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O KEY *
Plants with nectar- and/or pollen-rich
flowers for insects. (S) Plants of which seed is either currently available or expected in 2009 (@ £2.70/pack)
Click on plant names in green for photos. All photos are the copyright of Rosemary Castle. Prices include first class postage and packing within the UK as at 1 January 2009.
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ORIGANUM WILD MARJORAM
An ice-cool form of marjoram with clusters of pure white flowers from cream buds and pale green, not purple bracts from summer to early autumn. Light green aromatic leaves. Needs a sunny spot. £4.50
OXALIS WOOD SORREL
(Note: this plant has been circulating under the name var. subpurpurascens in recent years. The name has now been changed to var. rosea which is felt to be more accurate). The white, delicately veined flowers of wood sorrel are lovely enough, but this form is to be treasured for its exquisite magenta pink flowers with white centres. Kindly sent to me by Ken Chapman, who acquired it as var. rosea from Ingwersen's west Sussex nursery back in the 1960s, this plant was originally given to Walter Ingwersen by Victorian plantsman, the Rev. William Wilks. Ingwersen mentions the plant in his fascinating book Wild Flowers in the Garden (London, 1951) thus: 'I love a form the Rev. W. Wilks of Shirley Poppy fame gave me many years ago, which has flowers that shine ruby red when touched by the levelling sunrays of morning or evening'. A woodland plant, it prefers semi-shade. It can be shy about flowering and the intensity of the flower colour may vary a little, depending on seasonal conditions. All I can say is that in spring 2006 the flowers were superb. While you're waiting for the flowers, you can always eat the bright green leaves which have a sharp lemony taste similar to common sorrel. £4.50
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