In this extract from AG 10 May 1969, Christopher Lloyd, of Great Dixter fame, looks at filling the end-of-May gap in the flower garden
THE tulips, wallflowers, polyanthus and other stalwarts of the spring garden are going over, while the bedding plants and perennials that will provide a long summer show have not yet gathered momentum. Of course, we have the bearded irises, oriental poppies and lupins, but their grand splashes are followed by grim gaps. What else can we turn to on a slighter scale?
Well, there are the libertias, of which Libertia formosa is the best-known species and the most easily obtained. It can also be raised from seed sown now and could produce a few first blooms next year. The plants have a strong individual appearance, forming…