Brunnera Jack Frost

Whilst the Essex group is great for meeting friends at a local level the specialist groups offer an insight into the passion of members countrywide. Either online or at an annual get together.

Shade and Woodland does not provide a great burst of colour but it is amazing what you can do with leaves of different sizes, texture and colour. Ferns of course are a must, and polystichum setiferum Bevis is a particularly fine form. Cylamen, coum and hederifolium provide an immense variety of leaf patterns even when not in flower. Brunnera Jack Frost lights up the darkest corner. Arum italicum, if you dare introduce these (they are prolific seeders) also provide many different leaf forms. As for snowdrops that is entirely a different obsession.

From left to Right : Arum Italicum Pictum, Cyclamen Coum, Cyclamen Hederifolium, Garrya Eliptica, Galanthus Reginae Olgae, Polystichum Bevis, Ribes Laurifolium.

More information is on the HPS national website www.hardy-plant.org.uk or contact the HPS Shade and Woodland Plants Group Secretary, Diana Garner, at shade@hardy-plant.org.uk or the HPS Administrator, e-mail admin@hardy-plant.org.uk ,or in writing to 3 Basepoint Business Centre, Crab Apple Way, Evesham WR11 1GP