Author and biographer Dr Catherine Horwood looks at the life of garden designer and historian Penelope Hobhouse, now in her late 90s and still gardening every day.
For February we’ll be exploring some of the scents and smells of the early Spring garden, as well as examining the medicinal heritage of some of our plants.
Join us and hear stories about the intrepid plant hunters who brought plants to the UK from around the world.
Hamamelis mollis - Chinese Witch Hazel. This stunning little tree greets visitors arriving at the Main Entrance on Clarkehouse Road; others should pop through the archway to admire it, a cheering sight on a wintry day. The golden-yellow curled petals are held in maroon-red calyces, in clusters of tassels all over the bare twigs. They are not damaged by frost or snow but the scent is only enjoyed at warmer temperatures. (However the gorgeous perfume of the adjacent Sarcococca pervades the air no matter how cold it is.)
For March we’ll be exploring the history of the Gardens. This tour is also part of the Festival of the Outdoors