On This Day in History

Forty six years ago today, at approximately eleven thirty seven in the morning, a wee lad was born. Light of hair and eyes, he was filled with energy and curiosity. More than one has commented that his first word was ‘why?’

Pink and purple were favourite colours as a child, pink for the large Paeonia lactiflora that resided in the garden of his Grandmother, where he spent many of his formative years. It was under her watchful eye, that he developed his first true love and appreciation of horticulture.

Many a weekend included walks in the nearby Darkling Woods were he was introduced to the magical world of shade. He was amazed [and continues to be held enthralled] by the stunning beauty that remained hidden amongst the shadows, and soon discovered that he too was a ‘shady character’ when it came to gardening!

His unquenchable desire to learn more led him on a journey of discovery when it came time to create his own garden. While the tried and tested selections were definitely garden worthy, he wanted to search out plants that were as enchantingly beautiful as they were rare and unusual. It was at this point that he discovered the mesmerizing effect of the colour blue!

Whether it be the pale blue of Phlox divaricatus ‘Montrose Tricolour,’ the icy blue of Corydalis flexuosa ‘Blue Panda,’ or the recently discovered electric blue of ‘Cory’s’ cousin, C. curvaflora var. Rosthornii ‘Blue Heron’ there is always room for another blue, and another, and yes, even ANOTHER! One can never have too much of a good thing!

To mark his birthday, he created a new container planting consisting of a few of his favourite plants that he knew would be cramped if he had to find a spot in his already burgeoning garden. His trio consists of:

Hosta ‘Fire Island’

Persicaria microcephala ‘Red Dragon’

Athyrium x ‘Ghost’

 

Thank you one and all for the warm birthday greetings! Amazingly, most made candid reference to my beloved blue, be it the sky or a photo!