Also known as: Muscari neglectum ‘Jenny Robinson’, Muscari neglectum ‘Baby’s Breath’, Muscari armeniacum ‘Babies Breath’, Muscari ‘Baby’s Breath’.

Muscari ‘Jenny Robinson’ is a compact grape hyacinth prized for its dense clusters of pale, powder-blue flowers shading to white towards the top, that appear in spring. It forms neat clumps of narrow, grass-like leaves and produces flower spikes that are excellent for edging, rock gardens, and naturalising in lawns or under trees.

This variety is ideal for borders, containers, rockeries, and naturalising beneath deciduous trees and shrubs. Its compact habit and striking blue blooms make it a favourite for spring colour and for combining with early bulbs such as crocus and daffodils. It also attracts early pollinators when in flower.

Plant the bulbs in autumn in a sunny or partially shaded spot with well drained soil. Space bulbs about 2–3″ (5–8 cm) apart and plant to a depth roughly 2–3 times the bulb height. Muscari tolerates a range of soils but performs best where drainage prevents bulbs from sitting in water over winter.

Once established, Muscari ‘Jenny Robinson’ is low-maintenance. Water in dry spells during the growing season but reduce watering after flowering as the foliage dies back. Allow the leaves to yellow and wither naturally so the bulb can store energy for the next season; avoid cutting foliage until it has fully died back. Divide congested clumps every few years in late summer or early autumn to maintain vigour.

Jenny Robinson was a founder and past President of the Plant Heritage Suffolk.  For many years, Jenny kept the National Collection of Muscari in her garden and this Muscari, ‘Jenny Robinson’ which she discovered in Cyprus was named after her. Two other plants from her garden were given to us for distributing amongst members, Narcissus ‘Osborne’s Grey’ and Narcissus ‘Jenny’s Little Sister’. Her garden was a triumph and was still being opened to the public right up to the spring before her death in August 2010, four days before her 94th birthday. (Biographical notes from Maggie Thorpe, President of Suffolk Plant Heritage Group.)

Suffolk Plant Heritage Plant Fair at  Helmingham Hall

13th September 2026

Full programme in due course.

Aloysia citrodora ‘Spilsbury Mint’ (Lemon Verbena – Spilsbury Mint form) is a deciduous, aromatic shrub with slender stems and narrow, lanceolate leaves.

It has a strong lemon fragrance with a distinctive minty undertone unique to this variety. The leaves are suitable for culinary use (teas, desserts) and for drying. It’s ideal for container growing, patios, and sheltered sunny spots.

Plant in full sun for best vigour and strongest fragrance. Tender; protect from frost. Overwinters best under cover or indoors. Plant in free‑draining compost; avoid waterlogging. Water moderately allowing the surface to dry slightly between watering.

Give a light trim in spring to encourage fresh growth and maintain shape. Naturally drops many leaves in winter; regrowth resumes in spring.

Alongside the stalls of the specialist nurseries and artisans, we have an exciting programme of talks and entertainment.

Sunday 24th May

Talks:

11.30am – 12.30pm Garden Speaker – Jim Marshall – The renewal of Benton End Gardens – home of Sir Cedric Morris.
12.30 – 1pm Meet the Experts Q&A:
Jim Marshall – RHS Gold Medal Winner and National Trust Gardens Advisor
Matthew Tanton Brown – Nurseryman (A Place for Plants) and Broadcaster
Anthony Pigott – Scientific Reference National Collection of Dryopteris

1pm – 2pm – Plants of Distinction Collection with Suffolk Plant Heritage Collection Display
2pm – 2.30pm – National Plant Collection Holder Talk: Lucy Skellorn, Foster Irises
2.30pm – 3pm – National Plant Collection Holder Talk: Darren Andrews, Engleheart Narcissus

Entertainment:

10.30am – 4pm Harriet Cree Musician
12 noon – 12.45pm – Suffolk Phoenix Brass Band
1.45pm – 2.30pm – Suffolk Phoenix Brass Band
Dancers – throughout the day
Sid the Sax – throughout the day in the stable courtyard

Artists in the Garden:

Details will be announced on the day, depending on the weather.

Monday 25th May

Talks:

11.30am – 12.30pm Garden Talk: Jim Marshall – The renewal of Benton End Gardens – home of Sir Cedric Morris.
12.30pm – 1pm Meet the Experts Q&A:
Jim Marshall – RHS Gold Medal Winner and National Trust Gardens Advisor
Matthew Tanton Brown – Nurseryman (A Place for Plants) and Broadcaster
Anthony Pigott – Scientific Reference National Collection of Dryopteris

1pm – 2pm – Plants of Distinction Collection with Suffolk Plant Heritage Collection Display
2pm – 2.30pm – National Plant Collection Holder Talk: Mel Collins of Mickfield Hostas – Hosta Q&A
2.30pm – 3pm – National Plant Collection Holder Talk: Gill Stafford of Woottens of Wenhaston, Pelargoniums (Species and Scented)

Entertainment:

10am – 12 noon – Holly Brice
12 noon – 12.45pm – Suffolk Phoenix Brass Band
1.45pm – 2.30pm – Suffolk Phoenix Brass Band
Dancers – throughout the day
Sid the Sax – throughout the day in the stable courtyard
2pm – 4pm – Suffolk One Musicians

Artists in the Garden:

Details will be announced on the day, depending on the weather.

