"Stewart Robert Hinsley" wrote in message
...
In message , Steve
writes
Hi,

can anybody tell me what this is please. It pops through the fence from
my neighbour's garden every year and I'm not sure whether to encourage it
or not.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...edornot_11.jpg

Thaks

Steve

Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian), a garden plant often naturalised,
especially, I think, in coastal areas.
--

Here in Dublin it grows freely as a (non0native) weed and is quite showy in
some spots. There are 3 colour forms (red, white and pink) and you usualy
get a mixture. It grows on rocky outcrops and walls. It is also grown as a
genuine garden plant (Christopher Lloyd used to have it at Dixter) BUT it
does wreck masonry (grows through mortar) so don't let it grow on any
supporting walls :-). I like it BUT if you cut it and take it indoors to
stick in a vase, you will then discover it has a second common name which I
cannot remember exactly but involves cats and/or ****.

Des in HOT HOT HOT Dublin.

Stewart Robert Hinsley