LOOKING GOOD!!

Hello - there is definitely a slight hint of autumn in the air at the moment. Unlike early July - most of the month was actually quite cool and at times wet!! Some difference to last year!! At least here in Suffolk - last year was the driest on record - and unlike the rest of the country we were seeing conditions more akin to a desert than anything else!

But not this year!! Although the rain has not been universal throughout Suffolk - most places have had something - and the grass is green again - and there is a little bit of moisture in the ground.

Some of our customers have complained of a lack of colour in their gardens - but there are still loads of different items that you could plant right now!!

The first of the seasons tree berries - the Sorbus - Mountain Ashes are starting to show their wonderful berry colour. They are always great for bringing a splash of colour at head height into the garden - and the birds will love them!! The photo at the top of the page shows the beauty of their berry and foliage.

We have a slightly more unusual variant looking real nice right now - Sorbaronia 'Ivan's Beauty' - this is a cross between two different trees - Sorbus and Aronia. They have a beautiful dark - almost purple-black berry - nicely offset by divided foliage. Guaranteed to make any garden beautiful!

Another tree now coming into it's time is the Pride of India - Koelreuteria paniculata - it has divided leaves - which are topped by clusters of yellow flowers - a tree in full flower is a striking sight - and there are not that many trees that flower in August!!

Lower to the ground - one of Kevin's favourite perennials is looking fab at the moment. A superb form of the perennial Hyssop - Agastache 'Golden Jubilee' - he has this outside the office in a stunning display right now. If you have never heard of it - then shame on you!! Aromatic yellow-green leaves make a perfect foil for the spikes of blue flowers - and they are an absolute magnet for bees!! You must get one of these - they are great in any border - in sun - and I also grow them very nicely in pots on the patio too!!

These are just a few of the lovely items we have on our sales areas at the moment - why not pop in and have a look!!

There is a lot to look forward too - there is no longer any excuse to give up on your garden in August any more!!!

UNTIL NEXT TIME,

RICHARD