Sweet peas put on a stunning show
29 June 2010
Look out for some stunning sweet peas at Wisley this year – they should provide a riot of colour says Jim McDonald, Chairman of the RHS Sweet Pea Subcommittee.
The Trials Field is open to garden visitors at Wisley - just ask for the Portsmouth Field and prepare yourself for a floral treat.
The committee will be keen to see some particular varieties returning to get the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) awards following last year’s trial - in particular ‘Duo Salmon’ from Unwins Seeds (Mail Order only).
This bi-colour with a red standard and pinky lilac wings was awarded top marks last year. “It gave a stunning display which melted the hearts of all the judging panel. We can’t wait to see it again this year to hopefully confirm its AGM award, said Jim. There are also a further 24 sweet peas on trial for confirmation of the AGM.
This year’s RHS trials of sweet peas feature 22 varieties that are not yet in commerce, of which 17 are first time entrants. The other five are brought back at the request of the committee from last years trials. Of these 22, amateur gardeners have sent 12 varieties - the other 10 are from well known seed merchants.
“Of the new entrants it will be interesting to see the six fancy colours submitted - like pink picotee edge on white, blue picotee on pale blue ground, pink marble on white, lavender stripe on white, pink and white stripe and pink ripple with white rear of flower. These all sound very exciting and a must for the public to see.”