We have finally arrived at the conclusion of our investigation into the origins of h. 'Dorothy Benedict', which we began tracing back in April.
In this final part we include a chart showing how much influence the species h. sieboldiana has had on the hosta genus, especially through the development of some of the most outstanding large cultivars currently available...
| Back
to the future
- part 4! H. sieboldiana is parent to a range of mainly medium through to giant cultivars. The list of cultivars produced from h. sieboldiana is too long to feature in a single issue of this newsletter so we have created a full list of the those we hold in our collection at the foot of this issue. Clicking on this image will also reveal the route we have traced back from h. 'Dorothy Benedict', listing the immediate sub-families featured in each part of the series. One of the most intriguing aspects to this study is seeing how the rugosity and colouring of cultivars from h. sieboldiana seem to become more exaggerated through the generations as this species doesn't exhibit a particularly rugose character and is plain leaved. To recap the four key plants, this time in photos:
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Phew! we made it through July...
Not an easy task considering we spent most of the
month at, or preparing for, the Hampton Court and Tatton Park shows.
Firstly we would like to congratulate Rebecca, Ludovica and Victoria on the success of their first show garden at Hampton Court. The garden was one of only five chosen for its 'avante garde' design to feature at the show:
'It's Hard To See'
Design
in Latitude
The garden was awarded 'Best Conceptual
Garden, Gold medal winner', which was not surprising as it was
truly stunning. Looking at the effect, from many different angles on a
really dull and drizzly day, it was amazing how the design gave the impression
of an underground garden in full daylight.
If you missed it then check out the RHS Hampton Court pages or click
here to go directly to photos of the garden.
You will see our small contribution to their success in the photos:
h.
'Montana'
h.
'Devon Tor'
h.
'Green Fountain'
It was a pleasure to be involved, if only in a minor way, and great
to see hostas used to such effect as part of the planting scheme. Seldom
do we see hostas used as they can be, more often than not they look tired
and washed out because designers expect them to take conditions they are
not happy to tolerate.
... and how did we do?
We exhibited in the Floral Marquee at Hampton Court for the first time
in a decade and our stand was awarded a Silver medal.
It was a real family affair and thoroughly enjoyable despite the hard
work.
Finally this month, for those of you local to us, or holidaying in Suffolk...
Fri 14 Aug-Sun 16 Aug
Flowers
Take a Bow
This event is being planned to raise funds for the Theatre Royal in Bury
St. Edmunds, Suffolk.
| Next month: | We look at the use of hostas in floral art... |