Scabious are exquisite flowers with centres that look like pin cushions and outer petals that are slightly ragged in nature. The colour of this variety is a pale powder blue verging on very pale lilac. I grew them from seed a year ago and last year they had only about 1 flower per plant but they have several each this year. The name comes from the fact that some species are said to cure scabies. I have about 3 or 4 of these perennial plants dotted about. I think they would look particularly good mixed in with grasses and all of them swaying in the wind would be a fantastic sight. A whole field would be nice!


In an ideal world they would all be grouped together like the garden writers suggest -in groups of three or five for maximum impact, but it is not always quite as simple as that. For a start you don't always know if a plant is going to be successful in a particular position even if it meets all the planting requirements. Secondly, if you are buying plants three or five can be quite expensive and therefore quite an investment. If subsequently you decide you made the wrong choice it has cost you a lot of money.


Consequently, I often have lots of odd plants dotted around the place and only plant in threes or fives if I am absolutely sure it will work. It also depends on how much space you have. I do like having a wide variety of different plants.


The rose, Rosa Kiftsgate is now almost fully out. As is often the way with these things most of the flowers are on the side of the tree furthest away from the house so you have to go up the garden to see its best side.

The rain of the past few days has greened up the grass and filled up the water butts. The hardy geraniums look happier too and on some days we have got away without watering.