March 25, 2022
Spring Into Action!
After a winter that seemed to last an eternity, we are very relieved to be spotting the first signs of spring!
Take a look at the beautiful plants and flowers that Michele has been documenting from around her garden.
Snowdrops have become a familiar indicator of the shifting seasons and a sure sign that warmer weather is on its way. They are one of the first flowers to look out for January-March.
The winter flowering Daphne, botanically called Daphne odora, has pink buds that emerge in February to March, becoming clusters of fragrant, tubular blooms. They are notoriously difficult to grow but Michele appears to have mastered it!
Above is the beautiful Camellia. Camellia are easy to grow, glossy evergreens. Their showy flowers come in whites, pinks and reds and appear early in the season; a time when not much else is flowering.
Below, a winter rose or Hellebore. There are fewer pollinators around when hellebores are in flower, but the blooms bear rich nectar and lots of pollen, making them an instant hit for hungry bumblebees. Most hellebores have downward-facing flowers. Not only does this protect the pollen from winter rains but it also offers shelter to the attendant insect while it feeds. One of the most alluring aspects of growing hellebores is the way in which you have to participate with them, gently turning up their faces to appreciate the uniqueness of each individual.
Below, a winter rose or Hellebore. There are fewer pollinators around when hellebores are in flower, but the blooms bear rich nectar and lots of pollen, making them an instant hit for hungry bumblebees. Most hellebores have downward-facing flowers. Not only does this protect the pollen from winter rains but it also offers shelter to the attendant insect while it feeds. One of the most alluring aspects of growing hellebores is the way in which you have to participate with them, gently turning up their faces to appreciate the uniqueness of each individual.
The Clematis, as seen pictured above, is the ‘Queen of Climbers'. It produces masses of flowers in a wide variety of shapes and colours. With careful selection, it’s possible to enjoy their blooms throughout the year, and with plants suited to growing on walls and fences, up obelisks and pergolas, into trees, in containers and even in a mixed border, it is easy to see why these versatile plants are one of the most popular in gardens.
The Crocus (second image) flower mainly in late winter to early spring. They offer cheer in borders, seasonal containers or planted in lawns to create colour carpets. In addition to the spring flowering cultivars, another group of crocuses flower in autumn.
The Crocus (second image) flower mainly in late winter to early spring. They offer cheer in borders, seasonal containers or planted in lawns to create colour carpets. In addition to the spring flowering cultivars, another group of crocuses flower in autumn.
This Ferraria crispa or Starfish Iris/Lily is a real showstopper!
It is an unusual addition to UK gardens – but one that can grow, thrive, and be productive of many a double-take. This South African plant will remain closed on a dull day, but will burst open as soon as the sun shines down on them. These beauties have thrived in Michele's greenhouse.
It is an unusual addition to UK gardens – but one that can grow, thrive, and be productive of many a double-take. This South African plant will remain closed on a dull day, but will burst open as soon as the sun shines down on them. These beauties have thrived in Michele's greenhouse.
With all of this breath-taking inspiration surrounding her, it is no wonder that Michele uses her love for nature in most of her work!
We hope you enjoyed this insight into Michele's world!
Thank you for reading from the team at Artisan Alchemy... and Michele's resident robin!
Thank you for reading from the team at Artisan Alchemy... and Michele's resident robin!
As always, if you would like to commission an extra special piece of jewellery or furniture, please do get in touch - email artisans@artisan-alchemy.co.uk or call 0121 233 1186.
With best wishes from Michele and the team at Artisan Alchemy 😊