So many colourful beards in a small sunny space!!

Rik was a delightful host who enjoyed every minute of sharing his passion for the bearded Iris, many rare and less favoured varieties, around 50 of them, all strong sturdy examples, not ones with fancy ice cream parlour names and floppy standards, but ones with a strong historical and botanical background.

As well as Irises this small urban garden was planted with unusual trees, mostly from Asia, also New Zealand, fruit trees too, all kept within reasonable proportions to allow much needed light to filter through to the prized irises. The water features were home to beneficial hoverflies and hedgehogs, a rarity these days but thankfully, not a slug in sight. The border plants were going in as we ate cake and will fill the colour-void left by the irises for the height of summer.

A quick visit to Pittencrief Public Park to saw Rik's passion overflowing as a volunteer to maintain the Iris beds, all presented to their best for passers by to appreciate.

If you feel you have missed and wish to donate to his chosen charities Rik's garden is open throughout June. See the SGS website for details.