Spring has well and truly sprung, judging by the abundance of springtime flowers at New Covent Garden Market this month!
Just how gorgeous is this dainty Dicentra spectabilis at Bloomfield? With the common name of bleeding heart, it aptly has heart-shaped pink and white blooms, which hang from its arching stems. Read on to discover lots more wonderful flowers, foliage, plants and sundries available at Nine Elms this month...
British Flowers
Beautifully scented homegrown sweet peas, also known as Lathyrus odoratus, can be found at Zest Flowers.
Meanwhile at Pratley, British Narcissi like this variety called Great Leap can be found by the box load, together with English tulips.
World Flowers
Called Hydrangea Magical Emerald, this very special flower is a little bit of a chameleon, as apparently its white-pink petals gradually change in colour to deep-green.
There are so many exquisite varieties of roses available all year round at the Flower Market that it's a real challenge choosing which ones in particular to feature in my reports. However, for April I thought I'd shine the spotlight on Menta with its delicate blush petals. You'll find it at Bloomfield.
You may have seen me mention Brownies Tulips in last month's report? Well, this month Anthony at The Floral Garden Group (A Goodchild) has another flower from the new Brownies range, freesias!
To add a wonderful touch of movement to a bridal bouquet, how about Astilbe japonica Washington, which is available at Zest Flowers?
Or if it's a scented white bloom you're on the look-out for, how about this gorgeous Syringa vulgaris Madame Florent Stepman? And if you'd like to discover more about this fragrant bloom, then take a read of our special report.
Incredible to believe, but dahlias are back...already! Check out this variety called Dahlia Karma Maarten Zwaan. It's often described as water lily in form, with its white flowers and a splash of lime green at its centres.
This month, you'll find a wide selection of Butterfly Ranunculus available at several of our flower wholesalers. And this variety is one of the most popular. Called Ariadne, it has soft pink petals. By the way, if you're a ranunculus fan, do check out our latest florist's guide report!
As well as Butterfly Ranunculus, you'll also find information in it about Cloni Ranuculus, the family this striking variety called Fragolino comes from. It's available at DG Wholesale Flowers.
There's still a wide array of tulips at the Flower Market, including this fringed variety called Purple Crystal with its deep purple petals. It's available at Deanos Flowers.
How about these pretty Campanula medium Champion Lavender, perfect for a spring hand-tied bouquet?
Or you may prefer this highly scented Hyacinthus orientalis Jan Bos with rich cerise pink flowers? It can be found at J H Hart Flowers.
Let's round off this section with the happy news that Sonny is busy back at work at Dennis Edward Flowers after taking time off for the arrival of his daughter. His wife Kitten had a beautiful baby girl and they've named her Meadow.
British Foliage
English Photinia is available this month at GB Foliage...
...together with Azalea in bud.
Meanwhile over at Porters Foliage, you'll find birch leaves starting to unfurl. It's a good time to use it now, when it's at its toughest and the leaves are at their most long-lasting.
You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to blossom! Russ, who's partial to pear blossom in particular, is the man 'in the know' if you have any questions, whatsoever.
World Foliage
Porters Foliage really is the place to go if you're looking for dried flowers and foliage, a trend which certainly shows no sign of abating. As well as bleached ruscus, they also have broom, teasels and bearded wheat.
By the way, the ruscus also comes in pale pink, cerise pink, peach and pale lilac.
British Plants
Trolley loads of homegrown Zonal Geraniums can be found at Arnott & Mason this month, in lots of different colours. They're ideal for adding a pop of colour to outside spaces.
World Plants
Lavandula stoechas topiary plants are available at Quality Plants, together with Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’ topiary plants too.
Plus they have trays of fragrant Jasminum polyanthum, ready-wrapped in brown kraft paper.
Just the ticket for gifts are these Campanula Blue Like MEE plants at Evergreen Exterior Services. They're happy inside and outside.
Sundries
C Best have got some fabulous new ranges in for spring. With the continuing trend for the 70s vibe, how about these amber glass vases? Or if green is more to your taste, they also have an amazing assortment. And the cacti-shaped vases would be a great talking point in your shop or for contracts.
C Best have also well and truly pulled out all the stops for you if you're involved in this year's Chelsea in Bloom! For 2019, the theme is 'Under The Sea' and you'll find virtually ever type of sea shell imaginable on display in their store, plus lots more marine paraphernalia.
So, I hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of the In Season report and it’s given you lots of inspiration! As always, it features just some of the many floral highlights at the market this month. You'll also find Anemone Mistral Plus Tigre, Maiden's Blush Lilac, Dahlia Red Fox, Ranunculus Pon Pon Malva, Secret Garden Roses, Freesia Mercurius, Scabious Scoop Marshmallow, Berried Ivy, Sorbus, Syngonium podophyllum plants, Easter themed sundries...and lots more besides!
We’d love to hear from you if you have any comments or questions. Simply fill in the boxes below. And we hope you all have a lovely Easter!
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