Botanical Plantasy

04/09/2026

🌿 Begonia hemsleyana ‘Silver Dots’ 🌿

Previously designated as U404 and also known as Begonia hemsleyana variegata, this rare and highly coveted rhizomatous begonia is native to the shaded, humid forest understories of Yunnan and Guangxi in China, northern Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar.

A seriously beautiful and rather unusual begonia, with narrow, palmately divided leaves sprinkled with silver spots and deep maroon undersides, basically dressed for a gothic woodland ball.

Although it’s grown outdoors in the states a lot and Despite its mountain origins, I’d class it as tender to semi-hardy in the UK! Definitely one for a sheltered, shady position and protection from hard frost. Its rhizomatous nature may give it a little more resilience than some begonias, but I wouldn’t trust it outside through a typical UK winter. It may be brave, but it’s not quite ready for a British winter without a coat, a hot water bottle and a strongly worded letter to the weather.

One for the serious begonia collector or anyone who has already run out of sensible places to put plants! 👀🌿

01/09/2026

30+ Araliaceae in the garden… because apparently I have a problem😝 Just a few of the leafy weirdos on this morning’s wander! Anyone else collecting plants they definitely don’t need? 💚🌴  

29/08/2026

How to create an exotic garden with hardy tropical plants UK gardeners will love

29/08/2026

25/08/2026

Brassaiopsis Hispida.

A rare and striking evergreen shrub from the Araliaceae family, and a real standout in the garden this summer.

It’s flowering again, producing another flush of large, fresh leaves and starting to branch beautifully. Despite still being grown in a pot (due to its hardiness) it’s put on around 50cm of growth this season! Plant is nearly around 2m with a decent chunky trunk.

22/08/2026

A couple of new additions kindly picked up by Gemma Furby and from Pan Global Plants

A few little “gap fillers” to squeeze into the garden… 😂

Because obviously I have loads of space! 🤦‍♂️🌴

The collection continues to grow, as does the problem of finding somewhere to put it all! 😂

21/08/2026

A huge thank you to for my very awesome early 40th birthday present!

Schefflera nova NJM 13.128, what an absolute stunner! Another incredible plant to add to the collection.

Thanks again, mate! Really appreciate and love it! 💚