Looking very much like a 1920s or 30s postcard, these beds of spring flowers surrounding bright willow stems were making a colourful impact on the Top Terrace at RHS Wisley when Elder Daughter and I were there on Wednesday. As it was July when we were last there the seasonal difference was very much in evidence – then, my main memories were of the Mixed Borders, North American Prairie Borders, the rose gardens, Trials Field and fuchsias in the Glasshouse; this time, the memorable features we took in were rhododendrons and underplanting in the Wild Garden and orchids in the Glasshouse. Most of the Trials Field was still unplanted, although there were already beds of euphorbia and late flowering clematis. The grassy banks here seemed to planted with various white narcissi which may or may not have been a trial, but we stopped to have a look as I intended to plant some of the smaller white species this autumn.
And Totally Tangerine? Well, I was smitten by the pictures Liz (Gwirrel) posted of Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’ on her blog all last summer and have been keeping half an eye open for it ever since. There it was in a border at Wisley, so I made straight for it in the plant sales area without looking at any other plants whatsoever (honest) – and here it is, having survived several train changes on the way home with minimal damage.
Rambling in the Garden 
The spring border is definitely not for those with delicate constitutions.
I think you are probably right, Christine – you can see why it reminded me of those hand tinted postcards 🙂
There is always something to see and enjoy at Wisley even in mid-winter. Even if one doesn’t agree with the planting there is always much to be learned and new plants to discover
Yes, and this is the whole point probably – certainly visiting it last year made me realise that RHS membership was worth the outlay (but of course it also helps when you have family on the ‘doorstep’ of an RHS garden!)
Hi Cathy,
I’ve never been to Wisley – was it busy regardless? I’m not one for crowded, busy places so I’ve always been put off going down. I’m not too sure about the spring border… although it’s impressive that they’ve managed to get everything blooming together – that’d never work for me!
Totally Tangerine… I’m pleased you have succumb! Now, you need to plant it in a border where it will be backlit by the late summer sun. It just glows. Honestly. Amazing. So, if you have a west border that gets late sun, then try it there. The border I have it in, is full sun, and gets the late sun at ‘golden hour’.
Sounds as if TT will be in just the right spot then – and the flowers are much bigger than my other geums, which was a surprise. Wisley wasn’t particularly busy, and it was a weekday – probably best to avoid w/es in summer and to get there as early or late in the day as feasible. Or choose a wet day! If you are a member it is certainly worth popping in if you are nearby, but otherwise there are more intimate gardens elsewhere that may be preferable if you were travelling for a day out.
You’ll love that geum, its one I intend to get myself for the park border. I do rather envy you your Wisley trips, so much to learn from and be inspired by.
I am pleased to have tracked down TT, as bloggers have enthused about it. With ED nearby and free entry it will be good to make visits to Wisley at different times of the year
Totally Tangerine is just starting to bloom for me. I love it!
Apparently there’s a duck somewhere in the Plant Centre.. nesting in a hanging basket?
🙂 shame we hadn’t heard about the duck before we went, although I was so focussed on just picking up TT without looking at anything else anyway!!
Such gorgeous flowers, the garden is in it’s glory.
Thanks Charlie
I went to Wisley a couple of weeks ago and the tulip displays were amazing. We always seem to be there in winter so it was nice to see a bit of colour.
Are you a member, Chris? It would be good to go throughout the year if you are local – lovely to catch the rhododendrons this time round
Their bedding certainly has impact! It’s what Wisley is all about – a showcase for plants and all styles of gardens and trends, irrespective of fashion. That’s why I’m so keen to go, never having been to an RHS show garden. What an admission!
Well the Midlands is about as far as you can get from them so that’s understandable! We have been to Harlow Carr once, on out way back from somewhere further north – but there are so many other gardens in the UK that are easier to get to. You are right about Wisley being a showcase, irrespective of fashion – and educational in that respect
P.s. I love your gallery! Something else I must learn to do!
Oh thanks – I have only recently ‘made’ myself tackle it. It wasn’t difficult, and the slide show is useful for a lot of pictures but I don’t like the black background within my post which is why I put it on a separate page. I intend to look into Flikr instead where you can click on a picture and it will take you to the Flikr slide show.
Always an inspiration to go there. I might visit in May. Lovely pics, and it’s interesting to see that their White Swan looks as poorly as mine. Fell in love with Tangerine as well last year 😉
The borders will be burgeoning by then, I expect 🙂
It’s always a treat going to Wisley, especially with your daughter; two treats in one. The spring border is a bit ‘in your face’ though. The Geum is lovely. I am also very fond of G. Lemon Drops.
But amazingly in your face nonetheless! Not come across Lemon Drops – is it a real ‘lemon’ yellow?
Sunglasses a definite must to gaze upon that spring border I would imagine Cathy. Glad to read that you enjoyed your trip to Wisley. I can think that ‘Totally Tangerine’ will be a perfect addition to your bold and brilliant border 🙂
Ah, now I am just calling it ‘bold’, Anna – ‘brilliant’ would be copying Sarah Raven (even though it’s her book that triggered the change), and I don’t know yet how successful it will be anyway! Everyone seems to love TT, don’t they?