Invitation

It’s a touch early for the roses at the National collection at Mottisfont Abbey, but I headed there anyway as I thought it might be a bit quieter ahead of the bank holiday and half term. It was much busier than expected but the walled gardens were looking magnificent, and the early roses were coming into bloom among the well selected companion plants.

I’ve come to the conclusion that my favourite rose species is the moss rose which have wonderful hips later on (extra). However I had to choose one of the companion plants for my main, a colourful bearded iris with its invitation to insects to “come in and sup”.