Category Archives: Plants & Seeds
Tomato ‘Cristal’ F1 Hybrid
This RHS AGM variety produces glossy, scarlet-skinned fruits with dark ruby-red flesh that attain weights of 120g (4oz) per fruit. The round, greenback free fruits are ideal for adding to salads and sandwiches. Tomato ‘Cristal’ is best grown under glass, although it can be grown in a warm, sunny position outdoors. This cordon variety also
Grape ‘Chardonnay’
One of the most popular white wine grapes with a lovely sweet flavour. This versatile variety produces excellent crops of white grapes in September which are sweet enough to be eaten straight from the vine or made into a refreshing juice. Grape ‘Chardonnay’ is self fertile and hardy, fruiting reliably in the UK.
Grape ‘Merlot’
This well known French wine grape is highly regarded as one of the best claret varieties. Grape ?Merlot? produces dense bunches of blue-black fruits which make deliciously plummy wine or a dark red juice if sweetened.. Grape ?Merlot? is self fertile, but quite late to ripen.
Viburnum ‘Pragense’
Viburnum ‘Pragense’ is a quick growing, evergreen shrub covered with waxy, dark green leaves with grey, felted undersides. In May, large clusters of pink buds open to delicately scented, white blooms which make a pretty spring display. This hardy evergreen makes an excellent screening plant that provides year round colour and dense cover.
Tomato ‘Craigella’ – Heritage
CordonA heritage selection of ‘Ailsa Craig’, with a similarly renowned flavour. The round, deep red fruits are non-greenback (free of darker green shoulders) and around 5cm (2) diameter. Grow these indeterminate plants as cordons either under glass or outdoors, to produce heavy crops with a very good flavour. Height: 200cm (79). Spread: 50cm (20)
Tomato ‘Yellow Stuffer’ – Heritage
CordonThis cordon variety produces blocky, firm, thick walled, shiny yellow fruits, each weighing up to 200g (7oz). The central core is easily removed making this one of the best beefsteak tomato varieties for stuffing and baking. Fruits of Tomato ‘Yellow Stuffer’ will keep up to 4 weeks in the refrigerator. An outstanding variety that is
Cucumber ‘Crystal Apple’
Outdoor typeThis fascinating heritage variety originates from Australia in the early 1900’s. Cucumber ‘Crystal Apple’ crops prolifically if the large golf ball sized fruits are picked regularly. The crisp, tender flesh has a sweet flavour with no bitter after taste. This outdoor variety is best grown against a support, or it can be left to
Viburnum rhytidophyllum
This impressive, hardy Viburnum is one of the larger species which will quickly make an impact in the garden. The dark, evergreen foliage is prominently veined and felted grey beneath ? a lovely backdrop for the clusters of white flowers in spring. Female plants may produce small red berries if the flowers are pollinated, which
Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’
A deservedly popular variety, grown for its glossy, dark green foliage and clusters of starry white flowers which open from pink buds. The flowers appear in the depths of winter, when few other plants dare to bloom. Flowers are followed by metallic blue berries which make an eye catching display.
Grape ‘Cabernet Franc’
Grape ‘Cabernet Franc’ is a self fertile variety that is best grown in a large glasshouse or a very protected site in milder parts of the UK. This is a classic French Claret producing small black fruits which ripen late in the season – hence the need for growing under cover in most parts of
Grape ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’
A classic wine grape producing conical bunches of small black fruits that ripen late in the season. In the UK, this variety is best grown under cover to protect crops from early frosts and ensure sufficient time for them to ripen. Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular variety and makes delicious dark red juice if sweetened.
Viburnum davidii
Flattened heads of small white flowers decorate this compact, rounded shrub in late spring. If cross pollinated, the female plants will later produce striking metallic blue berries which contrast strongly with he wine red stem tips. Viburnum davidii is a bushy, evergreen species with leathery, dark green foliage that is conspicuously veined.
Viburnum x hillieri ‘Winton’
The spring foliage of Viburnum x hillieri ‘Winton’ emerges a striking copper shade which darkens to green as summer progresses. Creamy-white flowers are borne in profusion throughout June, carried on stiff panicles that make a showy display.
Viburnum nudum ‘Brandywine’
A superb new self fertile variety that produces the most breathtaking display of berries, even without a nearby pollinator! Flattened heads of creamy white, summer flowers are followed by abundant clusters of pale green berries which gradually ripen through white, deep pink, blue and eventually black.
Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Pink Beauty’
Flattened flowers head of ?lacecap? flowers decorate Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Pink Beauty’ in May. The blooms emerge white and slowly mature to soft pink, against a backdrop of dark green, deeply veined leaves. This hardy deciduous shrub makes a reliable addition to mixed borders and woodland gardens.
Tomato ‘Black Russian’ – Heritage
These medium sized black tomatoes grow on compact plants bearing plenty of dark mahogany-brown fruits, with a delicious blend of sugar and acid. Tomato ‘Black Russian’ is an old variety with a rich, complex flavour that has to be tasted to be believed. This cordon variety is well suited to the indoor or outdoor cultivation.
Lettuce ‘Great Lakes’ (Iceberg/Crisphead) – Heritage
Medium to large hearted, bright green leaved, crisp ‘Iceberg’ hearts which stand well without bolting during the hotter summer weather. Cut hearts store well in the refrigerator. Ideal for spring or summer sowing
Swiss Chard ‘Five Colour Silverbeet’ – Heritage
A rainbow mix of vibrant stem and leaf colours maintained as an Australian heirloom. An excellent value crop as the juicy, mild flavoured broad stems (chards), and the leaves (as spinach) can be eaten. Both are best steamed, but as baby leaves the stems and leaves can be added to salads. Decorative vegetable perfect for
