White House Farm Open Day on Hydrangea aspera

“Per aspera ad astra“ That quote punningly just about sums up this season for Hydrangea aspera: translated as roughly ‘Through asperities (hardships, adversities, rigours) to the stars.’ The ‘aspera’ in H. aspera is usually taken to refer to the rough texture of the underside of the leaf, but I have not since 1976 experienced suchContinue reading “White House Farm Open Day on Hydrangea aspera”

Deutzias: the WHF collection

There will be an IDS Deutzia Study Study here on Saturday May 24th. Book here. I’ve been surprised this year how robust our early Deutzias have proven to be, with the driest March and April on record for Kent followed by some weeks of daily sun and temperatures over 20C. It’s a new discovery toContinue reading “Deutzias: the WHF collection”

Melliodendron xylocarpum

It has been a very good year at White House Farm for Melliodendron xylocarpum, which has lived up to its reputation as an outstandingly attractive newly introduced small tree. A quiet, warm, sunlit spring, and cool at night has meant the flowers have lasted well, and the trees have been effective for two months. WeContinue reading “Melliodendron xylocarpum”