Vision is not the only sense to be stimulated this month. Some scented wonders in the garden include Hedychiums (Ginger Lilies). The king of the ginger lilies has to be H. gardnerianum (pictured below) with its beautifully fragrant large orange flowers that never fail to impress.

Other scented wonders include Ageratina ligustrina (Incense Bush) with its wonderfully showy white flowers that carry their scent around the garden, attracting visitors and butterflies alike. Finally filling the air with a wonderful scent of burnt toffee is Cerdidiphyllum japonicum, a beautiful small tree that at this time of the year starts to turn a lovely golden yellow colour.

Incense Bush

Other highlights include the Hydrangeas in particular H. paniculata with lovely long panicles of white flowers that at this time of the year take on a reddish tinge and H.quercifolia with its gorgeous huge oak-shaped leaves that go a lovely mix of red through to purple before they drop. Last but no means least I can't go without mentioning Fascicularia bicolor a beautiful South American Bromeliad that looks absolutely stunning with its pale blue flowers that are surrounded by red-tinged leaves.

Darren Dickey - Head Gardener

H. quercifolia                                             Fascicularia bicolor