Blog Posts
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A trip to Rana, Czech Republic: 23.3.2024
During my brief stay close to Prague (21-24.3.24) and staying with Vojtech and Zdena Holubec, I had the privilege of joining them and David Horak on a trip to Rana to enjoy a unique habitat for Adonis vernalis. Following a short journey we arrived at a small parking spot beside a modest hill, part of […]
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Exciting times ahead
Well. It’s a great feeling to enter retirement and to be so busy! A few exciting projects have arisen that were not planned as we contemplated saying goodbye to Branklyn: a lecturing tour to the USA in September and another exciting tour of the South Island of New Zealand during November and early December with […]
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A must have Jewel for the Summer
Background This species is now well established in cultivation and can be purchased as young plants or raised from fresh seed (for members of the Meconopsis Group). It was first discovered in north-eastern Tibet (now Qinghai province) in 1884 by the Russian Przewalski and soon thereafter herbarium material collected by Potanin. It was eventually introduced […]
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Mozart – A summer Performance
Mozart: Piano Concerto No 15 in B Flat Major This will surely rank as one of the most pleasing of all Mozart’s many and varied works, quite sublime and wholly appropriate for a summers evening of relaxation! Oft quoted from Mozart the composer to his father, “both (Nos 15 and 16) are bound to make […]
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A Summer Wine to Celebrate
Bottega Vinai Trentino – Gewurztraminer DOC This is a guaranteed favourite for all those lovers of this exquisite grape more commonly offered from the Alsace or the New World. Having studied in Northern Italy on the shores of Lake Garda, I was able to explore the localities around this part of N. Italy. I had […]
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One to look out for – Summer Alpines of Distinction
Geranium argenteum A few alpines give me a real thrill, with or without flowers. The silvery foliage of this species, formed over lax clumps is visible throughout the growing season and is amply enhanced at flowering with its soft shell-pink flowers with lovely veining. This is an easy alpine plant in terms of its cultivation […]
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Winter Wine Choice 2015
Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso, Torre del Falasco 2012 – DOC Following an unforgettable period of work experience on the shores of Lake Garda, Italy I became naturally familiar with the local customs, cuisine and wine. Of the latter, I guess the customary choice would be a Bardolino house wine, while a Valpolicella seemed to be a […]
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Classical Music Choice, Spring
Bach Keyboard Concertos Nos 1, 2 and 4, with Murray Perahia and Academy of St. Martin in the Field I am certain that few amongst the throng of classical music lovers would shy away from the musical achievements of Johann Sebastian Bach. He can be justifiably proud of moving the Keyboard to centre stage. Amongst […]
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Plant of the Season, Winter
Helleborus niger For many years I made a poor showing of my cultivation skills with the “Christmas Rose”, Helleborus niger. This was always a disappointment as my parents seemed to succeed by growing their plants hard up against the south-facing brick wall of their house, extra warmth generated from the wall I felt. Many years […]
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Ranunculus calandrinioides ‘Dwarf Form’
In my earliest days of growing alpine plants I can recall fine plants of this North African Buttercup flowering in the early part of the year, from January onwards. This is such an early-flowering plant that some form of winter protection is essential to protect the beautifully shaped flowers from weather damage. Whilst running Edrom […]