Success story

In Arran, rhodies are a real problem, the purple masses almost like an invasive weed in places. Recently lots of the ground near the castle gate had to be cleared because of disease. So when I am in Arran I'm no great fan of the rhodie.

Home in the neglected garden, however, we have been trying for years to get more than a couple of blooms on a brilliant pink rhodie. It had grown leggy and bare until last year I plucked up courage and read what Monty Don said before going for major pruning. We had no idea if it would be a disaster.

This year we have the best ever number of blooms - 10 fully out and 10 on the verge of bursting open! Must have done something right!