June in the garden
June is really the start of summer in the gardens at Lakeside, all the summer bedding is planted out and is flowering already. At this time of year the mature Oaks are in full leaf and the surrounding hillsides are green and lush. All our herbaceous perennials look good now, and the Alliums are at their best too. We grow several varieties including 'Globemaster' (pictured) which is probably the best and most reliable purple variety. Our favourite is Allium bulgaricum, which has nodding, bell-shaped greenish white flowers with reddish brown stripes. As a bonus amazing seed heads follow the flowers.
Shrubs that are performing well in June include Philadelphus, of which we grow many varieties, including some unusual species. Hardy fuschias and shrubby Potentillas start flowering in June too and will continue right through to October.