The biggest butterfly in my garden is undoubtedly me the gardener. Whilst working on the beds or landscape I can flit from task to task or pause and forget what I intended doing. Even with ‘to do’ lists at the starts of the day I complete very few and add on  many supplementary things instead. The garden’s requirements take precedent as I flit about with spade or watering can but I also ‘butterfly’ in another key direction.

Over the years my preference for plant or species come in and out of fashion and I favour certain groups for a few seasons and then move on or more specifically move off. I think of these as my specialties but in truth I don’t specialise and never really learn or attain the best results before changing. It is more a case of the garden will be greener and my horticultural pleasure multiplied by variety and change.

Flitting about in this manner has led me to collect books on specific species in a vain attempt to excel. To this end I often join a specialist society for a period of time that currently includes;  the National Auricular and Primula, Cactus, Cyclamen, as well as RHS and AGS (alpine garden society). Added to this are my memberships of local clubs and societies where my enthusiasm last for about 5 years before I move on.

Current and Past Specialties

1. Chrysanthemums
2. Rhododendron and deciduous  Azaleas
3. Dahlia
4. Patio and miniature Roses and Rambler varieties.
5. Cyclamen
6. Auricula
7. Carnations and Dianthus
8. Peonies
9. Dwarf Hosta
10. Pelargoniums
11. Dwarf Conifers
12. Alpines
13. Primroses and Polyanthus
14. Daisy Compositae family of 30,000+ species
15. Soft fruit and apple trees
16. Shorter lived interest in Heuchera, Ivyies, African violets, Cistus,

Rambling Rector