Top ten list of garden plants

  • Abutilons of all kinds
  • Buddlejas old and new
  • Epiphytic orchids and ferns
  • Gordonia species
  • Heliotrope, Lemon verbena, Fennel and herbs
  • Michelias of all sorts
  • Perennial Salvias large and small
  • Species Camellias
  • Tea and China Roses
  • Weigela of all types

Montville Rose

Sunday, December 21, 2014


Brugmansia spp. "The Shambles" 
After a long dry spell in Spring and early summer, storm rains have injected an enormous amount of colour and renewd growth into the garden. The Brugmansias seem to make their best display if left alone to do their own thing, They do spread, which is a bit naughty. and are poisonous whch is naughtier still for the grand children. They are magnificent though.

Once a year at Christmas our collection of Hibiscus syriacus (from China and Korea) bring ttheir beautiful mauve, white and double pink flowers. The flowers fold up like wet tissue paper if picked for the Christmas table. These plants are fully deciduous.
Hibiscus syriacus with beautiful conformation and markings
Hibiscus insularis  at "The Shambles"
Hibiscus insularis is planted next to Hibiscus syriacus specimens at "The Shambles" and has much more robust flowering while remaining evergreen

A Happy Christmas to All

Kyleigh and Dr Michael Simpson