Suffolk Plant Heritage Plant Fair at  Helmingham Hall

24th & 25th May 2026

More details in due course.

Plant Heritage Autumn Plant Fair and Artisan Market

It’s the 25th Anniversary Plant Fair at Helmingham Hall!

Sunday 14th September:  10 am – 4 pm, Helmingham Hall, IP14 6EF. Entrance: Adults £10 (£9.00 in advance) – Children: Free (includes admission into the Grade 1 Listed Gardens).

• 800 free plants for visitors distributed during the day
• Hundreds of rare and unusual plants
• Garden and lifestyle accessories
• Specialist nurseries & National Plant Collections
• Expert advice & demonstrations
• Live music & entertainment
• Local food and drink producers
• Children’s activities

Tickets for the Autumn Plant Fair can be purchased in advance from the Helmingham Hall web site or on the gate on the day. 

Thymus × citriodorus ‘Lime’, commonly known as Lime Thyme, is a fragrant evergreen perennial herb prized for its distinctive citrus aroma and vibrant foliage. A hybrid within the mint family (Lamiaceae), it’s thought to have originated from crosses between common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and lemon thyme (Thymus pulegioides), combining the culinary versatility of thyme with a refreshing lime scent. Its compact growth habit and ornamental appeal make it equally at home in herb gardens, ornamental borders, or container displays.

This variety typically forms a low, spreading mat of small, oval, lime-green leaves, reaching around 6-12″ (15–30 cm) in height with a spread of 9-12″ (25–30 cm). In summer, it produces clusters of tiny pink flowers that attract bees and other pollinators, adding ecological value to its aesthetic charm. The foliage releases its citrusy fragrance when brushed or crushed, making it a delightful choice for planting near paths, patios, or seating areas.

Cultivation is straightforward, provided its Mediterranean origins are respected. Lime Thyme thrives in full sun, ideally with at least six hours of direct light daily, and prefers light, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It tolerates poor soils, heat, and drought once established, but suffers in waterlogged conditions, so amending heavy clay with grit or sand is recommended. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between watering, and avoid over-fertilising, which can reduce flavour intensity. Regular pruning in spring and after flowering helps maintain a dense, bushy habit and prolongs the plant’s productive life.

In the kitchen, Thymus × citriodorus ‘Lime’ offers a zesty twist on traditional thyme, pairing beautifully with fish, poultry, salads, and herbal teas. Harvest sprigs as needed, ideally just before flowering for peak flavour, and dry or freeze for later use.

Suffolk Plant Heritage gives away a free plant, bulb or seeds at our plant fairs as part of its active conservation work. Anyone in Suffolk can grow little known but worthwhile garden plants and help secure their survival for the future. Wide distribution of a plant is the best form of conservation.Suffolk Plant Heritage runs plant propagation workshops and sells unusual plants at various events.

 Plant Heritage Spring Plant Fair and Artisan Market

Sunday 25th  & Monday 26th May:  10 am – 4 pm, Helmingham Hall, IP14 6EF.

Entrance: Adults £12 (£10.00 in advance) – Children under 15: Free (includes admission into the Grade 1 Listed Gardens).

• Free plant for 800 visitors distributed during the two days
• Hundreds of rare and unusual plants
• Garden and lifestyle accessories
• Specialist nurseries & National Plant Collections
• Expert advice & demonstrations
• Live music & entertainment
• Local food and drink producers
• Children’s activities

Tickets for the Spring Plant Fair can be purchased in advance from the Helmingham Hall web site or on the gate on the day. 

Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is a popular montbretia variety known for its vibrant red flowers and attractive, arching foliage. It’s a show-stopping perennial that blooms from late summer into autumn, offering a bold display of colour and attracting pollinators.

A cormous, herbaceous perennial with a robust and very upright growing habit up to 5′ (1.6m) tall when in flower. It has mid-green, pleated blade-like leaves and arching deep red flower stems bearing glowing orange, tubular flowers that have a paler orange throat, from mid to late summer. It is an impactful and reliable flowerer that can grow in shade or dry conditions.

Corms should be planted in moderately fertile, humus rich soil approximately 4″ (10cm) deep and 3-4″ (7.5–10cm) apart in groups to form clumps. Water if it is a dry season as a lack of water reduces flowering.

Propagate by division in early spring when clumps become congested or by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe.

Planting locations include: cottage and informal garden, coastal, flower borders and beds.

Suffolk Plant Heritage gives away a free plant, bulb or seeds at our plant fairs as part of its active conservation work. Anyone in Suffolk can grow little known but worthwhile garden plants and help secure their survival for the future. Wide distribution of a plant is the best form of conservation.Suffolk Plant Heritage runs plant propagation workshops and sells unusual plants at various events.

Native to western North America in large areas of southern Canada and the northwestern United States, Camissia quamash is Ideally suited to naturalised planting schemes including wildflower meadows or grassland where the soils are reliably moist (but not waterlogged).  It will also make a handsome addition to the herbaceous border, where its bright blue flowers and greyish green leaves will add colour and structure in late spring and early summer.

Position in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-drained, fertile, humus-rich soil.