It's been a nerve-racking few weeks waiting to see if our impressive border specimen, crocosmia 'Lucifer', would blend into the new 'purple odyssey' planting! This dramatic plant produces an abundance of paprika blooms on slender, arching foliage. Their delicate flower heads bear a strong resemblance to freesia. When we replanted we overrode the instinct to remove this vivid flower on the merits of the light giving qualities of the lime green, transluscent foliage. Their effect is illuminating against the black and lilac roses. The planting is grounded by the presence of 'Sambucus nigra, black lace'. The finely cut, black foliage provides a perfect sillhouette for the rich crocosmia blooms. What a difference three weeks can make to a planting.
The moss rose 'William Lobb' is still flowering along the top wall. This vigorous old velvet rose laden with heavily-mossed magenta blooms infuses the air with his rich scent. Also known as 'Duchesse D'Istrie' he bears clusters of flowers along open arching branches. His enthusiasm and informal habit have endeared him to us and in this garden he is nicknamed 'Jack & The Beanstalk'.
