My Climate Zone

Sunset Climate Zone

I don't know yet

USDA Plant Hardines Zone

Zone 7a

City

Sheffield

State

South Yorkshire

Zip Code

S10 1QW

Country

England

Gardening Background

Biographical Information

Author of the most comprehensive books on black plants. Published in 2000, the book is now in its 4th ed. Its success was followed by further books on gold plants, green flowers and silver foliage.

My Mulch Profile

Website

http://www.karenplatt.co.uk

Occupation

plant and garden lover, writer

Gardening Ability

7 - Gardening Business

My 5 favorite plants are

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
Aeonium 'Zwartkop'
Ranunculus ficaria 'Brazen Hussy'
Melianthus major
Acer platanoides 'Princeton Gold'

What is a garden myth you hear frequently which you know is untrue?

Black plants are difficult to place in the garden

And, what is the reality?

Black plants are easy to use in the garden

What is your favorite gardening outfit or costume?

I wear my usual clothes - even been out there in an evening dress

What is the one question about gardening you would really like people to ask you?

Why I grow black plants

And what's the answer?

They are different, mesmerizing, they have qualities no other plant possesses

Who is your own favorite gardening personality on TV, radio or in print? Why?

Alan Titchmarsh - not only has he been supportive but he makes me laugh and he is so knowledgable.

Do you have a gardening philosophy you would like to share with other gardeners? What is it?

Try it and see if you like it, if not make changes.

If you could grow only one plant, what would it be?

I could not live with just one plant, no way, but if I had to choose, it would be Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' - easy to grow, almost trouble free, year round black.

What plant have you tried to grow that has given you the most trouble? Or, what plant would you like to grow and can't, and why?

Lavender from seed, just never seems to germinate.

What is your favorite time in the garden?

Anytime, but I love early morning.

What is your favorite color in the garden?

Black of course, but I love them all.

What is your favorite place or activity in the garden?

My 'quiet' area where I contemplate my gold plants.

What is your favorite public or private garden in the world? Why?

Kew - love everything about it, you can learn so much about plants here.

What individual has influenced your gardening interest the most? How?

A friend of the family, he taught me how to grow roses and tomatoes when I was 10 years old.

Gardening Dilemmas

Someone has let Japanese knotweed loose around here, so far I have eradicated it.

What do you dislike most about gardening?

getting down on my knees.

What do you like most about gardening?

Seeing plants in full bloom, looking their best, bushy foliage.

Company/Organization

Black Tulip Publishing/Garden Tours

Favorite Nursery

Edrom Nurseries in north of England - great alpines, superb plansmen.

Cat or Dog person

Neither

What is your Garden Test Score?

I Haven't Taken the Test Yet

Education

Plant Care Provider Profile

I would like to promote my gardening expertise

Yes