Salix myrtilloides Pink Tassels

A very cute little Himalayan willow (see the wood anemones there for scale) - inconspicuous most of the time, but the pinky purple catkins are very striking - complementing winter flowering heathers well and lovely with Narcissus species. 

A naturally picturesque gnarly alpine shrub - I've found it more adaptable in our increasingly dry south-eastern climes than other dwarf Salix. 
£12

Viburnum brevitubum CBCH807

 
A beautiful new evergreen species for our gardens with masses of milky-white trumpet flowers and smart red-tinted bracts, new leaves and stems. The leaves are narrow and nicely textured and of a satisfying glossy mid-green - not at all dark and heavy in any way. Not scented unfortunately.

Flowers freely and for a long time from early in the year, and unaffected by frost so far (that might change if we had any proper frosts however). Another one from Pépinière Aoba that I got in just before brexit. 
£16

Phymosia umbellata Aubergine

A Mexican mallow with very dark glossy bell-shaped flowers in chunky green calyces. It may or may not be darker than other forms in cultivation, but I like the name because the flowers really do look a lot like aubergines. Photos of similar plants online look a lot more red. People who like black flowers (and who doesn't?) should definitely grow it.

Anyway it's my seedling so I'm naming it 😁  It's very photogenic.

In other respects it resembles other malvaceous shrubs like Abutilon and Lavatera and grows to about 6ft tall and across.

Hardiness is uncertain but it'll take some frost - probably safest fairly dry at the roots and in full sun, against a wall, or in a pot brought in for the winter. 

£16

Berberis insolita

Berberis have a bit of a bad reputation for being dull and shapeless. The flowers are nice but the overall look of the plant can feel oppressive. This species though challenges that description by being graceful and elegant, with fresh willowy leaves, and quite large pale greenish cream flowers. It's really very pretty.

It does of course have the usual savage thorns, but it's also, like most Berberis, extremely hardy and adaptable. Highly recommended. I sneaked this one in under the wire from AOBA in France just before the brexit wall came down.
£16

Correa Poorinda Mary

A very neat and unusual variety with rounded scurfy leaves on a low spreading shrub. The flowers are a rich bright pink with a brownish tinge. For those in the know it looks like one of the more unusual pink-flowered lawrenciana has been crossed with nummularifolia. 

Not much tested for cold but definitely fine in maritime gardens here in Sussex. Correas do well in dry semi-shade and well-drained sunny sites.

£16

The end of Brighton Plants, or the start of a new chapter?

Well - it's happened - I have to vacate the nursery land in 2 months, as of yesterday. 
Not sure exactly what to do next, although I knew this might happen eventually. 
I don't think it's sunk in yet. I have some ideas. 
I don't want to give it up. I was hoping to be running Brighton Plants into my retirement in 4 years time. 
Thinking about all the plants in the ground there - some really rare things. The trees and larger shrubs will have to be left behind. The land will be developed so no doubt they'll be killed. I'll rescue what I can. 

The main problems will be having the money and energy to start over at 63. I'm barely keeping on top of it one day a week as it is. There's an immense amount of stuff to move - not just plants - the tunnel, the greenhouse. My body is aching all the time now (all the men in my family get 'arthritis') and I need to sleep far more than I used to. And of course I have no savings. 
I have a couple of ideas for new premises but I need to make enquiries. 

Anyway I'm not ready to give up just yet. Any ideas and encouragement will be appreciated.

Hypericum aegypticum

A terrific small shrub, looking more like a tiny shrubby Linum than a Hypericum – the flowers are a soft pale yellow, more or less funnel-shaped, and set among tiny grey leaves. 

Hardy here for many years in a sunny dry spot. Exquisite.
£8