Rhodedenrons en Masse

Do you want a colour experience that will literally take your breath away? Forget HD, you won’t find it on any television. One of the most amazing sights of late spring is azaleas and rhododendrons planted en masse. It’s almost like being in a dream.

While a trip to the Himalayas is probably not on the cards, a short trip down the A30 to the Valleys Gardens in Windsor Great Park is a good second best.

From 18 to 22 May, there are organized walks through the Valley Gardens, when hopefully the azaleas and rhododendrons should be at their peak. See www.theroyallandscape.co.uk for details.

Slightly closer to London, the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park boasts over 220 different types of azalea and rhododendron and is also well worth a visit.

Written By Alistair Ayres

(Get in touch if you take Alistair up on any of his tips - we'd love to hear from you)

Nurseries come to farmer's markets!

I like visiting London’s Farmers’ Markets. There’s something reassuring about seeing vegetables sold in random shapes and sizes. There’s the homemade bread and scrummy cakes too. This year, gardeners are in for a special treat as nurseries have been invited along to sell their plants on selected dates through April, May and June at Farmers’ Markets throughout London.

They run from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays and 10 to 2pm on Sundays. Dates for markets with Plant Fairs are:

4 April Holly Road Carpark, Twickenham
5 April and 24 May Walthamstow Town Square
26 April Bonneville Gardens, Clapham
3 May and 21 June Salusbury Road, Queens Park
9 May Wimlbledon Park Primary School
1o May and 14 June Islington Town Hall
16 May William Ellis School, Parliament Hill
17 May Blackheath Station

Written By Alistair Ayres

(We'd like to hear about what you think of your local farmer's markets. Please let us know and we will promote them for you. We want to support local British produce of the highest quality - the little green space ladybird says)

A Gardening Medical Chest

The Chelsea Physic Garden, founded in 1673 by the Society of Apothecaries, is still one of London’s best-kept secrets but it is a must for anyone seriously interested in the healing power of plants. The Garden of World Medicine is truly fascinating with beds containing healing plants used by different ethnic groups. A feature that I am very keen to see is the new Pharmaceutical Garden.

With slightly quirky opening times (12-5pm on Wednesday to Friday and 12-6pm on Sundays), it pays to plan your visit. You’ll find the entrance tucked away in Swan Walk just on the left past the National Army Museum in Royal Hospital Road (nearest tube Sloane Square). The cafÈ is particularly good and you’ll find interesting plants on sale.

Written By Alistair Ayres

(The Little Green Space Ladybird often visits the Chelsea Physic Garden - a truly magnificent day out. If the owner of this picture would like credit, please let us know. We would also be happy to take it down if required,)