Johnston of Hidcote introduced it to the UK in 1931 although it is thought to have been discovered by a French missionary in 1915. It has taken four years to flower and has quite a few buds. I’m really pleased with the success of this plant.
Tree peony, Nigata akashingata
The bees are crazy for Echium cancans, Pride of Madeira, as it provides a particularly rich source of nectar. You may have seen it growing in the Chelsea Physic Garden or the Scilly Isles where it grows into the size of a small tree.
Echium cancans, Pride of Madeira