It is a common Halloween tradition to carve a scary face in a pumpkin and use it as a lantern. Photo credit: freeimageslive.co.uk – Halloween Carving a scary face in a pumpkin is a common Halloween custom. The tradition appears to be one that we have acquired from the United States. However, history reveals a custom that travelled across the Atlantic from Ireland as a turnip and returned as a pumpkin. Celtic Samhain The custom of creating Halloween lanterns arrived in America from Ireland. It was a Celtic tradition to hollow out turnips at Samhain, the precursor to Halloween, to ward off evil ..read more

Wild Daffodils, Narcissus pseudonarcissus, in West Woods, near Marlborough, Wiltshire. © Karen Andrews It’s a pleasure to see Wild Daffodils. They were our main target species on a recent walk with the Wiltshire Botanical Society (WBS). Gloucestershire may have the more famous Golden Triangle of Wild Daffodils, but it was a delight to see this native species closer to my Wiltshire home at West Woods, near Marlborough. The yellow flowers looked even more special backlit by sunshine in a break between showers. Characteristics To eyes accustomed to garden hybrids, Wild Daffodils seem somewhat sma ..read more

March Hares in front of Wisley’s Glasshouse. Dancing Hares bronze sculpture by Sophie Ryder. © Karen Andrews In early March I had an opportunity to visit RHS Wisley. This photo blog summarises my visit. Bright, early spring flowers peeped out through the largely grey, overcast day. They offered the hope that they would soon take over from the winter-flowering shrubs and the long harsh winter. Crocus flowers were out in force. Crocus flowers were out in numbers at Wisley in March. Above are Crocus ‘Flower Record’ (violet) ‘Pickwick’ (striped white and violet) and ‘Jeanne d’Arc’ (white). © Karen ..read more

East Lambrook Manor’s famous ditch with banks of Snowdrops, Galanthus sp. © Karen Andrews After the flurry of December’s Advent Botany posts, my blog was unfortunately silent in January. Editing the SRPG’s 25th anniversary newsletter kept me occupied. However, with the Snowdrop Festival season now upon us, I could not resist a long-awaited visit to East Lambrook’s famous Snowdrop ditch. I checked the weather forecast and set off for the Somerset village of East Lambrook near South Petherton. Although the sky was overcast, it did not feel chill and the rain was holding off. The temperature has ..read more

Glastonbury Holy Thorn, Crataegus monogyna ‘biflora’ at Kew Gardens. Photo credit: David Hawgood CC via geograph. Glastonbury has a new Holy Thorn tree thanks to the horticultural expertise of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. I am delighted to give an update on last year’s blog about the Somerset tradition of sending a sprig of the Holy Thorn to the British monarch at Christmas. Glastonbury and the Monarchy A new Holy Thorn was planted this September in memoriam of Queen Elizabeth II and to honour our new King Charles III. James Montague, The Bishop of Bath and Wells, started the Christmas tr ..read more

A range of colourful Ornamental Peppers. Capsicum annuum. Christmassy red Ornamental Peppers, Capsicum annuum.Christmas Ornamental Peppers are available in a wide range of colours. © Karen Andrews Ornamental Peppers are known as Christmas Peppers. They are available as compact, winter indoor potted plants or mixed arrangements. I have seen them in outdoor winter arrangements, but I doubt that these South American plants would survive the worst of our icy weather. They are available in a wonderful range of bright colours. There is even a range of cultivars called the Christmas Lights Series. Or ..read more

Laurus nobilis, Bay Laurel. Photo credit: H. Zell CC via Wikimedia Commons. Bay tree, Laurus nobilis. © Karen Andrews The Bay Laurel, Laurus nobilis, is frequently seen as an outdoor Christmas tree. You may find it either trimmed into a Christmas tree pyramid shape or in a lollipop-shape tied with a large Christmassy red bow. Sometimes you may see a lollipop or trimmed ball on a long spiral stem. Bay originates from the Mediterranean but seems to tolerate our colder winters further north. Potted ornamental Bays are promoted to provide an elegant, low-maintenance welcome at the front door of gr ..read more

Traditional winter spice selection as used in Mulled Wine: Cinnamon, Star Anise, Cloves, Nutmeg along with slices of Orange and Lemon. Photo credit: CC Marco Verch Professional via Flickr. Mulled Wine conjures up the image of a warming drink on dark, chill winter evenings. The tradition is firmly associated with Christmas markets and a pick-me-up after carol singing. Mulled wine is also a firm favourite drink while visiting one of the increasingly popular Christmas garden light displays. Various countries have their own versions of Mulled Wine. The best-known are German Glühwein and Nordic Gl ..read more

German Cinnamon Stars known as Zimtsterne are an essential part of Christmas baking. © Karen Andrews The scent and taste of Cinnamon are an essential part of Christmas. It forms part of many Christmas baking recipes and flavours mulled wine. Cinnamon sticks are even used to decorate Christmas wreaths and scent the home. Ground Cinnamon and Cinnamon sticks are essential Christmas ingredients. © Karen Andrews Origin True Cinnamon comes from the bark of the Cinnamonum verum tree. It is a member of the Lauraceae or Laurel family. Another member of the Lauraceae and Cinnamonum genus also produces a ..read more

Clivia miniata at Oxford Botanic Garden. © Karen Andrews The first time that Clivia miniata caught my eye was in a glasshouse display at RHS Wisley. The bright orange flowers with yellow centres and dark green leaves really stood out. Clivia was the subject of an intense competition to be the first to coax the plant to flower in Britain and publish a description. On this particular occasion, Syon House beat Kew Gardens on the opposite bank of the Thames. Close-up of Clivia miniata flower. © Karen Andrews Strap-like leaves and fascinating architecture of Clivia miniata. © Karen Andrews Clivia m ..read more