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

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

Modest, alluring and versatile, Viola odorata, or sweet violet, is a small, hardy, herbaceous perennial that tumbles and scrambles close to the ground, forming dense clumps of dainty, heart-shaped, gr

A bunch of flowers can speak volumes. Different blooms and colours represent messages of affection, friendship, support, luck and even proposal. Most cultures and religions have a history of using flo

Blickling Hall

About this time of year it is well worth making a trip to RHS Garden Wisley to see the crocus lawns. All around and under the conifers is an impressive display of many, many thousands of flowers in wh