Shire Plants Blog

This is Viola odorata 'Dick o' the Hills', a sweet violet which has just started flowering and should be flowering strongly through to late spring. I like to think it was named after a wizened old she … read more

Our latest monthly newsletter has just been sent out to our subscribers. This month we feature some useful ground cover plants. You can view it here. … read more

I find the 'common' names of plants fascinating. Some of our wildflowers have been loved (or sometimes hated!) for centuries and the wide range of different local names for the same plant always inter … read more

First proper frost of autumn today. I love the way the ice gives the plants a whole new dimension, really changing the appearance of the flower beds.  … read more

We have just confirmed that we will be attending two Rare Plant Fairs in 2020. These are wonderful opportunities to visit a wonderful garden and browse the offerings of a dozen or so specialist plant … read more

The 29th September, is Michaelmas, a Christian festival also known as the Feast of Saint Michael. St Michael is one of the principal angelic warriors, protector against the dark of the night and the A … read more

The Michaelmas Daisies are starting to come into their own and brightening up tired borders. This is one of my favourites - Aster 'Little Carlow' (https://shireplants.co.uk/aster-cordifolius-little-ca … read more

This is Stevia rebaudiana, otherwise known as The Sugar Plant or Candy Leaf. It is said that the leaf has 300 times the sweetness of sugar and it is now used in the food industry in some areas of … read more

This unusual monkey flower, Mimulus naianadanus, is not often offered in the UK which is a shame as it's most striking. Large white, cream and purple flowers, with purple spotted tongues adorn the pla … read more