There is something to be said for visiting other people’s gardens, places that you aren’t intimately acquainted with. Actually there is a lot to be said. At certain times of the year I go for long periods without travelling much further than my workplaces and this is to my detriment. This only relates to my professional life you understand, I do occasionally venture to Barnstaple* for recreational purposes. I, naturally, digress; garden visiting can be inspiring, consoling, enlightening, encouraging. Recently I have visited two garden in the capacity of admirer and commentator. They are both gardens that I have visited often, they are both gardens that I love. The first is Marwood Hill Gardens, 20 acres of wonder and water. The second is RHS Rosemoor, excellence without pomp. Both contain an enviable selection of specimen trees, shrubs, herbaceous, bedding, the list is comprehensive. Both have their own personality and mood.
This flowering bramble, Rubus spectabilis “Olympic Double” or the Salmonberry, was found in both. It is a North American cousin of our favourite roadside berry provider and erstwhile adversary. Whilst it has some of the bad habits of its wild counterpart (it suckers, has a lax habit and is generally unruly) the stunning flowers at this time of year balance the negatives. They will produce fruit but the jury is out as to how worthy they are, they are at worst dull and at best average. Perhaps as a rejuvenating nibble as you wander past on a hot day they would be ambrosial but do not expect them to wow in a crumble.
*for those of you who know Barnstaple this may be mildly amusing, for those of you who don’t, it is absolutely hilarious.
Off The Edge Gardening 
I love Rosemoor, one of my all time favourite gardens, you are jolly lucky to live so close. I haven’t visited Marwood Hill Gardens, your high recommendation is enough for me though, I hope we do get to visit one day and Rubus spectabilis ‘Olympic Double’ is new to me, very lovely she is too.
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Very true, and certainly makes RHS membership worthwhile! If you are in the area please shout, would love to meet up – I didn’t mention the cake and cheese scones at Marwood!
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That really does make me wish I lived closer, hopefully a shout will not be too long.:)
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As a North American I should probably be embarrassed – I thought it was a Dahlia!
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I saw you had commented and thought “now I will learn the true nature of this beast” 😉 it would make a very pretty dahlia!
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Is it as big as a Dahlia? I have never heard of it but really avoided the brambles.
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No the flowers are about 1cm or a little bigger perhaps. Perhaps you will come across it now, life works like that sometimes. Have a great day 🙂
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Beautiful in flower, but it needs its space… 😉
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OMG, I too am in the USA and I too thought it was a dahlia!! lol
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Great minds!
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I had a feeling it would be a mover and shaker!
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I never thought I’d ever say a good word about a bramble, but that’s really really nice!!
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Glad you like it, such a lovely colour!
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I guess the close-up photography makes all the difference. We had salmonberry growing all along our (extremely long) driveway at the old place (two moves ago). It was an exciting harbinger of spring, but I never looked closely at the flowers. I know they weren’t double. The berries were a dull orange and did not have much flavour.
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My trick photography fooled you!
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Looking for a photo of this plant led me to your excellent and entertaining blog. I intend to read more, although maybe not till the height of gardening season is over.
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Glad you enjoyed it! Look forward to your return 🙂
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