The sweet violet, Viola odorata, may be a diminutive flower, but its small, slightly asymmetrical, pansy-like flowers are highly fragrant. They open in early spring before most plants have even though

THIS WEEK AT GLEBE COTTAGE

This fortnight, Anne’s thoughts turn to Valentine’s day roses, homemade plant food and helping pollinators

Erysimum Rysi Copper One of the definitions of a wallflower is that of a shy and awkward person with whom nobody wants to dance: I am sure we have all felt like that at some point in our adolescence.

As the sun sinks over the moat encircling Columbine Hall, reflections of the manor house stretch and soften on the still surface of the water. This is a profoundly romantic setting and, along with the

Mike Palmer uncovers tales of love and passion behind his favourite romantic plants